Table of Contents

Should I Purify a Pokémon That Can Mega Evolve? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether to purify a Pokémon that can Mega Evolve in Pokémon GO is a complex one, deeply intertwined with gameplay strategy and personal preference. The short answer is: it depends. While a purified Pokémon receives benefits like reduced Stardust and Candy costs for powering up and evolving, and a guaranteed IV boost, it also loses the significant Shadow Pokémon damage bonus. For many players, especially those focused on maximizing damage output in raids and battles, the Shadow bonus is more valuable than the purification benefits, even for Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution. However, certain niche situations and personal preferences might tilt the scales in favor of purification. This guide dives deep into the intricacies of this decision, providing you with the knowledge to make the best choice for your team.

Understanding the Core Mechanics

Before diving into the specifics of purifying Mega Evolution candidates, it’s crucial to understand the core mechanics at play: Shadow Pokémon, Purified Pokémon, Mega Evolution, and Individual Values (IVs).

The Power of Shadow Pokémon

Shadow Pokémon possess a unique 20% damage bonus to their attacks but suffer a corresponding decrease in defense. This trade-off makes them glass cannons, dealing massive damage but being more vulnerable to incoming attacks. In many scenarios, particularly raids, the increased damage output outweighs the defensive drawbacks, making Shadow Pokémon highly sought after.

The Benefits of Purification

Purifying a Shadow Pokémon provides several benefits:

IV Boost: Purification adds +2 to each IV stat (Attack, Defense, HP). This can potentially turn a mediocre Shadow Pokémon into a near-perfect or perfect one.
Reduced Costs: Purified Pokémon require less Stardust and Candy to power up, evolve, and unlock a second Charged Attack.
Charged Attack Change: A Shadow Pokémon forgets its frustration and learns the move Return.

Mega Evolution: The Ultimate Transformation

Mega Evolution is a temporary transformation that significantly boosts a Pokémon’s stats and can even change its typing and Ability. Mega-Evolved Pokémon are incredibly powerful and often dominate raid battles and PvP encounters.

The Significance of Individual Values (IVs)

IVs are hidden stats that contribute to a Pokémon’s overall potential. A Pokémon with 100% IVs (15/15/15) has the highest possible stats for its species at any given level. While IVs are important, their impact is often overstated. A Pokémon’s base stats, moveset, and typing are generally more crucial factors in determining its overall effectiveness.

Factors to Consider Before Purifying

When deciding whether to purify a Mega Evolution candidate, carefully consider the following factors:

Combat Role

Raids: If you intend to use the Pokémon primarily in raids, the Shadow bonus is usually more valuable than the purification benefits. A Shadow Pokémon will generally outperform a purified one in terms of damage output.
PvP: The decision is more nuanced for PvP. In some cases, the increased bulk of a purified Pokémon might be beneficial, particularly in Master League. However, the Shadow bonus can still be a significant advantage, especially in shorter battles. Consider the specific Pokémon, its role in your team, and the meta before making a decision.

IVs

Low IVs: If the Shadow Pokémon has poor IVs, purification might be a viable option to improve its overall stats. The +2 to each IV can make a significant difference in its performance.
High IVs: If the Shadow Pokémon already has decent or good IVs, it’s generally better to keep it as a Shadow Pokémon. The damage bonus will outweigh the benefits of purification.

Resource Constraints

Stardust and Candy: If you’re low on Stardust and Candy, purifying a Pokémon can significantly reduce the cost of powering it up and evolving it. This can be a practical consideration, especially for less common Pokémon.

Availability

Rarity: If the Pokémon is rare or difficult to obtain, you might be more inclined to purify it to ensure you have a usable version. However, consider whether you’re willing to sacrifice the Shadow bonus for convenience.

Move Sets

Optimal Moves: Check if the Pokémon is likely to get access to its best or most preferable moves before purifying.

Scenarios Where Purification Might Be Worth It

Despite the general recommendation to keep Mega Evolution candidates as Shadow Pokémon, there are some specific situations where purification might be worth considering:

Low-IV Pokémon with Mega Potential: A Shadow Pokémon with very low IVs that can Mega Evolve might be worth purifying. The IV boost could significantly improve its stats, making it a more usable Mega Evolution.
Resource Constraints: If you’re severely limited in Stardust and Candy, purifying a Mega Evolution candidate can make it more accessible to power up and use.
PvP Niche: Certain Mega Evolutions might perform better in PvP as purified Pokémon due to their increased bulk. Research specific PvP scenarios before making a decision.
Collector: If you are a collector, having a 4* hundo mega evolution pokemon is a goal.

