Shadow Tag
Pokémon Champions
Prevents foes from choosing to switch unless they also have this Ability.
- Who has it
- 6 Pokémon
- On Showdown
- 6.3% of Champions VGC teams bring it
- Showdown rating
How it works in Champions
Prevents opposing Pokémon from choosing to switch out, unless they are holding a Shed Shell, are a Ghost type, or also have this Ability.
“The Pokémon steps on the opposing Pokémon's shadows to prevent them from fleeing or switching out.”
In-game text, Scarlet & Violet
Changes over time
How Shadow Tag changed from game to game, newest first.
- Gen VII
Prevents
dropped: adjacentopposing Pokémon from choosing to switch … - Gen VI
… out, unless they are holding a
dropped: Shed Shelladded: Shed Shell, are a Ghost type, or also have this Ability. - Gen V
Prevents added: adjacent opposing Pokémon from choosing to switch …
- Gen IV
Prevents opposing Pokémon from choosing to switch
dropped: out.added: out, unless they are holding a Shed Shell or also have this Ability.
Descriptions: Pokémon Showdown’s for each generation, and PokéAPI’s notes on the changes they don’t show. Champions: Pokémon Showdown.
Who runs Shadow Tag on Showdown
Smogon · Showdown Champions VGC · Sep 2026: Smogon’s usage stats from Pokémon Showdown; the ranks are from today’s in-game ladder.
Pokémon with Shadow Tag
Showing as a hidden ability
