Shadow Pokémon: Unleashing New Charged Attacks & Strategic Mastery
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Yes, you absolutely can teach Shadow Pokémon a new Charged Attack in Pokémon GO! This pivotal mechanic allows Trainers to customize their Shadow Pokémon’s battle strategies, turning them into formidable powerhouses. It’s a crucial element in mastering both PvE (Raids, Gyms) and PvP (Trainer Battles). This article delves deep into the mechanics of Charged Attacks for Shadow Pokémon, providing you with the knowledge needed to optimize your team and dominate the arena.
Understanding Shadow Pokémon and Charged Attacks
Shadow Pokémon are corrupted versions of regular Pokémon, obtainable primarily through defeating Team GO Rocket members and their Leaders. Their defining characteristic is their increased attack power (1.2x), making them capable of dealing significantly higher damage than their normal or purified counterparts. However, this comes with a caveat: Shadow Pokémon also take more damage.
Charged Attacks are powerful moves that require energy to be used. This energy is accumulated during battle through the use of Fast Attacks. Effectively managing energy and choosing the right Charged Attack at the right time is essential for victory. Each Pokémon has access to a move pool of Charged Attacks.
Teaching Shadow Pokémon New Charged Attacks
The process of teaching a Shadow Pokémon a new Charged Attack is similar to that of a regular Pokémon, but with some key differences.
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Accessing the Pokémon Menu: Locate the Shadow Pokémon you wish to modify in your Pokémon storage by tapping the Poké Ball icon, then selecting “Pokémon”.
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Viewing the Pokémon’s Profile: Tap on the specific Shadow Pokémon. Scroll down to find the “New Attack” button located below the existing attacks.
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Paying the Cost: Teaching a new Charged Attack requires Stardust and Candy. The cost varies depending on the species of the Pokémon and whether it already knows a second Charged Attack. Shadow Pokémon, in general, require a significant investment of both resources.
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Selecting a New Attack: Upon paying the cost, the Shadow Pokémon will learn a random Charged Attack from its available move pool. You cannot choose which attack it learns initially.
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Using Charged TMs: If you are not satisfied with the new Charged Attack, you can use a Charged TM (Technical Machine) to re-roll the attack. Charged TMs will randomly select another attack from the Pokémon’s move pool. Be mindful that the TM will randomly change the existing Charged attack; so you must be willing to gamble with using it.
Frustration and Return: Shadow and Purified Exclusive Moves
Shadow Pokémon initially possess a Charged Attack called Frustration, which is generally a weak and ineffective move. During special Team GO Rocket events, players are given the opportunity to use a Charged TM to remove Frustration from their Shadow Pokémon. This is essential for unlocking their true potential. If you miss the event and your Shadow Pokémon still has Frustration, you’ll have to wait for the next Rocket Takeover event to remove it.
Purified Pokémon, on the other hand, learn the Charged Attack Return, which is exclusive to purified Pokémon. Return is usually not optimal for PVE raids but useful in PVP battles for certain pokemon.
Strategic Considerations
- Coverage: Teaching a Shadow Pokémon a second Charged Attack provides valuable coverage against different types of opponents. For instance, a Shadow Tyranitar with both Smack Down (Rock) and Crunch (Dark) can effectively counter a wider range of threats.
- Matchups: A second Charged Attack can provide a means to combat otherwise unfavorable matchups.
- Energy Management: Choose Charged Attacks with different energy costs to provide flexibility in battle.
- Resource Management: Carefully consider the Stardust and Candy costs before investing in a new Charged Attack. Focus on Shadow Pokémon with high potential and relevant movesets.
FAQs: Mastering Shadow Pokémon and Charged Attacks
1. Is it worth teaching a Shadow Pokémon a second Charged Attack?
Generally, yes. The increased attack power of Shadow Pokémon makes them powerful attackers, and a second Charged Attack allows for greater flexibility and coverage in battles. Prioritize Pokémon that are already strong in their respective roles.
2. Can I choose which Charged Attack my Shadow Pokémon learns?
Initially, no. The new Charged Attack is selected randomly. You must use Charged TMs to re-roll until you get the desired move.
3. How often can I use a Charged TM?
You can use as many Charged TMs as you have available, but each use is still random.
4. Is it better to teach a Shadow Pokémon a new Charged Attack before or after evolving it?
It doesn’t matter in terms of cost or outcome. The resulting Pokémon will be the same regardless of the order. However, it may be more efficient to evolve first to see if the final evolution has the desired stats before investing further resources.
5. Can Shadow Pokémon learn legacy moves through TMs?
No, legacy moves are usually only obtainable through specific events or by evolving Pokémon during a Community Day. TMs will only give access to the current move pool.
6. What is the best way to remove Frustration from my Shadow Pokémon?
You need to wait for a Team GO Rocket Takeover event where you can use a Charged TM to replace Frustration.
7. Should I purify a Shadow Pokémon with good IVs?
This is a complex decision. Shadow Pokémon have a damage bonus that makes them better attackers, but Purifying gives them better IVs and cheaper power-ups. If you want a strong attacker, keep it Shadow. If you want a “hundo” (100% IV Pokémon) or plan to use it for Mega Evolution (if applicable), purifying might be worth it. Also consider that some players like to collect hundos or pvp (player vs player) for the move return.
8. Does purifying a Shadow Pokémon change its moveset?
Yes, purifying a Shadow Pokémon replaces Frustration with Return.
9. What are the best Shadow Pokémon to invest in?
Powerful attackers like Shadow Mewtwo, Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Metagross, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Salamence are generally considered excellent investments.
10. How do I get more Charged TMs?
Charged TMs can be obtained through Raids, Special Research tasks, and PvP battles.
11. Are Shadow Pokémon always better than regular Pokémon?
Not always. While they deal more damage, they also take more damage, making them less durable. In some situations, a bulkier, regular Pokémon might be more effective. Also, if you need to conserve resources, a regular Pokemon would be easier to deal with.
12. Can I trade Shadow Pokémon?
Currently, no, you can’t trade Shadow Pokémon.
13. Do Shadow Pokémon require more Stardust and Candy to power up?
Yes, Shadow Pokémon require significantly more Stardust and Candy to power up than regular Pokémon.
14. Can Shadow Pokémon learn Community Day exclusive moves?
Yes, if you evolve a Shadow Pokémon during a Community Day event, it will learn the Community Day exclusive move (if applicable to that Pokémon).
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategies?
You can find valuable information and resources on websites dedicated to Pokémon GO, as well as from communities such as the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.