Should You Keep Shadow Pokémon with Low IVs 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.
The short answer? Absolutely, yes! Even Shadow Pokémon with seemingly “bad” Individual Values (IVs) often outperform their regular, even perfect (100 IV) counterparts in many situations. The 20% attack bonus that Shadow Pokémon possess is a game-changer, making them incredibly powerful glass cannons. Let’s delve into why low IV Shadow Pokémon are worth keeping and how to maximize their potential.
The Power of Shadows: Why IVs Aren’t Everything
The core of the argument for keeping low IV Shadow Pokémon lies in that massive 20% damage boost. This bonus applies to all attacks, both fast and charged, significantly increasing the damage per second (DPS). In many raid scenarios and gym battles, this offensive power outweighs the defensive shortcomings caused by the corresponding defense reduction that Shadow Pokémon experience.
Think of it this way: a 0% IV Shadow Pokémon deals more damage than a 100% IV regular Pokémon. While a perfect IV Pokémon is certainly desirable, the Shadow bonus transforms even a Pokémon with seemingly poor stats into a formidable attacker. For example, a Shadow Machop with low IVs will hit a raid boss harder than a regular, perfect IV Machamp in many situations.
Raiding and Gym Battles: Offense is King
In player-versus-environment (PvE) content like raids and gym battles, the goal is often to deal as much damage as quickly as possible. The faster you defeat a raid boss, the more rewards you earn and the less resources you expend. The 20% attack bonus allows Shadow Pokémon to achieve this more efficiently than their regular counterparts.
The defensive nerf, while noticeable, is often mitigated by skillful dodging and the use of effective type matchups. In many cases, the raw offensive power of a Shadow Pokémon allows you to defeat opponents before they can inflict significant damage, rendering the defensive reduction less impactful.
PvP Considerations: A Different Story
The importance of IVs shifts when we consider player-versus-player (PvP) battles in the GO Battle League. Here, bulk (Defense and HP) becomes more crucial. Due to how CP is calculated in this game, a Pokémon with a low attack IV and high defense and HP IVs can squeeze more bulk out of its CP than a Pokemon with high attack and low bulk. The coveted “ideal” PvP IV spread, which is a low Attack stat and high Defence and HP states.
Why is this? Because the lower the Attack IV is, the more a pokemon’s CP weighs towards its bulk. This allows the Shadow Pokemon to survive longer and thus the 20% shadow boost can be further maximized.
When to Grind and When to Accept
So, you should keep low IV Shadows, but how low is too low? That’s a complicated question. Ideally, you’ll want to grind Rocket stops during events where you can remove Frustration with a Charged TM. This allows you to optimize your Shadow Pokémon’s moveset.
If you’re looking for a Shadow Pokémon for raiding, don’t stress over IVs too much. If you’re strapped on resources and have a Shadow Pokémon with already-decent IVs that you can already use, go for it!
If you’re patient, you can wait for a Shadow Pokémon with slightly better IVs to appear. It all depends on your personal goals and resource availability. However, don’t dismiss a Shadow Pokémon with poor IVs out of hand. In PvE, a low IV Shadow is still usually better than no Shadow at all.
The Rarity Factor
Beyond their combat prowess, low IV Pokémon, especially 0% IV Pokémon, are exceptionally rare. These “nundos” are much rarer than perfect IV specimens because they cannot be obtained from raids, eggs, research tasks, or trades. Collecting these rare Pokémon can be a fun and rewarding aspect of the game.
Purifying: A Case-by-Case Decision
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon removes the Shadow bonus and grants +2 to each IV stat (minimum of 2). Purifying will often remove the Shadow damage bonus that makes shadow pokemon so powerful. However, some trainers might decide to purify their Pokemon for PVP purposes, because some PVP moves require the Pokemon to be purified.
Consider purifying only in specific circumstances:
- Mega Evolution: If you want a strong Mega Evolution and have a high IV Shadow Pokémon. Only purified Pokémon can Mega Evolve.
- Return: If you specifically need the move Return for PvP.
