#0205 Shadow

Shadow Forretress

Best moveset, PvP rankings, counters & stats for Pokemon GO.

Bug Steel
Max CP 2,580 Bug Bite + Earthquake Rainy Snow
Pineco | Dunsparce
Shadow Forretress Pokemon GO sprite Shadow

Shadow Forretress is a Bug/Steel-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Johto region (#205, Generation 2). With a max CP of 2,580 and base stats of 161/205/181 (Atk/Def/Sta), Shadow Forretress has a total stat product of 547.

Shadow Forretress is weak to Fire-type moves (double weak to Fire). It resists Grass, Poison, Bug, Dragon, Fairy, Ice, Normal, Psychic, Steel-type attacks. Shadow Forretress is a 5.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
2,580
Lv.40: 2,282 Lv.50: 2,580
Attack 161
Defense 205
Stamina 181
Total 547
Buddy 5.0 km Gen 2 · Johto 2nd Move: 75,000 Dust · 75 Candy
Bug type

Type Chart

Weak to
Fire
Fire
2x +156%

Moves

Fast Moves

Bug
Bug Bite STAB
10
DPS
5.0 PWR 6 EN 0.5s DUR 12 EPS Rainy
Bug
Struggle Bug STAB
10
DPS
15.0 PWR 15 EN 1.5s DUR 10 EPS Rainy
Electric
Volt Switch
8.7
DPS
13.0 PWR 20 EN 1.5s DUR 13.3 EPS Rainy

Charged Moves

Ground
Earthquake
40
DPS
140.0 PWR 100 EN 3.5s DUR
Steel
Heavy Slam STAB
35
DPS
70.0 PWR 50 EN 2.0s DUR
Steel
Mirror Shot STAB Buff
20
DPS
50.0 PWR 33 EN 2.5s DUR
Rock
Rock Tomb Buff
21.7
DPS
65.0 PWR 50 EN 3.0s DUR
Ground
Sand Tomb Buff
15
DPS
60.0 PWR 33 EN 4.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Bug Bite (10 DPS), while Volt Switch generates energy the fastest (13.3 EPS).

Evolution

Pineco Pokemon GO
Pineco
50 Candy
Forretress Pokemon GO
Forretress

Forms & Variants

Pineco Pokemon GO
Pineco
Shadow Pineco Pokemon GO
Shadow Pineco Shadow
Forretress Pokemon GO
Forretress
Shadow Forretress Pokemon GO
Shadow Forretress Shadow

Raid Guide

Shadow Forretress as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Shadow Forretress is not currently available as a raid boss. When Shadow Forretress returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Shadow Forretress from raids would have 1304 CP at level 20, or 1630 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

How to Get Shadow Forretress

Shadow Forretress can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

A Shadow version of Shadow Forretress is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Shadow Forretress knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 5,000 Stardust and 5 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Shadow Forretress as your buddy earns 1 candy every 5.0 km.

Shadow Forretress Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Shadow Forretress in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
56 – 1,972 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
56 – 2,135 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
1,267 – 1,336 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
1,576 – 1,663 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
1,267 – 1,336 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
958 – 1,010 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
1,267 – 1,336 CP

A 100% IV Shadow Forretress from raids or eggs will show 1,304 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Shadow Forretress is a Bug/Steel-type Pokemon with a stat total of 547. With its bulk spread of 205 Defense and 181 Stamina, Shadow Forretress has solid survivability in battles.

Be careful of Shadow Forretress's double weakness to Fire-type moves, which deal 156% increased damage. Opponents with these move types can take down Shadow Forretress very quickly.

Shadow Forretress's moves get a damage boost in Rainy and Snow weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 75,000 Stardust and 75 Candy. With 5 charged moves available, a second move gives Shadow Forretress much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Shadow Forretress?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Collector's Pick
Shadow Forretress is a Bug/Steel-type Pokemon with base stats of 161/205/181 (Atk/Def/Sta) and a max CP of 2,580. While it doesn't currently rank among the top raid attackers or PvP contenders, every Pokemon has its place in a trainer's collection. Shadow Forretress may shine during specific events, in limited-format cups, or when new moves are added in future updates. For now, hold onto a good IV specimen but save your Stardust and Candy for more impactful investments unless you're a dedicated fan of this Pokemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Shadow Forretress in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Forretress has multiple viable movesets depending on the battle format. The ideal moveset varies based on whether you are using Shadow Forretress for raids, gym battles, or PvP — check the moves section above for a full breakdown of each move's DPS, energy cost, and coverage.
What are Shadow Forretress's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Forretress is weak to Fire-type moves. It has a double weakness to Fire, taking 156% more damage from these types. When battling Shadow Forretress, prioritize using Fire-type attackers to exploit this double weakness for maximum effectiveness. On the other hand, Shadow Forretress resists Grass, Poison, Bug, Dragon, Fairy, Ice, Normal, Psychic, Steel-type attacks, so avoid using those types against it. To counter Shadow Forretress effectively in raids and gyms, build a team using its weakest type matchups and pick attackers that have STAB moves of those types.
What is Shadow Forretress's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Forretress's maximum CP is 2,580 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 2,282 at level 40. Reaching level 50 requires XL Candy, which is only available to trainers level 31 and above — earning XL Candy involves catching, hatching, transferring, and walking Pokemon. Shadow Forretress's CP is calculated from its base stats: 161 Attack, 205 Defense, and 181 Stamina. Powering up from level 40 to 50 requires a significant investment of XL Candy and Stardust, so plan your resources carefully. A 100% IV Shadow Forretress caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 1,304 CP, or 1,630 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Shadow Forretress?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Shadow Forretress has the following CP at key levels: 978 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 1,304 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 1,630 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 2,580 CP at level 50 fully powered up. If you catch a perfect IV Shadow Forretress, it is worth investing Stardust and Candy to power it up, especially if Shadow Forretress ranks well in raids or PvP. A 100% IV (also called a "hundo") is the rarest IV combination, so tag and favorite it to make sure you don't accidentally transfer it.
How to get Shadow Forretress in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Forretress can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events.
Can Shadow Forretress be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Shiny Shadow Forretress's availability depends on whether Niantic has released its shiny form. Not all Pokemon have their shiny forms available yet. Check the current events page and Community Day announcements for any updates on shiny Shadow Forretress availability and boosted shiny rates during special events.

Max CP per Level

L1 32 CP
L5 307 CP
L10 652 CP
L15 978 CP
L20 1,304 CP
L25 1,630 CP
L30 1,956 CP
L35 2,119 CP
L40 2,282 CP
L50 2,580 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #205
Generation Gen 2
Region Johto
Height 1.19 m
Weight 125.80 kg
Buddy Distance 5.0 km
Tradable No
2nd Charged Move 75,000 Dust / 75 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 5,000 Dust / 5 Candy