Static - Ability ID 9

In-Game Description

"30% chance to paralyze on contact. Also works on offense."

Extended In-Game Description

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

30% chance to paralyze on any contact move (both offense and defense in Elite Redux). Halves foe's Speed to 50% with 25% full paralysis chance per turn. Makes Wild Charge/Spark deadly threats. Severely punishes U-turn/Fake Out users. Electric-types and Limber immune. Bypassed by Mold Breaker.

Character count: 293

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Static has been enhanced in Elite Redux to work bidirectionally:

1. Defensive Trigger (Original)

   • 30% chance when hit by a contact move
   • Paralyzes the attacker

2. Offensive Trigger (Elite Redux Enhancement)

   • 30% chance when using a contact move
   • Paralyzes the defender
   • Makes physical Electric-types much more threatening

Technical Implementation

Code Implementation (src/abilities.cc):

ON_EITHER(Static) {
    CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(opponent))
    CHECK(CanBeParalyzed(battler, opponent))
    CHECK(IsMoveMakingContact(move, gBattlerAttacker))
    CHECK(Random() % 100 < 30)
    
    AbilityStatusEffectSafe(MOVE_EFFECT_PARALYSIS, battler, opponent);
    return TRUE;
}

The ON_EITHER macro enables both offensive and defensive activation.

Paralysis Effects

When Static triggers, the target:

• Has Speed reduced to 50% (25% in older gens)
• Has 25% chance to be fully paralyzed each turn
• Cannot be paralyzed if Electric-type or already statused

Activation Requirements

1. Move must make contact
2. Target must be able to be paralyzed
3. 30% random chance must succeed
4. Standard on-hit conditions must be met

Strategic Implications

Offensive Benefits:

• Wild Charge becomes a paralysis spreader
• Spark gains additional utility
• Physical Electric coverage more valuable
• Speed control through offense

Defensive Benefits:

• Punishes physical attackers
• Discourages U-turn/Fake Out
• Speed control through defense
• Contact move deterrent

Overworld Effect

When a Pokémon with Static leads the party:

• 50% chance to encounter Electric-type Pokémon
• Stacks with other encounter rate modifiers
• Only works in areas with Electric-types

Interactions with Other Abilities/Mechanics

• Limber/Shield Dust: Prevents paralysis
• Guts: Turns paralysis into Attack boost
• Quick Feet: Turns paralysis into Speed boost
• Synchronize: Bounces paralysis back
• Mold Breaker: Bypasses Static entirely

Example Battle Scenarios

Offensive: Pikachu uses Wild Charge

• Deals damage + 30% chance to paralyze
• Recoil damage still applies
• Can cripple faster threats

Defensive: Pikachu is hit by Close Combat

• Takes damage + 30% chance to paralyze attacker
• Can punish physical sweepers

Common Static Users

• Pikachu: Has Static as innate ability
• Ampharos: Defensive Electric-type
• Manectric: Fast special attacker
• Emolga: Flying/Electric with contact moves
• Various Electric-types as ability option

Competitive Usage Notes

• A-tier ability with offensive enhancement
• Excellent speed control option
• Synergizes with physical Electric moves
• Can single-handedly swing momentum
• More valuable than Flame Body/Poison Point due to paralysis benefits

Mathematical Analysis

Per battle with contact moves:

• 1 contact: 30% paralysis chance
• 2 contacts: 51% paralysis chance
• 3 contacts: 65.7% paralysis chance
• 4 contacts: 76% paralysis chance

Counters

• Electric-types: Immune to paralysis
• Limber: Complete paralysis immunity
• Non-contact moves: Earthquake, special attacks
• Taunt: Prevent Thunder Wave follow-up
• Lum Berry/Cheri Berry: One-time cure

Synergies

• Thunder Wave: Guaranteed paralysis option
• Volt Switch: Safe pivot after paralysis
• Fake Out: Extra contact chance turn 1
• Speed control: Tailwind, Sticky Web
• Hex/Venoshock: Boost damage vs status

Related Abilities

• Flame Body: 30% burn on contact
• Poison Point: 30% poison on contact
• Effect Spore: 30% random status on contact
• White Noise: Includes Static effect plus healing

Version History

• Gen III+: 30% defensive paralysis chance
• Elite Redux: Added offensive paralysis chance