[Overview]
Thanks to its unresisted STAB combination, strong attacks, and good Speed, Marshadow is one of the best wallbreakers and sweepers in Ubers. It can pressure common defensive Pokemon such as Eternatus and Yveltal regardless of its set. Even checks to Marshadow, such as Ho-Oh and Zygarde, have to be extremely wary of Marshadow's coverage options. Additionally, Technician-boosted Shadow Sneak easily dispatches Calyrex-S and does good damage to many Speed-boosting threats such Necrozma-DM, while Spectral Thief can halt other setup sweepers such as Coil Zygarde, Calm Mind Kyogre, and Cosmic Power Eternatus. These moves allow Marshadow to be an effective revenge killer; only Choice Scarf Calyrex-S can compare to Marshadow's utility in this regard. Marshadow's major flaw is that it is frail and has to rely on pivots and smart double switches to come into battle.
[SET]
name: Offensive Cleaner
move 1: Spectral Thief
move 2: Low Kick
move 3: Shadow Sneak
move 4: Ice Punch / Rock Tomb / Bulk Up
item: Life Orb / Spell Tag
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
When equipped with a Life Orb or Spell Tag, Marshadow is great at cleaning up weakened teams. Spectral Thief is used over Poltergeist for it's consistent power, accuracy, and utility against set-up sweepers such as Calm Mind Kyogre, while Low Kick is chosen over Close Combat as the majority of the Ubers tier is very heavy. Shadow Sneak makes Marshadow a useful revenge killer and prevents Calyrex-S from threatening it. The last moveslot is customizable based on team need. Ice Punch is a strong option for hitting Zygarde, which can otherwise wall Marshadow or use it as a setup opportunity, as well as easing prediction against Yveltal and Eternatus. Notably, Life Orb Jolly sets have a chance to 2HKO Eternatus with Ice Punch. Rock Tomb OHKOes Ho-Oh and heavily damages Yveltal; the Speed drop also helps Adamant Marshadow outspeed checks like Eternatus. Bulk Up is Marshadow's only good boosting move, and it works best in tandem with Spell Tag. Marshadow's longevity is significantly improved without Life Orb recoil, letting it survive attacks from Eternatus, Necrozma-DM, and Yveltal and potentially power through them. Life Orb is usually preferred on sets with four attacks, but Spell Tag is still a valid option for longevity. Note that Ho-Oh needs to be chipped before Spell Tag Marshadow can OHKO it. Jolly nature can be used especially for outspeeding Eternatus, but the power drop is definitely notable. Adamant works best when paired with paralysis support.
This set requires strong wallbreakers as teammates. Kyogre can notably put pressure on Eternatus, Hone Claws Yveltal can lure in Eternatus and Buzzwole, and Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM has great synergy, as it can take out Ho-Oh and Yveltal with Stone Edge and set up on Xerneas and Eternatus. Ferrothorn’s Spikes can help Marshadow pressure its checks, such as giving Jolly Marshadow a greater chance to 2HKO Eternatus. Necrozma-DM is a highly recommended teammate to switch into Eternatus and Xerneas and set up Stealth Rock, helping Marshadow sweep much more easily. Eternatus and Zygarde provide synergy by switching into Ho-Oh and statusing the opposing team. Eternatus also forces out Buzzwole. Xerneas, Buzzwole, and Zarude can switch into Zygarde-C and force it out. Blissey can switch Marshadow in with Teleport, heal Life Orb recoil with Wish, and provide cleric support. Ho-Oh easily switches in on Xerneas and Buzzwole. Additionally, both Thunder Wave Kyogre and Ho-Oh can lure Eternatus and paralyze it, helping Adamant Marshadow take it out.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Spectral Thief
move 2: Low Kick
move 3: Shadow Sneak
move 4: Ice Punch / Rock Tomb / Poltergeist
item: Choice Band
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Choice Band's power allows Marshadow to be more flexible in the attacks it runs. For example, with Choice Band, Marshadow can run Spectral Thief with a Jolly nature and comfortably 2HKO the vast majority of Eternatus sets, not needing Poltergeist or Adamant to 2HKO. Shadow Sneak is a useful priority move to revenge kill threats, especially when boosted by Choice Band. In the last slot, Ice Punch or Rock Tomb is used to heavily damage checks such as Zygarde and Ho-Oh. Poltergeist is a useful in-between option, as it's Marshadow's strongest Ghost-type attack, and it hits both the aforementioned foes for good damage. However, Poltergeist has notable flaws in its accuracy and vulnerability to foes with consumed items. While an Adamant nature is possible, Jolly is greatly preferred for letting Marshadow outspeed and 2HKO Eternatus, a very common switch-in. Despite Choice Band's power, be careful when locking into a move, since Zygarde-C, Xerneas, Landorus-T, Necrozma-DM, Buzzwole, and Zarude can often set up for free against certain moves.
