Pokémon Go A Striking Shadow Marshadow Special Research Tasks Rewards Guide

Step into the shadows and seize your chance to catch the elusive mythical Pokémon Marshadow in Pokémon GO’s latest special research, “A Striking Shadow.” Released for free during the Stunning Styles event, this quest offers trainers worldwide a thrilling journey filled with unique tasks, exciting rewards, and the rare opportunity to add the ghostly fighter to their collection-no ticket required. Ready your Poké Balls and prepare for a challenge that’s as mysterious as Marshadow itself.

The research is available as part of April 2025’s “Stunning Styles” event, which also saw the debut of Paldean Tauros. Once you have logged into Pokémon Go during the event period and have the research available, it will not expire – meaning you can complete it at your own pace.

Know that if you have already claimed the “A Shadowy Caper” research from Go Fest 2024, you’ll receive extra Marshadow candy instead of a second encounter. This is a mythical Pokémon, after all!

’A Striking Shadow’ special research steps

The “A Striking Shadow” special research in Pokémon Go offers players a free opportunity to encounter the mythical Pokémon Marshadow, which was previously exclusive to Pokémon Go Fest 2024 ticket holders. Released on April 3, 2025, this research has no expiration date, allowing trainers to complete it at their own pace. The research consists of six steps featuring tasks such as catching Pokémon, spinning PokéStops, hatching eggs, battling Team GO Rocket, and powering up specific Pokémon types. Each step rewards players with XP, items, and encounters with various Pokémon, culminating in a guaranteed Marshadow encounter or Marshadow Candy for those who already own it. This special research is part of the Stunning Styles event and provides a comprehensive and accessible way for all players to add Marshadow to their collection.

Once you’ve started the “A Striking Shadow” special research, there is no time limit to completing the research. Thanks to Leek Duck for helping flesh out the following steps.

’A Striking Shadow’ step 1 of 6

Catch 50 Pokémon (10 Razz Berries)
Spin 50 PokéStops or Gyms (Mankey encounter)
Explore 10km (20 Poké Balls)

Rewards: 2,000 XP, Timburr encounter, 3 Golden Razz Berries

’A Striking Shadow’ step 2 of 6

Hatch 10 Eggs (Duskull encounter)
Earn 3 Candies walking with your buddy (10 Razz Berries)
Send 10 Gifts to friends (Misdreavus encounter)

Rewards: 2,000 XP, Frillish encounter, 3 Silver Pinap Berries

’A Striking Shadow’ step 3 of 6

Use 3 Incense of Daily Adventure Incense (10 Great Balls)
Evolve 5 Pokémon (Shuppet encounter)
Complete 20 Field Research tasks (3 Pinap Berries)

Rewards: 2,000 XP, Meditite encounter, 1,500 Stardust

’A Striking Shadow’ step 4 of 6

Step 4 of 6 in the “A Striking Shadow” special research in Pokémon Go challenges players to win 5 Shadow Raids, defeat 10 Team GO Rocket members, and use 15 super effective charged attacks. Completing these tasks rewards players with 2,000 XP, 1,500 Stardust, and an encounter with Makuhita. Additionally, players receive 2 Fast TMs and 2 Charged TMs to help customize their Pokémon’s moveset. This step is crucial for progressing toward the ultimate reward of encountering the mythical Pokémon Marshadow.

Win 5 Shadow Raids (Mienfoo encounter)
Defeat 10 Team Go Rocket members (2 Fast TMs)
Use 15 Supereffective Charged Attacks (2 Charged TMs)

Rewards: 2,000 XP, Makuhita encounter, 1,500 Stardust

’A Striking Shadow’ step 5 of 6

Step 5 of 6 in the Pokémon Go special research “A Striking Shadow” challenges trainers to earn 25,000 XP, collect 25,000 Stardust, and make 5 Excellent Throws. Completing these tasks rewards players with 2 Rare Candies each for the three tasks, a total of 2,000 XP, 1,500 Stardust, and most importantly, an encounter with the Mythical Pokémon Marshadow. For those who have already caught Marshadow in previous research, this step grants 25 Marshadow Candy instead. This step is a crucial moment in the quest, offering a rare chance to add Marshadow to your collection or stock up on valuable candy for powering it up.

