Is It Bad to Not Purify Pokémon? A Comprehensive Guide
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In Pokémon GO, the choice to purify a Shadow Pokémon or leave it in its corrupted state is a crucial decision that impacts its performance in battles. The simple answer to the question “Is it bad to not purify Pokémon?” is no, not purifying Pokémon is not inherently bad, and in many cases, it’s strategically advantageous. It all boils down to what you value more: immediate CP boost and resource savings, or raw attacking power. This article delves into the intricacies of this choice, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions for your Pokémon GO journey.
Shadow vs. Purified: Understanding the Core Differences
The primary reason to consider keeping a Pokémon in its Shadow form is the significant damage boost it receives. Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage compared to their purified or regular counterparts, though they also take 20% more damage. This trade-off makes them glass cannons, dealing massive damage but being more vulnerable.
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon, on the other hand, provides several benefits:
- Increased IVs: Each IV stat (Attack, Defense, HP) increases by 2 upon purification.
- Reduced Costs: Powering up, evolving, and teaching new moves becomes cheaper in terms of Stardust and Candy.
- Exclusive Move: Shadow Pokémon forget Frustration (a subpar Charged Attack) and learn Return, a purified-exclusive Charged Attack.
- Combat Power (CP) Boost: Purifying yields a significant CP increase right away.
The Strategic Value of Shadow Pokémon
The 20% damage boost for Shadow Pokémon is especially crucial in Player vs. Environment (PvE) scenarios like Raids and Gym battles. The sheer power output often outweighs the increased vulnerability, making Shadow Pokémon top-tier attackers. Think of Shadow Mewtwo, for instance: even with its higher vulnerability, its damage output dwarfs that of a purified or regular Mewtwo, making it a premier Raid attacker. The same is true for other powerful attackers like Shadow Machamp, Shadow Tyranitar, and Shadow Salamence.
However, in Player vs. Player (PvP) battles, the decision is more nuanced. The increased vulnerability can be a significant drawback, especially in longer battles where survivability is key. Shadow Pokémon can be excellent choices in the Master League, but they may struggle in the Great and Ultra Leagues, where bulk is highly valued.
When to Purify: Situational Advantages
While keeping Pokémon as Shadows is often favored for maximizing damage output, there are situations where purification is the better option:
- Completing Research Tasks: Some Special Research tasks require you to purify a certain number of Pokémon.
- Filling the Pokédex: If you need a Purified form to complete your Pokédex.
- Budget Players: If you are just starting out in the game and want to get stronger faster, the reduced stardust and candy requirements make purified Pokémon a good early choice.
- Achieving Perfect IVs: If you have a Shadow Pokémon with 13 or higher in each IV stat, purifying it will result in a hundo (a Pokémon with perfect 15/15/15 IVs). Many players value having perfect IVs for completionist reasons or for bragging rights.
- Low-Cost Purifications: Purifying common Pokémon like Rattata, Zubat, or Magikarp is inexpensive and useful for leveling up the Purifier Medal.
- Specific Pokémon: A few Pokémon, like Sableye in PvP, can be viable purified due to their movesets and overall stats, making them useful options in certain leagues.
The Role of IVs in the Decision
The IVs of a Shadow Pokémon play a significant role in deciding whether to purify it.
- High IV Shadows: If you have a Shadow Pokémon with already decent IVs, especially high Attack, it’s generally better to keep it as a Shadow due to the damage boost.
- Low IV Shadows: If you have a Shadow Pokémon with very poor IVs, purifying it to potentially get closer to perfect IVs might be appealing.
- Shadow Hundos: These Pokémon are extremely rare and keeping them in shadow form will give you the highest possible DPS.
