Sticky Hold - Ability ID 60

In-Game Description

"Can't lose its item."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Sticky Hold prevents the Pokémon from losing its held item through any means. Blocks Knock Off, Thief, Covet, Trick, Switcheroo, and other item-removing effects. The item remains secure throughout battle, enabling consistent item-dependent strategies and protecting valuable held items from theft.

Character count: 294

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

STICKY HOLD is a protective ability that provides complete immunity to item removal, theft, and forced item switching.

Core Mechanics:

• Complete Item Protection: Prevents all forms of item loss during battle
• Implementation: Uses dedicated IsStickyHold(battler) function in battle utilities
• Shared Functionality: ABILITY_SUPERSWEET_SYRUP also provides identical protection

Protected Against:

• Direct Theft: Knock Off, Thief, Covet
• Item Switching: Trick, Switcheroo
• Forced Removal: Embargo effects, item-destroying moves
• AI Recognition: Opponent AI avoids item-targeting moves

Technical Implementation:

AbilityEnum IsStickyHold(int battler) {
    AbilityEnum ability = BattlerHasAbility(battler, ABILITY_STICKY_HOLD, TRUE);
    if (!ability) ability = BattlerHasAbility(battler, ABILITY_SUPERSWEET_SYRUP, TRUE);
    return ability;
}

The ability is checked throughout battle script commands whenever item removal is attempted:

• battle_script_commands.c: Multiple checks prevent item removal
• Shows ability popup when protection activates
• Returns FALSE for all item-targeting effects

Strategic Applications:

• Item-Dependent Sets: Protects Choice items, Life Orb, Focus Sash
• Defensive Cores: Enables reliable Leftovers/Rocky Helmet strategies
• Competitive Value: AI rates as 3/10 (situational but useful)
• Team Support: Prevents opponents from removing key team items

Interactions:

• Breakable: Can be suppressed by Mold Breaker abilities
• Voluntary Actions: Does not prevent self-initiated item loss (Natural Gift, Fling)
• Substitute: Works independently of Substitute protection
• Magic Guard: Provides different protection - compatible abilities

Common Users:

• Pokémon that rely heavily on specific items
• Defensive walls with Leftovers
• Choice item users wanting guaranteed effect
• Support Pokémon with utility items

Competitive Usage:

• Singles: Moderate utility for item-dependent strategies
• Doubles: Higher value due to more item interaction
• Stall Teams: Essential for Leftovers-dependent walls
• Anti-Meta: Counters Knock Off-heavy environments

Counters:

• Mold Breaker: Bypasses item protection completely
• Non-Item Strategies: Ability provides no other benefits
• Status Moves: No protection against status conditions
• Type Coverage: Doesn't affect move effectiveness

Version History:

• Elite Redux maintains standard Sticky Hold functionality
• Enhanced with Supersweet Syrup sharing implementation
• Integrated with 4-ability system for broader utility