[OVERVIEW]
Marshadow separates itself from other common picks with reliable and hard-hitting STAB options with unresisted coverage. Its great Speed tier allows it to outpace Mega Rayquaza and Arceus, while its Fighting typing, immunity to Extreme Speed, and ability to steal stat boosts allow it to revenge kill Swords Dance Arceus formes and check some Calm Mind sweepers. A fantastic ability in Technician also enables it to boost the power of moves such as Rock Tomb, Shadow Sneak, Hidden Power Ice, and Pursuit, while a 195-Base Power STAB Z-Move allows it to break through bulky defenders, stall, and balance. Spectral Thief is an amazing STAB move, due to the prevalence of boosting moves in the metagame, that allows Marshadow to be a great weapon against hyper offense. Furthermore, a great priority move in Shadow Sneak helps Marshadow threaten faster Pokemon such as Ultra Necrozma and Mega Gengar, while Bulk Up allows it to be a frighteningly powerful wallbreaker after a boost. Marshadow also has the potential to serve as an excellent revenge killer against offensive teams with correct prediction, but it struggles to break defensive walls it can't hit super effectively. Marshadow also suffers from having poor defensive utility, meaning it can't switch into many of the Pokemon it checks, and is weak to common threats, such as Arceus-Fairy and Yveltal, both of which threaten it out with their respective STAB options. Because of its middling Attack stat, it can be walled by Pokemon such as Arceus-Poison, Primal Groudon, and Zygarde.
[SET]
name: Life Orb Attacker
move 1: Spectral Thief
move 2: Shadow Sneak
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Rock Tomb / Hidden Power Ice / Pursuit
item: Life Orb
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly / Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spectral Thief is Marshadow's preferred STAB move, giving it good coverage, allowing it to steal boosts, and going through Substitute. Shadow Sneak is a good priority option boosted by Technician, effectively receiving 90 Base Power after the boost from STAB and giving Marshadow the ability to revenge kill Mega Rayquaza. Close Combat is Marshadow's hardest-hitting STAB option, and with Life Orb, it allows Marshadow to OHKO many Pokemon that are weak to it. Rock Tomb is boosted to 90 Base Power with Technician, making it hit very hard while also allowing Marshadow to hit Pokemon like Ho-Oh and Choice Scarf Yveltal on the switch. It also provides speed control, which can aid slower sweepers on the team. Hidden Power Ice can be used to KO Zygarde after little chip damage; however, it doesn't have much more utility than that. Pursuit can also be used to trap Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Lunala, and weakened foes, though it needs the opponent to switch for it to be effective.
Set Details
========
Life Orb is used to boost Marshadow's power, allowing it to OHKO Pokemon such as Arceus formes weak to its STAB attacks, which it can't do otherwise. Maximum EVs in Attack and Speed allow Marshadow to hit as hard as possible without sacrificing its crucial Speed tier. A Jolly nature is used if Marshadow lacks Hidden Power Ice; however, Hasty is used if running it as to not lower its Attack. Hasty is run instead of Naive in order to take less damage from neutrally effective Judgment.
Usage Tips
========
Marshadow must be played with caution. Overpredictions can often cost games due to how valuable Marshadow is to most teams. Players should be hesitant to switch Marshadow into Pokemon due to its frailty. Playing cautiously for the start of the game allows you to scout sets to better prepare you to beat the opposing team, which is essential for Marshadow to function. Forcing Necrozma-DM to Ultra Burst or forcing the opponent to reveal Arceus-Steel or Arceus-Dark all benefit Marshadow, since you will know to keep it alive for these threats. Looking for Choice Scarf on Mega Rayquaza and Chople Berry on Arceus is also very important, as not switching Marshadow out can lead to you losing it early. Do not run a coverage move if the Pokemon it beats are already covered by the majority of your team; there is no need to waste a moveslot for additional coverage against a Pokemon that isn't a threat to your team. Additionally, revealing a coverage move at the start of the game can defeat the purpose of it, as said Pokemon will be more cautious around Marshadow. Scouting a team is essential for Marshadow to function. Marshadow struggles to break bulkier Pokemon, so wait to play it until those foes are weakened down enough. Marshadow should also be used as a capable revenge killer, taking out important threats like Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza and checking Arceus formes such as Arceus-Dark and Arceus-Steel.
