Stygian Rush - Ability ID 558

In-Game Description

"Dark-type moves get +1 priority at max HP."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Stygian Rush grants +1 priority to all Dark-type moves when the Pokémon is at maximum HP. This allows Dark-type attacks to move before most other moves in battle. The priority boost is lost if the Pokémon takes any damage, making it a high-risk, high-reward ability.

Character count: 291

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

• Priority Boost: +1 priority to Dark-type moves when at max HP
• HP Requirement: Must be at exactly 100% HP (gBattleMons[battlerId].hp == gBattleMons[battlerId].maxHP)
• Type Check: Uses GetTypeBeforeUsingMove() to determine if move is Dark-type before STAB/ability modifications

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability DarkGaleWings = {
    .onPriority = GALE_WINGS_CLONE(TYPE_DARK),
};

#define GALE_WINGS_CLONE(type)                               \
    +[](ON_PRIORITY) -> int {                                \
        CHECK(GetTypeBeforeUsingMove(move, battler) == type) \
        CHECK(BATTLER_MAX_HP(battler))                       \
        return 1;                                            \
    }

Activation Conditions

1. Type Requirement: Move must be Dark-type before any type changes
2. HP Requirement: Pokémon must be at exactly maximum HP
3. Priority Calculation: Adds +1 to the move's base priority

Complete List of Affected Moves

All Dark-type moves benefit from this ability, including:

• Physical Dark Moves: Bite, Crunch, Knock Off, Sucker Punch, Throat Chop, etc.
• Special Dark Moves: Dark Pulse, Shadow Ball, Snarl, Nasty Plot (status), etc.
• Status Dark Moves: Taunt, Torment, Embargo, Hone Claws (if Dark-type), etc.

Interactions with Other Mechanics

• STAB: Works independently of STAB bonuses
• Type-changing Abilities: Move type is checked before abilities like Pixilate modify it
• Item Effects: Unaffected by items that change move types
• Multi-hit Moves: Each hit retains the priority boost if HP condition is met
• Other Priority Abilities: Stacks with Quick Claw but conflicts with abilities like Stall

Strategic Implications

Advantages

• Fast Revenge Killing: Sucker Punch becomes +2 priority at max HP
• Early Game Control: Dark Pulse, Snarl get priority on switch-in
• Status Move Priority: Taunt and other Dark status moves move first
• Sweep Prevention: Can interrupt setup with priority Dark moves

Limitations

• One-time Use: Lost after taking any damage
• HP Dependency: Stealth Rock, Spikes, or any chip damage disables it
• Type Restriction: Only benefits Dark-type moves
• Predictable: Opponents can play around the known HP requirement

Example Damage Calculations

Standard Priority Dark Pulse (Max HP):

• Base Priority: 0 → +1 with Stygian Rush
• Moves before most standard moves (priority 0)
• Still slower than Quick Attack (+1) and Extreme Speed (+2)

Sucker Punch with Stygian Rush:

• Base Priority: +1 → +2 with Stygian Rush
• Moves before almost all moves except Extreme Speed
• Extremely powerful for revenge killing

Common Users

• Dark-type Pokémon: Natural STAB synergy with the ability
• Mixed Attackers: Can utilize both physical and special Dark moves
• Lead Pokémon: Benefit from guaranteed max HP on switch-in
• Glass Cannons: High-risk, high-reward playstyle fits the ability

Competitive Usage Notes

Optimal Team Roles

• Lead Pokémon: Guaranteed activation on battle start
• Switch-in Threats: Priority Dark moves on entry
• Revenge Killers: Priority Sucker Punch for guaranteed KOs
• Anti-Setup: Priority Taunt to prevent setup

Common Strategies

• Entry Hazard Synergy: Partner with hazard setters to limit opponent's switching
• Focus Sash Users: Maintain max HP for longer periods
• Choice Item Users: Lock into powerful priority Dark moves

Counters

Direct Counters

• Entry Hazards: Stealth Rock immediately disables the ability
• Multi-hit Moves: First hit disables ability for subsequent hits
• Status Moves: Toxic, Will-O-Wisp reduce HP and disable ability
• Weather Damage: Sandstorm/Hail chip damage

Strategic Counter-play

• Fairy-types: Immune to Dark-type moves entirely
• Priority Moves: +2 or higher priority moves still go first
• Protect Users: Can scout and waste the priority advantage
• Bulky Setup: Tank the priority hit and set up afterward

Synergies

Ability Synergies

• Life Orb: Maximize damage but lose HP after attacking
• Choice Band/Specs: Lock into powerful priority moves
• Focus Sash: Helps maintain max HP longer

Move Synergies

• Sucker Punch: Becomes +2 priority for supreme revenge killing
• Knock Off: Priority utility removal
• Dark Pulse: Special priority for coverage
• Taunt: Priority status prevention

Version History

• Elite Redux: Custom ability based on Gale Wings mechanics
• Implementation: Uses GALE_WINGS_CLONE macro for consistent behavior
• Type Variant: Part of a series including Gale Wings (Flying), Tidal Rush (Water), etc.

Related Abilities

• Gale Wings (Flying-type variant)
• Tidal Rush (Water-type variant)
• Flaming Soul (Fire-type variant)
• Volt Rush (Electric-type variant)
• Frozen Soul (Ice-type variant)
• Early Grave (Ghost-type variant)
• Cute Antecedence (Fairy-type variant)