Shed Skin - Ability ID 61

In-Game Description

"30% chance to heal its status condition at the end of a turn."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Each turn, has a 30% chance to automatically cure any status condition. Removes poison, burn, paralysis, sleep, freeze, frostbite, and bleed. Provides passive recovery from status ailments without switching. Ideal for bulky Pokémon that can outlast status effects. No item required for healing.

Character count: 289

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Shed Skin provides a 30% chance at the end of each turn to cure any status condition the Pokémon is currently suffering from. Unlike Natural Cure, this healing occurs without requiring the Pokémon to switch out, making it extremely valuable for staying power.

Technical Implementation

From /src/abilities.cc:

constexpr Ability ShedSkin = {
    .onEndTurn = +[](ON_END_TURN) -> int {
        CHECK(Random() % 100 < 30)
        CHECK(AbilityHealMonStatus(battler, ability));
        return TRUE;
    },
};

The ability:

1. Triggers at the end of each turn
2. Rolls a 30% chance (Random() % 100 < 30)
3. Calls AbilityHealMonStatus if successful
4. Clears all status flags and shows cure notification

AbilityHealMonStatus Function

From /src/battle_util.c:

• Checks if any STATUS1_ANY condition is present
• Sets appropriate cure message for each status type
• Clears all status1 flags and nightmare
• Triggers BattleScript_ShedSkinActivates
• Updates battle data and shows ability popup

Status Conditions Cured

Shed Skin can cure all major status conditions:

• Sleep (including Rest-induced sleep)
• Poison (regular and toxic)
• Burn
• Paralysis
• Freeze
• Frostbite (Elite Redux status)
• Bleed (Elite Redux status)

Activation Mechanics

Timing: End of turn phase Chance: Exactly 30% per turn Requirement: Must have at least one status condition Display: Shows ability popup and cure message

The ability only activates if:

1. The Pokémon has a status condition
2. The 30% roll succeeds
3. The Pokémon is still alive

AI Behavior

From battle_ai_main.c, the AI considers Shed Skin when evaluating status moves:

• AI recognizes the 30% cure chance
• Less likely to rely on status moves against Shed Skin users
• May factor in probability when calculating move effectiveness
• Still attempts status moves but with adjusted expectations

Related Abilities

Wonder Scale (Ability ID varies):

constexpr Ability WonderScale = {
    .onEndTurn = ShedSkin.onEndTurn,
    .fortKnox = TRUE,
};

Uses identical healing mechanics but adds Fort Knox property (immune to stat reductions).

Pokémon with Shed Skin

Common users in Elite Redux include:

• Pupitar (ability 0)
• Dratini line (as innate ability)
• Seviper (as innate ability)
• Various snake and reptilian Pokémon

Strategic Applications

Bulky setup sweepers:

• Can set up despite status pressure
• Natural cure chance allows extended setup time
• Reduces need for status-curing items

Defensive walls:

• Stay in against status moves
• 30% chance negates status strategies
• Provides passive status immunity over time

RestTalk users:

• Perfect synergy with Rest + Sleep Talk
• Can wake up naturally via Shed Skin
• Reduces sleep dependency

Probability Analysis

Single turn: 30% cure chance Multiple turns:

• 2 turns: 51% chance of at least one cure
• 3 turns: 65.7% chance of at least one cure
• 4 turns: 75.9% chance of at least one cure
• 5 turns: 83.2% chance of at least one cure

Formula: 1 - (0.7)^n where n = number of turns

Synergies

• Rest: Can wake up early, reducing sleep vulnerability
• Sleep Talk: Insurance if Shed Skin fails to cure sleep
• Leftovers/Black Sludge: Passive healing stacks with status curing
• Substitute: Blocks status while Shed Skin handles existing conditions
• Bulk Up/Coil: Setup moves benefit from status immunity

Advantages

• Passive activation (no switching required)
• No item slot needed
• Works on all status types
• Can't be disabled by most means
• Psychological pressure on status users
• Unlimited uses

Limitations

• Only 30% chance per turn (unreliable)
• No protection from initial status infliction
• Doesn't prevent status, only cures it
• Can fail multiple turns in a row
• No effect on non-status conditions (confusion, etc.)

Counters

• Direct damage moves: Bypass status reliance entirely
• Multi-hit status moves: Reapply status after cure
• Taunt: Prevents Rest usage for recovery
• Knock Off: Remove recovery items if carried
• High offensive pressure: Force out before cure chance matters

Competitive Usage Notes

Shed Skin excels on Pokémon designed for longevity rather than speed. It's particularly valuable on setup sweepers and defensive walls that need to operate despite status pressure. The 30% chance creates uncertainty for opponents relying on status strategies.

Team Building Considerations

• Best on naturally bulky Pokémon
• Reduces need for cleric support
• Enables aggressive status absorption
• Pairs well with setup moves and recovery
• Consider alongside RestTalk strategies

Mathematical Expectations

Against persistent status damage:

• Poison: Reduces average damage over time
• Burn: Lessens attack reduction duration
• Sleep: Averages 2.3 turns instead of full sleep duration
• Paralysis: Reduces average speed reduction time

Version History

Shed Skin has maintained its 30% cure rate since Generation 3. Elite Redux preserves the classic mechanics while expanding the status types it can cure to include frostbite and bleed, maintaining its relevance in the expanded status system.