Earn 25,000 XP (2 Rare Candy)
Earn 25,000 Stardust (2 Rare Candy)
Make 5 Excellent Throws (2 Rare Candy)

Rewards: 2,000 XP, Marshadow encounter, 1,500 Stardust

Upon completing this step, an exception here is for those who have claimed the “A Shadowy Caper” research from Go Fest 2024, you’ll receive 25 Marshadow Candy instead of an encounter.

’A Striking Shadow’ step 6 of 6

Step 6 of 6 in the “A Striking Shadow” special research in Pokémon Go tasks players with exploring 10 km, powering up Ghost-type Pokémon 10 times, and powering up Fighting-type Pokémon 10 times. Completing these tasks rewards players with 2,000 XP, 20 Marshadow stickers, and 15 Marshadow Candy. This final step helps trainers strengthen their Pokémon while collecting valuable Marshadow-themed rewards, concluding the quest that grants a free encounter with the mythical Marshadow or Marshadow Candy if already owned.

Explore 10km (5 Marshadow Candy)
Power up ghost-type Pokémon 10 times (5 Marshadow Candy)
Power up fighting-type Pokémon 10 times (5 Marshadow Candy)

How can I maximize my chances of catching Marshadow in this special research

To maximize your chances of catching Marshadow in the “A Striking Shadow” special research in Pokémon GO, follow these key strategies:

Complete all Special Research tasks carefully: The research leads to a guaranteed Marshadow encounter, so progressing through the tasks without missing any is essential.
Master your throws: Use Excellent Curveball throws to increase catch probability. Nice, Great, and Excellent throws progressively boost your catch rate, with Curveballs adding an extra bonus.
Use Golden Razz Berries and Ultra Balls: These items significantly improve catch chances, especially for a Mythical Pokémon like Marshadow, which can be difficult to catch.
Prepare your team for battles: If the research involves raid battles or encounters, bring Pokémon with moves strong against Marshadow’s Ghost/Fighting type, such as Psychic, Fairy, or Flying types, to reduce its HP and make capture easier.
Stay active during the event: Some tasks may require spinning PokéStops in specific habitats or making trades and gifts, so keep up with all objectives promptly to avoid missing the opportunity.
Join community groups: Collaborating with other trainers can help complete raid and battle tasks faster, increasing your overall efficiency.

By combining careful task completion, strategic use of items, and precise throws, you’ll maximize your chances of successfully catching Marshadow during the special research event.

What specific tasks in the Special Research increase my Marshadow catch chances

The specific tasks in the “A Striking Shadow” Special Research that lead to a guaranteed Marshadow encounter and help increase your chances of catching it include the following key steps:

Step 1: Catch 50 Pokémon, spin 50 PokéStops or Gyms, and explore 10 km. Rewards include Mankey encounter and Golden Razz Berries to aid catching.
Step 2: Hatch 10 Eggs, earn 3 candies walking with your buddy, and send 10 gifts to friends. This step rewards encounters with Duskull and Misdreavus, plus Pinap Berries to increase candy gain.
Step 3: Use 3 daily Adventure Incenses, evolve 5 Pokémon, and complete 20 Field Research tasks. Rewards include Shuppet encounter and Great Balls to improve catch chances.
Step 4: Win 5 Shadow Raids, defeat 10 Team GO Rocket members, and use 15 super effective charged attacks. This step offers Charged TMs and rewards with Meditite encounter.
Step 5: Earn 25,000 XP and achieve 5 Excellent Throws. Completing this step grants the guaranteed Marshadow encounter along with Stardust and Rare Candies. Excellent Throws specifically boost catch rate during the Marshadow encounter.
Step 6: Explore 10 km, power up 10 Ghost-type Pokémon, and power up 10 Fighting-type Pokémon. Rewards include Marshadow Candy and stickers to help power up Marshadow after capture.

Focusing on completing these tasks thoroughly and using the provided berries and balls will maximize your chance of catching Marshadow when you reach the encounter stage. Notably, achieving the 5 Excellent Throws task in Step 5 directly improves your catch odds for Marshadow.