Can You Get Marshadow in Pokémon Sword and Shield? A Mythical Deep Dive
Yes, you can get Marshadow in Pokémon Sword and Shield, but with a significant caveat. Officially, Marshadow was distributed via limited-time promotional events involving code distribution through participating retailers. These events have now concluded, making obtaining a legitimate Marshadow quite challenging. However, there are still a few potential avenues, albeit limited, we will discuss below.
The Elusive Mythical Pokémon
Marshadow, a Fighting/Ghost-type Mythical Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon, holds a special allure for collectors and competitive players alike. Its unique typing, powerful movepool, and intriguing design make it a highly sought-after addition to any team. The problem lies in its rarity. Mythical Pokémon, by their very nature, are not found in the wild and are typically only available through special events.
How Was Marshadow Obtainable in Sword and Shield?
Initially, the method for obtaining Marshadow in Pokémon Sword and Shield was straightforward:
- Retailer Distribution: Pokémon Trainers could visit participating retailers in their region (like Target) during the promotional period.
- Code Acquisition: Upon visiting the retailer, players would receive a unique code.
- Mystery Gift Redemption: Within the Pokémon Sword or Shield game, players could redeem the code through the Mystery Gift function.
- Marshadow Received: The game would then grant the player the Mythical Marshadow.
Unfortunately, these distribution events are over, leaving a significant gap for trainers looking to add this unique Pokemon to their teams.
Current Methods (Limited)
While official distribution events are no longer active, there remain a few possible (though less reliable) ways to potentially acquire Marshadow:
- Trading: Trading with other players is your best bet at obtaining Marshadow. Keep an eye out for Pokemon trading communities or Discord servers.
- Online Marketplaces: Some players may offer Marshadow for trade or sale on online marketplaces. Exercise extreme caution when doing so, as verifying the legitimacy of the Pokémon can be difficult.
- Pokémon HOME: Check Pokémon HOME for users looking to trade their Marshadow. It is possible that you will find an older event Marshadow available for trade.
- Future Events (Speculative): It’s always possible that The Pokémon Company will re-release Marshadow in a future event. While there’s no guarantee, it’s worth staying informed about Pokémon news and announcements.
The Shiny Lock Controversy
It’s crucial to understand that Marshadow is shiny locked. This means that, by design, it is impossible to encounter a legitimate shiny Marshadow in the Pokémon games. Any shiny Marshadow you encounter is almost guaranteed to be hacked or illegitimate. Its normal form and shiny form are practically identical, so Pokemon Trainers should beware of anyone trading a shiny Marshadow for one reason alone – it is most certainly not legitimate.
FAQs About Marshadow and Mythical Pokémon in Sword and Shield
1. Is Shiny Marshadow legal?
No, shiny Marshadow is not legal. Marshadow is shiny locked, meaning it cannot legitimately be obtained in its shiny form. Any shiny Marshadow you encounter is hacked.
2. What game can you get Marshadow in originally?
Marshadow was originally introduced in the seventh generation games, Pokémon Sun and Moon.
3. Can you still get Zarude in Pokémon Sword and Shield in 2024?
Unfortunately, no. Zarude was distributed through special events in 2020 and 2021. It is not currently possible to obtain a new Zarude through official means, although keep an eye out for future announcements.
4. How do you get all the Mythical Pokémon in Sword and Shield?
Mythical Pokémon in Pokémon Sword & Shield are typically only obtainable through limited-time special events or exclusive promotions. Keep an eye out for Mystery Gift promotions and other special events. Trading with friends is the best way to collect them all.
5. What Legendary Pokémon are in Sword and Shield without DLC?
Pokémon Sword and Shield contain four Legendary Pokémon without the DLC: Zacian (Sword only), Zamazenta (Shield only), and Eternatus (both versions).
6. Is Deoxys in Pokémon Sword?
No, Deoxys is not available in Pokémon Sword or Shield and cannot be transferred to those versions.
7. Can you get Zygarde in Pokémon Shield?
Yes, Zygarde can be caught in Pokémon Sword and Shield through Dynamax Adventures in the Crown Tundra DLC.
8. How do you get Celebi in Sword and Shield?
Celebi can be transferred to Pokémon Sword and Shield via Pokémon HOME, provided you have obtained it in a previous game (like Pokémon Crystal on the Virtual Console).
9. Will Zeraora be in Sword and Shield?
Zeraora has been featured in past Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Sword and Shield as a Shiny Pokémon. Be on the look out for future announcements!
10. Is Marshadow a Legendary?
No, Marshadow is a Mythical Pokémon, not a Legendary Pokémon. These are distinct categories within the Pokémon universe, with Mythical Pokémon being even rarer and typically only obtainable through special events.
11. How do I get a Mystery Gift?
To get a Mystery Gift in Pokémon Sword and Shield:
- Press X to open the menu.
- Select Mystery Gift.
- Select Get a Mystery Gift.
- Choose the method (e.g., Get with Code/Password).
- Follow the prompts.
12. How rare is Marshadow?
Marshadow is very rare, given its status as a Mythical Pokémon and its limited availability through past distribution events.
13. Why is Shiny Keldeo illegal?
All Keldeo released via event have not been Shiny, and the catchable Keldeo in the Isle of Armor is shinylocked (which means that it cannot be shiny no matter how many times you soft reset). Thus it’s impossible to legally get a shiny Keldeo, although it is possible to get one through hacking.
14. Why does Marshadow turn green?
When angered or attacking, Marshadow enters its Zenith Marshadow form. In this state, its fighting spirit burns, causing its headgear, wrist bumps, and collar to resemble green and yellow flames.
15. Can you catch Mew in Pokémon Sword?
While you cannot catch Mew in the wild in Pokémon Sword and Shield, you can obtain it through the Poke Ball Plus accessory, provided the code hasn’t already been redeemed.
Conclusion: The Pursuit of Mythical Pokémon
Obtaining Marshadow in Pokémon Sword and Shield presents a challenge, but it is not entirely impossible. Explore trading options, keep an eye on online marketplaces (with caution), and remain hopeful for future events. Remember to respect the game’s integrity by avoiding hacked or illegitimate Pokémon. The allure of Mythical Pokémon lies not only in their power and rarity but also in the journey and community surrounding their acquisition.
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