Team Options
========
Arceus-Fairy is a good option for Marshadow, checking threats to it such as Yveltal, Mega Rayquaza, and opposing Marshadows. Its access to Defog also helps, as Marshadow is greatly hindered by Sticky Web. Zygarde-C assists in checking physical setup sweepers such as Chople Berry Arceus, whether through Coil or through Haze, as well as Arceus-Poison, Primal Groudon, and Mega Rayquaza. Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre are also good options, as both threaten support Arceus formes. Groudon can do this either with Toxic or with a special set, and Kyogre's monstrously high Special Attack allow it to easily 2HKO every viable support Arceus forme. Additionally, Groudon has access to Stealth Rock, which aids Marshadow by providing guaranteed chip damage. Specially defensive Necrozma-DM beats Xerneas and any variant of Arceus-Fairy, Marshadow's biggest bane, while also spreading status, setting Stealth Rock, and having access to reliable recovery to heal off chip damage done by these Fairy-types. Arceus-Steel is also able to check Fairy-types. Mega Gengar can trap support Arceus formes that trouble Marshadow, including Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Poison. Mega Rayquaza can deal extensive damage to support Arceus formes as they switch in, which can pave the way for Marshadow to break the team, making it an especially notable partner.
[SET]
name: Setup Wallbreaker
move 1: Spectral Thief
move 2: Bulk Up
move 3: Shadow Sneak / Substitute
move 4: Close Combat
item: Marshadium Z
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bulk Up is an absolute necessity on Z-Move Marshadow sets to OHKO many walls with a little bit of prior damage. Spectral Thief and Close Combat are obligatory STAB moves that hit very hard. Shadow Sneak is a strong priority option though it cannot KO Ultra Necrozma without chip damage or a boost. Substitute is another option that allows Marshadow to dodge Will-O-Wisp, one of its biggest banes while setting up. It also turns Arceus-Poison, one of Marshadow's most reliable checks, into setup fodder.
Set Details
========
Marshadium Z with Spectral Thief gives Marshadow access to Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike. This allows it to break through many threats that it could not before, including Mega Rayquaza, Arceus-Fairy, and Primal Kyogre. A Jolly nature is preferred on this set to maximize Marshadow's Speed for Arceus formes without lowering any important stats.
Usage Tips
========
Marshadow greatly appreciates entry hazards, as it relies on weakening down checks to properly operate. Avoid boosting until said checks are worn down into its KO range. This allows you to properly break the team, instead of the opponent already knowing what set Marshadow is running. Play cautiously with Marshadow's Z-Move, as it is its biggest weapon. The opponent will often try to sacrifice weakened Pokemon to get in their check to Marshadow. Marshadium Z Marshadow can be a threat versus stall if it's played carefully and sets up at the right time.
Team Options
========
Marshadow appreciates Spikes and Stealth Rock support, as it can get the chip damage it needs on threats. Mega Rayquaza is a good partner for Marshadow, breaking Choice Scarf Yveltal, Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Zygarde-C, depending on the set. Eliminating these Pokemon assists in a sweep. Arceus-Steel is a good offensive option, as it switches into both Yveltal and Arceus-Fairy and threatens many teams due to the lack of reliable checks to it. Gothitelle is a good partner, as it traps support Arceus formes and renders them incapable of stopping Marshadow, as well as allowing you to switch Marshadow in directly when the trapped Pokemon has been PP stalled for free setup.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Marshadow can also run a Focus Sash set with Endeavor; however, this is completely unreliable due to the prevalence of entry hazards and an incredible lack of power, leaving it unable to break through many common Pokemon. A Choice Scarf set with Pursuit is a niche option to guarantee revenge killing Deoxys-A and often KO Mega Gengar. It can also surprise faster Pokemon and steal their boosts, such as Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza and Swords Dance Ultra Necrozma. However, this set lacks power and can be easily switched into. A Substitute + Swagger set with Leftovers can be used to force switches; however, this set needs entry hazards to properly function, and it can be hard to initially set up. It also heavily relies on RNG, making it rather unreliable.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Support Arceus Formes**: Support Arceus formes aren't 2HKOed by any of Marshadow's attacks and use Judgment to put Marshadow under half health or status it with Thunder Wave or Will-O-Wisp, halving one of Marshadow's most important stats. Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Poison are particularly dangerous, as they resist Close Combat and can either KO Marshadow with Judgment or burn it; however, they still have to be wary of getting broken through by Marshadium Z sets.
