Shadow Shiftry
Attack
Defense
Stamina
Best Movesets
Analysis
Shadow Shiftry has good DPS on both Dark and Grass Type sides of the spectrum, which makes it a solid budget option. Or rather it would if it wasn't so frail and if Shadow Pokemon didn't cost so much to raise.
Offense
- Razor Leaf should be paired with Leaf Blade; this is Shiftry’s preferred moveset.
- Razor Leaf is higher DPS than the exclusive Bullet Seed too.
- Snarl should be paired with Foul Play; this is a viable Dark-type moveset.
- Snarl is better than Feint Attack due to superior energy generation.
- Hurricane and Leaf Tornado offers no offensive utility.
Defense
- Razor Leaf has higher power and isn't resisted by Fighting-type attackers.
- Leaf Blade has 3 bars and an early dodge window; this is key when considering Shiftry’s frailty.
- Feint Attack and Foul Play are stronger moves if Shiftry is being attacked by a Fire or Flying-type Pokemon.
- Hurricane is a great coverage move, but Shiftry will often faint before using it.
Snarl is one of the fastest charging moves in the game at 4.33 EPT (Energy Per Turn), and that makes for a really deadly combination with Leaf Blade, one of the most powerful cheap charged moves at 70 Damage for only 35 Energy cost. Only 3 fast moves are needed to reach it! Foul Play complements the pair perfectly, with coverage on pretty much everything that resists Grass.
Shiftry sports a relatively unique Grass/Dark typing that gives it advantages over other Pokemon that share similar roles. Access to both Snarl and Leaf Blade makes Shiftry one of the fastest spammers in the game, able to use its powerful STAB charge moves very frequently. Unfortunately poor bulk is quite notable in prolonged battles, which can cause Shiftry to lose fights quickly without any typing advantages.
