Steadfast - Ability ID 80

In-Game Description

"Raises Speed by one stage if this Pokémon flinches."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Steadfast boosts Speed by one stage when the Pokémon flinches, turning flinching into a benefit. Works alongside moves like Fake Out and high-flinch chance attacks. The Speed boost occurs immediately after the flinch, potentially allowing faster moves next turn. Combines with Rattled for potential double boosts.

Character count: 297

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

STEADFAST is a reactive ability that converts flinching from a disadvantage into a Speed boost opportunity.

Activation Mechanics:

• Trigger: When the Pokémon flinches due to any move effect
• Effect: Raises Speed by one stage (+50% Speed)
• Timing: Activates immediately after the flinch prevents the move
• Script: Displays ability name and "Speed rose!" message

Flinch Interaction:

1. Flinch Occurs: Pokémon takes damage and becomes unable to move
2. Steadfast Triggers: Speed +1 stage boost applied
3. Turn Continues: Other Pokémon can still act normally
4. Next Turn: Boosted Speed potentially allows first move

Technical Implementation:

The ability is handled in the battle script system when flinching occurs:

BattleScript_MoveUsedFlinched::
    printstring STRINGID_PKMNFLINCHED
    waitmessage B_WAIT_TIME_LONG
    setstatchanger STAT_SPEED, 1, FALSE
    callifability BS_ATTACKER, ABILITY_RATTLED, BattleScript_AttackerAbilityStatRaiseAndDoStatBuff
BattleScript_MoveUsedFlinched_CheckSteadfast:
    callifability BS_ATTACKER ABILITY_STEADFAST BattleScript_AttackerAbilityStatRaiseAndDoStatBuff

Moves That Trigger Steadfast:

Common Flinch Moves:

• Fake Out (100% flinch, priority +3)
• Air Slash (30% flinch)
• Iron Head (30% flinch)
• Rock Slide (30% flinch)
• Bite (30% flinch)
• Headbutt (30% flinch)
• Twister (20% flinch)
• Stomp (30% flinch)
• Astonish (30% flinch)
• Zen Headbutt (20% flinch)

High-Flinch Moves:

• Fake Out: Guaranteed flinch on first turn
• King's Rock/Razor Fang: 10% flinch chance on any damaging move
• Serene Grace: Doubles flinch chances (e.g., Air Slash becomes 60%)

Flinch Prevention:

The following abilities prevent flinching entirely, making Steadfast irrelevant:

• Inner Focus: Prevents flinching completely
• Enlightened: Custom ability that prevents flinching
• Unlocked Potential: Custom ability that prevents flinching
• Way of Precision: Custom ability that prevents flinching

Ability Synergies:

1. Rattled Combo: Both abilities can trigger from the same flinch

   • Rattled boosts Speed when hit by Bug, Dark, Ghost moves
   • If such moves also cause flinch, both abilities activate
   • Result: Speed +2 stages total

2. King's Rock/Razor Fang: Held items add 10% flinch chance to moves

   • Increases opportunities for Steadfast activation
   • Particularly effective on multi-hit moves

3. Serene Grace Users: Facing Pokémon with Serene Grace doubles flinch chances

   • Air Slash becomes 60% flinch chance
   • More opportunities for Speed boosts

Strategic Applications:

1. Fake Out Counter: Steadfast users can benefit from common Fake Out leads
2. Speed Control: Converts opponent's flinch strategies into Speed boosts
3. Momentum Shifts: Can turn defensive situations into offensive opportunities
4. Anti-Flinch Tech: Provides benefit where flinch immunity provides none

Common Users:

• Machamp: Steadfast as regular ability (Machamp family)
• Riolu/Lucario: Steadfast as regular ability option
• Meditite/Medicham: Steadfast as regular ability option
• Gallade: Steadfast as regular ability option
• Various custom Pokémon in Elite Redux

Competitive Considerations:

Advantages:

• Turns opponent's flinch strategies against them
• Can create unexpected Speed tiers after boost
• Combines well with other Speed-boosting effects
• Provides utility even when taking damage

Disadvantages:

• Requires taking damage to activate
• Opponent can avoid using flinch moves
• Situational activation makes it unreliable
• Competing with other powerful abilities

Counters:

• Avoid using flinch-inducing moves against Steadfast users
• Use Inner Focus or other flinch immunity abilities
• Focus on non-flinching damage moves
• Priority moves can still outspeed even after boost

Version History:

• Gen 4: Introduction of Steadfast ability
• Elite Redux: Maintained original functionality
• Elite Redux: Added to various custom Pokémon as regular or innate ability

Edge Cases:

• If Pokémon is already at +6 Speed, Steadfast still attempts to activate but shows "won't go higher"
• Multiple sources of flinching in one turn only trigger Steadfast once
• Flinching from moves like Fake Out on switch-in can provide immediate Speed boost for subsequent turns