A Striking Shadow Pokemon GO - Complete Quest Guide 2026

A Striking Shadow is a special research quest in Pokemon GO that rewards trainers with Marshadow, the Mythical Fighting/Ghost-type Pokemon. This comprehensive guide covers all 6 steps with detailed tasks and rewards.

Quick Summary: A Striking Shadow is a free special research available from April 3, 2025. Complete all 6 steps to encounter Marshadow, a unique Fighting/Ghost dual-type Mythical Pokemon!

How to Access A Striking Shadow

The A Striking Shadow special research became available for free starting Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time. All trainers can access this quest from their Today View in Pokemon GO.

No Time Limit: This special research does not expire, so you can complete it at your own pace. Take your time and enjoy the journey!

About Marshadow

Marshadow is a unique Mythical Pokemon with rare typing and powerful combat abilities:

  • Type: Fighting/Ghost (the only Pokemon with this dual typing)
  • Origin: Generation VII (Alola region)
  • Pokedex Number: #802
  • Best Moveset: Counter (Fast), Dynamic Punch (Charged)
  • Usage: Strong in both PvP and PvE battles
  • Unique Ability: Immune to Normal and Fighting attacks (Ghost-type), and immune to Psychic attacks (Fighting-type)

Step 1 of 6: Getting Started

The first step focuses on basic Pokemon GO activities to warm you up for the journey ahead.

Tasks

  • Catch 50 Pokemon
  • Spin 50 PokeStops or Gyms
  • Explore 10km

Rewards

  • 2,000 XP
  • Timburr encounter
  • Mankey encounter
  • 10 Razz Berries
  • 20 Poke Balls
  • 3 Golden Razz Berries

Pro Tip: Use Adventure Sync to track your walking distance even when the app is closed. This helps complete the exploration tasks faster!

Step 2 of 6: Bonding and Sharing

This step encourages social gameplay and buddy activities.

Tasks

  • Hatch 10 Eggs
  • Earn 3 Candies walking with your buddy
  • Send 10 Gifts to friends

Rewards

  • 2,000 XP
  • Duskull encounter
  • Frillish encounter
  • Misdreavus encounter
  • 10 Razz Berries
  • 3 Silver Pinap Berries

Important: Hatching 10 eggs can take time. Use Super Incubators during events to speed up the process, and consider buying additional incubators if you want to complete this faster.

Step 3 of 6: Evolution and Tasks

Focus on evolving Pokemon and completing field research tasks.

Tasks

  • Use 3 Incense or Daily Adventure Incense
  • Evolve 5 Pokemon
  • Complete 20 Field Research tasks

Rewards

  • 2,000 XP
  • Meditite encounter
  • Shuppet encounter
  • 10 Great Balls
  • 1,500 Stardust
  • 3 Pinap Berries

Step 4 of 6: Team GO Rocket Challenge

This step requires battling Team GO Rocket and participating in Shadow Raids.

Tasks

  • Win 5 Shadow Raids
  • Defeat 10 Team GO Rocket members
  • Use 15 Supereffective Charged Attacks

Rewards

  • 2,000 XP
  • Mienfoo encounter
  • Makuhita encounter
  • 1,500 Stardust
  • 2 Fast TMs
  • 2 Charged TMs

Pro Tip: Shadow Raids can be challenging. Team up with other trainers or use your best counters. Check Team GO Rocket balloon spawns every 6 hours to defeat Grunts efficiently!

Step 5 of 6: The Final Push

This step requires dedication and skill to complete before encountering Marshadow.

Tasks

  • Earn 25,000 XP
  • Collect 25,000 Stardust
  • Make 5 Excellent Throws

Rewards

  • 2,000 XP
  • Marshadow encounter (or 25 Marshadow Candy if already obtained)
  • 6 Rare Candies
  • 1,500 Stardust

Achievement Unlocked: After completing Step 5, you’ll finally encounter Marshadow! Make sure to use Golden Razz Berries and Ultra Balls for the best catch rate.

Step 6 of 6: Final Rewards

The final step rewards you with Marshadow Candy and exclusive stickers.

Tasks

  • Explore 10 km
  • Power up Ghost-type Pokemon 10 times
  • Power up Fighting-type Pokemon 10 times

Rewards

  • 2,000 XP
  • 25 Marshadow Candy
  • 20 Marshadow Stickers

Tips for Completing A Striking Shadow

Here are some expert tips to help you complete this special research efficiently:

  • Enable Adventure Sync: Track distance even when the app is closed
  • Stack Field Research: Save easy field research tasks to complete them quickly when needed
  • Use Lucky Eggs: Pop a Lucky Egg before claiming large XP rewards to double your experience
  • Practice Excellent Throws: Use the “set circle” technique on large Pokemon like Wailmer or Snorlax
  • Stock Up on Incubators: Having multiple incubators running helps hatch eggs faster
  • Check Rocket Spawns: Team GO Rocket balloons appear every 6 hours (12 AM, 6 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM)
  • Join Raid Communities: Use apps like PokeGenie or Campfire to find Shadow Raid groups
  • Save Stardust: Don’t spend stardust unnecessarily before Step 5

What If I Already Have Marshadow?

If you obtained Marshadow from Pokemon GO Fest 2024’s “A Shadowy Caper” special research, don’t worry! When you complete Step 5 of A Striking Shadow, you’ll receive 25 Marshadow Candy instead of the encounter. This allows you to power up your existing Marshadow.

Best Marshadow Moveset

Once you catch Marshadow, optimize it with these movesets:

PvE (Raids & Gyms)

  • Fast Move: Counter
  • Charged Move: Dynamic Punch
  • Secondary Charged Move: Shadow Ball

PvP (Battle League)

  • Fast Move: Counter
  • Charged Move 1: Ice Punch (coverage)
  • Charged Move 2: Close Combat or Shadow Ball

Note: Marshadow is a Mythical Pokemon, which means it cannot be traded with other players. Make sure to catch the best one you can!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete A Striking Shadow after April 2025?

Yes! This special research has no expiration date. You can complete it at your own pace.

Is Marshadow good in Pokemon GO?

Yes! Marshadow is excellent for both PvE and PvP content. Its unique Fighting/Ghost typing provides excellent coverage and resistances.

Can I get a shiny Marshadow?

No, shiny Marshadow is not currently available in Pokemon GO.

What’s the hardest task in this research?

Most trainers find “Win 5 Shadow Raids” and “Hatch 10 Eggs” the most time-consuming tasks. Plan accordingly!

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