Examples of Mega Evolution Candidates

Let’s consider a few specific examples of Pokémon that can Mega Evolve and whether purification is recommended:

Charizard: Shadow Charizard is an excellent Fire-type attacker in raids. Unless you have a Charizard with extremely low IVs, it’s generally better to keep it as a Shadow Pokémon.
Venusaur: Similar to Charizard, Shadow Venusaur is a powerful Grass-type attacker in raids. Keep it as a Shadow Pokémon unless its IVs are very poor.
Blastoise: Shadow Blastoise is a decent Water-type attacker, but it’s not as dominant as other options. If you have a Blastoise with low IVs, purification might be worth considering.
Gyarados: Shadow Gyarados is a strong Water and Dark-type attacker. Keep it as a Shadow Pokémon unless its IVs are very poor.

Games Learning Society

For more insights into game mechanics and strategies, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Learning through games and understanding game mechanics can provide a valuable perspective on strategic decision-making in various aspects of life. The GamesLearningSociety.org offers valuable research and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I purify a maxed Pokémon?

Purifying a maxed Pokémon will improve the IVs, giving +2 to each IV. However, it will not improve IVs beyond the already perfect 15/15/15 combination. If you already have a maxed 100% IV, purification will have no extra impact in terms of IVs.

2. Is it worth it to Mega Evolve Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

Yes, Mega Evolution makes your Pokémon stronger and grants bonus candy for catching Pokémon of the same type.

3. Is a Shadow Pokémon stronger than a Mega Pokémon?

Mega Pokémon are generally stronger than Shadow Pokémon, though Shadow Pokémon are among the strongest Pokemon in Pokemon GO (aside from Mega Pokemon).

4. Is a purified Pokémon better than a lucky Pokémon?

Purified and Lucky are different mechanics. Purified Pokémon have reduced cost to power up and IV boost. The Stardust cost for powering it up will be reduced by 50%, which means they can reach a higher CP much faster than other Pokémon.

5. Are purified Pokémon more powerful?

Purified Pokémon will receive a significant boost in Combat Power (CP) and reduce the amount of Stardust and Candy required for them to Power Up, Evolve, or learn a new attack.

6. Is it worth it to purify Pokémon?

Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will improve their appraisal and reduce the amount of Stardust and Candy required for them to Power Up, Evolve, or learn a new attack. When Purified, a Shadow Pokémon will forget Frustration and learn Return.

7. Can you Mega Evolve shiny Pokémon?

Yes, multiple Shiny Pokemon can Mega Evolve; among them is the fan-favorite Shiny Charizard.

8. Can you Mega Evolve a Pokémon forever?

Once a Pokémon has been Mega Evolved, it will stay in that form for a limited amount of time (eight hours) and can be used in a variety of battles.

9. Do Mega Pokémon stay mega forever?

No. Mega-Evolved Pokémon will stay in their Mega-Evolved form for 8 hours, after which they will return to their regular form.

10. Is a 0-star Shadow Pokémon good?

Shadow Pokemon that are Purified will sometimes have their Appraisal increased. So, if a Shadow Pokemon is 0-stars but has decent Attacks and CP, it’s often better to leave it unpurified for future battles, due to the Shadow damage boost.

11. Should I purify a Shadow shiny?

Keep it a shadow if you want it for aesthetics, but for usefulness/value it’ll need to be purified (unless you have a lot of extra resources).

12. Why would you not want to purify Pokémon?

The downsides to purification are: Purified Pokemon lose the 20% damage bonus made available to Shadows.

13. Should you purify Pokémon before or after evolving?

Purifying gives the Pokémon a significant increase in Combat Power and it will cost less candies to evolve. Make sure you Purify a Pokémon BEFORE you evolve it so you can use less candies.

14. How many IVs does purifying give?

When purified, Shadow Pokémon get +2 to every IV.

15. Is Shadow Pokémon better than 100 IV?

Shadow Pokémon with any IVs are often better than even perfect IVs of their normal forms thanks to the 20% attack boost.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of whether to purify a Pokémon that can Mega Evolve depends on your personal preferences, play style, and available resources. While the Shadow bonus is generally more valuable for maximizing damage output, there are specific situations where purification might be the better choice. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision that will benefit your Pokémon GO team and help you achieve your goals.

Should I purify a Pokémon that can Mega Evolve?