Should You Purify Shadow Shiny Pokemon? The Ultimate Guide
The burning question that plagues every Pokemon GO trainer who’s lucky enough to snag a Shiny Shadow Pokemon: To purify, or not to purify? There’s no single, universally correct answer, as it heavily depends on your play style, goals, and the specific Pokemon in question. However, generally speaking, it’s often better to keep your Shiny Shadow Pokemon unpurified. The significant attack boost they receive as a Shadow usually outweighs the benefits of purification.
It’s a decision that pits aesthetics against raw power, collectibility against usability. Let’s dive deep into the nuances of this dilemma.
Understanding the Value: Shadow vs. Purified
Before we can definitively answer the question, let’s break down the key differences and advantages of both Shadow and Purified Pokemon:
- Shadow Pokemon: These Pokémon possess a dark aura and a powerful offensive edge. They receive a 20% boost to their Attack stat but suffer a 20% reduction in Defense. This trade-off makes them glass cannons, dishing out massive damage but being more vulnerable in return. They also cost significantly more Stardust and Candy to power up and evolve.
- Purified Pokemon: Removing the Shadow status transforms the Pokemon, giving it a brighter appearance and a more balanced stat distribution. Purification increases each IV (Individual Value) by 2 points. This can potentially elevate a Pokemon to a higher appraisal level (e.g., from a 2-star to a 3-star). Purified Pokémon also require less Stardust and Candy to power up and evolve, and they receive a special move in some games.
For Shiny Shadow Pokémon, the decision is even more complex. The rarity factor of a shiny combined with the shadow bonus is highly coveted. Purifying it diminishes its uniqueness.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Consider these factors when deciding whether to purify your Shiny Shadow Pokemon:
- Combat Prowess: If you prioritize dealing maximum damage in raids and battles, the Shadow boost is invaluable. The 20% Attack increase significantly outperforms the minor IV gains from purification. A Shiny Shadow Pokemon hitting with that extra power is a force to be reckoned with.
- Rarity and Collectibility: Shiny Shadow Pokemon are among the rarest encounters in the game. Purifying removes the “Shadow” status, diminishing its exclusivity. Many collectors prefer to keep them in their Shadow form as a testament to their dedication and luck.
- Resource Management: Shadow Pokemon require more resources to power up. If you are Stardust-constrained, purifying might seem appealing. However, the long-term benefits of the Shadow boost often outweigh the initial cost savings.
- Specific Pokemon: Some Pokemon benefit more from the Shadow boost than others. Attack-oriented Pokemon like Shadow Mewtwo, Shadow Machamp, and Shadow Tyranitar become absolute powerhouses in their Shadow form. Pokemon with naturally high defense stats may suffer more from the reduction in the defensive stat.
- Aesthetics: This boils down to personal preference. Do you prefer the menacing look of a Shadow Pokemon, or the brighter, more pristine appearance of a purified one? Shiny versions amplify this choice; some trainers love the contrast of a Shiny Shadow’s dark aura, while others prefer the pure beauty of a Shiny Purified Pokemon.
The Verdict: Keep it Shadow (Usually)!
In most cases, the raw power of a Shadow Shiny Pokemon outweighs the benefits of purification. The attack boost is simply too significant to give up, especially for Pokemon that are already strong attackers. The rarity of the shiny combined with the Shadow status makes it a highly prized trophy for many players.
However, there are exceptions. If your Shiny Shadow Pokemon has very poor IVs, and you’re not concerned about competitive battling, purification might be a viable option to improve its stats slightly. It truly depends on your individual priorities within the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly are Individual Values (IVs) and how do they affect Pokemon?
IVs are hidden stats that determine a Pokemon’s potential. They range from 0 to 15 in Attack, Defense, and HP. Higher IVs translate to stronger Pokemon. Purifying a Pokemon increases each IV by 2 points.
2. How much does it cost to purify a Shadow Pokemon?
The cost varies depending on the Pokemon’s species and rarity. It typically requires a combination of Stardust and Candy. For example, purifying a common Shadow Pokemon might cost 2,000 Stardust and 2 Candy, while purifying a legendary Shadow Pokemon could cost 20,000 Stardust and 20 Candy.
3. Can I trade my Shiny Shadow Pokemon?
No, Shadow Pokemon, including Shiny Shadow Pokemon, cannot be traded in Pokemon GO. This is a restriction imposed by Niantic to prevent abuse and maintain the rarity of Shadow Pokemon.
4. Does purifying a Shadow Pokemon change its moves?
Yes, purifying a Shadow Pokemon often changes its moveset. Purified Pokemon may learn a special move upon purification and also get a more favorable appraisal.
5. Are Shadow Pokemon always stronger than their regular counterparts?
Yes, due to the 20% Attack boost, Shadow Pokemon generally deal more damage than their regular counterparts. However, their lower Defense makes them more vulnerable.
6. Can you Mega Evolve a Shadow Pokemon?
No, you cannot Mega Evolve Shadow Pokemon. However, you can Mega Evolve Purified Pokemon.
7. What are the odds of finding a Shiny Shadow Pokemon?
The odds vary during special events. However, it’s generally accepted that the odds of encountering a Shiny Shadow Pokemon from a Team GO Rocket Grunt are approximately 1 in 62.5.
8. Is it possible to get a “Hundo” (perfect IV) Shadow Pokemon?
Yes, it is possible to get a Shadow Pokemon with perfect IVs (15/15/15), but the odds are incredibly low. Landing a perfect Shiny Shadow Pokemon (“ShaShundo”) is even rarer.
9. Does purifying a Shadow Pokemon affect its CP (Combat Power)?
Yes, purifying a Shadow Pokemon increases its CP, as the IVs are improved.
10. Is it worth purifying a 0-star Shadow Pokemon?
Even a low-IV Shadow Pokemon benefits from the attack bonus. Purifying to raise the IVs may seem tempting, but the attack boost is generally more valuable. However, if you are particularly hurting for resources, it may be a good option to improve the appraisal of the Pokemon.
11. Can Team GO Rocket Leaders have Shiny Shadow Pokemon?
Yes, during certain events, Team GO Rocket Leaders can have Shiny Shadow Pokemon in their encounter pool. These encounters are highly sought after.
12. What are the benefits of being friends with someone in Pokemon GO?
Being good friends increases trading range, reduces the Stardust cost of trades (especially for special trades like shinies and legendaries), and grants attack bonuses in raids. This collaborative aspect of the game highlights the social dimension explored by researchers at the Games Learning Society, who study how games foster communities and learning experiences. You can find more information about their work at GamesLearningSociety.org.
13. Are Shadow Pokemon more vulnerable to certain types of attacks?
No, the “Shadow” status does not change a Pokemon’s type vulnerabilities. It only affects their Attack and Defense stats.
14. Will purifying my Shadow Pokemon make it easier to power up?
Yes, purified Pokemon require less Stardust and Candy to power up, evolve, and learn new moves.
15. How do I know which Shadow Pokemon are worth powering up?
Focus on Pokemon that are already strong attackers in their regular forms and that have good typings for raid battles. Examples include Shadow Mewtwo, Shadow Machamp, Shadow Tyranitar, Shadow Metagross, and Shadow Salamence.
Ultimately, the decision to purify a Shiny Shadow Pokemon is a personal one. Weigh the pros and cons based on your play style and priorities. But remember, that Shadow boost is a powerful asset!