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Decoding Purification: Do Purified Pokémon Have Higher IVs in Pokémon GO?

Yes, purified Pokémon do have higher Individual Values (IVs) than their shadow counterparts. When you purify a shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO, each of its IV stats (Attack, Defense, and HP) receives a +2 boost. This is a significant mechanic impacting a Pokémon’s potential strength and overall performance in battles. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this purification process and explore its implications.

Understanding IVs and Their Importance

Individual Values (IVs) are hidden stats that contribute to a Pokémon’s overall stat total. They range from 0 to 15 for each of the three primary stats, with 15 being the maximum value. These IVs, along with a Pokémon’s base stats and Trainer Level, determine its Combat Power (CP), which serves as a general indicator of its battle prowess.

High IVs are desirable because they signify a Pokémon with greater potential. A Pokémon with perfect IVs (15/15/15), often referred to as a “hundo,” will generally outperform a Pokémon of the same species with lower IVs, assuming both are at the same level and have the same moves. IVs represent a Pokemon’s genes and determine their potential for greatness.

The Shadow Pokémon Catch: A Risk-Reward Scenario

Shadow Pokémon are encountered after defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts and Leaders. These Pokémon possess a unique 20% attack boost, making them formidable attackers in raids and gym battles. However, this advantage comes at the cost of a 20% reduction in defense. Further, they require more stardust and candy to power up.

Shadow Pokémon often have lower IVs compared to their non-shadow counterparts. However, their inherent damage output makes them highly sought-after, even with less-than-ideal IVs. Deciding whether to purify a shadow Pokémon requires careful consideration of its current IVs, its potential role in battle, and your personal preferences.

The Purification Process: A Transformation Unveiled

Purifying a shadow Pokémon is a simple process that requires stardust and candy, the amount varying based on the Pokémon’s species. Once purified, the Pokémon undergoes several key changes:

IV Boost: Each IV stat (Attack, Defense, HP) increases by +2.
Move Change: The shadow Pokémon’s Charged Attack, Frustration, is replaced with Return, a Normal-type move.
Level Boost: The Pokémon’s level increases, up to a maximum of level 25.
Appraisal Upgrade: The Pokémon’s appraisal improves, potentially increasing its star rating.
Reduced Costs: The stardust and candy costs for powering up, evolving, and learning a new Charged Attack are reduced.

This IV boost is the primary reason why some players choose to purify their shadow Pokémon. A shadow Pokémon with already decent IVs can be transformed into a powerful, near-perfect, or even perfect (100% IV) specimen through purification.

Strategic Purification: Maximizing Your Potential

Knowing that purification adds +2 to each IV stat allows you to make informed decisions. Here are some scenarios to consider:

13/13/13 Shadow Pokémon: If you catch a shadow Pokémon with 13 Attack, 13 Defense, and 13 HP, purifying it will guarantee a 100% IV Pokémon.
High IV Shadow Pokémon: If you already have a shadow Pokémon with high IVs (e.g., 10/12/14), purifying it can significantly improve its overall stats, making it a strong contender in battles.
Low IV Shadow Pokémon: Purifying a shadow Pokémon with very low IVs might not be worth it, especially if the Pokémon is valuable for its shadow attack bonus. In this case, keeping it as a shadow is the right move.

The Trade-Off: Shadow Bonus vs. Purification Boost

The most crucial consideration is the trade-off between the shadow bonus (20% attack boost) and the purification boost (+2 to each IV stat).

Shadow Pokémon excel in raids and gym battles due to their superior damage output. Even with lower IVs, their attack advantage often outweighs the stat deficiencies.
Purified Pokémon are more versatile. The increased IVs make them more well-rounded, improving their performance in both attack and defense. They are also easier and cheaper to power up.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your play style, the Pokémon’s species, and your overall goals. For players focused on maximizing damage output in raids, keeping a strong shadow Pokémon is usually the better choice. For players seeking well-rounded Pokémon for PvP and general use, purification can be a worthwhile investment.

