Cursed Shield

**Cursed Shield** is an Aegislash created by EsCa(SO4)2. Great bulk and an amazing defensive typing give it the potential to be an annoying defensive tank if it gets the right moves. Regenerator solves its issue of a lack of good immediate recovery moves, and it also allows it to scout moves on Choiced mons and thus form great cores with things like Nevermore. On top of this, it can abuse the many forced switches it causes by setting Spikes, which only better its playstyle of forcing certain mons out. Its damage output with Snarl is laughable, though, so it's very reliant on Toxic unless it is able to hardwall whatever's in front of it. Body Press would be a great move with its high Defense, but it's still not terribly strong due to lacking STAB and Fighting resits are common; hitting Dark-types with it is often subideal because Cursed Shield doesn't want to stay in on Darks to begin with. Hardwalling is seldom a problem with its many resistances and immunities, though, and it is even able to improve its walling capabilities further with Iron Defense and even King's Shield. Still, if you end up with a set without Toxic, it will often be a sitting duck, though scouting choiced moves, setting Spikes and PP stalling can still make it somewhat useful.

## Moves

-Toxic

-Spite

-King's Shield

-Rest

-Spikes

-Ally Switch

-Snarl

-Iron Defense

-Body Press

## Checks and Counters

* **Dark-types**: Dark-types are not very threatened by anything Cursed Shield can throw at them. Powerful special Dark-types like RSNINJA's Darkrai can beat Cursed Shield down without being bothered by King's Shield whereas others like Marnie-Angel can still get the job done if they don't get their Atk dropped too much. Special mention goes to EchoTorterra's Drapion and EchoTorterra's Pawniard for being immune to Toxic, and to Diddy Kong for having Taunt and ignoring Iron Defense with Darkest Lariat.
* **Fire-types**: Fire-types can quickly fry Cursed Shield up, and since most of them are specially offensive, King's Shield doesn't bother them that much. Beelzebug and Saint Ntilwell deal with it well. Once again a special mention goes to Darlingtonia for the Toxic immunity and ability to Toxic it back.
* **Ground-types**: While not very common, Ground-types can severely damage Cursed Shield with their STAB moves, although Iron Defense boosts can be annoying. Big Chungus and PAIN TRAIN get rid of it if it doesn't get any boosting chances.
* **Ghost-types**: Offensive Ghost-types like AromaSwirl's Polteageist and MENMA can deal heavy damage to Shield. They mind Shadow Ball a little more than other attackers though, except Renfur's Spiritomb, whose Flame Orb also gives it protection against Toxic.
* **Strong wallbreakers**: In particular, strong special attackers like Just Sing and Gently Weeping can 2HKO Cursed Shield with strong neutral STAB moves. Physical attackers don't perform as well, but can still break through with super effective coverage, although they can lose to King's Shield Attack drops or enough Iron Defense boosts.

## Replays

* https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/dawn-gen8azuremonsrandombattle-455868
* https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/dawn-gen8azuremonsrandombattle-455891