Web Spinner - Ability ID 541

In-Game Description

"Uses String Shot on switch-in."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Web Spinner automatically uses String Shot when the Pokémon switches into battle, harshly lowering the Speed of all opponents by 2 stages. This switch-in attack has 100% accuracy and targets both opposing Pokémon in double battles. Perfect for crippling faster threats immediately.

Character count: 296

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Web Spinner is a switch-in ability that automatically executes String Shot when the Pokémon enters battle.

Core Mechanics

• Trigger: Activates immediately upon switching into battle
• Move Used: String Shot (Bug-type status move)
• Effect: Harshly lowers Speed by 2 stages (-2 Speed)
• Accuracy: 100% (cannot miss)
• PP: Uses String Shot's base PP (20), but doesn't consume PP when triggered by ability
• Target: Both opposing Pokémon in double battles, single opponent in singles

Implementation Details

constexpr Ability WebSpinner = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int { return UseEntryMove(battler, ability, MOVE_STRING_SHOT, 0); },
};

String Shot Move Data

• Type: Bug
• Category: Status
• Base PP: 20
• Accuracy: 100%
• Effect: EFFECT_SPEED_DOWN_2 (harshly lowers Speed)
• Target: BOTH (all opposing Pokémon)
• Affected by: Magic Coat, Mirror Move

Activation Conditions

• Pokémon must successfully switch into battle
• Works on initial deployment and when switching in mid-battle
• Triggers before any other switch-in abilities or effects
• Cannot be suppressed by most ability-nullifying effects since it activates immediately

Strategic Implications

Offensive Usage:

• Cripples faster sweepers and revenge killers
• Sets up for slower, powerful teammates
• Excellent for gaining speed control in battles
• Particularly effective against speed-based strategies

Team Support:

• Provides immediate speed control for the entire team
• Enables slower but powerful Pokémon to outspeed opponents
• Creates setup opportunities for stat-boosting moves
• Supports Trick Room strategies by lowering opponent speeds

Counters and Limitations:

• Taunt prevents the String Shot if used before Web Spinner activates
• Magic Coat reflects the speed drop back to the user
• Pokémon with speed-boosting abilities can potentially overcome the debuff
• Clear Body, White Smoke, and similar abilities prevent the speed reduction
• Substitute blocks the speed reduction if up before switch-in

Competitive Viability

Strengths:

• Guaranteed speed control on switch-in
• No accuracy concerns (100% accurate)
• Affects multiple targets in doubles
• Cannot be prevented by most defensive measures

Weaknesses:

• Predictable effect allows opponents to prepare
• Doesn't deal damage, purely utility-based
• Can be turned against the user with Magic Coat
• Limited to speed control only

Common Users

Based on the codebase analysis, Web Spinner appears on:

• Caterpie line (Caterpie, Metapod variants)
• Weedle line (Weedle, Kakuna variants)
• Sewaddle line (Sewaddle, Swadloon)
• Tarountula line (Tarountula, Spidops)
• Silvally (as one of multiple ability options)
• Joltik line (as innate ability on some variants)

Synergies

• Trick Room teams: Helps ensure Trick Room setters are slower
• Slow sweepers: Enables powerful but slow Pokémon to outspeed
• Priority users: Guarantees speed tiers for priority move effectiveness
• Setup sweepers: Creates safer setup opportunities

Version History

Introduced in Elite Redux as part of the expanded ability system, providing Bug-type Pokémon with immediate battlefield control through speed manipulation.