What Does Shadow Vulpix Evolve Into?
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Shadow Vulpix evolves into Shadow Ninetales. The process is identical to evolving a regular Vulpix: you need 50 Vulpix Candy. However, the resulting Shadow Ninetales will retain its Shadow status unless purified.
Understanding Shadow Pokémon
Before diving deeper into the evolution of Shadow Vulpix, it’s crucial to understand what Shadow Pokémon are and how they differ from their regular counterparts. Shadow Pokémon were introduced in Pokémon GO by Team GO Rocket. They are Pokémon that have been corrupted and imbued with an unnatural energy, resulting in a darker appearance and a unique battle mechanic.
Shadow Pokémon Characteristics
- Appearance: Shadow Pokémon have a distinctive shadowy aura and glowing red eyes.
- Stats: They have increased attack stats but decreased defense stats compared to their regular forms. This makes them powerful offensive threats but also more vulnerable in battle.
- Moves: Shadow Pokémon initially know the Charged Attack Frustration, which is typically a weak move. However, during special events, players can TM away Frustration and replace it with a more potent move.
- Purification: Shadow Pokémon can be purified using Stardust and Candy. Purification removes the shadowy appearance, increases their IVs, and changes Frustration to Return.
Evolving Shadow Vulpix into Shadow Ninetales
The evolution process of Shadow Vulpix into Shadow Ninetales is straightforward, mirroring the evolution of a regular Vulpix.
Requirements for Evolution
- 50 Vulpix Candy: This is the standard Candy cost for evolving Vulpix, regardless of whether it’s a Shadow, regular, or even Alolan Vulpix.
- Shadow Vulpix: You must have a Shadow Vulpix in your Pokémon storage.
The Evolution Process
- Collect 50 Vulpix Candy: Participate in raids, complete research tasks, use Pinap Berries when catching Vulpix, or walk Vulpix as your Buddy to earn Candy.
- Select Shadow Vulpix: In your Pokémon storage, find and select your Shadow Vulpix.
- Tap the “Evolve” Button: If you have enough Candy, the “Evolve” button will be available. Tap it to begin the evolution process.
- Confirm Evolution: The game will prompt you to confirm the evolution. Once confirmed, your Shadow Vulpix will evolve into Shadow Ninetales.
Shadow Ninetales: A Powerful Fire-Type
Shadow Ninetales is a potent Fire-type Pokémon with high offensive capabilities. Its increased attack stat, characteristic of Shadow Pokémon, makes it a formidable attacker in raids and Gym battles. However, be mindful of its reduced defense.
Should You Purify Shadow Vulpix/Ninetales?
The decision to purify a Shadow Vulpix or Ninetales depends on your goals and play style. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options.
Advantages of Keeping it Shadow
- Higher Attack: Shadow Pokémon boast significantly higher attack stats. This makes Shadow Ninetales a hard-hitting Fire-type attacker, often outperforming its regular counterpart in damage output.
- Raid and Gym Battles: Shadow Ninetales can be very effective in raids and Gym battles due to its offensive prowess.
Advantages of Purification
- Improved IVs: Purification raises the Individual Values (IVs) of the Pokémon, potentially leading to a near-perfect or perfect IV Pokémon.
- Reduced Candy and Stardust Costs: Purifying a Shadow Pokémon reduces the Candy and Stardust costs for powering it up.
- Return Move: The purified Pokémon learns the move Return, which can be a decent Normal-type attack.
- Research Tasks: Some research tasks may require purifying Shadow Pokémon.
The Verdict
For players focused on maximizing damage output in raids and Gym battles, keeping Shadow Vulpix and evolving it into Shadow Ninetales is generally the preferred option. However, if you prioritize having a Pokémon with high IVs or want to save on Stardust and Candy, purification may be the better choice. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and the specific needs of your team.
Shadow Ninetales Moveset
Shadow Ninetales has access to a variety of Fire-type and other move types, making it versatile in battle.
Best Moveset for Raids and Gyms
- Fast Move: Fire Spin (Fire-type)
- Charged Move: Overheat (Fire-type)
This moveset provides the best damage output for Shadow Ninetales, maximizing its Fire-type damage potential.
Alternative Movesets
- Fast Move: Quick Attack (Normal-type)
- Charged Move: Solar Beam (Grass-type) – Provides coverage against Water-type Pokémon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Shadow Pokémon be shiny?
Yes, Shadow Pokémon can be shiny. However, encountering a shiny Shadow Pokémon is relatively rare. You’ll only encounter Shadow Pokémon during Team GO Rocket encounters.
2. Can I evolve a Shadow Pokémon into a Mega Evolution?
While Shadow Pokémon cannot directly Mega Evolve, their regular evolved forms can. For example, a regular Ninetales can Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard Y (through Mega Evolution).
3. How do I get rid of the Frustration move on my Shadow Vulpix/Ninetales?
You can only remove the Frustration move from Shadow Pokémon during specific Team GO Rocket events. During these events, you can use a Charged TM to replace Frustration with a different move.
4. Is Shadow Ninetales better than regular Ninetales?
In terms of raw damage output, Shadow Ninetales is generally better than regular Ninetales due to its higher attack stat. However, regular Ninetales has better defense, making it slightly more durable.
5. How do I find Shadow Vulpix?
Shadow Vulpix can be found by battling Team GO Rocket Grunts at PokéStops or in Team GO Rocket balloons. The available Shadow Pokémon change periodically, so you may need to wait for Vulpix to be featured.
6. Can I trade Shadow Pokémon?
Shadow Pokémon can be traded, but there are limitations. Special trades are required, and you can only perform one Special Trade per day. Both players must also be at a certain friendship level to trade Shadow Pokémon.
7. How much does it cost to purify a Shadow Vulpix?
The cost to purify a Shadow Vulpix is usually 2,000 Stardust and 2 Candy.
8. What happens to the IVs when I purify a Shadow Vulpix?
Purifying a Shadow Vulpix increases each of its IVs (Attack, Defense, and HP) by 2. This can potentially result in a Pokémon with very high or even perfect IVs.
9. Can Shadow Ninetales learn Legacy Moves?
Yes, Shadow Ninetales can learn Legacy Moves if you evolve it during a specific event or use an Elite TM.
10. What is the best nature for Shadow Ninetales in mainline Pokémon games?
While Pokémon GO doesn’t use natures, in mainline Pokémon games, the best nature for Ninetales is generally Timid, as it increases Speed and decreases Attack.
11. Can I use Shadow Ninetales in Pokémon GO Battle League?
Yes, you can use Shadow Ninetales in Pokémon GO Battle League. Its high attack stat can make it a formidable opponent, but its lower defense also makes it more vulnerable.
12. Does weather affect Shadow Ninetales’ Fire-type moves?
Yes, Sunny weather boosts Fire-type moves, making Shadow Ninetales even more powerful in raids and Gym battles during sunny conditions.
13. How do I know if a Team GO Rocket Grunt will have a Shadow Vulpix?
The dialogue of the Team GO Rocket Grunt often gives clues about the type of Pokémon they will use. If they say something related to Fire, there’s a higher chance of them having a Shadow Vulpix. However, it’s not always guaranteed.
14. Are Shadow Pokémon stronger in certain situations?
Shadow Pokémon are generally stronger offensively due to their increased attack stats. However, they are more vulnerable defensively, making them riskier to use in situations where survivability is crucial.
15. How do I power up my Shadow Ninetales?
You can power up your Shadow Ninetales using Stardust and Vulpix Candy. The cost increases with each power-up level. Remember that Shadow Pokémon typically cost more Stardust and Candy to power up than regular Pokémon, unless they have been purified.