Desert Spirit - Comprehensive Analysis

Implementation Details

Desert Spirit (ID 604) is implemented in src/abilities.cc at line 6370 with the following mechanics:

Entry Effect

• Uses SandStream.onEntry - summons sandstorm weather on switch-in
• Lasts 8 turns like standard weather abilities
• Can be blocked by Primal weather conditions

Type Effectiveness Override

• Implements onAfterTypeEffectiveness callback
• Allows Ground-type moves to hit airborne Pokemon during sandstorm
• Checks: *mod == 0 && !IsBattlerGrounded(target) && moveType == TYPE_GROUND && IsBattlerWeatherAffected(battler, WEATHER_SANDSTORM_ANY)
• Overrides immunity by setting *mod = UQ_4_12(1.0) (normal effectiveness)

Additional Properties

• sandImmune = TRUE - immune to sandstorm damage
• No other special properties or modifiers

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (IMPORTANT: exactly 280-300 chars counted WITH spaces) Desert Spirit summons sandstorm on entry, lasting 8 turns. During sandstorm, Ground-type moves bypass immunity and hit airborne Pokemon with normal effectiveness. The user is immune to sandstorm damage. Creates strategic pressure by forcing grounded interactions and enhancing Ground-type coverage.