**Choice Scarf Users**: The three most common Choice Scarf users, Yveltal, Xerneas, and Mega Rayquaza, all threaten Marshadow out with their STAB moves and can take most hits from it. They aren't bothered by priority moves and can additionally switch into an attack if need be.
**Zygarde-C**: Zygarde-C can beat every Marshadow set lacking Hidden Power Ice due to its immense physical bulk and access to crippling moves such as Dragon Tail and Glare. It still needs to scout for Hidden Power Ice, however, as it reliably KOes it with some prior chip damage.
**Flying-types**: Pokemon such as Ho-Oh, Arceus-Flying, and Yveltal can all take a Spectral Thief quite comfortably, as well as a Close Combat in Yveltal's case. While Marshadow can circumvent this by carrying Rock Tomb, this fails to OHKO all but Ho-Oh, leaving Marshadow open to being KOed by their STAB attacks.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Skarmory, Toxapex, and Mega Sableye can avoid being 2HKOed by Marshadow's STAB options and retaliate with their appropriate STAB moves.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Sinnoh Sunlight, 467940]]
- Quality checked by: [[Pigeons, 253393 ], [,Megazard, 202117], [Catalystic, 314467]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Kris, 241023]]
Marshadow separates itself from other common picks with reliable and hard-hitting STAB options with unresisted coverage. Its great Speed tier allows it to outpace Mega Rayquaza and Arceus, while its Fighting typing, immunity to Extreme Speed, and ability to steal stat boosts allow it to revenge kill Swords Dance Arceus formes and check some Calm Mind sweepers. A fantastic ability in Technician also enables it to boost the power of moves such as Rock Tomb, Shadow Sneak, Hidden Power Ice, and Pursuit, while a 195-Base Power STAB Z-Move allows it to break through bulky defenders, stall, and balance. Spectral Thief is an amazing STAB move, due to the prevalence of boosting moves in the metagame, that allows Marshadow to be a great weapon against hyper offense. Furthermore, a great priority move in Shadow Sneak helps Marshadow threaten faster Pokemon such as Ultra Necrozma and Mega Gengar, while Bulk Up allows it to be a frighteningly powerful wallbreaker after a boost. Marshadow also has the potential to serve as an excellent revenge killer against offensive teams with correct prediction, but it struggles to break defensive walls it can't hit super effectively. Marshadow also suffers from having poor defensive utility, meaning it can't switch into many of the Pokemon it checks, and is weak to common threats, such as Arceus-Fairy and Yveltal, both of which threaten it out with their respective STAB options. Because of its middling Attack stat, it can be walled by Pokemon such as Arceus-Poison, Primal Groudon, and Zygarde.
