Headstrong - Ability ID 803

In-Game Description

"+1 Spdef on entry."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Headstrong raises the Pokémon's Special Defense by one stage when it switches into battle. This defensive boost activates automatically upon entry and can be prevented by abilities like Mold Breaker. The stat boost is permanent until the Pokémon switches out or faints.

Character count: 293

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Headstrong is a straightforward entry ability that provides an immediate defensive boost upon switching in.

Core Mechanics

• Trigger: Activates when the Pokémon switches into battle
• Effect: Raises Special Defense by 1 stage (+50% Special Defense)
• Implementation: Uses the onEntry hook with CanRaiseStat(battler, STAT_SPDEF) check

Activation Conditions

• Must switch into battle (not at battle start)
• Special Defense must not already be at maximum (+6 stages)
• Cannot be suppressed by abilities that prevent stat changes

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability Headstrong = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
        CHECK(CanRaiseStat(battler, STAT_SPDEF))

        SetStatChanger(STAT_SPDEF, 1);
        BattleScriptPushCursorAndCallback(BattleScript_BattlerAbilityStatRaiseOnSwitchIn);
        return TRUE;
    },
    .breakable = TRUE,
};

Numerical Values

• Stat Boost: +1 stage to Special Defense
• Percentage Increase: 50% increase to Special Defense stat
• Maximum Stages: Cannot activate if Special Defense is already at +6

Interactions with Other Abilities/Mechanics

• Breakable: Can be suppressed by Mold Breaker, Teravolt, Turboblaze
• Mold Breaker Effect: These abilities ignore Headstrong entirely
• Clear Body/White Smoke: Does not prevent Headstrong from activating (it's a self-boost)
• Contrary: Would lower Special Defense instead of raising it
• Simple: Would raise Special Defense by 2 stages instead of 1

Strategic Implications

• Defensive Setup: Provides immediate bulk against special attacks
• Switch-In Value: Makes the Pokémon a reliable special wall from turn 1
• Momentum: Allows aggressive switching without losing defensive presence
• Synergy: Works well with other defensive abilities and moves

Example Damage Calculations

With base 100 Special Defense at level 50:

• No boost: 120 Special Defense
• +1 Headstrong: 180 Special Defense (50% increase)
• Damage reduction: Approximately 33% less damage from special attacks

Common Users

This ability is typically found on:

• Defensive Pokémon designed for special walling
• Pokémon with already high Special Defense stats
• Bulky support Pokémon that benefit from immediate defensive presence

Competitive Usage Notes

• Entry Hazard Synergy: Helps mitigate damage from special attacks while setting up
• Pivot Potential: Makes switching safer against special attackers
• Late Game: Can be crucial for surviving powerful special attacks in endgame scenarios

Counters

• Mold Breaker variants: Completely bypass the ability
• Physical attacks: Doesn't boost Defense, vulnerable to physical moves
• Stat-lowering moves: Can be neutralized by moves like Psychic Noise or abilities like Intimidate (though that affects Attack)
• Haze/Clear Smog: Removes the stat boost after activation

Synergies

• Assault Vest: Stacks with the Special Defense boost for extreme special bulk
• Calm Mind: Can further boost Special Defense and Special Attack
• Recover/Roost: Healing moves work well with the improved bulk
• Leftovers: Passive recovery complements the defensive nature

Version History

• Elite Redux: Introduced as a new ability providing reliable entry-based Special Defense boosts
• Current Status: Active ability in the current build