Shadow Force (move)

Not to be confused with Phantom Force.

Shadow Force シャドーダイブ Shadow Dive

Battles Type  Ghost Category  Physical PP  5 (max. 8) Power  120 Accuracy  100% Priority  0 Makes contact Not affected by Protect Not affected by Magic Coat Not affected by Snatch Affected by Mirror Move Affected by King's Rock

Range Opponent Opponent Opponent Self Ally Ally Normal: May affect anyone adjacent to the user

Availability Introduced  Generation IV Not a TM, TR, HM, or Move Tutor move.

Contests Condition  Smart Appeal  0   Jam  0

Super Contests Condition  Smart Appeal  2 ♥♥ Earn +3 if the Pokémon that just went hit max Voltage.

Contest Spectaculars Condition  Cool Appeal  1 ♥ Jamming  0   Prevents the user from being startled until the turn ends.

On Smogon's Movedex: Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX

Shadow Force (Japanese: シャドーダイブ Shadow Dive) is a Ghost-type move introduced in Generation IV. It is the signature move of Giratina.

Effect

Generations IV and V

Shadow Force causes the user to "vanish instantly" on the turn it is selected, rendering it semi-invulnerable, and then reappear the next turn to cause damage.

Shadow Force hits the target even if it is protected by a protection move, and removes the effects of protection moves from the target for the remainder of the turn; if it hits an opponent that is protected by protection move that affects its whole side of the field, it removes the protection move from the opponent's entire side of the field (even if the protection move would not affect Shadow Force, such as Wide Guard). Shadow Force cannot remove the effects of protecting moves if it does not affect the target (such as if the target is Normal-type).

If the user falls asleep due to Yawn during the semi-invulnerable turn, the move will be cancelled before it hits. In addition, a foe who has just used Lock-On or Mind Reader can still strike through Shadow Force, as well as if the Ability No Guard is possessed by the foe or the user of Shadow Force.

Wild Pokémon cannot be caught during the semi-invulnerable stage of Shadow Force.

If a Power Herb is held by the user, Shadow Force can be executed in one turn.

Generation VI

If the target has used Minimize, Shadow Force now deals double its regular damage and bypasses accuracy checks to always hit, unless the target is in the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly.

If Shadow Force hits a target that is protected by protection move that affects its whole side of the field, it removes the protection move from that entire side of the field (even if the protection move does not affect Shadow Force, such as Wide Guard), regardless of whether the target is an opponent or an ally. If Shadow Force hits a Pokémon protected by a move with a negative effect (such as Spiky Shield), the user will not suffer the negative effect of the protection move.

Generation VII

Shadow Force no longer bypasses accuracy checks nor deals double its regular damage if the target has used Minimize.

Generation VIII

In Versions 1.0 to 1.2.1 of Pokémon Sword and Shield, Shadow Force could not be selected in a battle. Starting with Version 1.3.0, it is usable and functions the same as it did in the previous generation.

Shadow Force also functions in the same way in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

Shadow Force cannot bypass Max Guard nor lift its effects.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Shadow Force is now used in a single turn. It lowers the user's action speed and obscures the user.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus Category  Physical PP  5 Agile Strong Power  100  80  120 Accuracy  100%  100%  100% Action speed modifier Self  +3  +1  +5 Target  0  +3  0 Additional effect Turns  3  2  4    ?  ?    ?  ? Obscures the user Lowers the user's action speed

If used by Origin Forme Giratina, Shadow Force's animation, base power, and accuracy are changed. If the Origin Forme Giratina is Shiny, the game will crash during the move animation.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus Category  Physical PP  5 Agile Strong Power  120  100  150 Accuracy  80%  80%  90% Action speed modifier Self  +5  +2  +8 Target  0  +3  0 Additional effect Turns  3  2  4    ?  ?    ?  ? Obscures the user Lowers the user's action speed

Generation IX

Shadow Force functions the same as it did in Sword and Shield.

Description

Games Description DPPtPBR The user disappears, then strikes the foe on the second turn. It hits even if the foe used Protect. HGSS The user disappears, then strikes the foe on the second turn. It hits even if the foe protects itself. BWB2W2 The user disappears, then strikes the target on the second turn. It hits even if the target protects itself. XYORAS SMUSUMPE SwShBDSP The user disappears, then strikes the target on the next turn. This move hits even if the target protects itself. LA The user cloaks itself in darkness as it attacks. Incoming moves also become more likely to miss. SV The user disappears on the first turn, then attacks on the next turn. This move hits even if the target protects itself.

Learnset

By leveling up

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Level
						IV	V	VI	VII	VIII			IX
									SMUSUM	SwSh	BDSP	LA	SV
0487		Giratina All available forms		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	40DPPt 46HGSS	46	46	46	77	49	60	77
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

By event

Generation IV

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Obtained with
0493		Arceus		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	Cinema Arceus Michina Arceus Toys "R" Us Arceus
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

In other games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

The user gains the Shadow Force status on the first turn. On this turn, the Pokémon cannot be hit by moves and projectiles will pass the user as if their tile was empty. On the second turn, the user attacks enemy in the front. The move breaks through the enemy's Protect, Wide Guard, or Quick Guard to damage the enemy. In the Explorers and Adventure Squad series, this move's damage is doubled at the end of damage calculation.

Being a two-turn move, this move cannot be linked. Shadow Force cannot be used in a Pokémon Tower in the Adventure Squad series.