[SET]
name: Life Orb Attacker
move 1: Spectral Thief
move 2: Shadow Sneak
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Rock Tomb / Hidden Power Ice / Pursuit
item: Life Orb
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly / Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spectral Thief is Marshadow's preferred STAB move, giving it good coverage, allowing it to steal boosts, and going through Substitute. Shadow Sneak is a good priority option boosted by Technician, effectively receiving 90 Base Power after the boost from STAB and giving Marshadow the ability to revenge kill Mega Rayquaza. Close Combat is Marshadow's hardest-hitting STAB option, and with Life Orb, it allows Marshadow to OHKO many Pokemon that are weak to it. Rock Tomb is boosted to 90 Base Power with Technician, making it hit very hard while also allowing Marshadow to hit Pokemon like Ho-Oh and Choice Scarf Yveltal on the switch. It also provides speed control, which can aid slower sweepers on the team. Hidden Power Ice can be used to KO Zygarde after little chip damage; however, it doesn't have much more utility than that. Pursuit can also be used to trap Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Lunala, and weakened foes, though it needs the opponent to switch for it to be effective.
Set Details
========
Life Orb is used to boost Marshadow's power, allowing it to OHKO Pokemon such as Arceus formes weak to its STAB attacks, which it can't do otherwise. Maximum EVs in Attack and Speed allow Marshadow to hit as hard as possible without sacrificing its crucial Speed tier. A Jolly nature is used if Marshadow lacks Hidden Power Ice; however, Hasty is used if running it as to not lower its Attack. Hasty is run instead of Naive in order to take less damage from neutrally effective Judgment.
Usage Tips
========
Marshadow must be played with caution. Overpredictions can often cost games due to how valuable Marshadow is to most teams. Players should be hesitant to switch Marshadow into Pokemon due to its frailty. Playing cautiously for the start of the game allows you to scout sets to better prepare you to beat the opposing team, which is essential for Marshadow to function. Forcing Necrozma-DM to Ultra Burst or forcing the opponent to reveal Arceus-Steel or Arceus-Dark all benefit Marshadow, since you will know to keep it alive for these threats. Looking for Choice Scarf on Mega Rayquaza and Chople Berry on Arceus is also very important, as not switching Marshadow out can lead to you losing it early. Do not run a coverage move if the Pokemon it beats are already covered by the majority of your team; there is no need to waste a moveslot for additional coverage against a Pokemon that isn't a threat to your team. Additionally, revealing a coverage move at the start of the game can defeat the purpose of it, as said Pokemon will be more cautious around Marshadow. Scouting a team is essential for Marshadow to function. Marshadow struggles to break bulkier Pokemon, so wait to play it until those foes are weakened down enough. Marshadow should also be used as a capable revenge killer, taking out important threats like Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza and checking Arceus formes such as Arceus-Dark and Arceus-Steel.
Team Options
========
Arceus-Fairy is a good option for Marshadow, checking threats to it such as Yveltal, Mega Rayquaza, and opposing Marshadows. Its access to Defog also helps, as Marshadow is greatly hindered by Sticky Web. Zygarde-C assists in checking physical setup sweepers such as Chople Berry Arceus, whether through Coil or through Haze, as well as Arceus-Poison, Primal Groudon, and Mega Rayquaza. Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre are also good options, as both threaten support Arceus formes. Groudon can do this either with Toxic or with a special set, and Kyogre's monstrously high Special Attack allow it to easily 2HKO every viable support Arceus forme. Additionally, Groudon has access to Stealth Rock, which aids Marshadow by providing guaranteed chip damage. Specially defensive Necrozma-DM beats Xerneas and any variant of Arceus-Fairy, Marshadow's biggest bane, while also spreading status, setting Stealth Rock, and having access to reliable recovery to heal off chip damage done by these Fairy-types. Arceus-Steel is also able to check Fairy-types. Mega Gengar can trap support Arceus formes that trouble Marshadow, including Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Poison. Mega Rayquaza can deal extensive damage to support Arceus formes as they switch in, which can pave the way for Marshadow to break the team, making it an especially notable partner.
[SET]
name: Setup Wallbreaker
move 1: Spectral Thief
move 2: Bulk Up
move 3: Shadow Sneak / Substitute
move 4: Close Combat
item: Marshadium Z
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bulk Up is an absolute necessity on Z-Move Marshadow sets to OHKO many walls with a little bit of prior damage. Spectral Thief and Close Combat are obligatory STAB moves that hit very hard. Shadow Sneak is a strong priority option though it cannot KO Ultra Necrozma without chip damage or a boost. Substitute is another option that allows Marshadow to dodge Will-O-Wisp, one of its biggest banes while setting up. It also turns Arceus-Poison, one of Marshadow's most reliable checks, into setup fodder.
