Rapid Response - Ability ID 573

In-Game Description

"Boosts Speed by 50% + SpAtk by 20% on first turn."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Rapid Response provides a crucial first-turn advantage by boosting Speed by 50% and Special Attack by 20% only on the first turn after switch-in. The Speed boost allows outspeeding opponents, while the Special Attack boost enhances offensive power, making it ideal for sweepers.

Character count: 299

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

• Speed Boost: 50% increase (1.5x multiplier) to Speed stat on first turn only
• Special Attack Boost: 20% increase (1.2x multiplier) to Special Attack stat on first turn only
• Duration: Only active on the first turn after switch-in or battle start
• Activation: Automatically triggers when the Pokémon enters battle

Activation Conditions

• Triggers immediately upon switch-in to battle
• Triggers at battle start if the Pokémon is in the lead position
• Does not retrigger if the Pokémon switches out and back in during the same battle

Technical Implementation

// In abilities.cc - Entry handler
constexpr Ability RapidResponse = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
        gVolatileStructs[battler].rapidResponse = gVolatileStructs[battler].started.rapidResponse = TRUE;
        return SwitchInAnnounce(B_MSG_SWITCHIN_RAPID_RESPONSE);
    },
};

// In battle_main.c - Speed calculation
if (gVolatileStructs[battlerId].rapidResponse) speed = (speed * 150) / 100;

// In battle_util.c - Special Attack calculation
if (gVolatileStructs[battler].rapidResponse) statBase = statBase * 6 / 5;

// In battle_util.c - Turn cleanup
CLEAR_ONE_TURN(rapidResponse)

Numerical Values

• Speed Multiplier: 1.5x (150/100 = +50%)
• Special Attack Multiplier: 1.2x (6/5 = +20%)
• Duration: 1 turn only

Affected Calculations

• Speed Priority: Determines turn order for the first turn
• Special Attack Damage: Enhances damage of special moves on first turn
• Move Selection: AI considers enhanced stats when choosing moves

Strategic Implications

• Sweeper Setup: Ideal for special attackers that need to outspeed and KO opponents
• Revenge Killing: Allows slower Pokémon to revenge kill faster threats
• First Turn Advantage: Provides immediate offensive pressure
• Choice Item Synergy: Works well with Choice Specs for massive first-turn damage

Example Damage Calculations

Base 100 Special Attack with Choice Specs + Rapid Response:
- Normal: 100 × 1.5 (Choice Specs) = 150
- With Rapid Response: 100 × 1.2 × 1.5 = 180 (20% additional boost)

Speed comparison (Base 80 Speed):
- Normal: 80
- With Rapid Response: 80 × 1.5 = 120 (outspeed base 119 threats)

Common Users

• Special attackers with moderate Speed stats
• Pokémon that need to outspeed specific threats
• Glass cannon Pokémon that need first-turn momentum
• Revenge killers that need guaranteed speed control

Competitive Usage Notes

• First Turn Impact: Provides immediate board control
• Switch-In Timing: Must be timed carefully since effect only lasts one turn
• Team Building: Pairs well with aggressive team compositions
• Prediction Required: Opponent may switch to resist the boosted attack

Counters

• Priority Moves: Bypass the Speed boost entirely
• Switch-Out: Opponent can switch to a resistant Pokémon
• Status Moves: Paralyze or sleep the user to waste the boost
• Protect/Detect: Stall out the one-turn effect

Synergies

• Choice Items: Maximize the damage output on first turn
• Life Orb: Stack damage multipliers for massive first-turn power
• Weather: Pairs with weather-boosted moves for additional damage
• Terrain: Electric/Psychic Terrain for priority/power boosts

Version History

• Elite Redux: Custom ability designed for aggressive playstyles
• Implementation: Uses volatile battle structure system for turn-based effects
• Balance: Limited to one turn to prevent being overpowered