Is It Better to Keep Shadow or Purify Pokemon GO?
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The question of whether to keep a Shadow Pokemon or purify it is a complex one in Pokemon GO, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. The short and direct answer is that in the vast majority of cases, it is better to keep a Pokemon in its Shadow form for its enhanced damage output. However, this is not a universal rule, and understanding the nuances of both Shadow and Purified Pokemon is crucial to make informed decisions about your team. The decision really boils down to your specific goals, preferences and the Pokémon in question. Let’s dive into the details to see why this is the case.
The Allure of Shadow Pokemon
Enhanced Attack Power
The primary reason to keep a Shadow Pokemon is the significant 20% increase in attack damage they possess. This buff turns even relatively low-IV Shadow Pokemon into formidable attackers, often outperforming their 100% IV normal counterparts. This boost applies to both fast and charged attacks, leading to noticeably quicker takedowns in Raids, Gym battles, and even Trainer Battles.
Trade-off: Reduced Defense
This power comes at a cost: Shadow Pokemon also have a 20% reduction in defense. This means they are glass cannons, dishing out high damage but being more vulnerable to enemy attacks. This is not as significant of a downside as it may seem, because most of the crucial battle situations in the game emphasize offensive power over defense. In raids and PVE, winning quickly is often the goal, not lasting a long time, and the damage bonus makes Shadow Pokémon ideal for this.
Unique Appearance
Many players also enjoy the visual distinction of Shadow Pokemon, with their smoky aura and red eyes adding a touch of menacing appeal to their roster. This aesthetic is another factor some consider when deciding whether to purify.
The Case for Purifying Pokemon
IV Improvement and Combat Power Boost
Purifying a Shadow Pokemon provides an immediate +2 IV boost to each of its stats. This can potentially turn a 0-star or 1-star Shadow Pokemon into a 2-star or even 3-star Pokemon. Purifying also provides a significant boost in combat power (CP), making them appear stronger at first glance.
Cost Reduction
Purified Pokemon enjoy a significant reduction in the cost of Stardust and Candy needed for powering up, evolving, or unlocking new Charged Moves. This makes them more accessible, especially for players who are not hoarding resources.
Learning Return
When purified, a Shadow Pokemon will learn the charged attack Return, which is exclusive to purified Pokemon. While not generally regarded as a top-tier move, it can have some niche uses or fill a hole if you’re looking to use the purified Pokémon for casual battles and not for more high-end raids, or if it has a move set that it will do well with.
Mega Evolution Potential
For Pokémon that have a Mega Evolution, a purified version of that Pokémon can also mega-evolve. While they do not have any extra effects due to it, some players like to have these as well.
Collection Purposes
For some players, the appeal of a perfect IV Pokemon (a “hundo”) is strong, and purifying a Pokemon is the best (and sometimes only) way to achieve that. This is especially true for Pokemon that don’t have a mega evolution, in this case the reduced attack power often won’t matter as much, or if it will be for something like a Great League battle where the stats are very close.
Weighing the Benefits: Shadow vs. Purified
In most scenarios, the 20% damage increase provided by Shadow Pokemon far outweighs the benefits of purification. The increased damage output makes them vastly superior in raids, allowing for faster clear times and more damage output per battle. If you’re looking to play with optimization, shadows win out over purified in nearly every single case.
Purifying is mostly beneficial for those who are looking for very specific things:
- Players who prioritize having perfect IVs (hundos): If you’re a collector who values perfect IVs, then purifying to get a 3-star or potential hundo makes sense.
- Players who are low on resources: The Stardust and Candy cost reduction for purified Pokemon can be a significant benefit for less experienced or casual players.
- Players looking to fill in specific niches: If a Purified Pokémon’s move set is better for a specific PVP or PVE battle, then it can be worth it.
- Those pursuing Mega Evolution: If you have a Shadow Pokémon you want to mega-evolve and are okay with losing the Shadow bonus for the mega capability, then purifying is the way to go.
- Those looking for a specific aesthetic: If you like the way the purified Pokémon looks, then go for it! Pokemon GO is supposed to be fun, so if you enjoy the purified look more, then that’s perfectly valid.
However, for any player looking to maximize their damage output, especially in Raids and higher-tier battles, keeping the Shadow form is almost always the better choice. The 20% boost is just too significant to give up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I Keep 0-Star Shadow Pokemon?
Absolutely! Low-IV Shadow Pokemon are still worth keeping and powering up due to their 20% attack boost. A 0-star Shadow Pokemon will deal more damage than even a perfect IV regular Pokemon.
2. Can a 2-Star Shadow Pokemon Become a 3-Star When Purified?
Yes. Purifying a Shadow Pokemon increases each IV stat by two points. This can indeed potentially elevate a 2-star Shadow Pokemon into a 3-star.
3. Should I Purify a 3-Star Shadow Pokemon?
In nearly all cases, NO, you should not purify a 3-star Shadow Pokemon. The loss of the 20% damage bonus far outweighs the small IV boost you would receive. Shadow Pokemon are better for overall damage output.
4. Is It Better To Evolve a Shadow Pokemon Before or After Purifying?
It’s better to purify before evolving. Purifying reduces the Candy cost for evolution, which will save you resources. If you have already evolved it, you can still purify it and receive the benefits.
5. Can Shadow Pokemon Be Traded?
No, Shadow Pokemon cannot be traded. Niantic implemented this rule to prevent trading of potentially strong Shadow Pokemon.
6. What Happens When You Purify a Shiny Shadow Pokemon?
Purifying a shiny Shadow Pokemon will remove the 20% attack bonus and provide a +2 IV boost. Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities.
7. Which Shadow Pokemon are Considered the Best?
Some of the top Shadow Pokemon include:
- Shadow Mewtwo
- Shadow Mamoswine
- Shadow Weavile
- Shadow Machamp
- Shadow Tyranitar
The best are frequently changing with new shadow Pokémon becoming available. These are generally the top choices when they are available in their shadow form.
8. Is Return a Good Move on a Purified Pokemon?
Return is generally not considered a top-tier Charged Move. It’s useful in some situations but not as generally effective as other options available.
9. Can Shadow Pokemon Learn Community Day Moves?
Yes, Shadow Pokemon can learn Community Day moves when evolved. However, you must first use a Charged TM to unlearn Frustration during special events.
10. Can Purified Pokemon Mega Evolve?
Yes, Purified Pokemon can Mega Evolve. However, they will not have the swirly white aura associated with Mega Evolving regular Pokemon.
11. Is Shadow Tyranitar Worth Keeping?
Absolutely! Shadow Tyranitar is one of the best investments a player can make, offering a massive damage boost in raids and battles.
12. What Is The Best Shadow Pokemon to Purify?
If you are looking to purify something, the best shadow Pokemon to choose are the ones that cost less. Shadow Rattata, Patrat, Zubat, Magikarp, Starly, and Purrloin are good choices due to their low 1,000 Stardust purification cost.
13. Should I Power Up Before or After Evolving?
It does not matter for the final result if you power up before or after evolving. However, if you are doing it over multiple days, evolving first is recommended, but it won’t change the final result.
14. Are Low IV Shadow Pokemon Worth Powering Up?
Yes, even low IV Shadow Pokemon are worth powering up. Their 20% attack bonus means that even a 0% IV Shadow Pokemon will out damage a 100% normal version.
15. Are Shadow Pokemon Better Than Purified Pokemon?
In 99% of cases, YES, Shadow Pokemon are better than Purified Pokemon if you are going for optimizing your damage and team. Purified Pokemon can be beneficial for players who collect hundos or need to save on costs, but generally the loss of the shadow attack bonus is not worth it for most players.