Set Details
========
Marshadium Z with Spectral Thief gives Marshadow access to Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike. This allows it to break through many threats that it could not before, including Mega Rayquaza, Arceus-Fairy, and Primal Kyogre. A Jolly nature is preferred on this set to maximize Marshadow's Speed for Arceus formes without lowering any important stats.
Usage Tips
========
Marshadow greatly appreciates entry hazards, as it relies on weakening down checks to properly operate. Avoid boosting until said checks are worn down into its KO range. This allows you to properly break the team, instead of the opponent already knowing what set Marshadow is running. Play cautiously with Marshadow's Z-Move, as it is its biggest weapon. The opponent will often try to sacrifice weakened Pokemon to get in their check to Marshadow. Marshadium Z Marshadow can be a threat versus stall if it's played carefully and sets up at the right time.
Team Options
========
Marshadow appreciates Spikes and Stealth Rock support, as it can get the chip damage it needs on threats. Mega Rayquaza is a good partner for Marshadow, breaking Choice Scarf Yveltal, Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Zygarde-C, depending on the set. Eliminating these Pokemon assists in a sweep. Arceus-Steel is a good offensive option, as it switches into both Yveltal and Arceus-Fairy and threatens many teams due to the lack of reliable checks to it. Gothitelle is a good partner, as it traps support Arceus formes and renders them incapable of stopping Marshadow, as well as allowing you to switch Marshadow in directly when the trapped Pokemon has been PP stalled for free setup.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Marshadow can also run a Focus Sash set with Endeavor; however, this is completely unreliable due to the prevalence of entry hazards and an incredible lack of power, leaving it unable to break through many common Pokemon. A Choice Scarf set with Pursuit is a niche option to guarantee revenge killing Deoxys-A and often KO Mega Gengar. It can also surprise faster Pokemon and steal their boosts, such as Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza and Swords Dance Ultra Necrozma. However, this set lacks power and can be easily switched into. A Substitute + Swagger set with Leftovers can be used to force switches; however, this set needs entry hazards to properly function, and it can be hard to initially set up. It also heavily relies on RNG, making it rather unreliable.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Support Arceus Formes**: Support Arceus formes aren't 2HKOed by any of Marshadow's attacks and use Judgment to put Marshadow under half health or status it with Thunder Wave or Will-O-Wisp, halving one of Marshadow's most important stats. Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Poison are particularly dangerous, as they resist Close Combat and can either KO Marshadow with Judgment or burn it; however, they still have to be wary of getting broken through by Marshadium Z sets.
**Choice Scarf Users**: The three most common Choice Scarf users, Yveltal, Xerneas, and Mega Rayquaza, all threaten Marshadow out with their STAB moves and can take most hits from it. They aren't bothered by priority moves and can additionally switch into an attack if need be.
**Zygarde-C**: Zygarde-C can beat every Marshadow set lacking Hidden Power Ice due to its immense physical bulk and access to crippling moves such as Dragon Tail and Glare. It still needs to scout for Hidden Power Ice, however, as it reliably KOes it with some prior chip damage.
**Flying-types**: Pokemon such as Ho-Oh, Arceus-Flying, and Yveltal can all take a Spectral Thief quite comfortably, as well as a Close Combat in Yveltal's case. While Marshadow can circumvent this by carrying Rock Tomb, this fails to OHKO all but Ho-Oh, leaving Marshadow open to being KOed by their STAB attacks.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Skarmory, Toxapex, and Mega Sableye can avoid being 2HKOed by Marshadow's STAB options and retaliate with their appropriate STAB moves.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Sinnoh Sunlight, 467940]]
- Quality checked by: [[Pigeons, 253393 ], [,Megazard, 202117], [Catalystic, 314467]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Kris, 241023]]
Last edited:
