Costar - Ability ID 562

In-Game Description

"Copies its ally's stat changes on switch-in."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Costar copies all stat stage changes from the ally when switching in during doubles battles. If the ally has +2 Attack and -1 Defense, the Costar user gains the exact same stat modifications. Only works with a living ally and applies to all seven battle stats including accuracy and evasion.

Character count: 284

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

• Trigger: On switch-in (entry) during doubles/multi battles
• Requirement: Must have a living battle partner (ally)
• Effect: Copies all stat stage changes from ally to self
• Stats Affected: All 7 battle stats (Attack, Defense, Sp. Attack, Sp. Defense, Speed, Accuracy, Evasion)

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability Costar = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
        CHECK(IsBattlerAlive(BATTLE_PARTNER(battler)))

        int anyChanged = FALSE;
        for (int i = STAT_ATK; i < NUM_BATTLE_STATS; i++) {
            if (gBattleMons[battler].statStages[i] != gBattleMons[BATTLE_PARTNER(battler)].statStages[i]) {
                gBattleMons[battler].statStages[i] = gBattleMons[BATTLE_PARTNER(battler)].statStages[i];
                anyChanged = TRUE;
            }
        }

        CHECK(anyChanged)
        return SwitchInAnnounce(B_MSG_SWITCHIN_COSTAR);
    },
};

Battle Message

When activated: "{Pokémon} copied its ally's stat changes!"

Doubles Battle Mechanics

• Partner Detection: Uses BATTLE_PARTNER(battler) to identify ally
• Stat Stage Copy: Direct copy of statStages[i] values from ally to self
• No Activation: If ally has no stat changes or is fainted
• Immediate Effect: Stat changes apply instantly upon switch-in

Competitive Applications

• Support Synergy: Pairs well with setup sweepers who can pass boosts
• Late Game: Strong when ally has accumulated multiple stat boosts
• Pivot Strategy: Switch in after ally sets up to copy boosts
• Double Intimidate: Can copy ally's Attack drops from opposing Intimidate

Strategic Team Building

• Setup Partners: Pokémon with boosting moves (Swords Dance, Calm Mind, etc.)
• Baton Pass: Combines well with Baton Pass teams in doubles
• Stat Boost Abuse: Maximizes value of temporary stat increases
• Entry Hazard Support: Switch-in timing becomes crucial with hazards present

Important Notes

• Only works in doubles, triples, or multi battles (requires ally)
• Copies both positive and negative stat changes
• Does not work if ally is fainted
• Applies to accuracy and evasion modifications as well
• One-time effect on entry, doesn't continuously sync with ally