Watch Your Step - Ability ID 572

In-Game Description

"Spreads two layers of Spikes on switch-in."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Upon switching in, the Pokémon scatters sharp spikes across the opponent's battlefield, creating two layers of Spikes that damage grounded enemies who switch in. Each layer increases the damage dealt by enemy hazards.

Character count: 296

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Watch Your Step is a switch-in ability that automatically spreads two layers of Spikes on the opponent's side of the field when the Pokémon enters battle.

Core Mechanics

• Activation: Triggers automatically when the Pokémon switches into battle
• Effect: Adds 2 layers of Spikes to the opponent's side of the field
• Maximum Layers: Cannot exceed 3 total layers of Spikes
• Stacking: If opponent already has 1 layer, adds 1 more (capping at 3)
• Blockable: Does not activate if opponent already has 3 layers of Spikes

Spikes Damage Formula

u8 spikesDmg = (5 - spikesAmount) * 2;
damage = maxHP / spikesDmg;

Damage per layer:

• 1 layer: 1/8 HP damage (12.5%)
• 2 layers: 1/6 HP damage (~16.7%)
• 3 layers: 1/4 HP damage (25%)

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability WatchYourStep = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
        u8 targetSide = GetOppositeSide(battler);
        CHECK(gSideTimers[targetSide].spikesAmount < 3)
        
        gSideTimers[targetSide].spikesAmount = min(gSideTimers[targetSide].spikesAmount + 2, 3);
        gSideStatuses[targetSide] |= SIDE_STATUS_SPIKES;
        BattleScriptPushCursorAndCallback(BattleScript_DoubleSpikesOnEntry);
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Affected Conditions

• Grounded Pokémon: Only affects Pokémon that make contact with the ground
• Immune: Flying-types, Levitate users, Air Balloon holders, Magnet Rise users
• Magic Guard: Pokémon with Magic Guard are immune to Spikes damage
• Removal: Cleared by Defog, Rapid Spin, Court Change, or switching abilities like Pickup

Interactions with Other Abilities/Mechanics

• Multiple Layers: Combines with existing Spikes layers up to maximum of 3
• Entry Hazards: Works alongside Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web
• Defog/Rapid Spin: Can be cleared by these moves
• Court Change: Spikes can be swapped to the user's side
• Magic Bounce: Does not interact with Magic Bounce (not a targeted move)

Strategic Implications

• Immediate Pressure: Forces opponent to take damage on every switch-in
• Pivot Punishment: Heavily punishes switching strategies
• Hazard Stacking: Excellent for hazard-heavy teams
• Entry Control: Discourages frequent switching by opponent

Example Damage Calculations

For a 300 HP Pokémon:

• After Watch Your Step: 2 layers = 300 ÷ 6 = 50 HP damage per switch-in
• With 1 existing layer: 3 layers = 300 ÷ 4 = 75 HP damage per switch-in
• No existing layers: 2 layers = 300 ÷ 6 = 50 HP damage per switch-in

Common Users

• Mega Garbodor: Has Watch Your Step as an innate ability
• Iron Treads: Can have Watch Your Step as a regular ability option
• Defensive Pokémon: Typically found on bulky Pokémon that can afford to set hazards

Competitive Usage Notes

• Lead Potential: Excellent for lead Pokémon to establish immediate field control
• Defensive Cores: Fits well in defensive teams that focus on hazard stacking
• Switchin Punishment: Heavily punishes opponents who rely on frequent switching
• Hazard Support: Reduces need for manual Spikes setting

Counters

• Hazard Removal: Defog, Rapid Spin, Tidy Up users
• Flying Types: Immune to Spikes damage
• Levitate: Immunity to ground-based hazards
• Magic Guard: Prevents indirect damage
• Heavy-Duty Boots: Item that prevents hazard damage

Synergies

• Stealth Rock: Combines for massive switch-in pressure
• Toxic Spikes: Creates a hazard-heavy field
• Trapping Abilities: Shadow Tag, Arena Trap force opponents to take damage
• Pursuit: Punishes switching attempts further
• Sticky Web: Adds Speed reduction to the hazard stack

Version History

• Elite Redux: Introduced as ID 572
• Current Status: Active ability in the current meta
• Rarity: Uncommon ability, found on select defensive Pokémon