Shadow-Tag
Shadow Tag is an ability in the Pokémon series that prevents opposing Pokémon from fleeing or switching out of battle. This can be particularly advantageous in competitive play, as it allows a user to trap and systematically weaken or eliminate key opponents. However, there are exceptions to this trapping effect: Pokémon with the Shadow Tag ability themselves, Ghost-type Pokémon, and those holding a Shed Shell can bypass this restriction. Additionally, if a Pokémon with the Shadow Tag ability switches out, the opponent is then free to switch out as well.
Noteworthy Pokémon that possess the Shadow Tag ability include Wobbuffet and Gothitelle. Wobbuffet, in particular, has garnered significant attention in competitive circles due to its combination of high HP and access to moves like Mirror Coat and Counter, which can turn an opponent's offensive strategies against them.
Several interesting facts about Shadow Tag include:
- The ability was deemed so potent in the competitive Pokémon scene that it led to Wobbuffet being banned 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