How Much Stronger are Purified Pokémon?
Purified Pokémon are, in many ways, stronger than their Shadow counterparts, albeit in a different way than you might initially expect. They don’t simply gain raw power, but rather a suite of benefits that contribute to their overall effectiveness and utility. The immediate strength boost comes from a +2 IV increase in Attack, Defense, and HP. This can dramatically improve a Pokémon’s appraisal, potentially turning a low-star Shadow into a higher-star Purified one. Crucially, they also gain access to the move Return, a Normal-type charged attack. The long-term benefit lies in the reduced Stardust and Candy cost to power up, evolve, and learn new moves. While Purified Pokémon lose the Shadow bonus (20% damage boost), they become significantly more accessible and easier to max out, making them strong contenders for trainers on a budget or those seeking perfect IVs.
Understanding the Purified Pokémon Transformation
The transformation of a Shadow Pokémon into a Purified Pokémon is a multifaceted process that impacts its stats, moveset, and overall cost of ownership. It’s not just about making a Pokémon “good,” it’s about changing its role and potential within your team.
The IV Boost: From Zero to Hero (or Closer to It)
The most immediate and guaranteed impact is the increase of 2 IV points in each stat. This means if a Shadow Pokémon has, for example, an IV spread of 11/12/10, upon purification it will become 13/14/12. This increase can be crucial for reaching those coveted 3-star or even 4-star appraisals. If you catch a Shadow Pokémon with at least 13 Attack, Defense, and Stamina, purification will turn it into a 100% IV Pokémon.
Return: A Purified Pokémon Exclusive
Every Purified Pokémon learns Return, a Normal-type charged move. The usefulness of Return depends on the specific Pokémon and your intended use case. While not always the best move for PvE content (raids and gym battles), Return can be valuable in PvP because it does more damage than it does in Gym and Team GO Rocket battles. Some players might keep Return to take down Protect Shields.
The Cost Benefit: Stardust and Candy Savings
This is arguably the most impactful long-term benefit. Purified Pokémon enjoy a 10% discount on Stardust and Candy costs associated with powering up, evolving, and unlocking a second charged move. This makes them significantly cheaper to develop compared to both Shadow Pokémon and regular Pokémon. For trainers looking to build a strong team without breaking the bank, purification can be a very appealing option. The cost reduction stacks with that of being Lucky, making a Lucky Purified Pokémon far cheaper to upgrade.
The Shadow Trade-Off: Power vs. Accessibility
It’s important to understand the trade-off involved. While Purified Pokémon gain the aforementioned benefits, they lose the 20% damage bonus that Shadow Pokémon possess. This makes Shadow Pokémon significantly more potent attackers in PvE scenarios, particularly in raids. The 2 IV increase is often dwarfed by the Shadow damage boost. The decision to purify often boils down to prioritizing accessibility, IV perfection, or PvP utility over raw PvE damage output.
Appraisal and Star Ratings
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will increase its appraisal rating. It can potentially bring a 2-star Shadow Pokémon to a 3-star if it’s purified. So, if a Shadow Pokemon is 0-stars but has decent Attacks and CP, it’s better to leave it unpurified for future battles. Purified Pokémon also get IV boosts when powered up.
Making the Purification Decision
Deciding whether to purify a Shadow Pokémon is a complex decision that depends on several factors:
- The Pokémon’s Species: Some Pokémon benefit more from the Shadow bonus than others. Pokémon with already high attack stats make excellent Shadow attackers, while those with a more balanced stat distribution might benefit more from the increased bulk of a purified form.
- Your Resources: Do you have ample Stardust and Candy to invest in a Shadow Pokémon? If not, a Purified Pokémon might be a more realistic option.
- Your Goals: Are you prioritizing PvE damage, PvP viability, or the pursuit of perfect IVs? Your answer will heavily influence your decision.
- The Existing IVs: Does the Shadow Pokémon already have good IVs? If so, the Shadow bonus is likely more valuable. If the IVs are poor, purification offers a chance at redemption.
- Shiny Status: Do you have a shiny Shadow Pokémon? The decision to purify a shiny is purely based on personal preference, but it’s a rare and valuable Pokémon either way.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach is to carefully consider the pros and cons of each option based on your individual circumstances and goals.
FAQs About Purified Pokémon
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Purified Pokémon:
1. Should I purify a 4-star Shadow Pokémon?
Absolutely not! A 4-star Shadow Pokémon is an incredibly rare and powerful asset. The Shadow bonus provides a significant damage boost, and a 4-star Shadow represents the pinnacle of Shadow Pokémon potential. Purifying it would be a waste.
