Sword Of Ruin - Ability ID 579

In-Game Description

"Lowers the Defense of other Pokemon by 25%."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Sword Of Ruin creates an aura that permanently reduces the Defense stat of all other Pokemon on the battlefield by 25%. This passive effect applies to allies and enemies alike, making physical attacks more effective against all Pokemon except the user throughout the entire battle.

Character count: 293

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

• Passive Aura Effect: Reduces Defense stat of all other Pokemon by 25% (multiplies Defense by 0.75)
• Targets: Affects all Pokemon on the field except the user (both allies and enemies)
• Duration: Permanent effect that lasts as long as the Pokemon with Sword Of Ruin is on the field
• Activation: Automatic upon entering battle, no user input required

Activation Conditions

• Pokemon with Sword Of Ruin must be on the battlefield
• Effect applies immediately upon switch-in
• Persists until the Pokemon with Sword Of Ruin faints or switches out

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability SwordOfRuin = {
    .onStat = +[](ON_STAT) { RuinEffect(STAT_DEF, battler, statId, stat, flags); },
    .onStatFor = APPLY_ON_OTHER,
    .ruinStat = STAT_DEF,
};

static void RuinEffect(int ruinStat, int battler, int statId, u32 *stat, NonStackingState *flags) {
    if (statId != ruinStat) return;
    if (*flags & NON_STACKING_RUIN) return;
    ON_ABILITY(battler, FALSE, gAbilities[ability].ruinStat == statId, return) *stat *= .75;
    *flags = static_cast<NonStackingState>(static_cast<int>(*flags) | static_cast<int>(NON_STACKING_RUIN));
}

Numerical Values

• Defense Reduction: 25% (stat multiplied by 0.75)
• Affected Stat: Defense (STAT_DEF = 2)
• Calculation: Final Defense = Base Defense × 0.75

Non-Stacking Behavior

• Multiple Ruin abilities of the same type do not stack
• Uses NON_STACKING_RUIN flag to prevent multiple Defense reductions
• Only the first Sword Of Ruin effect applies if multiple Pokemon have this ability

Damage Calculation Impact

With Sword Of Ruin active, physical damage calculations are modified:

Physical Damage = ((2 × Level + 10) ÷ 250) × (Attack ÷ (Defense × 0.75)) × Base Power × Modifiers

This effectively increases physical damage by approximately 33.33% against affected Pokemon.

Complete List of Affected Interactions

• Physical Moves: All physical attacks deal increased damage to affected Pokemon
• Defense-based Moves: Moves that use Defense stat (like Body Press) are weakened on affected Pokemon
• Stat Stages: Defense stat stage changes still apply normally, but to the reduced base Defense
• Other Abilities: Interacts with abilities that modify Defense (e.g., Marvel Scale, Fur Coat)

Interactions with Other Abilities/Mechanics

• Does NOT stack with other Sword Of Ruin users
• Works alongside other Ruin abilities (Tablets Of Ruin, Vessel Of Ruin, Beads Of Ruin)
• Bypassed by Unaware (which ignores stat changes, but this is a base stat modification)
• Affected by Mold Breaker variants (which can ignore defensive abilities)
• Compatible with stat-boosting abilities like Huge Power on the same Pokemon

Strategic Implications

• Offensive Support: Significantly boosts physical attackers on your team
• Double-Edged: Also weakens your own Pokemon's Defense
• Team Synergy: Excellent support for physical sweepers and wallbreakers
• Defensive Liability: Makes switch-ins more risky due to reduced Defense across the board

Example Damage Calculations

Scenario: Chien-Pao with Sword Of Ruin vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Corviknight

• Without Sword Of Ruin: Sacred Sword deals ~45-53% damage
• With Sword Of Ruin: Sacred Sword deals ~60-71% damage (33% increase)

Scenario: Ally Garchomp Earthquake on 252 HP / 0 Def Landorus-T

• Without Sword Of Ruin: ~35-42% damage
• With Sword Of Ruin: ~47-56% damage

Common Users

• Chien-Pao: Primary user in Elite Redux, legendary Dark/Ice Pokemon
• Ruinous Quartet: Part of the "Treasures of Ruin" legendary group
• Competitive Builds: Often used as offensive support or mixed attacker

Competitive Usage Notes

• VGC/Doubles: Extremely powerful in doubles format where it affects multiple targets
• Singles: Strong support ability but requires careful team building
• Entry Hazard Synergy: Combines well with Stealth Rock to pressure switches
• Pivot Role: Often used on Pokemon that can pivot out after providing support

Counters

• Special Attackers: Unaffected by the Defense reduction
• Unaware Users: Some interactions may be mitigated (though this is a base stat mod)
• Rapid Removal: Forcing the Sword Of Ruin user out removes the effect
• Status Moves: Sleep, paralysis, or other status to limit the user's effectiveness

Synergies

• Physical Attackers: Any physical sweeper benefits enormously
• Choice Band/Scarf Users: Amplifies already powerful physical attacks
• Entry Hazards: Stealth Rock + reduced Defense creates massive pressure
• Other Ruin Abilities: Can be combined with Tablets/Vessel/Beads Of Ruin for comprehensive stat reduction

Version History

• Generation 9: Introduced as signature ability of Chien-Pao
• Elite Redux: Implemented as part of the Ruinous abilities system
• Current Status: Fully functional with proper non-stacking mechanics