Decoding Frustration: When Can This Shadow Pokémon Move Finally Be Forgotten?
The burning question on every Pokémon GO trainer’s mind: When can Frustration be removed from Shadow Pokémon? The answer, in short, is only during special in-game events specifically designated by Niantic. These events, often called Rocket Takeovers, provide a limited window where you can use a Charged TM to replace Frustration with another, hopefully more useful, Charged Attack. Miss the window, and you’re stuck with Frustration until the next event rolls around.
Understanding Frustration and Shadow Pokémon
The Nature of Frustration
Frustration isn’t just a feeling; it’s a Charged Attack that Shadow Pokémon are stuck with when you catch them. It’s deliberately designed to be a weak and undesirable move, essentially hamstringing your Shadow Pokémon’s potential. Think of it as Team Rocket’s way of ensuring their Shadow Pokémon are under their control… until you, the trainer, intervene.
The Shadow Bonus: A Double-Edged Sword
Shadow Pokémon possess a significant attack boost, making them powerhouses in both Raids and Gym battles. However, this comes at the cost of reduced defense. This glass-cannon nature, coupled with the lackluster Frustration move, creates a strategic dilemma. Do you purify for potentially better stats and a different move, or do you wait for an event to remove Frustration and capitalize on that immense attack power?
Why Remove Frustration?
The simple reason is that Frustration is a terrible move. It deals minimal damage and is virtually useless in any competitive scenario. Removing it unlocks your Shadow Pokémon’s true potential, allowing them to learn powerful and effective Charged Attacks. This transforms them from liabilities into valuable assets for your team.
The Removal Process: Charged TMs and Special Events
Charged TMs: The Key to Freedom
The primary method for removing Frustration is by using a Charged TM. These items allow you to teach a Pokémon a new Charged Attack, replacing the existing one. However, this method is blocked for Shadow Pokémon afflicted with Frustration outside of specific events.
Rocket Takeover Events: Your Window of Opportunity
Niantic regularly schedules Team GO Rocket Takeover events, usually announced well in advance on the Pokémon GO official blog and social media channels. During these events, you can use a Charged TM to remove Frustration from your Shadow Pokémon. Be sure to mark your calendar and prepare your team!
Steps to Remove Frustration During an Event:
- Confirm the Event: Double-check that the Rocket Takeover event is active and that Charged TMs can indeed be used to remove Frustration.
- Select Your Shadow Pokémon: Choose the Shadow Pokémon you want to improve. Prioritize those with high attack stats or those that are potentially valuable in Raids or PvP.
- Use a Charged TM: Navigate to your item bag, select a Charged TM, and then select the Shadow Pokémon you want to modify. Confirm that you want to teach your Pokémon a new Charged Attack.
- Hope for a Good Replacement: Remember that the new Charged Attack is selected randomly from the Pokémon’s move pool. You might not get the perfect move on the first try, but anything is better than Frustration.
Alternatives to Removal: Purification?
The Purify Dilemma
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will replace Frustration with Return, a Normal-type Charged Attack. Purifying also provides stat boosts, increasing each Individual Value (IV) by 2, and reduces the Candy and Stardust costs for powering up, evolving, and learning new moves.
When to Purify: Considerations
- Low IV Shadow Pokémon: If your Shadow Pokémon has very low IVs, purifying might bring it closer to being a usable Pokémon.
- Budget Constraints: Purifying reduces the cost of powering up and evolving, which can be attractive for players with limited resources.
- Completionists: Some players simply enjoy collecting Purified Pokémon.
When Not to Purify: The Shadow Advantage
- High IV Shadow Pokémon: A Shadow Pokémon with good IVs and the Shadow bonus can be a powerhouse. Don’t waste its potential by purifying it.
- PvE Focus: In Raids and Gym battles, the Shadow bonus significantly outweighs the benefits of purification.
- Waiting for the Event: It’s generally better to wait for a Rocket Takeover event to remove Frustration and keep the Shadow bonus if you have a strong Pokémon.
