Should I Purify Zapdos in Pokémon GO: A Comprehensive Guide
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The big question: Should you purify Zapdos in Pokémon GO? The straightforward answer, in most cases, is no. Keeping Zapdos in its Shadow form unlocks its immense offensive potential, making it a powerhouse in raids and even some PvP scenarios. While purification offers some immediate benefits like reduced stardust costs and improved IVs, the power boost you sacrifice is generally not worth it. Now, let’s delve into the details and explore the nuances of this decision.
Understanding Shadow and Purified Pokémon
Before we dive into the Zapdos-specific analysis, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental differences between Shadow and Purified Pokémon.
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Shadow Pokémon: These Pokémon have a crimson aura and receive a significant 20% attack boost, but also suffer a 20% defense decrease. This glass-cannon characteristic makes them incredible damage dealers. They are obtained through defeating Team GO Rocket leaders.
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Purified Pokémon: These Pokémon are former Shadow Pokémon that have been rescued from Team GO Rocket’s influence. Purification improves their IVs (+2 to each stat), reduces the Stardust and Candy costs to power up and evolve, and grants them the exclusive move Return.
Why Shadow Zapdos is Usually Superior
Zapdos, especially as a Shadow, is a top-tier Electric- and Flying-type attacker. The 20% attack bonus provided by its Shadow status drastically increases its damage output, making it excel in raids against Water- and Grass-type Pokémon. While the 20% reduction in defense sounds significant, it’s often less impactful than the offensive boost. Raids are often about dealing damage as quickly as possible, and Shadow Zapdos does just that.
Evaluating Your Specific Situation
While the general advice is to keep Zapdos as a Shadow, there are situations where purification might be considered:
- Low IVs: If your Shadow Zapdos has extremely poor IVs, purification can improve its stats, potentially making it a more viable option. However, even a zero-star Shadow Zapdos can be stronger than a 100% IV non-Shadow Zapdos because of the Shadow attack boost.
- Stardust Constraints: The reduced Stardust cost of powering up a Purified Zapdos might be appealing if you’re on a tight budget. But remember, this is a short-term gain for a long-term loss of power.
- Completionist Goals: If you are a collector who values filling out the Pokedex or completing specific research tasks, purification may be a necessary step.
Considering Master League PvP
While Shadow Zapdos can be effective in raids, its reduced defense can be a liability in Master League PvP. Purifying Zapdos to improve its stats might make it a slightly more competitive option in that specific format. However, there are often better choices for Master League, even among Electric- and Flying-type Pokémon. Before purifying for PvP, research the current meta and carefully assess whether a Purified Zapdos would truly improve your team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on whether you should purify Zapdos:
1. What are IVs, and why are they important?
IVs (Individual Values) are hidden stats that determine a Pokémon’s potential. Each Pokémon has an Attack, Defense, and HP IV ranging from 0 to 15. Higher IVs mean a Pokémon will have better stats when powered up.
2. How do I check a Pokémon’s IVs?
You can use the in-game appraisal feature by tapping the menu button on a Pokemon, then ‘Appraise’. Alternatively, third-party apps or websites can provide more precise IV calculations.
3. What does purification do to a Pokémon’s IVs?
Purification adds +2 to each IV stat (Attack, Defense, and HP). If a Pokémon has an IV of 13, 14, or 15, it is possible to make it 100%.
4. Is a 0-star Shadow Pokémon worth keeping?
Yes! The Shadow bonus provides a significant damage boost, often making even a 0-star Shadow Pokémon more powerful than a 100% non-Shadow Pokémon.
5. Can a Purified Pokémon become a Hundo (100% IV)?
Yes, if its IVs are close enough to perfect before purification (+2 on each stat), it can reach 100% IVs after purification.
6. Does purifying a Pokémon change its moves?
Yes, purifying a Pokémon will make it forget the Charged Attack Frustration and learn the Charged Attack Return, which is exclusive to Purified Pokémon.
7. Is Return a good move?
Return is a Normal-type Charged Attack that deals 130 damage in Trainer Battles. It’s generally not a great move on Zapdos since Normal-type attacks are not super effective against many types.
8. Can I change Return to a different move?
Yes, after purifying a Pokémon and receiving Return, you can use a Charged TM (Technical Machine) to change it to a different move.
9. How much Stardust and Candy does it cost to purify Zapdos?
Purifying a Shadow Legendary Pokémon like Zapdos costs 20,000 Stardust and 20 Candies.
10. Are Purified Pokémon easier to evolve?
Purified Pokémon don’t require less candy to evolve, but you’ll save on dust when powering them up.
11. Is Shadow Zapdos good for raids?
Yes, Shadow Zapdos is an excellent choice for raids, especially against Water- and Grass-type Pokémon. Its 20% attack boost makes it a powerful damage dealer.
12. Is Purified Zapdos good for PvP (Trainer Battles)?
Purified Zapdos can be viable in some PvP formats, particularly Master League, but its stats might not be as competitive as other Pokémon.
13. Can I reverse the purification process?
No, once a Pokémon is purified, you cannot revert it back to its Shadow form.
14. Are there any research tasks that require purifying Pokémon?
Yes, some Special Research or Timed Research tasks may require you to purify a certain number of Pokémon. This is a reason for some players to consider purification of common, low-cost Pokémon.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategies and research?
You can find helpful information and community discussions on various Pokémon GO websites, forums, and social media groups. Also consider exploring educational resources about games at the Games Learning Society, available at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion: Make an Informed Decision
Ultimately, the decision to purify Zapdos is a personal one based on your specific goals and priorities in Pokémon GO. However, considering the massive damage output of Shadow Zapdos in raids, it’s generally better to keep it in its Shadow form. Unless you have an exceptionally weak Shadow Zapdos or are specifically targeting the Master League, the power of Shadow Zapdos outweighs the benefits of purification. So, think carefully before you hit that purify button!