Game Base Power Max Power Base PP Max PP Base Accuracy Max Accuracy Range Target Cuts corners MDTDS 50 - 6 - 100% - Front Enemy No BSL 50 - 6 - 100% - Front Enemy No SMD 50 99 15 30 100% - 10 tiles away (piercing) Enemy Yes With some exceptions, Pokémon learnsets match those from the core series games: MD Time and Darkness = Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. MD Sky = Pokémon Platinum. MD Adventure Squad = ??. Super Mystery Dungeon = Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. MD Rescue Team DX = Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.

Pokémon Rumble Rush

Shadow Force

★★★★★
Attack power	93.70972
Charge time	1.06 seconds
Range type	Dash
Number of hits	1
Number of projectiles	1
Critical hit rate	1.5%
Additional effect	None

Pokémon Masters EX

Name	Category	Move gauge cost	MP (uses)	Base power	Max power	Accuracy	Target	Effect tag	Description	Playable sync pair(s)
Shadow Force	Physical	—	3	200	240	100%	An opponent	• Quick Move • Shadow Presence	The user takes on a shadow presence. After a set time, this presence fades and the user attacks. No other actions can be taken while in shadow presence. Opponents’ moves will not hit the user while it is in this presence. If the user is hit by a sync move or max move while in shadow presence, the presence will fade.	Sygna Suit Cynthia (Renegade) & Giratina
Sync move
Name	Category	State		Base power	Max power	Target		Effect tag	Description	Playable sync pair
Renegade Shadow Force	Physical	Default		200	240	An opponent		—	This attack's power increases when the zone is Ghost Zone.	Sygna Suit Cynthia (Renegade) & Giratina
		6★ EX		300	360
		6★ EX with EX role				All opponents

Notes:

• Shadow Force:
  • In co-op battles, the presence will also fade upon its user performing a unity attack.

Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, Shadow Force is a Charged Attack that has been available since October 20, 2022.

Shadow Force
Charged Attack
Gyms & Raids Power 140 Energy cost 100 Duration 1.9 seconds Damage window 1.7 - 1.9 seconds
Trainer Battles Power 120 Energy cost 90 Secondary effect Effect chance %
Eligible Pokémon:
Standard eligibility By Elite Charged TM By GO Snapshot As Shadow Pokémon As Purified Pokémon Formerly eligible None

Description

This article has information requiring translation. If you are able to translate Japanese and would like to help, please add the English translation to the section or sections in Japanese.

Games Description MDTDS Gives the user a Shadow Force status, which causes the Pokémon to charge power for 1 turn, then try a powerful attack on the next. An enemy's Protect status will not block the attack. You can't link this move. BSL シャドーダイブじょうたいになり ちからをため つぎのこうどうで いりょくのたかい こうげきを くりだす まもりじょうたいを うちやぶり てきポケモンに ダメージをあたえる このわざは ポケモンタワーでは くりだせない MDGtI UNUSED SMD You'll get the Shadow Force status condition, which lets you charge power to try a powerful attack on the next turn. It breaks through the enemies' Protect, Wide Guard, or Quick Guard to damage them.

In animation

Head crest glowing Disappearing Reappearing Altered Forme Giratina
The user disappears and reappears behind the opponent to strike.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Used In		Notes
	The middle of Origin Forme Giratina's head crest glows light blue and Origin Forme Giratina's body turns black and disappears as soon as an attack is about to hit it. Seconds later, it reappears behind the opponent and attacks it.
Giratina (movie)	Giratina and the Sky Warrior		Debut
	The middle of Giratina's head crest glows light blue and Giratina's body turns black and disappears as soon as an attack is about to hit it. Seconds later, it reappears behind the opponent and attacks it.
Giratina (movie)	Arceus and the Jewel of Life		None

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Diving into its shadow Attacking
The user attacks after diving into its shadow.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Giratina dives into its own shadow. When it attacks the foe, the shadow moves underneath the opponent and releases a black spear to impale them.
Giratina (Adventures)	The Final Dimensional Duel III		Debut

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!

Giratina
The user vanishes from view to attack the opponent a while later.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Giratina vanishes into thin air. When it attacks, it charges at the opponent from above while covered in shadows.
A wild Giratina	Hareta's Fierce Battle!		Debut

In other generations

Core series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Side series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Spin-off series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Trivia

• Shadow Force has the highest power of all moves with a semi-invulnerable turn.
• Shadow Force is the last Generation IV move in index number order.
• Shadow Force is the only non-Dragon-type signature move of the Pokémon of Myth, as well as the only one that is not Special.
• In his rematch in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Psychic Corbin uses a Banette that knows Shadow Force, which Banette cannot legally learn. It was likely intended to be Phantom Force, a move which Banette can know.
• During Arceus's boss battle in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, it can use Shadow Force.

In other languages

Language Title Chinese Cantonese 暗影潛襲 Amyíng Chìhmjaahp * Mandarin 暗影潛襲 / 暗影潜袭 Ànyǐng Qiánxí * 影子潛水 Yǐngzǐ Qiánshuǐ * Dutch Schaduwkracht French Revenant German Schemenkraft Greek Σκοτεινή Ισχύς Skoteinē Ischys Italian Oscurotuffo Korean 섀도다이브 Syaedodaibeu Brazilian Portuguese Força das Sombras Spanish Golpe Umbrío Vietnamese Bóng Đen Ẩn Mình

References

This article is part of Project Moves and Abilities, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games.