The Elite TM Exception? (Spoiler: There Isn’t One!)
A common misconception is whether Elite TMs can bypass the Frustration restriction. The answer is a resounding no. Elite TMs cannot remove Frustration. These valuable items are best reserved for teaching Pokémon exclusive moves that are otherwise unavailable.
Maximizing Your Shadow Pokémon Potential
Prioritizing Candidates for Frustration Removal
Not all Shadow Pokémon are created equal. Focus on removing Frustration from those that have the highest potential impact on your team. Consider:
- Legendary Shadow Pokémon: Shadow Mewtwo, Shadow Lugia, and other Shadow Legendaries are top-tier attackers.
- Pokémon with High Attack Stats: Pokémon with naturally high attack stats benefit most from the Shadow bonus.
- Pokémon Useful in Raids: Target Pokémon that are effective against common Raid bosses.
Planning Ahead
The key to successfully managing Shadow Pokémon is planning. Keep an eye on Pokémon GO news and announcements, and be ready to act when a Rocket Takeover event is announced. Stock up on Charged TMs and have your target Pokémon ready to go.
The Games Learning Society and Strategic Gameplay
Understanding the nuances of Pokémon GO, such as the intricacies of Shadow Pokémon and move removal, highlights the game’s potential for strategic thinking and problem-solving. These skills can be valuable beyond the game, as discussed on GamesLearningSociety.org, where the intersection of games and education is explored.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I remove Frustration at any time?
No. Frustration can only be removed during special in-game events, typically Team GO Rocket Takeover events.
2. What do I use to remove Frustration?
You need to use a Charged TM during a Rocket Takeover event.
3. Does purifying remove Frustration?
Yes, purifying a Shadow Pokémon will replace Frustration with the move Return.
4. Is Return a good move?
Return can be useful in PvP for baiting out shields, but it’s generally not as powerful as other Charged Attacks.
5. Can Elite TMs remove Frustration?
No, Elite TMs cannot remove Frustration.
6. What happens if I evolve a Shadow Pokémon with Frustration?
The Shadow Pokémon will retain Frustration even after evolution.
7. Are Shadow Pokémon stronger than regular Pokémon?
Yes, Shadow Pokémon have a 20% attack boost but also a 20% defense decrease.
8. Should I purify all my Shadow Pokémon?
Not necessarily. Consider the Pokémon’s IVs, your budget, and whether you prefer the Shadow bonus or the benefits of purification.
9. How often are Rocket Takeover events?
Rocket Takeover events typically occur every few months, but the exact timing varies. Keep an eye on official Pokémon GO announcements.
10. Can I get a Shiny Shadow Pokémon?
Yes, some Shadow Pokémon can be Shiny.
11. Does Frustration affect my Pokémon’s happiness?
No, using Frustration doesn’t directly affect happiness. However, in the main series games, happiness can affect the power of certain moves. This isn’t a mechanic within Pokemon GO.
12. What is the most powerful Shadow Pokémon?
Shadow Mewtwo is widely considered the most powerful Shadow Pokémon due to its high attack stat and versatile move pool.
13. Will Shadow Legendaries ever come back?
Yes, Shadow Legendaries are often featured in new Special Research quests every few months.
14. Is it better to have a 0-star Shadow Pokémon or a 2-star Purified Pokémon?
Generally, a 0-star Shadow Pokémon with decent Attack and CP is better than a 2-star Purified Pokémon, due to the Shadow bonus.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategy?
You can visit sites like GamesLearningSociety.org to explore the intersection of games and education, offering insights into strategic gameplay and problem-solving.
Conclusion: Patience and Planning are Key
Navigating the world of Shadow Pokémon and Frustration requires patience and strategic planning. Understanding when you can remove Frustration, evaluating the potential of your Shadow Pokémon, and weighing the pros and cons of purification are all crucial for building a successful team. So, stay informed, stock up on Charged TMs, and be ready to capitalize on the next Rocket Takeover event!