Unlocking Shadow Power: Teaching Shadow Pokémon New Moves in Pokémon GO
Yes, you absolutely can teach Shadow Pokémon new moves in Pokémon GO, with a few very important caveats. The key lies in understanding the unique mechanics surrounding Shadow Pokémon, particularly the dreaded Frustration Charged Attack and special events. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to navigating the ins and outs of teaching Shadow Pokémon new moves, optimizing their potential, and dominating in battles.
Understanding Shadow Pokémon and Moves
Shadow Pokémon are corrupted versions of regular Pokémon, obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket members and rescuing them. They are easily identifiable by their red eyes and dark aura. While Shadow Pokémon boast a 20% attack boost, they also suffer a 20% reduction in defense, making them glass cannons – powerful but vulnerable. This trade-off can be incredibly advantageous in raids and battles, provided you understand how to manage their movesets.
The Frustration Factor: The Move You Must Remove
The biggest obstacle to optimizing a Shadow Pokémon’s moves is the Charged Attack Frustration. This move is automatically learned by all Shadow Pokémon upon capture, and it’s generally a weak and unhelpful attack. This is where the special events come in, as this is the only way to change it!
Special Events: Your Key to TM-ing Frustration
Normally, you cannot use a Charged TM to change Frustration. However, during specific Team GO Rocket Takeover events, Niantic allows players to use Charged TMs to replace Frustration with another Charged Attack that the Pokémon could normally learn. These events are announced on the official Pokémon GO blog and in-game news, so keep a close eye out! Missing these opportunities can significantly hinder your Shadow Pokémon’s effectiveness.
Beyond Frustration: Teaching Additional Charged Attacks
Once Frustration is out of the way (or if you acquire a Shadow Pokémon during an event where it doesn’t know Frustration), you can teach your Shadow Pokémon a second Charged Attack. This requires a significant amount of Stardust and Candy, more than it would for a regular Pokémon. However, the investment is often worth it, allowing for greater strategic flexibility in battles.
Fast TMs: Another Tool in Your Arsenal
In addition to Charged TMs, you can also use Fast TMs to change your Shadow Pokémon’s Fast Attack. This is a straightforward process and doesn’t require special events. Choosing the right Fast Attack is crucial for maximizing your Shadow Pokémon’s damage output and energy generation.
Is Purifying Always the Answer?
While purifying a Shadow Pokémon grants stat boosts and reduces the cost of powering up and evolving, it also removes the Shadow bonus. In most cases, the attack boost from remaining a Shadow Pokémon outweighs the benefits of purification, especially for offensive powerhouses. Therefore, carefully consider your goals before purifying. Purifying may be beneficial for Pokémon you intend to Mega Evolve, as Shadow Pokémon cannot Mega Evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Teaching Shadow Pokémon New Moves
1. Can I use a Charged TM on a Shadow Pokémon outside of special events?
No, you cannot use a Charged TM to change Frustration outside of designated Team GO Rocket Takeover events. You must wait for an event that specifically allows the removal of Frustration.
2. How do I know when a Team GO Rocket Takeover event is happening?
Keep an eye on the official Pokémon GO blog, in-game news, and social media channels. Niantic usually announces these events well in advance.
3. What happens if I evolve my Shadow Pokémon before removing Frustration?
The evolved form will still have the Frustration move, and you will still need to wait for a special event to remove it. It’s always best to remove Frustration before evolving.
4. Is it worth using a Charged TM on a Shadow Pokémon with low IVs?
This depends on the Pokémon and your goals. For powerful Shadow Pokémon with meta-relevant moves, even low IVs can be viable due to the Shadow attack bonus. However, for less impactful Pokémon, you may want to prioritize higher IVs. Ultimately, the best way to proceed is based on your available resources and collection goals.
5. Does purifying a Shadow Pokémon change its moves?
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon replaces Frustration with the move Return. However, Return is not always the best move for a Pokemon.
6. What are the best Charged Attacks to teach my Shadow Pokémon?
This depends entirely on the Pokémon’s type, its role in battle, and the current meta. Researching recommended movesets for specific Pokémon is crucial. Websites such as GamePress and PvPoke provide detailed analyses and rankings.
7. How much Stardust and Candy does it cost to teach a Shadow Pokémon a second Charged Attack?
The cost is significantly higher than for regular Pokémon. Expect to pay upwards of 75,000 Stardust and 75 Candy for base-level Pokémon, and even more for legendary or rare Pokémon.
8. Can I trade Shadow Pokémon to other players?
No, Shadow Pokémon cannot be traded.
9. Are Shadow Pokémon always better than their regular counterparts?
Not always. While the attack boost is significant, the reduced defense makes them more fragile. In some cases, a well-rounded regular Pokémon might be more effective in specific situations.
10. Can Shadow Pokémon learn exclusive Community Day moves?
Yes, Shadow Pokémon can learn exclusive Community Day moves if you evolve them during the designated Community Day timeframe (or a make-up event). However, you must also have removed Frustration prior to evolving.
11. What’s the difference between Frustration and Return?
Frustration is a Charged Attack exclusive to Shadow Pokémon, while Return is a Charged Attack exclusive to Purified Pokémon. Both moves are generally considered mediocre.
12. Should I purify my Shadow Legendary Pokémon?
This is a highly debated topic. Purifying a Shadow Legendary removes the Shadow boost but makes it cheaper to power up and Mega Evolve (if applicable). The decision depends on whether you prioritize raw offensive power (keeping it as a Shadow) or overall usability and long-term investment (purifying). For most players, the Shadow boost is more valuable.
13. Can I Mega Evolve a purified Shadow Pokémon?
Yes, you can Mega Evolve a purified Pokémon. Shadow Pokemon, however, cannot mega evolve.
14. Are Shiny Shadow Pokémon rarer than regular Shiny Pokémon?
Shiny Shadow Pokémon are relatively rare. The odds are much lower considering that Shadow pokemon only appear after Team Rocket battles.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon Go battle strategies?
There are many great resources available online. A good starting point for understanding the intricacies of Pokémon GO battles can be found through the GamesLearningSociety.org website. The Games Learning Society provides insights into how games enhance critical thinking and strategic planning, which can be directly applied to mastering Pokémon GO battles.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Shadow Pokémon Movesets
Teaching Shadow Pokémon new moves is a crucial part of maximizing their potential in Pokémon GO. By understanding the mechanics of Frustration, utilizing special events, and carefully considering the trade-offs of purification, you can build a team of powerful Shadow Pokémon that will dominate in raids, battles, and beyond. Keep learning, experimenting, and refining your strategies to become a true master of Shadow Pokémon.