Shadow Ball

Ghost

Single-target Ghost attack that may lower Special Defense.

Technical data

Type
Ghost
Category
special
Power
80
Accuracy
100
PP
15
Priority
0
Target
adjacent
Contact
No
Spread
No
Protect blocks
Yes
Wide Guard blocks
No

Competitive value

Consistent special STAB and coverage for many attackers.

What this move does

Shadow Ball is a Ghost-type special attack. It has 80 base power, 100% accuracy, 15 PP and targets a single adjacent target. Single-target Ghost attack that may lower Special Defense.

Consistent special STAB and coverage for many attackers.

When to consider it

Consider Shadow Ball when its type and power cover targets your team otherwise struggles with. Single-target attacks are reliable and do not risk your own partner, but they can be redirected by Follow Me or Rage Powder. Evaluate the move alongside your team's speed tiers and overall coverage.

How to evaluate it in team building

In team building, Shadow Ball is usually a coverage or primary STAB option. It shines when your team already has speed control or when it patches a matchup hole. Compare it with alternative moves of the same type and category to decide whether the extra power, accuracy or side effect justifies the slot over a more defensive option.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes with Shadow Ball include: Using it without a clear plan for the turns it creates. Forgetting that Protect and Detect can block it, wasting a key turn. 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. 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 Shadow Ball in a full team context and compare it with alternative options.

VGC interactions

  • Protect / Detect: blocks this move.
  • Wide Guard: does not block this move.
  • Follow Me / Rage Powder: spread moves are not redirected.
  • Quick Guard: no effect (non-priority).

Frequently asked questions

Is Shadow Ball good in VGC?

Consistent special STAB and coverage for many attackers.

Is Shadow Ball affected by Protect?

Yes, Shadow Ball is blocked by Protect and Detect.

Last updated: July 2026
All figures are estimated trends based on available data and do not guarantee competitive results. Matchups are situational.