Do Purified Pokémon Take Less Stardust? The Definitive Guide
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Yes, Purified Pokémon do indeed require less Stardust and Candy to Power Up, Evolve, or learn a new attack compared to their Shadow counterparts. This is one of the primary benefits of purifying a Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO, making them a more accessible and economical choice for trainers looking to build strong teams. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of purification and its impact on Stardust costs.
Understanding Purification and Its Benefits
Purification is a process in Pokémon GO that transforms a Shadow Pokémon back to its normal state. Shadow Pokémon are obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket members and rescuing the Pokémon they’ve corrupted. While Shadow Pokémon possess a significant attack boost, they come with the disadvantage of increased Stardust and Candy costs for various actions.
The decision to purify a Pokémon hinges on several factors, including the Pokémon’s individual value, the trainer’s playstyle, and resource availability. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages:
- Reduced Stardust and Candy Costs: This is the most direct benefit. Purified Pokémon are significantly cheaper to Power Up, Evolve, and teach new moves.
- Improved Appraisal: Purification increases a Pokémon’s IVs (Individual Values) by +2 in each stat (Attack, Defense, HP). This can potentially turn a 2-star Shadow Pokémon into a 3-star, or even a near-perfect Pokémon.
- Exclusive Move: Return: Purified Pokémon learn the Charged Attack Return, which is exclusive to them. However, Return isn’t always the most optimal move for every Pokémon.
- Combat Power Boost (CP): Purifying a Pokemon often provides a significant boost in Combat Power, making them more useful for battles.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential drawbacks:
- Loss of Shadow Bonus: Shadow Pokémon have a 20% attack boost compared to their normal or purified counterparts. This makes them formidable attackers in raids and battles, often outperforming even higher IV normal Pokémon.
- Stardust and Candy Cost of Purification: Purifying itself requires Stardust and Candy, which can be a considerable investment, especially for Legendary Shadow Pokémon.
- Limited Trading: Shadow Pokémon cannot be traded, while Purified Pokémon can be.
The Stardust Equation: Shadow vs. Purified
The reduced Stardust cost for Purified Pokémon is most noticeable when Powering Up. Leveling up a Shadow Pokémon is significantly more expensive than leveling up a Purified Pokémon. This can be a major impediment for players on a budget.
Example: A Shadow Pokémon might require 6,000 Stardust to Power Up to the next level, while its purified form might only need 4,500 Stardust. These savings accumulate quickly as you Power Up a Pokémon to higher levels. This can be an important factor for dedicated players of the Games Learning Society who would prefer to spend more Stardust on numerous Pokémon and less on individual ones.
The Case of Legendary Shadow Pokémon
Legendary Shadow Pokémon present a unique dilemma. They possess immense power in their Shadow form, but the cost of purifying them is substantial: 20,000 Stardust and 20 Candy. The decision to purify a Legendary Shadow Pokémon depends on its IVs, your team composition, and your personal preferences. A low-IV Shadow Legendary might benefit from purification, potentially becoming a more viable option with the IV boost and reduced Stardust costs. However, a high-IV Shadow Legendary is often best left unpurified, retaining its powerful Shadow bonus.
FAQs: Purified Pokémon and Stardust
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions about purifying your Pokémon:
1. Does purifying a Pokémon make it stronger?
Purifying a Pokémon can make it “stronger” in different ways. It improves its IVs, reduces its Power Up costs, and gives it the exclusive move Return. However, it also loses the Shadow bonus, which provides a significant attack boost.
2. Should I purify a 0-star Shadow Pokémon?
A 0-star Shadow Pokémon might benefit from purification, as the IV boost could significantly improve its overall stats. If it has good CP, keeping it as a shadow isn’t a bad thing either!
3. Will purifying a Shadow Pokémon always make it a 3-star?
No, purifying a Shadow Pokémon will not always guarantee a 3-star rating. It increases each IV stat by +2. If the original IVs are low, it may still fall short of the 3-star threshold.
4. Is it better to purify or evolve a Shadow Pokémon first?
It’s generally recommended to purify a Shadow Pokémon before evolving it. Purifying first reduces the Candy cost of evolution.
5. What happens if I purify a fully maxed-out Shadow Pokémon?
Purifying a maxed-out Shadow Pokémon will improve its appraisal (IVs) and reduce the Stardust and Candy required for future Power Ups. It will also learn Return and lose its Shadow bonus.
6. Should I keep Return on my Purified Pokémon?
The decision to keep Return depends on the Pokémon and its role in your team. Return is a decent Normal-type move, but it might not be the optimal choice for every Pokémon. Consider unlocking a second Charged Attack to have more versatility.
7. Can I trade a Shadow Pokémon?
No, Shadow Pokémon cannot be traded. The only way to trade a Shadow Pokémon is to purify it first.
8. Is it worth purifying a 4-star Shadow Pokémon?
Purifying a 4-star Shadow Pokémon is a controversial decision. While it would become a perfect Purified Pokémon, it would lose the valuable Shadow bonus. In most cases, it’s better to keep a 4-star Shadow Pokémon as is.
9. Are Shadow Pokémon always better than Purified Pokémon?
Not always. Shadow Pokémon have a higher attack stat, but Purified Pokémon are cheaper to Power Up and have improved IVs. The best choice depends on the specific Pokémon, its IVs, and your resource availability.
10. Does purifying a Pokémon change its type?
No, purifying a Pokémon does not change its type. It only removes the “Shadow” status.
11. What is the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie, the regional Lake Guardians, are considered among the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO, as they only spawn in specific regions and are not frequently available.
12. How rare is a 0% IV Pokémon?
A 0% IV Pokémon is extremely rare, even more so than a 4-star (perfect IV) Pokémon.
13. How do I get free Raid Passes in Pokémon GO?
This article does not focus on that subject, but a simple search online should yield the answer!
14. Which Shadow Pokémon are worth keeping unpurified?
Some of the best Shadow Pokémon to keep unpurified include Shadow Mewtwo, Shadow Mamoswine, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Tyranitar, due to their exceptional attack power.
15. Should I power up a Pokémon before evolving it?
Generally, it’s recommended to evolve a Pokémon before investing significant Stardust into Powering It Up. This allows you to see its final move set and ensure it’s worth the investment.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the decision to purify a Pokémon is a strategic one that depends on your individual goals and resources. Consider the Pokémon’s IVs, its potential role in your team, and the cost-benefit analysis of purification. While Purified Pokémon offer reduced Stardust costs and improved IVs, remember that Shadow Pokémon retain a significant attack advantage. Carefully weigh these factors to make the best choice for your Pokémon GO journey. Learning more about games through institutions like the GamesLearningSociety.org will always help to get a head start!