This set works well on teams that want a revenge killer that isn't Calyrex-S. Certain setup sweepers appreciate this set's focus on wallbreaking power. Zygarde-C and Kyogre enjoy Marshadow heavily pressuring Eternatus, Groudon appreciates it continuously bashing Zygarde-C with Ice Punch, and offensive Necrozma-DM loves it taking out Ho-Oh with Rock Tomb. Other setup sweepers that enjoy Marshadow removing Eternatus are Zarude and Buzzwole. Checks to Pokemon such as Groudon, Zygarde-C, and Zekrom are much appreciated teammates, such as Xerneas and Landorus-T, as those foes can all take a hit from Marshadow if need be. Pivots such as U-turn Yveltal and Teleport Blissey help Marshadow come into the game much more easily and check Calyrex-S, which can force Marshadow out if it is locked into a move besides Shadow Sneak. They appreciate Marshadow's ability to force out setup sweepers like Cosmic Power Eternatus and SubCM Kyogre, and U-turn Yveltal and Marshadow together can keep SubSeed Calyrex-S in check. Blissey is also good for cleric support, as are Xerneas and Clefable. If Marshadow runs Poltergeist, make sure none of its teammates have Knock Off on their sets.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
Iron Head or Acrobatics gives Marshadow a lure option against Xerneas or Buzzwole. Focus Punch can be used on Adamant Choice Band Marshadow sets, as it will OHKO fast utility Yveltal switch-ins. Close Combat gives more damage on foes such as Magearna, but Low Kick is almost always better, as Ubers is filled with heavy Pokemon, and it gets boosted by Technician when it isn't full power. Swagger is usable to both confuse the opponent and let Marshadow steal the boost with Spectral Thief, and works well with paralysis support, but it is very luck-reliant. Focus Sash is extremely popular, so it should be mentioned; however, while it may seem tempting to use, Marshadow desperately needs the power from Choice Band, Life Orb, or Spell Tag. Not to mention, Focus Sash is a very unreliable item, as it is invalidated by any passive damage, especially from entry hazards.
Checks and Counters
====
**Xerneas**: Defensive Xerneas can take anything Marshadow can throw at it and OHKO back with Moonblast.
**Buzzwole**: Buzzwole resists Low Kick and is bulky enough to take even Choice Band Poltergeist without being 2HKOed, and thus it completely walls Marshadow.
**Zygarde-C**: Zygarde-C has the bulk to tank anything Marshadow uses with the exception of Ice Punch.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh resists Low Kick and will have the bulk to survive most of Marshadow's Ghost-type attacks, but Choice Band or Life Orb Marshadow will OHKO with Rock Tomb.
**Eternatus and Yveltal**: While rare, physically defensive Eternatus has the bulk and Speed to force Marshadow out. The more common specially defensive Eternatus is usually EVed to outspeed Adamant Marshadow and switch into a predicted Low Kick. Specially defensive Yveltal has the HP and Defense investment to pivot into many of Marshadow's attacks; Sucker Punch Yveltal is also very threatening. Both of these sets must be very careful of switching into the wrong STAB attack or Ice Punch, lest they be 2HKOed.
**Physically Defensive Tanks**: While they often lack recovery, Pokemon such as Groudon, Landorus-T, and Zekrom can take a neutral hit if need be and force Marshadow out.
**Regenerator Pivots**: Tangrowth and Toxapex have the physical bulk to take most of Marshadow's attacks and damage it back with Rocky Helmet.
**Status and Passive Damage**: Marshadow is frail and thus cannot take repeated damage over time well. Life Orb recoil, poison, entry hazard damage, and Rocky Helmet damage all limit Marshadow's ability to consistently pressure foes. Paralysis and burn both severely lower Marshadow's offensive presence.
