Are Purified Pokémon Stronger? Unveiling the Truth in Pokémon GO

The question of whether Purified Pokémon are stronger than their Shadow counterparts is a complex one, deeply intertwined with gameplay strategy in Pokémon GO. The short answer is: it depends on what you mean by “stronger.”

Purified Pokémon are NOT inherently stronger in terms of raw attack power compared to Shadow Pokémon. Shadow Pokémon receive a significant 20% boost to their Attack stat, making them deal considerably more damage in raids and gym battles. However, Purified Pokémon offer unique advantages that can make them more desirable in certain situations, primarily due to easier access, better defensive stats, and specific move sets.

Purifying a Pokémon significantly lowers the cost of powering it up, evolving it, or teaching it a new Charged Attack. Furthermore, the IV boost of +2 to each stat upon purification can elevate a Pokémon closer to perfect IVs. This can be incredibly valuable for achieving a 100% IV Pokémon (a “hundo”), especially if the original Shadow Pokémon had already decent IVs. Purified Pokémon are also raised to level 25, saving resources if you are below this level.

Ultimately, the “strength” of a Purified Pokémon versus a Shadow Pokémon hinges on the individual Pokémon, its IVs, your available resources, and your goals within the game. A Shadow Pokémon with high attack stats and a powerful moveset will almost always outperform its Purified counterpart in offensive situations. However, a Purified Pokémon with near-perfect IVs that is cheaper to power up and easier to evolve might be more beneficial in the long run, especially for PvP battles or if you are looking for a well-rounded team.

Understanding the Benefits of Purification

Purifying a Shadow Pokémon comes with several immediate benefits:

• IV Boost: Each Individual Value (Attack, Defense, HP) receives a +2 increase.
• Level Boost: The Pokémon’s level is automatically raised to level 25.
• Stardust and Candy Discount: Powering up, evolving, and learning new moves becomes 10% cheaper.
• Move Change: The Shadow-exclusive move Frustration is replaced with the Purified-exclusive move Return.
• Improved Appraisal: The Pokémon’s appraisal will increase, potentially leading to a higher star rating.

When to Purify: Strategic Considerations

Deciding whether to purify a Shadow Pokémon requires careful consideration. Here are some scenarios where purification might be a good idea:

• Completing Research Tasks: Some research tasks or Special Research require purifying a specific number of Shadow Pokémon.
• Improving IVs: If a Shadow Pokémon has already decent IVs (e.g., 13/13/13), purifying it will guarantee a perfect 100% IV Pokémon.
• Reducing Resource Costs: If you lack Stardust and Candy, purifying a Pokémon makes it significantly cheaper to power up and evolve.
• PvP Utility: The move Return can be useful in PvP battles for its fast charging time and shield-baiting capabilities.
• Purifier Medal Progress: Purifying Pokémon contributes to your Purifier Medal, and certain Pokémon are very cheap to purify for medal progression (Rattata, Zubat, etc).

The Allure of Shadow Pokémon: Offensive Powerhouse

Shadow Pokémon are coveted for their incredible offensive capabilities. The 20% Attack boost comes at the cost of a 20% decrease in Defense, turning them into glass cannons. This trade-off is generally worthwhile in raids and gym battles, where dealing damage quickly is paramount.

Consider these factors before purifying a potentially powerful Shadow Pokémon:

• Raid Performance: Shadow Pokémon are often the top attackers in raids due to their superior damage output.
• Damage Per Second (DPS): In most cases, a Shadow Pokémon will have a higher DPS than its purified or normal counterpart.
• Limited-Time Shadows: Some Shadow Pokémon are only available during specific events. Purifying them means losing access to a potentially powerful and rare Shadow Pokémon.

FAQs: Deep Dive into Purification Mechanics

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of purifying Pokémon in Pokémon GO:

H2 FAQs: Purified Pokémon Questions

H3 Question 1: Does purifying a Pokémon change its type?

No, purifying a Pokémon does not change its type. The Pokémon retains its original type(s) after purification.

H3 Question 2: Can you purify a purified Pokémon again?

No, once a Shadow Pokémon has been purified, it cannot be turned back into a Shadow Pokémon or purified again. The process is irreversible.

H3 Question 3: What happens to a Shadow Pokémon’s moves when it’s purified?

When a Shadow Pokémon is purified, the move Frustration is replaced with the move Return.

H3 Question 4: Can a purified Pokémon be shiny?

Yes, a purified Pokémon can be shiny if the original Shadow Pokémon was shiny.

H3 Question 5: Is it better to evolve a Pokémon before or after purifying it?

Purifying before evolving is generally recommended. The purification process reduces the Stardust and Candy costs for evolving, so purifying first will save you resources.

H3 Question 6: Does purifying a Pokémon increase its size?

No, purifying a Pokémon does not affect its size.

H3 Question 7: What is the maximum level a purified Pokémon can reach?

A purified Pokémon can reach the same maximum level as any other Pokémon in Pokémon GO, which depends on your trainer level.

H3 Question 8: Can a purified Pokémon be traded?

Yes, purified Pokémon can be traded. However, remember that trading comes with Stardust costs and IV rerolls.

H3 Question 9: Does purifying a Pokémon affect its weight?

No, purifying a Pokémon does not change its weight. Weight is randomly determined for each encounter.

H3 Question 10: How does purification affect a Pokémon’s appraisal?

Purification improves a Pokémon’s appraisal. The +2 IV boost to each stat increases the chances of achieving a higher star rating.

H3 Question 11: Are purified Pokémon good for PvP?

Purified Pokémon can be viable in PvP, particularly if they have high IVs and the move Return. The lower resource costs also make them easier to build for PvP.

H3 Question 12: What are the best Pokémon to purify for the Purifier Medal?

Pokémon that cost only 1,000 Stardust to purify are the best for quickly progressing the Purifier Medal. Examples include Rattata, Zubat, Magikarp, Purrloin, and Patrat.

H3 Question 13: Can purified Pokémon mega evolve?

Yes, purified Pokémon can mega evolve if they are eligible species. The purification process does not prevent mega evolution.

H3 Question 14: If I already evolved a shadow Pokemon, can I purify it?

Yes! You can evolve a shadow Pokemon, and then purify it. The order of the evolution and purification process doesn’t matter.

H3 Question 15: What’s the difference between a Shadow, Purified, and Normal Pokémon?

• Shadow Pokémon: Deal 20% more damage but take 20% more damage. Have the exclusive move Frustration.
• Purified Pokémon: Receive an IV boost and have reduced costs for powering up/evolving. Have the exclusive move Return.
• Normal Pokémon: No attack or defense bonuses.

Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons

The decision to purify a Shadow Pokémon is a strategic one. While Shadow Pokémon reign supreme in terms of raw offensive power, Purified Pokémon offer other benefits, such as improved IVs, reduced resource costs, and unique move sets.

Consider your goals, available resources, and the specific Pokémon in question before making a decision. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Experiment, analyze, and find what works best for your team.

And finally, learning about the underlying mechanics of games can be a fascinating endeavor. For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org for in-depth research and resources. Good luck, Trainers!