Can You Exchange Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
The short, definitive answer is no, you cannot trade Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Since July 2019, Niantic, the developers of Pokémon GO, implemented a trading rule that explicitly prohibits the exchange of Shadow-type creatures between trainers. This restriction also extends to transferring Shadow Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. This means that if you’ve captured a powerful Shadow Pokémon, you’re going to have to hold onto it yourself. This rule has sparked plenty of discussion among trainers and remains a key element of the Shadow Pokémon experience in the game. This article delves into the reasons behind this restriction and explores other aspects of Shadow Pokémon, answering common questions players often have.
Understanding Shadow Pokémon and Trade Restrictions
Why Can’t Shadow Pokémon Be Traded?
The inability to trade Shadow Pokémon is a deliberate design choice by Niantic. Shadow Pokémon are unique, having been corrupted by Team GO Rocket. They possess a powerful attack bonus but reduced defense, making them strategically different from their regular counterparts. The non-tradeable nature of Shadow Pokemon reinforces their special, rare status, and it also aligns with the game’s narrative and their origins. This is to prevent players from easily acquiring very powerful attackers.
The Impact of Trade Limitations
This trading restriction means that every Shadow Pokémon in your collection was personally captured by you, making them a unique testament to your battles against Team GO Rocket. It also encourages players to focus on strengthening the Shadow Pokémon they have rather than simply trying to trade for stronger ones. This exclusivity enhances the sense of accomplishment when obtaining and utilizing a powerful Shadow Pokémon in raids or battles.
Alternative Options: Purification and Trading
While you can’t trade Shadow Pokémon, you can purify them. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon transforms it back into a normal form, removes the Shadow bonus and its associated stat debuff, and allows it to be traded. Purified Pokémon are considered a “special trade,” limited to one per day, and possess a distinctive glowing white aura. Note though, that purifying removes the damage bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shadow Pokémon
1. Can Shadow Pokémon learn new moves?
Yes, but with a catch. Shadow Pokémon initially know the move Frustration, a charged move that isn’t very useful. During special events, such as Rocket Takeovers, you can use a Charged TM to unlearn Frustration. Once you’ve removed Frustration, the Pokémon can learn new charged moves as normal. Keep an eye on the official Pokémon GO blog to know when these events are active.
2. Is it better to keep Shadow Pokémon or purify them?
This depends on your goals. Shadow Pokémon deal significantly more damage than normal forms due to a 20% attack bonus. However, they cost 20% more Candy and Stardust to power up, evolve, or learn a new charge move. Purified Pokémon have increased IVs (+2 to each stat) and learn the move Return, also making them cheaper to train. For raw damage output in PvE like raids, keeping Shadow Pokémon unpurified is generally recommended. However, if you’re aiming for high-IV Pokémon for collection or certain PvP scenarios, purifying could be advantageous.
3. What happens if I transfer a Shadow Pokémon?
You can’t trade a Shadow Pokemon or transfer it to Pokémon HOME. If you transfer one to the Professor, it is lost permanently. Shadow Pokémon have special value, so be mindful of this limitation.
4. Can you trade a purified Pokémon?
Yes, purified Pokémon can be traded, but they are considered Special Trades, meaning you can only do one such trade per day.
5. What Pokémon cannot be traded in Pokémon GO?
Aside from Shadow Pokémon, other Pokémon that cannot be traded include Mythical Pokémon (e.g. Celebi, Darkrai), Eggs, Current Buddies, Pokémon in gyms, fainted or not at full health Pokémon, those that have already been traded or any Pokémon obtained through cheating.
6. Is a 0-star Shadow Pokémon good?
Surprisingly, yes. Even a 0-star Shadow Pokémon can be very powerful thanks to that 20% attack bonus. The attack boost will usually outweigh a regular Pokemon even with perfect IVs. If your goal is optimal damage output, especially in raids, a low IV shadow Pokemon is still better than their regular form.
7. What happens if I purify a 4-star Shadow Pokémon?
Purifying any Shadow Pokémon, including a 4-star, will increase its appraisal, give a +2 bonus to each IV and reduce the cost for powering up, evolving, and learning new attacks. You will also get a purified move Return and the Shadow bonus will be lost. The increase to the IV’s might not be necessary due to it’s already high IV’s. You’ll likely lose the most damage.
8. Should I keep all my Shadow Pokémon?
This depends on your preferences. Keeping a variety of Shadow Pokémon gives you more options for battles, and their increased damage output is valuable. However, they cost more Stardust and Candy. You can still purify them if you want a cheaper alternative with better defensive stats.
9. Are low IV Shadow Pokémon worth powering up?
Absolutely. The 20% attack bonus makes them potent attackers, often exceeding the performance of even perfect IV normal Pokémon. The IV’s only make a very slight difference, it’s more useful for the stat increase after purification. Don’t focus solely on IVs when deciding whether to invest in a Shadow Pokémon.
10. Should I remove Frustration from my Shadow Pokémon?
Yes, absolutely. Frustration is a useless move for any serious battle. Removing it using a Charged TM during a Rocket Takeover event opens up the potential to equip powerful movesets. For Shadow Legendaries like Mewtwo or Ho-Oh, removing Frustration is especially vital.
11. Can Shadow Pokémon learn two moves?
Yes. Like regular Pokemon, you can unlock a second charged move for a Shadow Pokemon, and then use an Elite Charged TM to change it to a more powerful move.
12. Which Shadow Pokémon can be shiny?
Several Shadow Legendaries can be shiny, including: Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Mewtwo, and Lugia. Shadow shinies are usually only available during special events, and the odds are still very slim.
13. Is there a reason not to purify Pokémon?
The primary reason not to purify Shadow Pokémon is the loss of their 20% damage bonus. While the IV increase is beneficial, the boost to damage from remaining a Shadow is a much larger advantage in raids and other PvE content. This applies especially to offensive Pokemon and is why some players collect shadows with very low stats.
14. Is it better to purify or evolve first?
It’s better to purify a Pokémon before evolving it. Purifying reduces the cost of Candy for evolution, so you’ll save resources in the long run.
15. What is the most powerful Shadow Pokémon?
Currently, Shadow Mewtwo is considered the most powerful Shadow Pokémon due to its high damage output, particularly with moves like Confusion and Psystrike.
Conclusion
While the restriction on trading Shadow Pokémon might be frustrating for some players, it’s a core element of the game that reinforces the unique nature of these corrupted creatures. By understanding how these Pokémon operate, their advantages and disadvantages, and their limitations, you can effectively utilize them to make strategic decisions when battling in Pokémon GO. Always remember to monitor special events for opportunities to remove Frustration from your Shadow Pokemon, and decide if you would rather take the risk and keep them unpurified for the damage boost.