Can You Get Shadow Lugia? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can get Shadow Lugia in Pokémon GO, but it’s not always available and often requires specific in-game events or research tasks. Its availability is usually tied to Team GO Rocket events or special Masterwork Research, making it a highly sought-after Pokémon for collectors and battle enthusiasts alike. The process and timing are key to adding this powerful Shadow Pokémon to your roster. Let’s dive into the details.
Understanding Shadow Lugia’s Lore and History
Before we delve into the specifics of acquiring Shadow Lugia, it’s crucial to understand its origins and what makes it so special. Shadow Lugia first appeared in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness as XD001, a Lugia corrupted by the criminal organization Cipher. In that game, it was an exceptionally powerful and unique Shadow Pokémon, immune to standard purification methods. This history adds to the mystique and desirability of Shadow Lugia in Pokémon GO.
Acquiring Shadow Lugia in Pokémon GO
Unlike regular Pokémon encounters, getting your hands on Shadow Lugia in Pokémon GO is an involved process. Here’s a breakdown of the common methods:
- Special Research: Shadow Lugia has often been made available through special research tasks. These tasks are typically multi-step quests that require completing various objectives, such as defeating Team GO Rocket grunts, purifying Shadow Pokémon, and defeating Giovanni, the leader of Team GO Rocket.
- Masterwork Research: This is an even more involved form of research, designed to be completed over a long period. Apex Shadow Lugia was available through a Masterwork Research story tied to GO Tour events, emphasizing long-term commitment and dedication from players.
- Team GO Rocket Takeover Events: Keep an eye on in-game news for Team GO Rocket Takeover events. These events often feature increased appearances of Team GO Rocket grunts and their leaders, and may include a chance to battle Giovanni for a chance to catch Shadow Lugia. The opportunity is often time-limited, making these events crucial for those seeking to acquire this Pokémon.
The Role of Giovanni
Giovanni is the key to capturing Shadow Lugia during these events. You’ll typically need to complete a special research task that culminates in a battle against Giovanni. Defeating him will then give you an opportunity to catch Shadow Lugia. To find Giovanni, you need a Super Rocket Radar, which is obtained by completing specific research tasks involving defeating Team GO Rocket leaders (Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra).
Apex Shadow Lugia: A Special Variant
Adding to the complexity, Pokémon GO introduced Apex Shadow Lugia. This variant has a unique aura and special moves, making it even more desirable. It was initially available through the GO Tour Masterwork Research. If battling is what you are into, you may not want to Purify Apex Shadow Lugia. If you want something unique that looks stunning in your storage and in AR photos while still being a powerhouse, Purify.
Why Shadow Lugia is So Powerful
Shadow Pokémon receive a significant attack boost but take increased damage. Shadow Lugia, already a strong Pokémon, becomes an even more formidable opponent with this boost. Its high stat product and powerful moveset make it a significant threat in raids and GO Battle League.
Is Shiny Shadow Lugia Possible?
While the possibility of encountering a Shiny Shadow Lugia is highly coveted, the chances are influenced by the specific event or encounter. Typically, the odds are in favor of encountering a Shiny Shadow Pokémon during an event in Pokémon GO. Shadow Pokémon, certain rare wild spawns, and some raid Pokémon have a higher probability of appearing as Shiny, around 1 in 62.5 chance, or 1.6%. But it’s essential to monitor announcements related to those specific parameters as you look forward to the availability of a Shiny Shadow Lugia in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the details surrounding Shadow Lugia:
1. Will Apex Shadow Lugia come back to Pokémon GO?
As it currently stands, there’s no guarantee Apex Shadow Lugia will return to Pokémon GO. However, Pokémon GO often reintroduces past event Pokémon, so it’s always possible it will be available again in the future, potentially through another special event or research task. Keep an eye on official announcements.
2. Is there such a thing as Shadow Lugia outside of Pokémon GO?
Yes, Shadow Lugia originated in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, where it was an exceptionally powerful and unpurifiable Shadow Pokémon known as XD001. This appearance solidified its status as a unique and powerful variant.
3. Is it possible to purify Shadow Lugia in Pokémon GO?
Yes, you can purify Shadow Lugia in Pokémon GO. Purifying Shadow Pokémon requires Stardust and Candies. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will improve their appraisal and reduce the amount of Stardust and Candy required for them to Power Up, Evolve, or learn a new attack. Once Purified, a Shadow Pokémon will forget Frustration and learn Return, a Charged Attack that’s exclusive to Purified Pokémon.
4. Why is Shadow Lugia so strong in Pokémon GO?
Shadow Lugia gains a significant attack boost due to being a Shadow Pokémon. This, combined with its already high stats and powerful moves, makes it a formidable opponent in raids and battles. However, this power comes at the cost of increased damage taken.
5. Is it better to purify Shadow Lugia or keep it as a Shadow Pokémon?
This depends on your priorities. Shadow Lugia deals more damage, making it better for offense. Purifying it makes it slightly less powerful offensively but reduces the damage it takes and can improve its IVs. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice based on your play style and team composition.
6. Why can’t Shadow Lugia forget Frustration?
Shadow Pokémon have the move Frustration, which is a charged attack that cannot be forgotten using a standard Charged TM unless there’s a special event going on. Team GO Rocket Takeover events often allow you to use Charged TMs to remove Frustration.
7. How rare is a Shiny Shadow Lugia?
While specific rates can vary during events, the average chance of encountering a Shiny Shadow Pokémon during an event is estimated to be around 1 in 62.5 (1.6%). This is a significantly better rate than the standard 1 in 500 chance for wild Pokémon.
8. When did Giovanni last have Shadow Lugia?
Shadow Lugia was available through Giovanni in Pokémon GO in November 2021. It’s important to note that Giovanni’s Shadow Pokémon changes periodically, so keep an eye out for future events.
9. What is the next Shadow Legendary Pokémon that will be available?
The specific next Shadow Legendary Pokémon is usually announced through Pokémon GO’s official channels. However, in October 2023, Giovanni returned to Pokémon Go bringing Shadow Regirock with him as his Legendary Pokémon. Keep an eye on in-game news and social media for announcements about upcoming events.
10. What makes Apex Shadow Lugia different from regular Shadow Lugia?
Apex Shadow Lugia has a unique aura, distinct from regular Shadow Lugia. It also has access to special moves that are not available to standard Shadow Lugia, making it a highly desirable variant for collectors and battlers.
11. What should I do if I catch a 0-star Shadow Lugia?
Even a 0-star Shadow Lugia can be valuable due to the Shadow boost. If it has decent Attack and CP, it’s often better to keep it unpurified for its offensive capabilities. Purifying will increase its IVs but remove the Shadow bonus.
12. What happens if I purify a 4-star Shadow Lugia?
Purifying a 4-star Shadow Lugia will result in a perfect (100% IV) Purified Lugia. However, it will lose its Shadow boost, so consider whether the increased IVs are worth the decrease in offensive power.
13. What is the best moveset for a Purified Lugia?
Purified Lugia learns Return as its charged attack. A recommended combination for a Purified Lugia is a Fast Attack that generates Energy quickly.
14. Is Shadow Lugia better than Mewtwo?
Both are exceptionally strong, but they serve different roles. Mewtwo’s psychic powers seem to be greater and it also seems to be faster and stronger than Lugia overall.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategies and community?
You can explore resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org or https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for insights into the intersection of gaming and education, which can enhance your strategic thinking in games like Pokémon GO. Also, dedicated Pokémon GO communities and forums are great resources to learn from other trainers’ experiences.