Sturdy - Ability ID 5

In-Game Description

"At full HP, cannot be KO in one hit, stays at 1 HP instead."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (280-300 chars max)

When at full HP, this Pokémon will survive any single attack with at least 1 HP remaining. Does not protect against multi-hit moves, status damage, or consecutive attacks. Perfect for hazard leads to guarantee Stealth Rock, or Shell Smash users for a safe setup turn at full health.

Character count: 282

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Sturdy provides a guaranteed survival mechanism when at full HP:

1. Activation Conditions

   • Pokémon must be at exactly 100% HP
   • Incoming attack would normally KO the Pokémon
   • Not already endured through other means (Endure move, Focus Sash)
   • Move is not False Swipe or similar effect

2. Effect

   • Damage is reduced to leave the Pokémon at exactly 1 HP
   • Ability popup appears showing "Sturdy"
   • Message displays "[Pokémon] endured the hit!"
   • Sets internal flag gTurnStructs[gBattlerTarget].sturdied = TRUE

Technical Implementation

Battle Script Commands (src/battle_script_commands.c):

if (gBattleMons[gBattlerTarget].ability == ABILITY_STURDY 
    && BATTLER_MAX_HP(gBattlerTarget)
    && !gTurnStructs[gBattlerTarget].sturdied) {
    // Reduce damage to leave at 1 HP
    RecordAbilityBattle(gBattlerTarget, ABILITY_STURDY);
    gTurnStructs[gBattlerTarget].sturdied = TRUE;
}

Interactions with Other Abilities/Mechanics

Bypassed by:

• Mold Breaker/Teravolt/Turboblaze: Ignores Sturdy completely
• Multi-hit moves: Each hit calculates separately
• Entry hazards: Not direct attacks
• Status damage: Poison, burn, etc.
• Recoil/Life Orb: Self-inflicted damage

Similar effects:

• Focus Sash: Item version, one-time use
• Focus Band: 10% chance version
• Endure: Move version, protects at any HP
• Immovable Object: Includes Sturdy effect plus Impenetrable

Strategic Implications

1. Lead Pokémon: Guarantees at least one action
2. Hazard Setting: Ensures Stealth Rock/Spikes get up
3. Counter/Mirror Coat: Survive and retaliate
4. Shell Smash: Safe setup at full HP
5. Explosion/Self-Destruct: Guaranteed activation

AI Behavior

• Recognizes Sturdy as high-priority threat
• Will use pivot moves to break Sturdy
• Prioritizes multi-hit moves against Sturdy users
• May switch to preserve Sturdy for later

Example Usage Patterns

Offensive Lead:

• Sturdy → Stealth Rock → Explosion
• Guarantees hazards and damage

Setup Sweeper:

• Sturdy → Shell Smash → Sweep
• Safe setup opportunity

Revenge Killer:

• Sturdy → Survive hit → Priority move
• Reliable revenge killing

Common Users

• Forretress (hazard setter)
• Crustle (Shell Smash user)
• Golem (Explosion user)
• Donphan (defensive pivot)
• Various Rock/Steel types

Competitive Usage Notes

• A-tier ability for specific roles
• Essential for suicide leads
• Enables risky setup strategies
• Less valuable on defensive Pokémon
• Berry Juice combo for double Sturdy in Little Cup

Counters

• Multi-hit moves: Bullet Seed, Rock Blast, etc.
• Entry hazards: Break Sturdy on switch-in
• Sandstorm/Hail: Weather damage after survival
• Priority moves: Finish off after Sturdy activates
• Mold Breaker: Completely ignores Sturdy

Synergies

• Shell Smash: Safe setup opportunity
• Custap Berry: Priority after Sturdy activation
• Weakness Policy: Survive super effective hit
• Endeavor: Bring opponent to 1 HP
• Red Card: Force switch after surviving

Version History

• Gen III-IV: Only prevented OHKO moves (Sheer Cold, etc.)
• Gen V+: Added full HP survival mechanism
• Elite Redux: Functions as Gen V+ version with enhanced integration