Shadow-Tag
Summary
Shadow Tag is an ability in the Pokémon series that prohibits opposing Pokémon from fleeing or switching out during battle. This ability can provide a significant edge in competitive gameplay, enabling a user to strategically isolate and debilitate, or even eliminate, central opponents. There are, however, certain exceptions to this effect: Pokémon equipped with the Shadow Tag ability themselves, Ghost-type Pokémon, and Pokémon carrying a Shed Shell can bypass this constraint. Also, if a Pokémon possessing the Shadow Tag ability switches out, the restriction is lifted, allowing the opponent to switch out as well.
Prominent Pokémon endowed with the Shadow Tag ability encompass Wobbuffet and Gothitelle. Wobbuffet has notably gained substantial recognition within competitive domains, owing to its high HP and access to moves such as Mirror Coat and Counter, adept at reversing an opponent's offensive tactics.
A few fascinating points about Shadow Tag include:
- The ability's high potency in the competitive Pokémon environment has consequentially caused Wobbuffet's escalation to the Uber tier.
Effects
- While this Pokémon is in battle, opposing Pokémon cannot flee or switch out. Other Pokémon with this ability are unaffected. Pokémon with run away can still flee. Pokémon can still switch out with the use of a move or item.
Flavor Texts
- ruby-sapphire: Prevents the foe’s escape.
- emerald: Prevents the foe’s escape.
- firered-leafgreen: Prevents the foe’s escape.
- diamond-pearl: Prevents the foe from escaping.
- platinum: Prevents the foe from escaping.
- heartgold-soulsilver: Prevents the foe from escaping.
- black-white: Prevents the foe from escaping.
- black-2-white-2: Prevents the foe from escaping.
- x-y: Prevents opposing Pokémon from escaping.
- omega-ruby-alpha-sapphire: Prevents opposing Pokémon from escaping.
- sun-moon: This Pokémon steps on the opposing Pokémon’s shadow to prevent it from escaping.
- ultra-sun-ultra-moon: This Pokémon steps on the opposing Pokémon’s shadow to prevent it from escaping.
- lets-go-pikachu-lets-go-eevee: This Pokémon steps on the opposing Pokémon’s shadow to prevent it from escaping.
- sword-shield: This Pokémon steps on the opposing Pokémon’s shadow to prevent it from escaping.
- scarlet-violet: The Pokémon steps on the opposing Pokémon's shadows to prevent them from fleeing or switching out.
Pokémon with the Shadow-Tag ability
Wobbuffet
202 - Psychic
Wynaut
360 - Psychic
Gothita
574 - Psychic
Gothorita
575 - Psychic
Gothitelle
576 - Psychic
Gengar-Mega
10038 - Ghost, Poison