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Lucky vs. Purified Pokémon: Which is Better?

Determining whether a Lucky Pokémon or a Purified Pokémon is “better” isn’t straightforward. It depends heavily on your priorities in Pokémon GO. Neither is inherently superior in all situations; instead, they offer unique advantages that cater to different playstyles. Let’s break down the core differences to help you decide which type of Pokémon to prioritize.

Lucky Pokémon excel in cost-effectiveness. They require 50% less Stardust to power up, making them far more affordable to boost to higher Combat Power (CP). This benefit is significant, especially when you’re trying to build a powerful team of high-level Pokémon without breaking the bank. Additionally, all Lucky Pokémon are guaranteed to have IVs (Individual Values) of at least 12 in Attack, Defense, and HP. This means they’re already starting with a good base of stats, making them more battle-ready.

Purified Pokémon, on the other hand, offer a CP boost upon purification and gain a unique move called Return. They also receive a slight increase in their IVs, with a minimum of 14 in all categories. This IV floor is slightly higher than the floor of Lucky Pokémon, but the main draw of Purified Pokemon is for certain PvP situations or for completion purposes. However, the significant drawback is the loss of the 20% damage boost offered by Shadow Pokémon, a crucial component for PvE (Player vs Environment) battles, where damage output is the most important factor.

Therefore, in terms of raw combat power and cost-effective training, Lucky Pokemon are generally superior to Purified Pokemon. But, the strategic use of Purified Pokemon for move set variety and specific PvP scenarios means they should also be collected and utilized according to your goals.

Key Differences Between Lucky and Purified Pokémon

To make a more informed choice, let’s delve deeper into the specific aspects of each type:

Lucky Pokémon

Reduced Stardust Cost: The primary advantage. Powering up a Lucky Pokémon costs half the Stardust. This makes building powerful teams much more accessible.
Minimum IVs: Guarantees a minimum of 12 in all IV stats (Attack, Defense, HP), often resulting in a 2-star or 3-star Pokémon.
Shimmering Effect: Easily identifiable through a visual shimmer in the Pokédex and on their summary page.
Acquisition: Obtained primarily through trading with friends; the chance of obtaining them increases with the age of the traded Pokémon, or a guaranteed lucky trade by becoming Lucky Friends.
Can be Shiny: Lucky status and Shiny status are not mutually exclusive. A Pokemon can be both Shiny and Lucky, combining visual and practical appeal.
Can Be Legendary: Legendary Pokémon can also become Lucky, retaining all the Lucky perks making them much cheaper to power up.

Purified Pokémon

CP Boost: Upon purification, the Pokémon’s CP is increased, making it seem initially stronger.
IV Increase: IVs are increased, resulting in a minimum of 14 IVs for all stats. This slightly higher floor than Lucky Pokemon might be sought after for IV hunters.
Unique Move (Return): Receives the charged attack move “Return” upon purification, which can be relevant for PvP battles in specific metas.
Loss of Shadow Bonus: Purifying a Shadow Pokémon removes the 20% damage boost, which is generally not advisable for PvE battles unless aiming to change move sets or for completion.
Acquisition: Achieved by purifying Shadow Pokémon, which are obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket members.

Which Should You Prioritize?

For PvE (Raiding and Gym Battles): Lucky Pokémon are often the superior choice due to their cost-effectiveness. Save your stardust for powering up your Lucky Pokemon, rather than blowing it on regular or Purified Pokemon.
For PvP (Trainer Battles): It’s nuanced. While Lucky Pokémon are still great due to reduced Stardust cost, specific Purified Pokémon can be viable for their unique move, Return. Shadow Pokémon generally dominate in this arena due to the 20% damage boost.
For Stardust Conservation: Definitely Lucky Pokémon. They will enable you to field stronger teams for less cost.
For Completion: You may need to purify some Pokémon to complete research tasks or for Pokédex completion.
For Raw Power: Shadow Pokemon have an unmatched 20% damage boost which will more than make up for lower IVs.

FAQs: Lucky and Purified Pokémon

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further insights into the complexities of Lucky and Purified Pokémon.

1. Do Lucky Trades Guarantee High IVs?

While Lucky Trades guarantee an IV floor of 12/12/12, it’s not guaranteed to be an improvement. If your Pokémon had higher IVs initially, the Lucky Trade could theoretically lower them, but it is unlikely.

2. Can a Purified Pokémon Become Lucky?

Yes, a Shadow Pokémon can be traded and become Lucky. If you then purify that Lucky Shadow Pokémon, it will have an even greater IV floor than a regular Lucky Pokémon.

3. Is it Worth Keeping Purified Pokémon?

It depends. They are valuable for specific PvP movesets, for completion purposes, and for a boost in CP, but in many cases, the loss of the Shadow boost is not beneficial for PvE battles.

4. Should I Purify a 3-Star Shadow Pokémon?

Generally, no. The 20% damage boost of a Shadow Pokémon is far more valuable than the increase in stats gained from purification. Keep Shadow Pokemon unpurified unless you need it for very specific reasons like the moveset in PvP, for example.

5. What Happens If I Lucky Trade a 100% IV Pokémon?

Do not trade perfect IV Pokémon as traded IVs will be completely rerolled. The traded Pokémon will lose its 100% IV status. You will see the range of possible IVs on the trade screen.

6. Which Pokémon are Best for Lucky Trades?

Popular choices include Mewtwo, Metagross, Rayquaza, Togekiss, and other powerful legendary or pseudo-legendary Pokémon, though any pokemon can become Lucky through trading.

7. Can Shiny Pokémon Be Lucky?

Yes! A Pokémon can be both Shiny and Lucky, combining the rarity of its color with the cost-saving benefits.

8. Do Lucky Pokémon Have Higher CP?

Not initially. They have higher CP for the same investment in Stardust as the 50% cost reduction lets you achieve higher levels more easily.

9. Can Legendary Pokémon Be Lucky?

Absolutely. Legendary Pokémon are highly sought after as Lucky Pokémon because of their rarity and power.

10. Are Lucky Pokémon Always 3-Star?

No. The minimum IV floor of 12/12/12 means they are typically 2-Star at a minimum, however 3-star is fairly common.

11. Will My Lucky Pokémon Stay Lucky If I Evolve It?

Yes. Evolving a Lucky Pokémon will not remove its Lucky status.

12. Can I Transfer Lucky Pokémon?

Yes, but not in bulk. You cannot transfer multiple Shiny, Lucky, or Buddy Pokémon at the same time.

13. How Long Does a Lucky Pokémon Last?

The “Lucky” status is permanent once a Pokémon becomes Lucky, and the Lucky Friends status only applies to the next trade.

14. Are Shadow Pokémon Better Than 100% IV Regular Pokémon?

Yes! A 0 IV Shadow Pokémon will typically have higher damage output than a 100% IV regular Pokémon due to the 20% damage boost.

15. Can You Change a Pokémon’s Star Rating?

No. A Pokémon’s IVs, and thus its star rating, are fixed upon capture or trade. The only time IVs change is with Purifying or trading.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between Lucky and Purified Pokémon depends on your individual goals. Lucky Pokémon are a fantastic choice for players looking to build a cost-effective roster of strong battlers. Purified Pokémon have value in specific circumstances, particularly for PvP or for Pokédex completion. Understanding the nuances of each type will enable you to make the best decisions for your Pokémon journey. So choose carefully, and remember to consider all the factors before committing to a purification.

Is lucky better than purified?