Ape Shift - Ability ID 734

In-Game Description

"Transforms below 50% HP, curing status and always critting."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Ape Shift transforms the Pokémon when HP drops to 50% or below, automatically curing all status conditions during transformation. After transforming, all attacks become critical hits. Works on entry, during battle, and at turn end. Exclusive to Mega Slaking forms.

Character count: 285

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Ape Shift is a unique transformation ability exclusive to Mega Slaking that fundamentally changes the Pokémon's battle capabilities when its HP threshold is reached.

Activation Conditions

• HP threshold: HP must be at 50% or below (uses hpFraction = 2 in code)
• Species requirement: Only works on SPECIES_SLAKING_MEGA and SPECIES_SLAKING_MEGA_APE_SHIFT
• Transform state: Cannot activate if already transformed by another effect
• Timing: Can trigger on entry, at end of turn, or when taking damage

Transformation Effects

1. Form change:

   • SPECIES_SLAKING_MEGA → SPECIES_SLAKING_MEGA_APE_SHIFT (when HP drops)
   • SPECIES_SLAKING_MEGA_APE_SHIFT → SPECIES_SLAKING_MEGA (when HP rises above 50%)

2. Status cure: Automatically removes all status conditions during transformation:

   • Burn, freeze, paralysis, poison (including badly poisoned), sleep
   • Uses curestatus BS_ATTACKER battle script command

3. Critical hit guarantee: In Ape Shift form, all attacks become critical hits

   • Returns ALWAYS_CRIT when in SPECIES_SLAKING_MEGA_APE_SHIFT form

Technical Implementation

// HP-based transformation check
{ABILITY_APE_SHIFT, SPECIES_SLAKING_MEGA, SPECIES_SLAKING_MEGA_APE_SHIFT, 2}

// Critical hit guarantee in shifted form
.onCrit = +[](ON_CRIT) -> int {
    CHECK(gBattleMons[battler].species == SPECIES_SLAKING_MEGA_APE_SHIFT)
    return ALWAYS_CRIT;
}

// Transformation handler with status cure
int ApeShiftHandler(int battler, AbilityCallType callType) {
    // Various checks including ShouldChangeFormHpBased(battler)
    if (gBattleMons[battler].species == SPECIES_SLAKING_MEGA_APE_SHIFT) {
        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_ApeShift); // Cures status
    }
    BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_StackBattlerFormChange);
}

Battle Script Details

BattleScript_ApeShift::
    saveattackertostack3
    jumpifstatus BS_ATTACKER, STATUS1_ANY, BattleScript_ApeShift_HealStatus
    # ... status cure logic with curestatus command

Unique Characteristics

• Bidirectional transformation: Can transform both ways based on HP
• Multiple trigger points: Entry, end turn, and when taking damage
• Status immunity during shift: Provides free status cure when transforming
• Guaranteed crits: Every attack is a critical hit in shifted form
• Randomizer banned: Cannot appear on random Pokémon due to species restriction

Strategic Implications

• Low HP advantage: Becomes more dangerous when weakened
• Status immunity: Natural counter to status-based strategies
• Critical hit synergy: Pairs with moves that have additional crit effects
• Timing strategy: Can deliberately lower HP to trigger transformation
• Pressure build: Opponents must either KO immediately or face guaranteed crits

Interactions

• Healing moves: Can reverse transformation if HP rises above 50%
• Multi-hit moves: Transformation can trigger mid-sequence
• Status immunity: Only during transformation, not permanent
• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker effects prevent the ability
• Transform status: Cannot activate if affected by Transform move

Counters

• OHKO strategies: Prevent transformation by avoiding the HP threshold
• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker, Neutralizing Gas, Gastro Acid
• Priority moves: Strike before the guaranteed crits land
• Defensive strategies: Tank the crits with high defense/resistances
• Status after transformation: Can be statused again after shifting

Synergies

• Focus Sash/Sturdy: Survive to trigger transformation
• Healing moves: Control when transformation occurs
• High critical hit ratio moves: Benefit from guaranteed crits
• Life Orb: Extra power on guaranteed critical hits
• Type coverage: Diverse movepool to utilize guaranteed crits

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive ability
• Unique to Mega Slaking evolutionary line
• One of the few abilities that provides guaranteed critical hits
• Combines transformation, status cure, and battle advantage mechanics

Competitive Notes

• Risk/reward design: Must reach low HP to gain advantage
• Momentum shift: Can turn the tide when properly utilized
• Prediction game: Opponents must decide between immediate KO or defensive play
• Team support: Benefits from entry hazard removal and healing support
• Versatile timing: Multiple activation windows provide flexibility