- Hundo Collection: If you are a dedicated collector and want to add a 100% IV Pokémon to your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shadow Pokémon and IVs
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional valuable information about Shadow Pokémon and IVs in Pokémon GO:
1. Is a 0 IV Shadow Pokémon better than a 100 IV regular Pokémon?
Yes, in many raid and gym battle scenarios, a 0 IV Shadow Pokémon will deal more damage than a 100 IV regular Pokémon due to the 20% attack bonus. The increase in damage per second is often more impactful than the slight increase in overall stats offered by perfect IVs.
2. What IVs are best for Shadow Pokémon?
For raids and gym battles, IVs are less critical than the Shadow bonus itself. Any Shadow Pokémon is generally better than its non-Shadow counterpart. For PvP, a low Attack IV and high Defense and HP IVs can be optimal.
3. How rare is a 0 IV Shadow Pokémon?
A 0 IV Shadow Pokémon is extremely rare. The encounter rates are so low because they cannot be obtained from raids, eggs, research tasks, or trades. Players consider them valuable collector’s items.
4. Should I purify a low IV Shadow Pokémon?
Generally, no. The 20% attack bonus is too valuable to give up. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon is typically only recommended if you want a stronger Mega Evolution, need the move Return for PvP, or wish to collect a 100% IV specimen.
5. Can you get a 100% IV Shadow Pokémon?
No. However, by purifying a Shadow Pokémon, its IVs increase by a minimum of 2 in each stat. Therefore, a Shadow Pokémon with 13/13/13 IVs will become a 100% IV purified Pokémon.
6. What are the disadvantages of Shadow Pokémon?
Shadow Pokémon take 20% more damage than their regular or purified counterparts. They also start with the move Frustration, which can only be removed during special events, and cannot be traded.
7. Can you Mega Evolve Shadow Pokémon?
No, you cannot Mega Evolve Shadow Pokémon. Only purified Pokémon can Mega Evolve (and they do not have a swirly white aura when they do).
8. Do bad IVs matter in Pokémon GO?
While high IVs are desirable, a higher level Pokémon with poor IVs will often perform better than a lower level Pokémon with perfect IVs. In the grand scheme, IVs are just one factor contributing to a Pokémon’s overall performance.
9. Is CP or IV more important?
CP (Combat Power) is generally a better indicator of a Pokémon’s immediate strength, while IVs represent its potential maximum power. For battles, a higher CP Pokémon is usually preferred, but a Pokémon with high IVs will ultimately have a higher potential when fully leveled up.
10. Why are 0 IV Pokémon rare?
As noted above, 0% IV pokemon cannot be obtained from Raids or special research, so getting one is much harder than getting a 100% IV Pokemon.
11. What is a 3-star Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
In Pokémon GO, the 3-star rating indicates that a Pokémon has high IVs. Specifically, a 3-star Pokémon has a combined IV percentage of 80% or higher.
12. What is the ideal IV spread for PvP Shadow Pokémon?
The most optimal set for PvP Shadow Pokémon is a spread of low Attack and high Defense and HP IVs. This allows the Pokemon to maximize their CP and survive longer.
13. Should I evolve a 3-star Pokémon?
Generally, yes. If two Pokemon have relatively low CP, a 3-Star Pokemon will often be better. However, consider evolving a Pokemon with high CP if the Pokemon is already high CP.
14. Can Shadow Pokémon learn new moves?
During special events, you can use a Charged TM to remove the move Frustration from a Shadow Pokémon. Once Frustration is removed, you can teach it new moves as you would with any other Pokémon.
15. Is it always better to keep Shadow Pokémon unpurified?
For most situations, yes. The 20% attack bonus is incredibly valuable and makes Shadow Pokémon powerful attackers. Purifying is generally reserved for specific circumstances like wanting a Mega Evolution or needing Return for PvP.
In Conclusion: Embrace the Shadows
Don’t be quick to dismiss Shadow Pokémon with low IVs. Their inherent power boost makes them formidable attackers in many scenarios. Understand the tradeoffs between offense and defense and consider your personal goals in the game. Whether you’re grinding raids, battling in gyms, or collecting rare specimens, Shadow Pokémon can be a valuable addition to your Pokémon GO team. If you want to learn more about the impact of games on learning and education, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Embrace the shadows, trainers, and conquer the game!