Unlocking Potential: The IV Boost of Purification in Pokémon GO

Purifying a Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a powerful mechanic that not only changes its appearance and moveset, but also significantly impacts its underlying stats. The most direct answer to how much Individual Values (IVs) go up when purifying is this: Each IV stat (Attack, Defense, and HP) increases by +2 upon purification. This simple change can drastically alter a Pokémon’s potential and overall effectiveness in battles.

Understanding IVs and Purification

Before diving deeper, let’s recap what IVs are. In Pokémon GO, each Pokémon has hidden stats called IVs, ranging from 0 to 15 for each of the three main stats: Attack, Defense, and HP (Stamina). These IVs are added to a Pokémon’s base stats to determine its Combat Power (CP) and overall performance in battles. A Pokémon with perfect IVs (15/15/15), often referred to as a “hundo,” has the highest possible stats for its species.

Shadow Pokémon, obtained from defeating Team GO Rocket grunts and leaders, have a significant attack bonus but also take more damage. Purification reverses this, removing the attack bonus, reducing damage taken, and adding that crucial +2 boost to each IV stat.

The Impact of the IV Boost

That +2 increase might seem small, but it can make a world of difference. Here’s why:

• Reaching Perfection: If a Shadow Pokémon has IVs of 13 or higher in any stat, purifying it will bring that stat to the maximum of 15. This means a 13/13/13 Shadow Pokémon is guaranteed to become a 100% IV Pokémon upon purification.
• Improving Appraisal: The in-game appraisal system uses stars to indicate the overall quality of a Pokémon’s IVs. A purification can easily bump a Pokémon from a one-star or two-star rating to a three-star, or even a perfect four-star rating.
• CP Boost: IVs directly influence CP. The IV increase from purification can result in a noticeable increase in CP, making the Pokémon more competitive in battles.
• Reduced Costs: Purified Pokémon require less Stardust and Candy to power up, evolve, and learn new moves compared to their Shadow counterparts.

The Trade-Off: Shadow Bonus vs. IVs

While the IV boost is tempting, it’s essential to consider the trade-off. Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage but take 20% more damage in return. This damage boost can be highly advantageous in certain situations, particularly in Player vs. Environment (PvE) content like raids and Team GO Rocket battles.

Purifying a Pokémon removes this Shadow bonus, making it less powerful in raw damage output. However, Purified Pokémon become more durable and are easier to power up, making them potentially better suited for Player vs. Player (PvP) battles and general use. The decision to purify ultimately depends on the specific Pokémon, its current IVs, and your intended use for it.

Deciding Whether to Purify

Here’s a simplified guide to help you decide whether to purify a Shadow Pokémon:

• Low IV Shadows (0-star, 1-star): These are generally good candidates for purification, especially if they have decent CP. The IV boost can significantly improve their stats.
• High IV Shadows (3-star): Purifying these is more situational. Consider whether you value the Shadow bonus for raids and Rocket battles more than the guaranteed 100% IVs and reduced costs.
• Perfect IV Shadows (Hundo): Never purify a 100% IV Shadow Pokémon! The Shadow bonus is far more valuable than the IV boost, as it’s already perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can purifying increase an IV beyond 15?

No. The maximum IV value for any stat is 15. If a Shadow Pokémon has an IV of 14 in a particular stat, purifying it will only increase that stat to 15.

2. Does purifying change a Pokémon’s level?

Yes, Purified Pokemon’s level will increase – the cap on this increase is level 25.

3. Is it worth purifying a Shadow Pokémon with low IVs?

Generally, yes. The IV boost from purification can significantly improve the Pokémon’s overall stats and make it more useful.

4. What happens if a Shadow Pokémon already has perfect IVs (15/15/15)?

Purifying it will not improve its IVs beyond the already perfect 15/15/15 combination.

5. Should I purify a 3-star Shadow Pokémon?

It depends on your priorities. If you value the Shadow bonus for raids and Rocket battles, keep it as a Shadow. If you prefer a more durable Pokémon with perfect IVs and reduced costs, purify it.

6. Is a 0-star Shadow Pokémon good?

It can be, especially if it has high CP and useful attacks. The Shadow bonus can still make it a strong attacker, even with low IVs. However, purifying it can significantly improve its stats.

7. Can Shadow Pokémon be shiny?

Yes! You can encounter Shiny Shadow Pokémon, especially during special events like Shadow Raids.

8. Should I evolve a Shadow Pokémon before or after purifying it?

It doesn’t matter in terms of IVs. The IV boost from purification will be applied regardless of whether the Pokémon is evolved. However, purifying before evolving will save you Stardust and Candy.

9. What is the best IV for a Purified Pokémon?

The best IV for a Purified Pokémon is 15/15/15 (a hundo). This guarantees maximum stats. You can achieve this by purifying a Shadow Pokémon with IVs of 13/13/13 or higher.

10. What is “Return” and why is it important?

Return is a Normal-type Charged Attack that is exclusive to Purified Pokémon. While it may not be the strongest attack, it can be useful in PvP battles for chipping away at Protect Shields.

11. Are Shadow Pokémon always better than Purified Pokémon?

No. Shadow Pokémon are better in PvE due to their increased attack. Purified Pokémon are more cost-effective and can perform well in PvP.

12. What is the probability of catching a 100% IV Pokémon?

The chance of catching a 100% IV Pokémon in the wild is approximately 1 in 4096 (0.0244%). There are other ways to increase this, such as trades.

13. How do I find my 100 IV Pokémon?

Type “4*” in the search bar to see all of your 100 percent IV Pokémon.

14. Where can I learn more about the impact of games on learning and society?

You can explore the Games Learning Society and their research on the intersection of games, learning, and social impact at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society researches how games can be applied to real world issues and learning.

15. Does trading a Shadow Pokémon affect its IVs if I purify it later?

No, trading a Shadow Pokémon doesn’t affect its IVs after the trade. Purifying will still increase each IV stat by +2, regardless of any IV changes that occurred during the trade.

Conclusion

Purifying a Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a strategic decision that can significantly impact its stats and overall usefulness. While the Shadow bonus provides a powerful attack boost, the IV boost from purification can create a more durable and cost-effective Pokémon, particularly for PvP battles. By understanding the mechanics of purification and carefully considering your priorities, you can make informed decisions that will strengthen your Pokémon team and enhance your gameplay experience.