Astral Barrage
GhostPowerful spread Ghost attack; signature move of Calyrex-Shadow.
Technical data
- Type
- Ghost
- Category
- special
- Power
- 120
- Accuracy
- 100
- PP
- 5
- Priority
- 0
- Target
- all-foes
- Contact
- No
- Spread
- Yes
- Protect blocks
- Yes
- Wide Guard blocks
- Yes
Competitive value
Hits both foes hard and ignores Protect on the spread target, defining Shadow Rider offense.
What this move does
Astral Barrage is a Ghost-type special attack. It has 120 base power, 100% accuracy, 5 PP and targets a single adjacent target. As a spread move it can affect multiple Pokémon at once. Powerful spread Ghost attack; signature move of Calyrex-Shadow.
Hits both foes hard and ignores Protect on the spread target, defining Shadow Rider offense.
When to consider it
Consider Astral Barrage when you want to pressure both opponents simultaneously. Spread attacks are powerful in doubles, but remember that they can be blocked by Wide Guard and may hit your own partner if they target all adjacent Pokémon. Pair it with Pokémon that are immune or resistant to its type, or protect your partner with Follow Me, Rage Powder or a well-timed Protect.
How to evaluate it in team building
In team building, Astral Barrage helps compress coverage into a single moveslot because it threatens two foes at once. It works best on teams that can control the board with speed, redirection or Protect. Make sure your team does not rely too heavily on the same defensive typing, because a spread weakness can be punished by Wide Guard or an immune switch-in.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes with Astral Barrage include: Using it without a clear plan for the turns it creates. Forgetting that Protect and Detect can block it, wasting a key turn. Hitting your own partner with friendly fire in spread matchups. Spamming it predictably and letting the opponent switch into a resist. Not considering how redirectors like Follow Me and Rage Powder change targeting.
VGC interactions
Protect and Detect block this move. Wide Guard blocks the spread effect. Spread moves hit both foes but may also damage your ally. These interactions are situational, so test them in the team builder and matchup analyzer before committing to the moveslot.
Related tools and guides
Use the tools below to test Astral Barrage in a full team context and compare it with alternative options.
VGC interactions
- Protect / Detect: blocks this move.
- Wide Guard: blocks this spread move.
- Follow Me / Rage Powder: spread moves are not redirected.
- Quick Guard: no effect (non-priority).
Frequently asked questions
＋Is Astral Barrage good in VGC?
Hits both foes hard and ignores Protect on the spread target, defining Shadow Rider offense.
＋Is Astral Barrage affected by Protect?
Yes, Astral Barrage is blocked by Protect and Detect.