Should I Keep Legendary Pokémon? A Pokémon GO Master’s Guide

Unequivocally, yes! You absolutely should keep Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO. They’re powerful assets for raids, valuable for trading (when done strategically), and often possess unique move sets that make them irreplaceable. Dismissing these majestic creatures is a decision you’ll likely regret. This guide will dive deep into why hoarding your Legendaries is a wise move, and answer all your burning questions about maximizing their potential.

Why Keeping Legendaries Is Essential

Legendary Pokémon are more than just trophies. They are your powerhouses in challenging content:

• Raids: Legendaries often boast high CP (Combat Power) and advantageous type matchups, making them essential for defeating raid bosses and securing valuable rewards.
• Gym Battles: While you can’t leave them to defend gyms, they are incredibly useful for attacking gyms and reclaiming territory for your team.
• Trading: Trading Legendaries, though costly, can yield Lucky Pokémon with improved stats, and potentially fill gaps in another player’s Pokédex.
• Collection: For many, collecting all available Legendaries is a primary goal in Pokémon GO. Completing your collection is an accomplishment worth pursuing.
• Unique Movesets: Some Legendaries possess exclusive moves that are exceptionally powerful or strategically valuable. Don’t risk losing access to these unique abilities!

Strategic Considerations for Legendary Pokémon

While keeping all your Legendaries is generally advised, consider these strategies to optimize your collection:

• IVs (Individual Values): While perfect IVs are desirable, don’t dismiss Legendaries with lower IVs, especially if they have unique moves or are rare. A 2-star Legendary can still be powerful and strategically valuable.
• Quantity: Keeping multiple copies of each Legendary allows for flexibility in team composition and trading opportunities. Aim for at least 2-3 of each, and more if space permits.
• Lucky Pokémon: Strive to obtain Lucky Legendaries through trading. The halved Stardust cost for powering them up makes them incredibly efficient to invest in.
• Shadow Pokémon: Shadow Legendaries are powerful but expensive to power up. Consider purifying them to improve their stats and appraisal, if that suits your goals.
• Cost: Consider the Stardust cost. Trading is the most demanding factor and should be carefully evaluated.

Legendary Pokémon FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. Is it worth trading Legendary Pokémon?

Yes, but consider the Stardust cost. The price varies depending on your friendship level with the trading partner and whether you already own the Legendary. Trading can result in a Lucky Pokémon, significantly reducing the Stardust needed to power it up.

2. Is it worth keeping a 2-star Legendary Pokémon?

Absolutely. Some Legendaries are rare, and even a 2-star version can be valuable. More specifically, if you have a Legendary with a special move that’s not easily obtainable, keep it.

3. What should I do with extra Legendary Pokémon?

Prioritize trading to potentially get better IVs or Lucky Pokémon. You can also transfer them to Pokémon HOME, allowing you to use them in other Pokémon games.

4. What is the point of Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

They provide an opportunity to use incredibly strong Pokémon, making challenging content like raids and gym battles more accessible. They also add depth to the game’s collecting aspect.

5. Are Legendary Pokémon better than normal Pokémon?

Generally, yes. They often have higher stats and unique move sets, making them more powerful. However, some non-Legendary Pokémon can be highly competitive.

6. Why don’t people use Legendary Pokémon sometimes?

Sometimes players have teams that are built and leveled up and are reluctant to replace them with a lower level legendary. They might have a preference for specific team compositions.

7. Which are the strongest Legendary Pokémon?

Several stand out: Arceus, Mewtwo, Rayquaza, Kyogre, and Groudon are consistently ranked among the most powerful.

8. How many of each Legendary should I keep in Pokémon GO?

Aim for at least 3-4 of each. This provides flexibility for different battle situations and trading opportunities.

9. What is the rarest Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

Generally, the regional Legendaries like Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie are considered the rarest, as they only spawn in specific parts of the world.

10. Is it worth purifying Shadow Legendary Pokémon?

It depends. Purifying improves their IVs and reduces the cost to power them up, but it removes the Shadow bonus (increased attack, decreased defense). Consider your playstyle and resources.

11. Are 4-star Pokémon the best?

Yes. A 4-star Pokémon has perfect IVs, meaning all its stats are maxed out. They represent the pinnacle of potential for that species.

12. What is the best Legendary Pokémon to Lucky trade?

Mewtwo, Rayquaza, Kyogre, and Giratina are highly sought-after for Lucky trades due to their power and utility in raids and battles.

13. Can you get Legendary Pokémon twice?

Yes, you can catch multiple Legendary Pokémon of the same species through raids, special research, and events. In Max Lair, you cannot get the same legendary twice.

14. Can you transfer Legendaries to Pokémon HOME?

Yes, you can transfer Legendary and Mythical Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, allowing you to use them in other Pokémon games.

15. What is the weakest Legendary Pokémon?

Cosmog is often considered the weakest due to its low stats and limited move pool.

The Ethical Considerations

The text mentions ethical concerns about catching Legendary Pokémon, pointing out that they are capable of creating and halting natural disasters, and controlling space and time. The text says that the most ethical thing to do is to not catch the legendary unless it chooses to respect the trainer.

The world of Pokémon, though fantastical, touches on themes of power, responsibility, and the relationship between humans and nature. The Games Learning Society explores these themes in the context of game design and player agency. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of gaming and social impact.

Final Thoughts

Don’t underestimate the power and potential of Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO. By understanding their value, strategically managing your collection, and considering the ethical implications, you can unlock their full potential and dominate the game. Keep those Legendaries safe and use them wisely!