Decoding Purification: Unveiling the IV Boost in Pokémon GO

Purifying a Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a fascinating mechanic, one that offers a trade-off between raw power and potential perfection. The burning question, however, is always: How much IV boost does purifying give? The answer is straightforward: Purifying a Shadow Pokémon grants a +2 boost to each of its Individual Values (IVs) – Attack, Defense, and HP. This means a Pokémon with initial IVs of 10/8/12 would become 12/10/14 after purification. This boost is often critical in bringing a Pokémon closer to, or even achieving, perfect IVs (15/15/15).

Understanding the IV Boost Mechanics

The +2 boost to each IV is consistent across all Pokémon and purification events. No special circumstance or bonus can increase or decrease this boost. It’s a fixed value that remains a cornerstone of the purification mechanic. This consistent increase is vital for trainers seeking to optimize their teams, especially for PvP battles or challenging raid encounters. Keep in mind this IV boost is applied before the Pokémon’s level and CP are recalculated.

The Purify Trade-Off: Shadow Power vs. Potential Perfection

While purifying offers a potential boost to IVs, it’s crucial to understand the trade-off. Shadow Pokémon, despite their lower IVs, receive a significant damage bonus, dealing 20% more damage and taking 20% more damage. This makes them extremely potent in raids and against Team GO Rocket grunts.

Purifying removes this damage bonus. Therefore, deciding whether to purify a Shadow Pokémon depends entirely on your strategic goals. If you prioritize raw offensive power and already have high-IV versions of a particular Pokémon, keeping it as a Shadow is often the better choice. However, if you seek a well-rounded Pokémon for PvP or want to complete your Pokedex with a perfect IV specimen, purification might be the way to go. This consideration of risk versus reward is a game in itself.

The Purified Form Bonus: Reduced Stardust & Candy Costs

Beyond the IV boost, purifying a Pokémon also offers a crucial economic advantage: reduced Stardust and Candy costs for powering up and evolving. This reduction can be significant, especially for Legendary or Mythical Pokémon obtained as Shadow Pokémon. This makes purification attractive for trainers who are short on resources but want to build up a strong team.

This economic benefit is a major consideration, particularly when dealing with rarer Pokémon. The stardust saved can allow for a significant level-up or even powering up another valuable Pokémon in your roster. This optimization of resources contributes to strategic team-building.

Practical Implications and Considerations

The +2 IV boost provides a clear advantage for Pokémon with already decent IVs. If a Shadow Pokémon has IVs nearing perfection (e.g., 13/14/15), purifying it guarantees a powerful and well-rounded Pokémon with excellent stats. However, purifying a Pokémon with very low IVs might not be worth the Stardust and Candy cost if your goal is a competitive-grade Pokémon.

In addition, it’s important to note that some Special Research tasks require purifying Pokémon. This adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process, forcing players to balance their long-term goals with immediate research requirements. The Games Learning Society explores such complex decision-making processes in games, analyzing how they impact player behavior and skill development (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of purification and IV boosts:

1. Does the purification IV boost guarantee a 3-star Pokémon?
   Not necessarily. A 3-star rating requires a total IV value of at least 80% of the maximum possible (45). Purifying a Pokémon with already reasonable IVs can push it into the 3-star range.

2. Can purification make a 0-star Pokémon a viable contender?
   While it will improve its stats, purifying a 0-star Pokémon (0/0/0 IVs) will only increase its IVs to 2/2/2. This is unlikely to make it a strong contender in battles.

3. Does purifying affect a Pokémon’s moveset?
   No, purifying does not change a Pokémon’s moveset. You’ll still need to use TMs if you want to change the attacks.

4. Is it always better to purify a Shadow Pokémon with low IVs?
   Not always. A Shadow Pokémon with low IVs but a rare or powerful moveset might still be valuable for specific raid strategies. Consider its unique abilities and your own needs.

5. Does purifying a Legendary Shadow Pokémon work the same way?
   Yes, the +2 IV boost applies to Legendary Shadow Pokémon just like any other Pokémon.

6. What happens if a Pokémon’s IVs are already at 15 before purification?
   The IVs will remain at 15. The boost does not exceed the maximum value for each stat.

7. Does purification affect a Pokémon’s appraisal?
   Yes, the appraisal will reflect the improved IVs after purification. The appraisal is based on the current IV values.

8. Is there a specific level I should reach before purifying a Pokémon?
   No, the purification boost is independent of the Pokémon’s level.

9. Can I purify a Pokémon multiple times?
   No, a Pokémon can only be purified once.

10. Does purifying a Pokémon change its type?
    No, purification does not change a Pokémon’s type.

11. Does purifying a Pokémon affect its weight or height?
    No, those stats remain unchanged. Purification only affects IVs, Stardust/Candy costs, and removes the Shadow bonus.

12. How does the purification cost vary?
    Purification cost varies depending on the Pokémon’s rarity and evolution stage. More powerful and rarer Pokémon generally require more Stardust and Candy to purify.

13. Are there specific events that affect the purification process?
    While the +2 IV boost is consistent, events sometimes offer reduced Stardust or Candy costs for purification.

14. Does purifying a Pokémon influence its evolution requirements?
    No, purification does not affect the evolution requirements.

15. If I transfer a Shadow Pokémon, can I get it back?
    No, once a Shadow Pokémon is transferred, it’s gone for good. Be absolutely certain before transferring any Shadow Pokémon, especially those with decent stats or rare movesets.

Understanding the mechanics of purifying a Shadow Pokémon, including the specific IV boost, allows trainers to make informed decisions. Weighing the pros and cons – raw power versus potential perfection, the cost of purification versus the cost of powering up – is a key element of strategic gameplay in Pokémon GO. Good luck, and happy hunting!