2. Should I purify a 1-star Shadow Pokémon?
This depends on the species and your resources. If the Pokémon is a valuable attacker and you have the resources, the Shadow bonus might still be worth more than the IV boost. However, if you’re short on resources or the Pokémon isn’t particularly useful as an attacker, purification can be a worthwhile option to improve its IVs and reduce its upgrade costs.
3. Should I purify a perfect (100% IV) Pokémon?
There is no way that a perfect (100% IV) Pokémon will be improved by purification. Purifying it will not improve its IVs beyond the already perfect 15/15/15 combination.
4. Should I evolve a purified Pokémon before or after purifying it?
Make sure you Purify a Pokémon BEFORE you evolve it so you can use less candies. If you already evolved a Shadow Pokemon, you can still purify it.
5. Should I keep Return on my Purified Pokémon?
Those that are partaking in PvP may get a better use out of Return, as it does more damage there than it does in Gym and Team GO Rocket battles. Another reason players may want to keep Return is for chipping away at Protect Shields.
6. Can Purified Pokémon be Lucky?
Yes, Purified Pokémon can be Lucky through trading. Lucky Shadow Pokémon will have an IV floor of 12/12/12, and once purified, that IV floor becomes 14/14/14. You’re highly likely to get a lucky Pokémon with each IV being at least 13, meaning most Lucky Purified Pokémon will be 100% or close to it.
7. Should I power up my Pokémon before evolving it?
The thing is, it is better to evolve and then power the Pokemon up if it should have strong moves. If not, you could waste stardust and candies on the Eevees.
8. What is the best Shadow Pokémon to purify?
If trainers are hoping to level up their Purifier Medal, which increases as purifications occur, then Rattata is a prime choice. This is because creatures like Shadow Rattata, Patrat, Zubat, Magikarp, Starly, Purrloin, and more have a very low cost of 1,000 Stardust to purify.
9. How many IVs does purifying give?
When purified, Shadow Pokémon get +2 to every IV. The max IV for each stat is still 15. Purified Pokémon are always level 25. Purified Pokémon receive a 10% discount for Stardust and Candy to power up, evolve and unlock the second charge move.
10. Is purified better than Lucky?
Neither is definitively “better.” They offer different benefits. Lucky Pokémon have reduced Stardust costs for powering up, while Purified Pokémon gain IV boosts and reduced costs for powering up and evolving. The cost reduction stacks with that of being Purified, making a Lucky Purified Pokémon far cheaper to upgrade.
11. Can I Mega Evolve a Purified Pokémon?
Yes, you can mega evolve purified Pokémon, but they won’t have a swirly white aura when mega evolved. You cannot use a mega evolved Pokémon to defend a gym. Mega Pokémon can’t be used in the GO Battle League.
12. Is a Shadow Pokémon stronger than a Mega Pokémon?
Shadow Pokemon are among the strongest Pokemon in Pokemon GO (aside from Mega Pokemon) and are quite valuable for battles, especially Raids.
13. Is Shadow Latias better than Purified Latias?
Shadows are much better attackers and she would only gain +2 to each stat from purification. Definitely much better to keep her as she is (assuming you didn’t already purify).
14. Do you get XP for purifying Shadow Pokémon?
Shadow Pokemon don’t start gaining experience until two segments of the bar are empty. After that they gain experience like normal, but it isn’t applied until the purification is finished. All experience a Shadow Pokemon earns before two segments of the bar are empty is wasted.
15. Should you evolve a 3-star Pokémon?
If a Pokemon GO trainer receives a Pokemon that appraises with three red bars and a red three-star stamp, they’ll want to keep the Pokemon. This particular appraisal means the Pokemon has perfect IVs, and its stat growth will be maximized as it powers up and evolves.
Final Thoughts: The Strategic Use of Purification
Purified Pokémon offer a unique pathway to building a strong and versatile team. They may not always be the top damage dealers, but their reduced costs and potential for high IVs make them valuable assets for trainers of all levels. By carefully considering the trade-offs and weighing your personal goals, you can make informed decisions about which Shadow Pokémon to purify and unlock their full potential.
Remember to always prioritize fun and experimentation in Pokémon GO! Whether you’re chasing perfect IVs, building a raid-shredding team, or simply enjoying the thrill of the catch, the game offers endless opportunities for discovery and enjoyment.
And, for more insights into the world of games and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization fosters research and understanding of the positive impact of games on education and development.