Shiftry
Attack
Defense
Stamina
Best Movesets
Analysis
Shiftry is one of those Pokemon that’s designed like Vileplume or Victreebel. In terms of stats, it’s actually nearly identical to Victreebel. Shiftry can attack either from the Grass or Dark end, although it’s outclassed at both, and it’s slightly better at Grass-type offense. It can succeed in some tier 3 solo raids, which is better than what most Pokemon can do.
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 + Leaf Blade and Foul Play
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.
Bullet Seed + Leaf Blade and Foul Play
Bullet Seed is a direct clone of Snarl now making this moveset pretty comparable to the above one. The difference is extremely minimal since the moves are played for energy generation, not damage. Bullet Seed can swing a few matchups in the Great League like Umbreon though Snarl is preferred and is better overall.
Razor Leaf + Leaf Blade and Foul Play
This moveset is the opposite of the previous one, relying mainly on the damage of the fast move Razor Leaf, the hardest hitting one in the game, which however generates Energy very slowly. Leaf Blade still pairs well with it as it's cheap enough to be reached consistently.
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.
