Berserk DNA - Ability ID 529

In-Game Description

"Sharply ups highest attacking stat but confuses on entry."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (IMPORTANT: exactly 280-300 chars counted WITH spaces)

Berserk DNA sharply raises the higher of Attack or Special Attack by 2 stages upon entering battle. The surge of power causes confusion for 3 turns unless the Pokémon is immune. Powerful entry effect but requires careful confusion management for optimal use.

Character count: 299

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Berserk DNA is an aggressive entry ability that provides a significant offensive boost at the cost of self-inflicted confusion. The ability activates immediately when the Pokémon switches into battle.

Activation Sequence

1. Entry trigger: Activates when the Pokémon switches into battle
2. Stat comparison: Compares Attack vs Special Attack stats (including stat stages)
3. Stat boost: Raises the higher attacking stat by +2 stages (sharply raised)
4. Confusion check: If the Pokémon can be confused, applies confusion for 3 turns
5. Message display: Shows "POKÉMON goes berserk!" followed by stat boost message

Technical Implementation

// BerserkDna ability from abilities.cc
constexpr Ability BerserkDna = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
        CHECK(CanRaiseStat(battler, GetHighestAttackingStatId(battler, TRUE)))
        if (CanBeConfused(battler)) {
            gBattleMons[battler].status2 |= STATUS2_CONFUSION_TURN(3);
            BattleScriptPushCursorAndCallback(BattleScript_BerserkDNA);
        }
        else {
            BattleScriptPushCursorAndCallback(BattleScript_BerserkDNANoConfusion);
        }
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Battle Script Mechanics

BattleScript_BerserkDNA::
    printstring STRINGID_BERSERKDNA
    raisehighestattackingstat BS_ATTACKER, 2  // +2 stages to higher attacking stat
    setgraphicalstatchangevalues
    playanimation BS_ATTACKER, B_ANIM_STATS_CHANGE
    printstring STRINGID_BATTLERABILITYRAISEDSTAT
    chosenstatus2animation BS_ATTACKER, STATUS2_CONFUSION
    printstring STRINGID_PKMNWASCONFUSED

Stat Selection Logic

The ability uses GetHighestAttackingStatId(battler, TRUE) which:

• Compares Attack vs Special Attack base stats
• Includes current stat stage modifications in comparison
• Returns the higher of the two stats
• Only considers Attack and Special Attack (not other stats)

Confusion Mechanics

• Duration: Exactly 3 turns of confusion
• Immunity bypass: Cannot override confusion immunity
• Checks: Uses CanBeConfused() function which checks:
  • Not already confused
  • Not protected by abilities (Own Tempo, etc.)
  • Not immune via type or other mechanics

Activation Conditions

• Entry requirement: Must switch into battle (not on initial deployment)
• Stat boost requirement: Must be able to raise the highest attacking stat
• Stat maximum: If the relevant stat is already at +6, the ability still triggers but no boost occurs

Important Interactions

• Stat stage comparison: If both Attack and Special Attack are equal, defaults to Attack
• Confusion immunity: Pokémon with Own Tempo or similar get the boost without confusion
• Clear Body/White Smoke: Prevents the stat boost but may still apply confusion
• Mental Herb: Can cure confusion immediately after ability triggers
• Persim Berry: Automatically cures confusion after the ability activates

Strategic Applications

• Mixed attackers: Particularly valuable on Pokémon with similar Attack/Special Attack
• Late-game sweeping: +2 boost provides immediate offensive pressure
• Pivot usage: Can be used on switching Pokémon for momentum
• Confusion management: Pairs well with Lum Berry or Mental Herb
• Priority moves: Use priority moves during confusion turns to minimize risk

Pokémon with Berserk DNA

Based on codebase analysis, Pokémon with this ability include:

• Mewtwo (changeable ability alongside Mystic Power and Psychic Surge)
• Deoxys-Speed (as an innate ability)
• Infernape-like forms (as changeable ability with Gorilla Tactics/Anger Point)
• Gyarados-Mega variants (as innate ability)
• Genesect-like forms (as changeable ability with Corrosion/Power Core)

Competitive Viability

Strengths:

• Immediate +2 offensive boost provides massive power spike
• Works on both physical and special attackers
• Cannot be suppressed by most defensive abilities
• Excellent for late-game sweeping scenarios

Weaknesses:

• Confusion can cause self-damage and move failure
• Vulnerable to stat-reducing moves after boost
• Entry requirement limits activation opportunities
• May boost wrong stat if opponent forces unfavorable switch

Counters and Responses

• Haze/Clear Smog: Removes the stat boosts entirely
• Intimidate: Can partially offset Attack boosts
• Spectral Thief: Can steal the stat boosts
• Topsy-Turvy: Turns the boost into a debuff
• Confusion abuse: Force repeated switching to waste turns
• Priority moves: Can revenge kill during confusion turns

Synergies

• Lum Berry/Mental Herb: Cures confusion while keeping boost
• Focus Sash: Survives confusion self-damage
• Priority moves: Bullet Punch, Aqua Jet for safe offense during confusion
• Substitute: Can block confusion damage while keeping boost
• RestTalk: Can potentially wake up and use moves through confusion

Team Building Considerations

• Works best on Pokémon that can function as late-game sweepers
• Requires careful positioning to maximize entry opportunities
• Benefits from team support to handle confusion downside
• Excellent on Pokémon with good mixed attacking stats
• Can be used as a surprise factor in competitive play

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive ability (ID 529)
• Designed for high-risk, high-reward gameplay
• Part of the expanded ability system with 1000+ abilities
• Represents the concept of berserker rage with mechanical tradeoffs