Do Shadow Pokémon Need More Candy? A Deep Dive into Pokémon GO’s Shadowy Mechanics

Yes, Shadow Pokémon do indeed require more Candy and Stardust to Power Up and unlock a second Charged Attack compared to their regular counterparts. This additional cost is one of the trade-offs for their increased damage output in battles. Understanding this and other nuances of Shadow Pokémon can significantly improve your Pokémon GO gameplay.

Understanding Shadow Pokémon Mechanics

Shadow Pokémon are corrupted versions of regular Pokémon, obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket members and rescuing the Pokémon they’ve captured. These Pokémon possess unique characteristics that differentiate them from regular and even purified Pokémon. While they offer a significant advantage in attack power, they also come with certain drawbacks.

The Core Differences

• Increased Attack Power: Shadow Pokémon deal significantly more damage with their Fast and Charged Attacks. The damage boost is approximately 20%. This makes them powerful assets in raids and gym battles.

• Reduced Defense: This increased damage comes at a cost. Shadow Pokémon take more damage when attacked, making them glass cannons.

• Increased Candy and Stardust Costs: As mentioned, Powering Up and unlocking a second Charged Attack requires considerably more Candy and Stardust for Shadow Pokémon.

• Frustration: By default, Shadow Pokémon know the Charged Attack Frustration, which is generally a weak move. You’ll need to wait for special in-game events to remove it.

Purifying Shadow Pokémon: A Necessary Evil?

Purifying a Shadow Pokémon transforms it back into a regular Pokémon, removes the Shadow Bonus effect, and changes Frustration to Return, a Charged Attack exclusive to purified Pokémon. While purifying reduces the Candy and Stardust costs, it also eliminates the 20% attack boost.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Purifying

Whether to purify a Shadow Pokémon depends on several factors, including its IVs (Individual Values), your available resources, and your intended use for the Pokémon.

• High IV Shadow Pokémon: If you have a Shadow Pokémon with high IVs (especially attack), it’s generally better to keep it as a Shadow. The attack boost outweighs the defensive drawback in many situations.

• Low IV Shadow Pokémon: Purifying a Shadow Pokémon with poor IVs can potentially improve its IVs, making it more viable for certain roles, such as Mega Evolution. However, the attack boost will be lost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shadow Pokémon

Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO:

1. Is a 0-Star Shadow Pokémon Good?

A 0-Star Shadow Pokémon can still be valuable due to its 20% attack boost. Even with low IVs, the increased damage output can make it a useful attacker in raids or against Team GO Rocket. However, investing heavily in a 0-Star Shadow Pokémon might not be the most efficient use of resources.

2. Should I Purify a 3-Star Shadow Pokémon?

This is a complex decision. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will improve its appraisal and reduce the Stardust and Candy needed for Powering Up, Evolving, or learning new attacks. However, it also removes the 20% Shadow Attack Boost. A 3-Star Shadow Pokémon is rare, so consider the Pokémon’s species and its role in battles before purifying.

3. How Much XL Candy Does it Take to Max a Shadow Pokémon?

The amount of XL Candy needed to max out a Shadow Pokémon is increased to 360 XL Candy, compared to the standard amount. Purified Pokémon, on the other hand, require only 272 XL Candy.

4. Is It Possible to Evolve a Shadow Pokémon Before Purifying It?

Yes, you can evolve a Shadow Pokémon before purifying it. The Pokémon will retain its Shadow aura and Shadow bonus after evolution.

5. Should I Keep Frustration on a Shadow Pokémon?

No, you should always try to replace Frustration with a better Charged Attack during special in-game events. Frustration is a weak move and hinders the Shadow Pokémon’s performance.

6. Should I Purify My Shiny Shadow Pokémon?

This is a matter of personal preference. Keeping it as a Shadow is great for aesthetics, but purifying it might make it more practical for battles (unless you have ample resources to max out a Shadow version). The purified form will also be more cost-effective to power up.

7. Are 4-Star Pokémon the Best?

Yes, a 4-Star Pokémon (with perfect IVs) is considered the best. These Pokémon have the highest potential stats and perform optimally in battles.

8. Are 2-Star Pokémon Worth Keeping?

Some 2-Star Pokémon can be worth keeping, especially if they are rare or have special moves. Always consider the Pokémon’s species, moveset, and your available alternatives before transferring them.

9. Can You Convert XL Candy to Regular Candy?

No, you cannot convert XL Candy to regular Candy. You can convert regular Candy to XL Candy through various methods such as catching, hatching, and transferring Pokémon.

10. Is XL Candy Exploit Banned?

Yes, Niantic has banned players who exploited glitches to obtain excessive amounts of XL Candy. Using such exploits can result in account suspensions or permanent bans.

11. Do Rare Candies Lower Stats?

Rare Candies do not directly lower stats, but Pokémon raised solely with Rare Candies might have lower stats compared to those trained through battles, as they miss out on stat experience gains.

12. Can XL Candy Evolve?

XL Candy is not used for evolving Pokémon. It is used to Power Up Pokémon beyond level 40. Regular Candy is used for evolving Pokémon.

13. How Do You Get Guaranteed XL Candy?

Raids guarantee an XL Candy. Hatching eggs also provides a chance to obtain XL Candy.

14. Should I Purify a 1-Star Shadow Pokémon?

Purifying a 1-Star Shadow Pokémon is a viable option if you want to improve its IVs and reduce the cost of Powering Up. However, be mindful of the Pokémon’s species and its potential after purification.

15. Can You Trade Shiny Pokémon?

Yes, you can trade Shiny Pokémon, but it requires a high level of friendship and can be costly in terms of Stardust. The cost is significantly higher if one of the players does not already own the Shiny Pokémon being traded.

Strategies for Using Shadow Pokémon Effectively

To maximize the benefits of Shadow Pokémon, consider the following strategies:

• Prioritize High Attack IVs: When choosing which Shadow Pokémon to invest in, prioritize those with high attack IVs. The 20% attack boost is most effective on Pokémon with already strong attack stats.

• Team GO Rocket Battles: Shadow Pokémon excel in battles against Team GO Rocket. Their high damage output allows you to defeat Team GO Rocket Grunts and Leaders quickly.

• Raid Battles: Shadow Pokémon can be powerful raid attackers, especially in raids where their typing gives them an advantage. Use them strategically against raid bosses with favorable matchups.

• Gym Battles: While Shadow Pokémon can be used in gym battles, their reduced defense makes them vulnerable. Use them carefully and consider their matchups against defending Pokémon.

• Elite TMs: Use Elite TMs to teach your Shadow Pokémon powerful Charged Attacks that complement their typing and attack stats. This will significantly improve their performance in battles.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO requires a thorough understanding of their mechanics and trade-offs. While they demand more resources like Candy and Stardust, their increased attack power can make them invaluable assets in various battles. By carefully considering the IVs, species, and intended use of your Shadow Pokémon, you can make informed decisions about whether to keep them as Shadows or purify them. Ultimately, understanding these dynamics will give you a significant edge in your Pokémon GO journey.

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Making informed decisions about your Shadow Pokemon will significantly enhance your experience in the Pokémon GO world. Take advantage of their increased attack power and use them strategically.