Understanding Movesets
The moveset of your Pokémon, both Fast and Charged Attacks, is also critical. Some Pokémon are simply not viable without specific movesets, and purification removes the Shadow boost, which can further diminish their usefulness if they don’t have optimal moves.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Shadow and Purified Pokémon
1. Is a 0-Star Shadow Pokémon Good?
Yes, a 0-star Shadow Pokémon can still be valuable if it’s a species known for its strong Attack stat. The Shadow bonus outweighs the low IVs in many cases, particularly for PvE content.
2. Should I Purify or Evolve First?
If you decide to purify, purify first to take advantage of the reduced candy cost for evolution. However, it’s generally recommended to decide whether to purify based on the Pokémon’s IVs, moveset, and your intended use for it.
3. Does Purifying Increase IVs?
Yes, purifying increases each IV stat by 2. This means a Shadow Pokémon with at least 13 in Attack, Defense, and HP will become a 100% IV Pokémon upon purification.
4. Is it Worth it to Purify Pokémon Reddit?
The discussion on Reddit often revolves around personal preference. If you prioritize a hundo, purify. If you prefer a powerful Shadow, don’t. Most players recognize the 20% damage boost, so the decision depends on individual values. You might also find interesting insights regarding Pokémon and machine learning on websites like GamesLearningSociety.org.
5. Are Two-Star Pokémon Worth Keeping?
Yes, two-star Pokémon can be worth keeping, especially if they’re rare or have exclusive moves. Don’t immediately dismiss them; consider their potential in specific scenarios.
6. Are Low CP Shadow Pokémon Worth Keeping?
Initially, the CP of Shadow Pokémon is often low, but once you purify them, their CP will increase, along with their IVs. This can make them stronger than ordinary Pokémon, but remember the damage output from shadow form is often better. The decision depends on what you are looking for in the Pokémon.
7. What is the Most Powerful Shadow Pokémon?
Shadow Mewtwo is widely considered the most powerful Shadow Pokémon due to its exceptional Attack stat and diverse movepool.
8. Why are Shadow Pokémon Better?
Shadow Pokémon have a 20% boost to their Attack stats in both PvP and PvE, making them potent damage dealers, especially in Raids and Gym battles.
9. Can You Trade Shiny Pokémon?
Yes, you can trade Shiny Pokémon, but the cost is higher if one or both trainers don’t already possess the Shiny being traded.
10. What is the Best Shadow Pokémon to Purify?
For leveling up the Purifier Medal, Shadow Pokémon like Rattata, Zubat, Magikarp, or other common, low-cost purifications are ideal.
11. Should I Purify a Shadow Shiny?
This is a matter of personal preference. If you value the aesthetic of a Shadow Shiny, keep it as is. If you want it to be more useful, purify it, unless you have abundant resources to power up a Shadow Shiny, which requires more stardust and candy.
12. Can You Put Shadow Pokémon in Gyms?
Yes, you can place Shadow Pokémon in gyms, adding a unique look and a little intimidation.
13. Should I Power Up Before Evolving?
In most cases, it’s better to evolve first and then power up if the evolved form has a desirable moveset.
14. Are Purified Pokémon Weaker?
Purified Pokémon aren’t necessarily weaker; they have better Appraisal and get IV boosts. However, they lose the 20% damage bonus of Shadow Pokémon, which can make them less effective in some situations.
15. Is CP or Stars More Important?
Stars (IVs) represent the potential, and CP represents the current state. A 3-star Pokémon will have higher CP at the same level as a 0-star Pokémon of the same species. However, CP is just one indicator of strength; movesets, typing, and the Shadow bonus also matter.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the decision to purify or not purify a Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a strategic choice based on your individual goals and playstyle. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering factors such as IVs, movesets, available resources, and your intended use for the Pokémon. While Shadow Pokémon offer a significant damage advantage, Purified Pokémon provide cost-effective power-ups and the potential for perfect IVs. Understanding these nuances will empower you to build a more effective and well-rounded Pokémon GO team. Also, be sure to keep up to date with the latest research in gaming and learning, which can further enhance your gaming experience. Check out the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.