Is It Better to Keep Frustration 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.
No, it’s generally not better to keep Frustration on your Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Frustration is a terrible Charged Attack that severely limits the potential of your Shadow Pokémon. Unless you have a very specific reason (perhaps aesthetic or sentimental), you should always aim to remove Frustration during Team GO Rocket events when you are able to do so. Let’s dive into the reasons why, and explore some common questions surrounding Frustration and Shadow Pokémon.
Understanding Frustration: The Problem
Frustration is a Charged Attack exclusive to Shadow Pokémon when you first catch them. It has a low damage output and high energy cost, making it virtually useless in battles. Shadow Pokémon, however, have a significant attack boost, making them valuable assets in raids, Gym battles, and PvP (Player vs. Player) combat. But this potential is severely hampered by Frustration.
The core reason to remove Frustration boils down to optimization. You want your Shadow Pokémon to have the best possible moveset to maximize their damage output. Holding onto Frustration is like driving a sports car with the parking brake on – you’re wasting its potential.
Why Remove Frustration?
-
Suboptimal Damage Output: Frustration’s low power and high energy cost make it incredibly inefficient compared to other Charged Attacks.
-
Missed Opportunities: Keeping Frustration means you’re missing out on learning a much better, more effective Charged Attack.
-
Community Day Exclusive Moves: Crucially, evolving a Shadow Pokémon during a Community Day (or other special events) will not grant them the Community Day exclusive move if they still have Frustration. You must TM away Frustration before evolving the Pokémon.
-
Wasting Elite Charged TMs: If you forget to remove Frustration and then evolve your Shadow Pokémon, the only way to teach it a better move is by using an expensive Elite Charged TM. This is a wasteful use of a valuable resource.
When Shouldn’t You Remove Frustration?
There are very few legitimate reasons to keep Frustration:
-
You Can’t: The primary reason is simply that you can’t always remove Frustration. It can only be replaced during specific Team GO Rocket Takeover events. If no such event is active, you’re stuck with it.
-
Aesthetic Preference: Some players might prefer to keep Frustration for purely aesthetic or collection purposes, especially on rare or shiny Shadow Pokémon. This is a valid, if not strategically sound, reason.
-
Sentimental Value: If you have a strong emotional attachment to a specific Shadow Pokémon with Frustration, you might choose to keep it as is.
-
Short-Term Storage: If you’re short on Stardust and Candy, and know you won’t use a Shadow Pokémon until the next Rocket event, it might be worth holding onto it.
Prioritizing Shadow Pokémon for Frustration Removal
When a Team GO Rocket event arrives, you’ll want to prioritize which Shadow Pokémon get a new Charged Attack. Here’s a general guideline:
- Legendary Shadow Pokémon: Pokémon like Shadow Mewtwo, Shadow Ho-Oh, Shadow Lugia, and others are typically top priority. Their high stats and potent movepools make them powerful assets when optimized.
- Meta-Relevant Pokémon: Pokémon that excel in raids or PvP, such as Shadow Machamp, Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Metagross, and similar powerhouses, should be next in line.
- Pokémon You Use Frequently: Consider the Pokémon you use most often. Upgrading their moveset will have the biggest impact on your gameplay experience.
- Shiny Shadow Pokémon: If you have a Shiny Shadow Pokémon, removing Frustration can make it both a rare and powerful addition to your team.
The Purified Alternative: Return
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon replaces Frustration with Return. While Return is a slightly better move than Frustration, it is still generally inferior to other Charged Attack options. Purifying also removes the Shadow bonus (20% damage boost), making the Pokémon less potent in most situations.
Return does have some niche uses, particularly in PvP, where it can be used to bait out shields due to its high damage output. However, most players prefer to keep the Shadow bonus and choose a better Charged Attack when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Frustration in Pokémon GO?
Frustration is a Charged Attack that all Shadow Pokémon have when you catch them. It is a generally weak and ineffective move.
2. How do I get rid of Frustration in Pokémon GO?
You can only get rid of Frustration by using a Charged TM during specific Team GO Rocket Takeover events. These events are announced in-game and on the official Pokémon GO channels.
3. Can I use an Elite Charged TM to remove Frustration at any time?
No. Elite Charged TMs cannot remove Frustration outside of designated Team GO Rocket events.
4. Does evolving a Shadow Pokémon get rid of Frustration?
No. Evolving a Shadow Pokémon does not remove Frustration. It will still have Frustration after evolution.
5. If I evolve during a Community Day, will my Shadow Pokémon learn the exclusive move with Frustration?
No. You must remove Frustration before evolving your Shadow Pokémon during a Community Day (or other event) to learn the exclusive move.
6. Is Return a better move than Frustration?
Yes, Return is generally a better move than Frustration, but it’s still often inferior to other Charged Attack options.
7. Is it better to keep a Shadow Pokémon or purify it?
In most cases, it’s better to keep a Shadow Pokémon due to the 20% damage boost they receive. Purifying removes this bonus. The 2 IV increase is often dwarfed by the Shadow damage boost.
8. Does Frustration affect my Pokémon’s happiness?
No, Frustration doesn’t directly affect your Pokémon’s happiness (friendship level). In the main series Pokémon games, friendship level affects the power of Frustration and Return, but this mechanic isn’t present in Pokémon GO.
9. Should I purify a 3-star Shadow Pokémon?
Generally, no. The Shadow bonus is usually more valuable than the IV increase from purification, even for a 3-star Pokémon.
10. Are Shadow Pokémon with low CP worth keeping?
Yes. A low CP Shadow Pokémon can still be valuable once its Frustration move is replaced and it is powered up. The Shadow boost will make it hit harder than the regular version.
11. Can a purified Pokémon be lucky?
Yes, a Purified Pokémon can be Lucky.
12. Are Shadow Pokémon better than 100% IV Pokémon?
In terms of damage output, Shadow Pokémon with any IVs are typically better than even perfect IV (100% IV) regular Pokémon thanks to the 20% attack boost. The defense nerf means far less for raids.
13. What if I have a shiny Shadow Pokémon?
The decision to purify a shiny Shadow Pokémon is a personal one. Purifying will make it easier to power up and grant it Return, but it will lose the Shadow bonus. Many players prefer to keep shiny Shadow Pokémon as they are for their rarity and aesthetic appeal.
14. Where can I find information about upcoming Team GO Rocket events?
Follow official Pokémon GO social media channels, the in-game News section, and reputable Pokémon GO news websites and communities.
15. Why is it important to learn about things like Shadow Pokémon and Frustration in Pokémon GO?
Understanding game mechanics like Shadow Pokémon, Frustration, and IVs allows players to optimize their gameplay experience, make informed decisions, and participate more effectively in the game. This type of strategic thinking and problem-solving can also be beneficial in other areas of life. For more on the educational benefits of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
In conclusion, while there are a few niche scenarios where keeping Frustration might be justifiable, the vast majority of Pokémon GO players should prioritize removing Frustration from their Shadow Pokémon during Team GO Rocket events. Doing so unlocks their true potential and allows you to build a stronger, more effective team. Don’t let Frustration hold you back!