Can Shadow Raids Be Shiny? Unlocking the Secrets of Shadow Shinies in Pokémon GO
Yes, Pokémon from Shadow Raids can be shiny, but with a few important caveats! Not every Shadow Raid boss has the potential to be shiny, and the odds of encountering one are typically different from standard wild encounters. Certain Shadow Pokémon appearing as Shadow Raid Bosses have a chance of appearing as Shiny Pokémon, indicated in-game, usually in italics. So, trainers, dust off your Raid Passes, gather your strongest Pokémon, and get ready to hunt for those elusive Shiny Shadow Pokémon! Let’s dive deep into the world of Shadow Raids and Shiny hunting.
Understanding Shadow Raids
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of shiny hunting, let’s clarify what Shadow Raids actually are. These are special raids featuring Pokémon that have been corrupted by Team GO Rocket. These raids are unique in that they cannot be completed remotely, requiring trainers to be physically present at the Gym. This adds a layer of challenge and social interaction to the experience, encouraging players to connect with their local Pokémon GO community.
Another key aspect of Shadow Raids is that they require the use of Purified Gems. These gems can be crafted by collecting Shadow Shards dropped by defeating Team GO Rocket grunts. Purified Gems are used to subdue the enraged Shadow Raid Boss during battle, giving trainers a better chance to defeat and catch the Pokémon.
The Allure of Shiny Shadow Pokémon
The real draw of Shadow Raids, for many trainers, is the possibility of encountering a Shiny Shadow Pokémon. These are incredibly rare and highly sought-after creatures, representing the ultimate trophy for dedicated players. The combination of the Shadow aesthetic and the unique coloration of a Shiny Pokémon makes them truly stand out. The hunt for shiny Pokemon can be challenging.
Not all Shadow Raid bosses can be shiny. For example, while Shadow Regice has appeared alongside Giovanni, this creature can’t be caught in its shiny iteration at the moment. However, keep an eye on official Pokémon GO announcements, as these availabilities can change during special events.
Shiny Shadow Pokémon Encounter Rates
While the exact rates can vary depending on the specific Pokémon and event, the general consensus is that Shiny Shadow Pokémon have a boosted shiny rate compared to wild encounters. While wild Pokémon usually have a 1 in 500 chance of being Shiny, certain rare spawns, certain Shadow Pokémon, and some raid Pokémon can have rates up to 1 in 62.5.
These rates are not guaranteed and are still based on luck. Prepare for many attempts to finally encounter that elusive shiny!
Shadow Pokémon and Purification
A common question is whether to purify a Shiny Shadow Pokémon. While purification improves the Pokémon’s IVs and reduces the cost to power up and evolve it, it also removes the Shadow bonus, which grants a significant damage boost in battle.
The decision to purify a Shiny Shadow Pokémon is a personal one, dependent on your priorities as a trainer. If you are focused on maximizing battle performance, keeping it as a Shadow Pokémon is generally the better choice. If you are more interested in improving its stats or simply prefer the aesthetic of a purified Pokémon, then purification might be the way to go.
Planning Your Shadow Raid Strategy
Successfully hunting for Shiny Shadow Pokémon requires careful planning and preparation.
Team Composition
Ensure your team is composed of Pokémon that are strong against the Shadow Raid boss’s type. Look for Pokémon with high attack stats and effective charged moves to maximize your damage output.
Gathering Purified Gems
Collect Shadow Shards from Team GO Rocket grunts to craft Purified Gems. These gems are essential for subduing the enraged Shadow Raid boss and increasing your chances of victory.
Knowing Shiny Locks
Before diving into raids, research if the Shadow Pokémon you’re targeting is currently shiny-eligible. Some events may feature Shiny-locked Pokémon, meaning they cannot be encountered in their shiny form, regardless of how many raids you complete.
Patience and Persistence
Shiny hunting requires patience and persistence. Be prepared to complete multiple raids before encountering a shiny. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find one right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shiny Shadow Raids
Here are some frequently asked questions about Shiny Shadow Raids to address common concerns and provide further clarity.
1. Can all Shadow Pokémon be shiny?
No, not all Shadow Pokémon can be shiny. Typically, only Shadow Pokémon appearing as Raid Bosses have the potential to be shiny. However, this availability varies.
2. What are the odds of getting a shiny Shadow Pokémon from a raid?
The shiny rate for Shadow Raid Pokémon is boosted compared to wild encounters, often around 1 in 62.5. However, this rate is not guaranteed, and the actual odds can vary.
3. Are Shiny Shadow Pokémon guaranteed catches?
No, Shiny Legendary or Raid Bosses are never a guaranteed catch, as confirmed by Pokémon GO Customer Service. Like any other Pokémon, it is challenging to catch and can escape or break free as well.
4. Should I purify a shiny Shadow Pokémon?
The decision to purify a Shiny Shadow Pokémon depends on your preferences. Purification improves IVs and reduces power-up costs, but removes the Shadow bonus that boosts attack power.
5. What happens when you purify a shiny Shadow Pokémon?
Purifying a Shiny Shadow Pokémon improves its appraisal and reduces the amount of Stardust and Candy required for powering up, evolving, or learning new attacks. However, it also loses the Shadow bonus.
6. Can I get a shiny Shadow Pokémon from Giovanni?
No, you cannot catch shiny Shadow Pokémon from Giovanni in the current game mechanics.
7. Is it better to purify a Shadow Pokémon before powering it up?
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon before powering it up reduces the cost of Stardust and Candy required. However, this depends on whether you want to sacrifice the Shadow bonus for increased stats and reduced costs.
8. How rare is a perfect shiny Shadow Pokémon?
The odds of getting a “ShaShundo”, a Shadow Shiny Pokémon with perfect IVs, are incredibly rare, estimated at around 1 in 25,000,000.
9. Why should I not purify my Shadow Pokémon?
You should not purify your Shadow Pokémon if you want to retain the 20% damage bonus provided by the Shadow effect. This bonus significantly enhances the Pokémon’s battle performance.
10. Can I trade shiny Shadow Pokémon?
Yes, you can trade Shiny Shadow Pokémon, but keep in mind that trades may reroll IVs. Be aware of the high Stardust cost associated with trading special Pokémon like shinies and legendaries, especially with trainers who are not on your friend list.
11. Are all Shadow Pokémon shiny locked in raids?
No, not all Shadow Pokémon are shiny locked in raids. Some events may feature certain Shadow Pokémon that cannot be encountered in their shiny form, but these events are generally time-limited.
12. Is a 0-star Shadow Pokémon good?
Yes, even a 0-star Shadow Pokémon can be valuable due to the Shadow bonus. As long as it has decent Attacks and CP, it’s better to leave it unpurified for future battles.
13. How do I find Shadow Raids?
Shadow Raids can be found at Gyms not under Team GO Rocket control. Look for a dark, smoky aura around the Gym to indicate the presence of a Shadow Raid. Remember that Shadow Raids cannot be done remotely.
14. What are the best Pokémon to use in Shadow Raids?
The best Pokémon to use in Shadow Raids depend on the specific boss Pokémon. Choose Pokémon with high attack stats and effective charged moves that exploit the boss’s weaknesses.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategy and community?
You can learn more about Pokémon GO strategy and community at the Games Learning Society. We at GamesLearningSociety.org dedicate ourselves to gaming.
Shiny Shadow Pokémon hunting in Pokémon GO can be a very rewarding experience. Prepare your teams, gather your Purified Gems, and get ready to join the hunt!