Making Informed Decisions: Resources and Tools

Numerous online resources and tools can assist you in evaluating your shadow Pokémon and making informed decisions about purification. Websites, like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, offer insight into statistics of the game, as well as strategies that players use. Consider using IV calculators to determine your Pokémon’s exact IVs. Additionally, online communities and forums are great places to discuss strategies and seek advice from experienced players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it always better to purify a shadow Pokémon with low IVs?

Not necessarily. Even a low IV shadow Pokémon can be valuable due to its 20% attack bonus. If you primarily use Pokémon for raids, the attack bonus might be more beneficial than the IV boost from purification.

2. Can a purified Pokémon be lucky?

Yes, purified Pokémon can be lucky through trading. You’re highly likely to get a lucky Pokémon with each IV being at least 13, meaning most Lucky Purified Pokémon will be high IV or even 100%.

3. Does purifying a maxed-out Pokémon further increase its IVs?

No. If a Pokémon already has perfect IVs (15/15/15), purifying it will not improve its IVs any further. The maximum IV value for each stat is 15.

4. What is the best IV for a Pokémon?

Generally, the best IVs are 15/15/15 (perfect IVs), as this maximizes the Pokémon’s potential in all stats. However, depending on the specific game and the Pokémon’s role, specific IV spreads might be more optimal.

5. Are shadow Pokémon always better than 100% IV Pokémon?

No, Shadow Pokémon are generally better offensively, but are glass cannons, while a 100% IV is well rounded. Shadow Pokémon with any IVs are better than even perfect IVs of their normal forms thanks to the 20% attack boost.

6. How do star ratings correlate with IVs?

1 Star: 50-65% IVs
2 Stars: 66-80% IVs
3 Stars: 81-99% IVs
3 Stars with a red background: 100% perfect IVs

7. What happens if you purify a 4 * Pokémon?

When purified, Shadow Pokémon get +2 to every IV. The max IV for each stat is still 15. Purified Pokémon are always level 25. Purified Pokémon receive a 10% discount for Stardust and Candy to power up, evolve and unlock the second charge move.

8. Is Return a good move to keep on a purified Pokémon?

Return can be useful in certain situations, especially in PvP for chipping away at Protect Shields. However, depending on the Pokémon’s type and moveset, there might be better Charged Attack options available.

9. Are two-star Pokémon worth keeping?

Some two-star Pokémon can be worth keeping, especially if they are rare, have special moves, or if you lack better alternatives. It depends on the specific Pokémon and your available resources.

10. Can you change a Pokémon’s IVs after catching it (besides purification)?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to directly increase or change a Pokémon’s IVs once it’s been caught, with the exception of purification for shadow Pokémon. Trading can slightly alter IVs.

11. Is it better to purify before or after evolving a shadow Pokémon?

It’s generally recommended to purify a shadow Pokémon before evolving it, as the purification process reduces the candy costs associated with evolution.

12. What are the downsides to purifying a Pokémon?

The primary downside is the loss of the 20% attack bonus that shadow Pokémon possess. Additionally, purified Pokémon might not be as effective in specific roles where raw damage output is crucial.

13. Do Pokémon stats increase when purified?

Yes, the Pokémon’s level will increase – the cap on this increase is level 25 and the IVs will be increased by 2 in every stat – Attack, Defence, HP.

14. How much IV does it add when I purify a Pokemon?

Purifying a shadow Pokemon will add two points to each IV stat, so if you have a 13/13/13 shadow Pokemon, after purifying it, you’ll be left with a 100% IV Pokemon.

15. Is a 0 star Shadow Pokemon good?

Shadow Pokemon that are Purified will sometimes have their Appraisal increased. It will also lose the Shadow Bonus effect. So, if a Shadow Pokemon is 0-stars but has decent Attacks and CP, it’s better to leave it unpurified for future battles.

Conclusion: Purify or Not to Purify?

The decision to purify a shadow Pokémon is a complex one that depends on various factors, including its current IVs, your play style, and your long-term goals. By understanding the mechanics of purification and carefully considering the trade-offs, you can make informed decisions that maximize your Pokémon’s potential and enhance your overall Pokémon GO experience. Be sure to check out websites such as the Games Learning Society for more information.

Do purified Pokemon have higher IV?