Deciphering Shadow IVs: What Makes a Good Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Forget everything you thought you knew about perfect IVs! When it comes to Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO, the rules are different. A “good” Shadow IV hinges on how you plan to use the Pokémon. For PvE (raids and gym battles), any Shadow Pokémon is generally better than its non-Shadow counterpart, regardless of IVs, due to the significant 20% damage boost. However, for PvP (Trainer Battles), the ideal IVs are more nuanced, often favoring low Attack and high Defense/HP. This is because the Shadow bonus already provides a substantial damage output, and lower Attack allows the Pokémon to stay within specific CP leagues while maximizing bulk.
Understanding the Shadow Advantage
Shadow Pokémon are corrupted versions of regular Pokémon, obtained through defeating Team GO Rocket. These Pokémon possess a powerful shadow aura that grants them a 20% attack boost, but at the cost of also taking 20% more damage. This damage trade-off significantly alters how we evaluate IVs, especially when considering different game modes.
PvE: Embrace the Glass Cannon
In Player versus Environment situations such as Raids, a Shadow Pokémon’s role is to deal as much damage as possible in the shortest amount of time. The 20% damage boost is simply too good to pass up, dwarfing the impact of IVs. Even a 0 IV Shadow Pokémon will often out-damage a 100% IV regular Pokémon. The increased fragility is less of a concern in raids, where team revives are readily available and maximizing DPS is the priority.
PvP: Bulk Over Brute Force
Player versus Player battles in the Go Battle League require a different strategy. Here, survivability matters just as much, if not more, than raw damage. A Shadow Pokémon with high Attack may hit harder, but it will also faint faster. A more balanced approach, favoring Defense and HP, allows the Pokémon to withstand more attacks, deal consistent damage, and potentially win battles of attrition.
Therefore, for PvP, the ideal Shadow IVs typically look like this: Low Attack, High Defense, and High HP. A Pokémon with these stats will have a lower CP for its level, making it more efficient within the CP caps of the Great League and Ultra League. This maximises the Pokémon’s bulk, which, combined with the Shadow boost, can provide much better results than a Shadow Pokémon with near-perfect IVs.
Purify or Not to Purify? That is the Question
The act of Purifying a Shadow Pokémon removes the Shadow bonus, transforming it into a regular Pokémon with a new Charged Attack, Return, and boosting each IV by a minimum of +2. While a purified Pokémon requires less stardust and candy to power up, it loses the critical 20% attack boost, making it a shadow of its former self in PvE.
Generally, it is NOT recommended to purify strong PvE Shadow Pokémon. The attack boost is simply too valuable. However, there are exceptions for PvP:
- Budget Considerations: If you’re low on resources and need a usable Pokémon for PvP quickly, purifying a Shadow with decent IVs can provide a cost-effective option.
- Move Requirements: Some Pokémon benefit significantly from the move “Return,” which is exclusive to Purified Pokémon. This is rare but worth considering for specific niche strategies.
- Hundo Hunters: Some players are collectors and value 100% IV Pokémon above all else. If you have a Shadow Pokémon with 13/13/13 IVs, purifying it will guarantee a perfect IV specimen. This is purely a matter of personal preference.
- Mega Evolution: In the future, there is possibility that Purified Pokémon are considered “Regular” Pokémon and would be able to Mega evolve, unlike Shadow Pokémon. If Mega Evolution is the goal for a certain Pokemon, it may be worth purifying for future use.
The Rarity Factor
The odds of encountering a 100% IV Shadow Pokémon are incredibly slim. The base chance of a Pokémon having perfect IVs is 1 in 4096 (0.0244%). Unlike wild catches and raids, Shadow Pokémon IVs are not boosted by weather or research tasks.
Therefore, focusing on securing a Shadow Pokémon with usable IVs is a more realistic and rewarding goal than chasing perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shadow IVs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Shadow IVs to further enhance your understanding:
1. What exactly does the Shadow boost do?
The Shadow boost provides a flat 20% increase to the Pokémon’s attack stat in combat. It also causes the Pokémon to take 20% more damage. This bonus applies to both fast and charged attacks.
2. Is a 0/0/0 Shadow Pokémon really better than a 15/15/15 regular Pokémon?
In most PvE scenarios, yes. The 20% attack boost is so significant that it overshadows the IV differences. The Shadow Pokémon will deal more damage faster, even with subpar stats.
3. Should I always purify a 3-star Shadow Pokémon?
Not necessarily. A 3-star rating indicates decent IVs, but the Shadow bonus is usually more valuable, especially for PvE. Consider purifying only if you need the Pokémon for a specific PvP strategy or are focused on collecting hundos.
4. Can weather boost increase a Shadow Pokémon’s minimum IVs?
No, weather boost does not affect the IVs of Shadow Pokémon. Shadow Pokémon have a fixed set of IVs upon capture, unaffected by weather conditions. However, weather boost DOES affect when a shadow pokemon is caught. As stated above, the minimum IVs are increased to 4/4/4.
5. How do I TM away Frustration on a Shadow Pokémon?
Frustration is a Charged Attack that Shadow Pokémon initially possess. You can only remove Frustration during special Team GO Rocket events when you can use a Charged TM. Plan accordingly!
6. What are the minimum IVs for a Shadow Pokémon?
The minimum IVs for a Shadow Pokémon are typically 0/0/0. However, during certain events, such as when the Shadow Pokémon is weather boosted the minimum IVs are increased to 4/4/4.
7. Can I trade Shadow Pokémon?
No, you cannot trade Shadow Pokémon with other players.
8. Does the Shadow boost affect Charged Attack damage?
Yes, the Shadow boost affects all attack damage, including Charged Attacks.
9. Is it worth investing in a Shadow Pokémon with low IVs for PvP?
It depends on the Pokémon and your resources. For some Pokémon, the Shadow boost can compensate for low IVs. However, in general, a Shadow Pokémon with low Attack and high Defense/HP will be more effective in PvP.
10. How do I find good Shadow Pokémon?
Defeat Team GO Rocket Grunts at PokéStops and Team GO Rocket Leaders (Arlo, Cliff, and Sierra) to encounter Shadow Pokémon.
11. Are certain Shadow Pokémon better than others?
Yes! Some Pokémon benefit more from the Shadow boost than others. Look for Pokémon with high Attack stats and good movesets. Shadow Machamp is a prime example of a powerful Shadow attacker. Shadow Mewtwo is considered one of the strongest pokemon in the game!
12. What happens if I purify a Shadow Pokémon during an event that changes its move?
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will always result in it learning the Charged Attack “Return.” This will override any other event-specific moves.
13. How much does it cost to power up a Shadow Pokémon?
Shadow Pokémon require more Stardust and Candy to power up than regular Pokémon. However, Purifying a Pokemon can lower this cost.
14. Does the Shadow boost affect Mega Evolutions?
The Shadow boost does not directly affect Mega Evolutions. However, since Mega Evolutions are based on regular Pokémon, you would need to purify a Shadow Pokémon to be able to Mega Evolve it. This would remove the Shadow bonus. As stated before, purified Pokemon are required for Mega evolution.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategy and gameplay?
You can find valuable resources on the Pokémon GO community forums, websites dedicated to Pokémon GO, and educational organizations like the Games Learning Society, which explores the intersection of games and learning. You can explore the GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of Shadow IVs in Pokémon GO can seem daunting, but understanding the core principles is key. Remember to prioritize the Shadow boost for PvE and balance damage with survivability for PvP. Don’t be afraid to experiment, research specific Pokémon, and adapt your strategies to the ever-evolving meta. Happy battling, trainer!