Does Purifying Increase IVs in Pokémon GO? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, purifying a Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO definitively increases its IVs (Individual Values). Specifically, each of the Pokémon’s three IV stats – Attack, Defense, and HP (Stamina) – will be increased by +2 upon purification. This fundamental mechanic makes purifying a strategic decision with significant implications for a Pokémon’s battle potential and overall value. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how this works, why it matters, and when you should (or shouldn’t) purify.
Understanding IVs, Shadow Pokémon, and Purification
Before we get too far ahead, it’s crucial to understand the core concepts:
-
IVs (Individual Values): These are hidden stats that determine a Pokémon’s potential. Each Pokémon has three IVs: Attack, Defense, and HP (Stamina), ranging from 0 to 15. These values are fixed and permanent for a given Pokémon and significantly influence its Combat Power (CP) and performance in battles. A Pokémon with higher IVs will always be stronger than the same Pokémon with lower IVs at the same level.
-
Shadow Pokémon: These Pokémon are corrupted by Team GO Rocket and have a distinctive red aura. Shadow Pokémon have a significant attack bonus (20% increase) but also take more damage (20% decrease in defense). This glass-cannon nature makes them powerful attackers but also vulnerable.
-
Purification: This process involves using Stardust and Candy to cleanse a Shadow Pokémon of its corruption. This removes the Shadow bonus and replaces the move Frustration with Return. Purification also alters the Pokémon’s appearance and increases its IVs.
The Mechanics of IV Increase Upon Purification
The IV boost is arguably the most significant effect of purification. Let’s illustrate with an example:
- Suppose you catch a Shadow Beldum with IVs of 10 Attack, 12 Defense, and 11 HP.
- Upon purifying it, its IVs will become 12 Attack, 14 Defense, and 13 HP.
This simple +2 boost to each stat can have several crucial consequences:
-
Potential for a Perfect Pokémon: A Shadow Pokémon with at least 13 IV in each stat (13/13/13) will become a 100% IV (15/15/15) Pokémon when purified. This is the most direct route to obtaining a “hundo” (slang for 100% IV Pokémon).
-
Improved Battle Performance: Even if the Pokémon doesn’t become perfect, the increase in IVs directly translates to improved CP and battle statistics. A Pokémon with higher IVs can withstand more damage and deal more damage in raids, Gym battles, and PvP.
-
Guaranteed Minimum IVs: Purification essentially guarantees that a purified Pokémon will have an IV of at least 2 in each stat, even if its original Shadow IVs were lower. This provides a baseline improvement, making even low-IV Shadow Pokémon somewhat more viable after purification.
Is Purifying Always the Best Choice?
While the IV boost is attractive, it’s not always the optimal strategy. Consider these points before purifying:
-
Shadow Bonus vs. IVs: Shadow Pokémon deal significantly more damage due to their attack bonus. In many cases, a low-IV Shadow Pokémon will outperform a purified Pokémon with perfect IVs. The Shadow boost is incredibly powerful for PvE (Player vs. Environment) content like raids and Team GO Rocket battles.
-
Resource Investment: Purifying, powering up, and evolving Pokémon requires significant Stardust and Candy. Weigh the cost against the potential benefits of a purified Pokémon versus an unpurified Shadow Pokémon.
-
PvP Considerations: In PvP (Player vs. Player), the balance between attack, defense, and HP is crucial. Shadow Pokémon can be powerful in the right hands, but their fragility can also be a liability. Purified Pokémon offer more balanced stats. The move Return, a 3-bar normal type move, can be useful in PvP.
-
Mega Evolution: Purifying is beneficial if you want a strong Mega Evolution. Purifying allows a shadow pokemon to mega evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about purifying and IVs:
1. How many IVs does purifying a Pokémon add?
Purifying a Pokémon adds a +2 boost to each of its three IV stats: Attack, Defense, and HP (Stamina).
2. Can purifying a Pokémon make it 100% IV?
Yes, a Shadow Pokémon with IVs of at least 13/13/13 will become a 100% IV Pokémon upon purification.
3. Should I purify a high IV Shadow Pokémon?
This depends on your priorities. If you want a 100% IV Pokémon or prefer the balanced stats of a purified Pokémon for PvP, then yes. However, consider the raw power of Shadow Pokémon before purifying a strong attacker.
4. What happens if I purify a 0-star Shadow Pokémon?
The Pokémon’s IVs will still increase by +2 in each stat. However, it’s generally not recommended to purify a 0-star Shadow Pokémon if you need a strong attacker, as the Shadow bonus provides more value than the minimal IV increase.
5. Is a 0 IV Shadow Pokémon good?
Yes, a 0 IV Shadow Pokémon can still be very effective due to its attack bonus. A 0 IV shadow Pokemon has more damage per second than a 100% IV regular Pokemon!
6. Can you get a 100% Shadow Pokémon?
No, Shadow Pokémon are not catchable with 100% IVs. However, you can catch a Shadow Pokémon with 13/13/13 IVs and purify it to obtain a 100% IV Purified Pokémon.
7. What is the perfect IV for purified Pokémon?
The perfect IVs for a purified Pokémon are 15/15/15, indicating a 100% IV rating.
8. Should I keep Return on my purified Pokémon?
Return can be useful in PvP, especially for shield baiting or dealing significant damage with a Normal-type move. However, it may not be the best choice for every Pokémon. Consider its movepool and your team composition before deciding.
9. Does purifying affect the level of my Pokémon?
Yes, a Purified Pokemon’s CP level is boosted to level 25. This is beneficial in the event powering up a Shadow Pokemon past that level is resource-consuming for the player.
10. Does being shiny affect IVs?
No, shininess and IVs are independent factors. A shiny Shadow Pokémon can have any IV combination, just like a non-shiny Shadow Pokémon.
11. What happens if I purify a 4* Pokémon (100% IV)?
You can’t purify a 4* Pokemon, since purification is what brings a Pokemon to 100% IV.
12. Are Shadow Pokémon better than 100% IV Pokémon?
In terms of raw damage output, often the answer is yes. The Shadow bonus provides a significant advantage. However, purified 100% IV Pokémon have better overall stats and can be more reliable in certain situations.
13. How rare is a 100% Pokémon?
The chance to get a 100% IV Pokémon in the wild is about 1 in 4096, or roughly 0.0244%.
14. How rare is a Shadow Shiny?
The chance of encountering a shiny Shadow Pokémon is much higher than a regular wild shiny, with some events even increasing that chance.
15. Should I keep weak Shadow Pokémon?
Yes, keep your shadow Pokemon unpurified. Shadow Pokemon works as angry Pokemon and will deal damage more faster then Normal or Purified Pokemon.
Conclusion
Purifying Pokémon in Pokémon GO offers a guaranteed IV boost, making it a compelling option for trainers seeking stronger Pokémon. However, the decision to purify requires careful consideration. The Shadow bonus provides immense offensive power, making Shadow Pokémon valuable assets. Before purifying, weigh the benefits of the IV increase against the potential loss of the Shadow bonus and the resource investment required. A well-informed decision, considering your play style and team composition, will ultimately lead to the most rewarding experience.
Remember, the Games Learning Society emphasizes strategic thinking and understanding game mechanics. Applying these principles to Pokémon GO will enhance your gameplay and decision-making. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more insights into the world of games and learning.