To Purify or to Evolve: Cracking the Pokémon GO Conundrum
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The age-old question plaguing Pokémon GO trainers: Is it better to purify a Shadow Pokémon before evolving it, or evolve it first and then purify? The simple answer? Always purify before evolving. This saves you precious candy resources, and in most situations, provides a better outcome than the alternative. Let’s delve into the why behind this straightforward directive and explore the nuances of purification and evolution.
Why Purifying Before Evolving is the Way to Go
The core reason to purify first revolves around candy efficiency. Purified Pokémon require fewer candies to evolve compared to their Shadow counterparts. This is a significant advantage, especially for rare Pokémon where candies are hard-earned. Imagine spending countless hours grinding for enough candies to evolve a Shadow Dratini, only to realize you could have saved a substantial amount by purifying it beforehand.
Furthermore, purifying a Pokémon grants an immediate CP boost, which can contribute to a higher CP evolution. While CP can be boosted either before or after evolving, the reduced candy costs make purifying first the more sensible option.
The Case for Shadow Pokémon
While purification offers immediate benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge the power of Shadow Pokémon. Shadow Pokémon pack a punch with a 20% damage boost, making them formidable attackers in raids and battles. This damage output is nothing to scoff at, and many dedicated players actively seek out Shadow Pokémon for their superior offensive capabilities.
However, that immense power comes with drawbacks. Shadow Pokémon also take more damage, and this is a tradeoff trainers must consider. Keeping a Shadow Pokémon unpurified is great for damage dealing but can affect it’s overall battle prowess.
Untangling the Web: Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
The decision to purify or evolve isn’t always black and white. Let’s address some common misconceptions and clarify key aspects of the process.
- CP is determined by base stats, level, and IVs: Evolving a Pokémon only changes its base stats. Therefore, powering up before or after evolving doesn’t drastically affect the final CP.
- Purified Pokémon are easier to evolve: Yes, they cost less candy and Stardust to power up and evolve.
- Purified Pokémon gain IV boosts: Purified Pokémon receive a +2 increase to each IV value.
- Shadow Pokémon are more powerful offensively: Shadow Pokémon have a 20% attack boost.
- Weather boosted Shadow Pokémon have better IVs: Weather-boosted Shadow Pokémon have minimum IVs of 4/4/4, increasing the chance of obtaining a better Purified Pokémon.
FAQs: Decoding Pokémon GO Purification and Evolution
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the intricacies of Pokémon GO purification and evolution:
1. Should I purify my perfect Shadow Pokémon?
Generally, no. The 20% attack boost of a Shadow Pokémon often outweighs the benefits of purification, even for a perfect IV Pokémon. The increased damage output is invaluable in raids and battles.
2. Is it better to evolve a high CP 0-star Shadow Pokémon or wait for a better one?
This depends on your immediate needs. If you need a powerful attacker now, evolving the high CP 0-star Shadow might be worthwhile. However, if you can afford to wait, holding out for a Shadow Pokémon with better IVs is generally recommended.
3. Can purified Pokémon become 3-star?
Yes. Purified Pokémon receive a +2 increase to all IVs, potentially turning a 2-star Shadow Pokémon into a 3-star.
4. Is a purified Pokémon better than a lucky Pokémon?
This is subjective. Lucky Pokémon require less Stardust to power up, while purified Pokémon require fewer candies to evolve. A Lucky Purified Pokémon combines both advantages, making it exceptionally cost-effective to upgrade.
5. Do purified Pokémon have higher IVs?
Yes, each IV value increases by +2 upon purification.
6. Why shouldn’t I purify Pokémon?
The main downside is losing the 20% damage boost that makes Shadow Pokémon so powerful. If you prioritize offensive capabilities, keeping a Pokémon as a Shadow is generally preferable.
7. Is a Shadow Pokémon with low IVs better than a 100 IV normal Pokémon?
In many cases, yes. The 20% attack boost of a Shadow Pokémon can often outweigh the benefits of perfect IVs on a normal Pokémon, particularly in raid battles.
8. What’s the best Shadow Pokémon to purify?
If you are aiming to level up your Purifier Medal, choose Pokémon with low purification costs, such as Rattata, Patrat, Zubat, Magikarp, Starly, or Purrloin.
9. Can you mega evolve purified Pokémon?
Yes, you can mega evolve purified Pokémon, but they won’t have the signature swirly white aura. Shadow and clone Pokémon cannot be mega evolved.
10. What happens if you purify a 4* Shadow Pokémon?
Purifying a 4* Shadow Pokémon will give you a 4* purified Pokémon, but it will lose the Shadow bonus.
11. Are Pokémon stronger when not purified?
Offensively, yes. Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage. However, they also take more damage.
12. Can a 2-star Pokémon become a 3-star Pokémon with purification?
Yes, purification adds +2 to each IV, potentially boosting a 2-star to a 3-star.
13. Are two-star Pokémon worth keeping?
Sometimes. It depends on the Pokémon, its moves, and its rarity. If it’s a rare Pokémon with a special move, it might be worth keeping.
14. What is the most powerful Shadow Pokémon?
Shadow Mewtwo reigns supreme due to its incredible Attack stat and versatile movepool.
15. Are Lucky Pokémon the same as Lucky Friends?
No. Lucky Pokémon are obtained through trades and require less stardust to power up. Lucky Friends guarantees that your next trade will result in Lucky Pokémon for both trainers involved.
Final Verdict: Choose Wisely, Train Hard
Ultimately, the decision to purify or evolve first (and even whether to purify at all) depends on your individual goals and playstyle in Pokémon GO. If you prioritize candy conservation and overall cost-effectiveness, purify before evolving. If you seek raw offensive power, embrace the Shadow. By understanding the mechanics and weighing the pros and cons, you can make informed decisions that maximize your Pokémon GO experience.
The strategic depth in games like Pokémon GO has been a topic of research for many years. To learn more about the educational potential of games, please visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can learn more on the role of games in learning!