**Single-use Items**: Poltergeist Marshadow has the unique problem of being checked by Pokemon using single-use items such as Air Balloon, Power Herb, and Sitrus Berry, commonly Eternatus and Xerneas. A lack of item will prevent Poltergeist from working, invalidating a powerful option from Marshadow.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Manaphy, 50695]]
- Quality checked by: [[Aberforth, 249382], [Minority, 222996]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [UT, 523866]]
Thanks to its unresisted STAB combination, strong attacks, and good Speed, Marshadow is one of the best wallbreakers and sweepers in Ubers. It can pressure common defensive Pokemon such as Eternatus and Yveltal regardless of its set. Even checks to Marshadow, such as Ho-Oh and Zygarde, have to be extremely wary of Marshadow's coverage options. Additionally, Technician-boosted Shadow Sneak easily dispatches Calyrex-S and does good damage to many Speed-boosting threats such Necrozma-DM, while Spectral Thief can halt other setup sweepers such as Coil Zygarde, Calm Mind Kyogre, and Cosmic Power Eternatus. These moves allow Marshadow to be an effective revenge killer; only Choice Scarf Calyrex-S can compare to Marshadow's utility in this regard. Marshadow's major flaw is that it is frail and has to rely on pivots and smart double switches to come into battle.
[SET]
name: Offensive Cleaner
move 1: Spectral Thief
move 2: Low Kick
move 3: Shadow Sneak
move 4: Ice Punch / Rock Tomb / Bulk Up
item: Life Orb / Spell Tag
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
When equipped with a Life Orb or Spell Tag, Marshadow is great at cleaning up weakened teams. Spectral Thief is used over Poltergeist for it's consistent power, accuracy, and utility against set-up sweepers such as Calm Mind Kyogre, while Low Kick is chosen over Close Combat as the majority of the Ubers tier is very heavy. Shadow Sneak makes Marshadow a useful revenge killer and prevents Calyrex-S from threatening it. The last moveslot is customizable based on team need. Ice Punch is a strong option for hitting Zygarde, which can otherwise wall Marshadow or use it as a setup opportunity, as well as easing prediction against Yveltal and Eternatus. Notably, Life Orb Jolly sets have a chance to 2HKO Eternatus with Ice Punch. Rock Tomb OHKOes Ho-Oh and heavily damages Yveltal; the Speed drop also helps Adamant Marshadow outspeed checks like Eternatus. Bulk Up is Marshadow's only good boosting move, and it works best in tandem with Spell Tag. Marshadow's longevity is significantly improved without Life Orb recoil, letting it survive attacks from Eternatus, Necrozma-DM, and Yveltal and potentially power through them. Life Orb is usually preferred on sets with four attacks, but Spell Tag is still a valid option for longevity. Note that Ho-Oh needs to be chipped before Spell Tag Marshadow can OHKO it. Jolly nature can be used especially for outspeeding Eternatus, but the power drop is definitely notable. Adamant works best when paired with paralysis support.
This set requires strong wallbreakers as teammates. Kyogre can notably put pressure on Eternatus, Hone Claws Yveltal can lure in Eternatus and Buzzwole, and Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM has great synergy, as it can take out Ho-Oh and Yveltal with Stone Edge and set up on Xerneas and Eternatus. Ferrothorn’s Spikes can help Marshadow pressure its checks, such as giving Jolly Marshadow a greater chance to 2HKO Eternatus. Necrozma-DM is a highly recommended teammate to switch into Eternatus and Xerneas and set up Stealth Rock, helping Marshadow sweep much more easily. Eternatus and Zygarde provide synergy by switching into Ho-Oh and statusing the opposing team. Eternatus also forces out Buzzwole. Xerneas, Buzzwole, and Zarude can switch into Zygarde-C and force it out. Blissey can switch Marshadow in with Teleport, heal Life Orb recoil with Wish, and provide cleric support. Ho-Oh easily switches in on Xerneas and Buzzwole. Additionally, both Thunder Wave Kyogre and Ho-Oh can lure Eternatus and paralyze it, helping Adamant Marshadow take it out.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Spectral Thief
move 2: Low Kick
move 3: Shadow Sneak
move 4: Ice Punch / Rock Tomb / Poltergeist
item: Choice Band
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Choice Band's power allows Marshadow to be more flexible in the attacks it runs. For example, with Choice Band, Marshadow can run Spectral Thief with a Jolly nature and comfortably 2HKO the vast majority of Eternatus sets, not needing Poltergeist or Adamant to 2HKO. Shadow Sneak is a useful priority move to revenge kill threats, especially when boosted by Choice Band. In the last slot, Ice Punch or Rock Tomb is used to heavily damage checks such as Zygarde and Ho-Oh. Poltergeist is a useful in-between option, as it's Marshadow's strongest Ghost-type attack, and it hits both the aforementioned foes for good damage. However, Poltergeist has notable flaws in its accuracy and vulnerability to foes with consumed items. While an Adamant nature is possible, Jolly is greatly preferred for letting Marshadow outspeed and 2HKO Eternatus, a very common switch-in. Despite Choice Band's power, be careful when locking into a move, since Zygarde-C, Xerneas, Landorus-T, Necrozma-DM, Buzzwole, and Zarude can often set up for free against certain moves.
