Subdue - Ability ID 556

In-Game Description

"Doubles stat drop effects used by this pokemon."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (280-300 chars max)

Subdue enhances all stat-lowering moves used by this Pokémon, doubling their effectiveness. Leer becomes as strong as Screech, while Screech drops Defense by 4 stages. Works on all stat drops including multi-stat moves. Does not affect self-inflicted stat drops or enemy abilities.

Character count: 281

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

SUBDUE is a stat manipulation ability that doubles the effectiveness of all stat-lowering effects inflicted by the user on opponents.

Core Mechanics:

• Effect: Doubles all negative stat stage changes inflicted on opponents
• Scope: Only affects moves used by the Pokémon with Subdue
• Target: Only affects stat drops on opposing Pokémon
• Stacking: Does not stack with Simple (opponent's Simple is calculated separately)

Stat Drop Multiplication:

1. Single Stage Drops → Double:

   • Growl (-1 Attack) → -2 Attack
   • Leer (-1 Defense) → -2 Defense
   • String Shot (-1 Speed) → -2 Speed

2. Double Stage Drops → Quadruple:

   • Screech (-2 Defense) → -4 Defense
   • Fake Tears (-2 Sp. Def) → -4 Sp. Def
   • Scary Face (-2 Speed) → -4 Speed

3. Multi-Stat Moves:

   • Intimidate-like effects: Each stat doubled independently
   • Memento (-2 Atk/Sp.Atk) → -4 Atk/Sp.Atk
   • Parting Shot (-1 Atk/Sp.Atk) → -2 Atk/Sp.Atk

Important Interactions:

• Does NOT affect:

  • Self-inflicted stat drops (Close Combat, Superpower)
  • Stat drops from opponent's abilities (Intimidate on you)
  • Stat drops from items or status conditions
  • Positive stat changes

• Special Cases:

  • Clear Body/White Smoke: Still blocks the stat drop entirely
  • Contrary: Reverses the doubled drop into a doubled boost
  • Simple (on target): Calculated after Subdue (can stack to -4 from -1 base)
  • Mist/Clear Body: Prevents the stat drop as normal

Technical Implementation:

// In battle_script_commands.c - Stat animation handling
if (gBattlerAttacker != gActiveBattler && BATTLER_HAS_ABILITY(gBattlerAttacker, ABILITY_SUBDUE)) 
    flags |= STAT_CHANGE_BY_TWO;

// In battle_script_commands.c - Actual stat modification
if (!affectsUser && BattlerHasAbility(gBattlerAttacker, ABILITY_SUBDUE, FALSE) && statValue <= -1) 
    statValue *= 2;

Competitive Applications:

1. Lead Strategies:

   • Powerful with Intimidate users for -2 Attack on switch
   • Memento becomes devastating at -4/-4
   • Parting Shot pivot strategies enhanced

2. Support Role:

   • Makes weak stat drops viable (Growl, Leer)
   • Excellent for setting up sweepers
   • Synergizes with Prankster for priority stat drops

3. Move Synergies:

   • Icy Wind: -2 Speed to all opponents
   • Snarl: -2 Sp. Attack + damage
   • Bulldoze: -2 Speed + Ground damage
   • Rock Tomb: -2 Speed + Rock damage

Counters and Limitations:

• Clear Body/White Smoke users immune
• Defiant/Competitive punish harder (+4 instead of +2)
• Cannot affect allies (no doubles support tricks)
• No effect on status moves that don't lower stats

Elite Redux Notes:

• Particularly powerful in Elite Redux due to increased importance of stat manipulation
• Many trainers use stat-dropping strategies that can be enhanced
• Combines well with Elite Redux's multi-ability system for additional utility