White Smoke - Ability ID 73

In-Game Description

"Sets Smokescreen for 3 turns on switch-in."

Extended In-Game Description

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

White Smoke automatically sets Smokescreen on the user's side when entering battle, lasting 3 turns (5 with Light Clay held). Smokescreen obscures the user's party in smoke, increasing their evasiveness by 25% and making all moves targeting them less accurate. Provides team-wide defensive utility.

Character count: 298

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

WHITE SMOKE is a defensive ability that has been completely redesigned in Elite Redux from its original stat-protection function to a smokescreen-based evasion ability.

Activation Mechanics:

• Trigger: Immediately upon entering battle (onEntry hook)
• Duration: 3 turns standard, 5 turns with Light Clay held
• Side Effect: Sets SIDE_STATUS_SMOKESCREEN on the user's side
• Script: Displays switch-in message with smokescreen activation

Smokescreen Effects:

1. Evasiveness Boost:

   • Increases evasiveness by 25% for all Pokémon on the user's side
   • Functions as a side-wide accuracy reduction for opposing moves
   • Stacks with individual evasion stat boosts

2. Move Interactions:

   • Affects all moves that target Pokémon on the protected side
   • Never-miss moves (like Swift) are unaffected
   • Status moves are affected by the accuracy reduction
   • Self-targeting moves are unaffected

Interaction Rules:

• Screen Removal: Can be removed by Brick Break, Rapid Spin, Defog, and similar screen-clearing moves
• Light Clay: Extends duration from 3 to 5 turns when held by the user
• Multiple Activations: If multiple Pokémon with White Smoke switch in, only refreshes the timer rather than stacking
• Court Change: Can be swapped to the opponent's side via Court Change

Technical Implementation:

constexpr Ability WhiteSmoke = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
        CHECK_NOT(gSideTimers[GET_BATTLER_SIDE(battler)].smokescreenTimer)

        int side = GET_BATTLER_SIDE(battler);
        gSideTimers[side].smokescreenTimer = GetBattlerHoldEffect(battler, TRUE) == ITEM_LIGHT_CLAY ? SCREEN_DURATION : SCREEN_DURATION_SHORT;
        gSideTimers[side].started.smokescreen = TRUE;
        gSideTimers[side].smokescreenBattler = battler;
        return SwitchInAnnounce(B_MSG_SWITCHIN_WHITE_SMOKE);
    },
};

Competitive Analysis:

Strengths:

• Provides immediate defensive utility on switch-in
• Affects the entire team side, not just the user
• Can be extended with Light Clay for longer protection
• Useful for setting up or buying time for frail Pokémon

Weaknesses:

• Temporary effect that can be removed or expire
• Vulnerable to screen-clearing moves
• Provides no benefit against never-miss moves
• 25% accuracy reduction may not be enough against high-accuracy moves

Comparison to Original White Smoke:

• Original: Prevented stat reduction from opponent's moves and abilities
• Elite Redux: Creates temporary evasion boost for entire team side
• Power Level: Similar defensive utility but more situational and temporary
• Usage: Better for team support, worse for individual stat protection

Synergies:

• Light Clay holders: Maximize smokescreen duration
• Evasion boosters: Stacks with Double Team, Minimize effects
• Setup sweepers: Provides cover for stat-boosting moves
• Fragile supporters: Helps survive long enough to provide utility

Version History:

• Original Games: Prevents stat reduction (Clear Body clone)
• Elite Redux: Complete rework to smokescreen-based evasion ability
• Duration: 3 turns base, extendable to 5 with Light Clay