Clap Trap - Ability ID 531

In-Game Description

"Counters contact with 50BP Snap Trap."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Clap Trap counters contact moves by immediately using Snap Trap with 50 base power against the attacker. The Steel-type retaliation traps opponents for 4-5 turns while dealing damage. Only activates when hit by contact moves, providing excellent defensive utility and battlefield control.

Character count: 288

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

• Trigger Condition: Only activates when the user is hit by a contact move
• Retaliation Move: Uses Snap Trap (MOVE_SNAP_TRAP) with fixed 50 base power
• Type: Steel-type move (inherits from Snap Trap)
• Accuracy: 85% (inherits from Snap Trap base accuracy)
• Target: The attacking Pokémon that made contact

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability SnapTrapWhenHit = {
    .onDefender = +[](ON_DEFENDER) -> int {
        CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(attacker))
        CHECK(IsMoveMakingContact(move, attacker))

        UseOutOfTurnAttack(battler, attacker, ability, MOVE_SNAP_TRAP, 50);
        return FALSE;
    },
};

Snap Trap Move Details

• Base Power: 100 (but Clap Trap uses fixed 50 power)
• Type: Steel
• Effect: EFFECT_TRAP - traps target for 4-5 turns
• PP: 10
• Accuracy: 85%
• Contact: No
• Category: Physical

Activation Conditions

• Required: User must be hit by a contact move
• Blocked by:
  • Non-contact moves (special attacks, status moves, etc.)
  • Magic Guard protecting the attacker
  • Moves that don't make contact (Earthquake, Surf, etc.)

Contact Moves (Examples)

• Physical attacks: Tackle, Punch moves, Bite moves, most physical attacks
• Special contact moves: Grass Knot, Draining Kiss
• Multi-hit contact: Fury Swipes, Pin Missile (triggers on each hit)

Trapping Effect

• Target cannot switch out for 4-5 turns (random duration)
• Takes 1/8 of target's max HP damage each turn while trapped
• Trapping ends early if the user switches out or faints
• Trapped Pokémon can still attack normally

Strategic Implications

• Defensive Utility: Punishes physical attackers while providing board control
• Damage Over Time: Combines immediate retaliation with ongoing trap damage
• Switch Prevention: Forces opponents to commit to battle or use specific escape moves
• Steel Typing: Benefits from Steel-type STAB users and resists common types

Damage Calculation

• Uses the user's Attack stat vs target's Defense stat
• Fixed 50 base power regardless of Snap Trap's normal 100 power
• Can receive STAB bonus if user is Steel-type
• Affected by type effectiveness (Steel vs target's typing)

Common Users

Based on proto analysis:

• Stunfisk (Galarian): Has Clap Trap as an ability option
• Various Steel-types: Likely distributed to defensive Steel-type Pokémon

Competitive Usage Notes

• Tank Role: Excellent on defensive Pokémon that expect to take contact moves
• Pivot Punishment: Deters U-turn, Volt Switch, and other contact pivot moves
• Physical Wall: Enhances the role of defensive Pokémon against physical attackers
• Setup Counter: Punishes setup sweepers that rely on contact moves

Counters

• Special Attackers: Completely avoid triggering the ability
• Non-contact Physical: Earthquake, Rock Slide, etc. don't trigger
• Ghost-types: Immune to Steel-type Snap Trap damage
• Magic Guard: Prevents the user from taking trap damage
• Rapid Spin/Defog: Can remove trap effects

Synergies

• Steel-types: Gain STAB on the Snap Trap retaliation
• Defensive Items: Leftovers, Rocky Helmet stack with trap damage
• Entry Hazards: Combine with Spikes/Stealth Rock for additional pressure
• Status Moves: Sleep/Paralyze trapped opponents for maximum value

Version History

• Elite Redux Custom: Introduced as ABILITY_SNAP_TRAP_WHEN_HIT (ID 531)
• Elite Redux Implementation: Uses UseOutOfTurnAttack system with fixed 50 power
• Current Status: Active ability in Elite Redux v2024+