This set works well on teams that want a revenge killer that isn't Calyrex-S. Certain setup sweepers appreciate this set's focus on wallbreaking power. Zygarde-C and Kyogre enjoy Marshadow heavily pressuring Eternatus, Groudon appreciates it continuously bashing Zygarde-C with Ice Punch, and offensive Necrozma-DM loves it taking out Ho-Oh with Rock Tomb. Other setup sweepers that enjoy Marshadow removing Eternatus are Zarude and Buzzwole. Checks to Pokemon such as Groudon, Zygarde-C, and Zekrom are much appreciated teammates, such as Xerneas and Landorus-T, as those foes can all take a hit from Marshadow if need be. Pivots such as U-turn Yveltal and Teleport Blissey help Marshadow come into the game much more easily and check Calyrex-S, which can force Marshadow out if it is locked into a move besides Shadow Sneak. They appreciate Marshadow's ability to force out setup sweepers like Cosmic Power Eternatus and SubCM Kyogre, and U-turn Yveltal and Marshadow together can keep SubSeed Calyrex-S in check. Blissey is also good for cleric support, as are Xerneas and Clefable. If Marshadow runs Poltergeist, make sure none of its teammates have Knock Off on their sets.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
Iron Head or Acrobatics gives Marshadow a lure option against Xerneas or Buzzwole. Focus Punch can be used on Adamant Choice Band Marshadow sets, as it will OHKO fast utility Yveltal switch-ins. Close Combat gives more damage on foes such as Magearna, but Low Kick is almost always better, as Ubers is filled with heavy Pokemon, and it gets boosted by Technician when it isn't full power. Swagger is usable to both confuse the opponent and let Marshadow steal the boost with Spectral Thief, and works well with paralysis support, but it is very luck-reliant. Focus Sash is extremely popular, so it should be mentioned; however, while it may seem tempting to use, Marshadow desperately needs the power from Choice Band, Life Orb, or Spell Tag. Not to mention, Focus Sash is a very unreliable item, as it is invalidated by any passive damage, especially from entry hazards.
Checks and Counters
====
**Xerneas**: Defensive Xerneas can take anything Marshadow can throw at it and OHKO back with Moonblast.
**Buzzwole**: Buzzwole resists Low Kick and is bulky enough to take even Choice Band Poltergeist without being 2HKOed, and thus it completely walls Marshadow.
**Zygarde-C**: Zygarde-C has the bulk to tank anything Marshadow uses with the exception of Ice Punch.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh resists Low Kick and will have the bulk to survive most of Marshadow's Ghost-type attacks, but Choice Band or Life Orb Marshadow will OHKO with Rock Tomb.
**Eternatus and Yveltal**: While rare, physically defensive Eternatus has the bulk and Speed to force Marshadow out. The more common specially defensive Eternatus is usually EVed to outspeed Adamant Marshadow and switch into a predicted Low Kick. Specially defensive Yveltal has the HP and Defense investment to pivot into many of Marshadow's attacks; Sucker Punch Yveltal is also very threatening. Both of these sets must be very careful of switching into the wrong STAB attack or Ice Punch, lest they be 2HKOed.
**Physically Defensive Tanks**: While they often lack recovery, Pokemon such as Groudon, Landorus-T, and Zekrom can take a neutral hit if need be and force Marshadow out.
**Regenerator Pivots**: Tangrowth and Toxapex have the physical bulk to take most of Marshadow's attacks and damage it back with Rocky Helmet.
**Status and Passive Damage**: Marshadow is frail and thus cannot take repeated damage over time well. Life Orb recoil, poison, entry hazard damage, and Rocky Helmet damage all limit Marshadow's ability to consistently pressure foes. Paralysis and burn both severely lower Marshadow's offensive presence.
**Single-use Items**: Poltergeist Marshadow has the unique problem of being checked by Pokemon using single-use items such as Air Balloon, Power Herb, and Sitrus Berry, commonly Eternatus and Xerneas. A lack of item will prevent Poltergeist from working, invalidating a powerful option from Marshadow.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Manaphy, 50695]]
- Quality checked by: [[Aberforth, 249382], [Minority, 222996]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [UT, 523866]]
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