Unleashing the Fury: What Makes a “Good” IV for Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO
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The quest for the perfect Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a relentless pursuit. When it comes to Shadow Pokémon, however, the definition of “good” shifts dramatically. Forget chasing those elusive 100% IV (also known as a Hundo) specimens right away! With Shadow Pokémon, a low IV Pokémon can perform better than 100% IV regular Pokémon. A “good” IV for a Shadow Pokémon depends on what you intend to use it for. Here’s the breakdown:
For Raids and Gym Battles: The Shadow bonus (+20% damage output, but also taking 20% more damage) fundamentally changes the calculus. Often, a Shadow Pokémon with even zero IVs will out-damage a regular, non-Shadow Pokémon with perfect IVs. Therefore, prioritize a Shadow Pokémon with the desired moveset above all else. While higher IVs are beneficial (more stats are always better), a “good” IV is one that lets you use the Shadow bonus effectively. Essentially a shadow bonus overrides all consideration of IVs.
For PvP (Trainer Battles): The answer is more nuanced and depends on the league.
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Master League (No CP Cap): Similar to raids, the raw power of the Shadow bonus is paramount. A 15/15/15 (Perfect) IV Shadow is always desirable, but any Shadow with decent stats and the right moveset is competitive. Aim for the highest IVs you can get without compromising the Shadow bonus.
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Great League and Ultra League (CP Capped): Here, the IVs become more critical to maximize stats within the CP limit. Since Attack contributes more to CP than Defense or Stamina, the general guidelines of maximizing defense and stamina and lowering attack apply here. The ideal stat product is the goal, not the perfect 15/15/15 spread. This will allow you to power up your Pokémon further before hitting the league’s CP cap, increasing its overall effectiveness. As the article states, “For Leagues with lower CP limits, such as the Great League, usually the best IVs you can have are 0 / 15 / 15, or something similar to that.”
Ultimately, a “good” IV for a Shadow Pokémon is one that optimizes its performance for its intended purpose. Don’t be afraid to use a low-IV Shadow for raids! The Shadow bonus is extremely important to maximize your damage in raids.
Shadow Pokémon: FAQs to Demystify the Darkness
What exactly is a Shadow Pokémon and how do they get the Shadow bonus?
Shadow Pokémon are corrupted Pokémon obtained through defeating Team GO Rocket members and their leaders. Giovanni can also be battled to catch legendary Shadow Pokémon. They are imbued with a dark energy that grants them a 20% damage boost but also makes them take 20% more damage. This bonus dramatically increases their offensive power, making them valuable assets in raids and battles. This makes it worth powering up a Shadow Pokémon for its increased damage output.
Should I ever purify a Shadow Pokémon?
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon removes the damage bonus and increases its IVs (at least +2 to each stat, and in some cases, +3 to one or more stats). Whether or not you purify a shadow Pokémon depends on your goals in the game.
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Don’t purify if: You want maximum damage output for raids or PvP (especially in Master League). The damage bonus almost always outweighs the stat increase.
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Consider purifying if:
- The Pokémon is relatively weak and you need to reduce the Stardust and Candy cost to make it useable. Note the Pokémon will then lose the 20% damage boost.
- It will give the Pokémon a move that is beneficial.
- You want a specific purified Pokémon for your collection or a purified hundo.
What is a “perfect” IV Shadow Pokémon?
A perfect IV Shadow Pokémon has 15 Attack, 15 Defense, and 15 Stamina (15/15/15). While extremely rare, these are highly sought after, especially for Master League PvP and raids. Note, however, that a non-perfect Shadow with the right moveset may still outperform a perfect, non-Shadow version.
Are Shadow Pokémon better than 100 IV regular Pokémon?
In most cases, yes, for damage output. The 20% damage bonus of a Shadow Pokémon usually outweighs the stat difference between a 0 IV Shadow and a 100 IV regular Pokémon. This is most noticeable in raids, where damage is king. Of course, a 100 IV Shadow Pokémon would be better than both!
Is a 0-star Shadow Pokémon worth keeping?
Absolutely! Do not immediately transfer 0-star Shadow Pokémon. The Shadow bonus is so significant that even a 0-star Shadow can be extremely useful, especially for raids. Evaluate its type, moveset, and potential role in your team before dismissing it.
How rare is a 0% IV Shadow Pokémon?
A 0% IV Shadow Pokémon is extremely rare, much rarer than a 100%. It’s rarer because Shadow Pokémon can only be encountered through Team GO Rocket battles, which don’t have the boosted IV floors that Raids, Eggs, and Research tasks do. So definitely don’t dismiss a 0% IV Shadow Pokémon, it is worth keeping because they are so rare.
What are the best IVs for Shadow Pokémon in Great League and Ultra League?
In these leagues, CP is capped, so maximizing stat product (the product of Attack, Defense, and Stamina) is key. This often means aiming for lower Attack IVs and higher Defense and Stamina IVs to allow for more power-ups before reaching the CP limit. A 0/15/15 or similar spread can be ideal for certain Pokémon.
Should I evolve my Shadow Pokémon before or after purifying it?
Always evolve your Pokémon before purifying it. Purifying a shadow Pokémon increases its level, but evolving it before purifying ensures it receives any event-exclusive moves it may learn on evolution. You will also save candies and stardust required for the level increase after it is purified.
Can Shadow Pokémon have 100% IVs?
Yes, Shadow Pokémon can have 100% IVs, but they are incredibly rare. Remember that a 100% Shadow Pokémon is a prized possession, combining top stats with the powerful Shadow bonus. This means that they can be useful in Master League PvP and raids.
What happens if I purify a 100% Shadow Pokémon?
Purifying a 100% Shadow Pokémon seems counterintuitive to many players, since the Shadow bonus is so beneficial. It turns it into a purified 100% Pokémon, changing its appearance and potentially granting access to the move Return. However, you lose the Shadow bonus, which is the main appeal of Shadow Pokémon.
How does the 20% damage bonus and damage taken reduction work?
The 20% damage bonus is applied to all attacks from a Shadow Pokémon. Similarly, the 20% damage taken increase applies to all attacks directed at the Shadow Pokémon. This makes them glass cannons – dealing immense damage but being more vulnerable to opponents.
Why are Shadow Pokémon so good in raids?
Their increased damage output (a 20% bonus!) allows players to defeat raid bosses faster. With more players using Shadow Pokémon, raids become much more manageable and allow for even more difficult raids to be completed successfully.
Is it possible to get a 6 max IV Pokemon?
Six “max IV” Pokémon can be found in Tera Raid battles in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. This is because IV distributions are impacted by Pokémon caught in Tera Raids, meaning you could get lucky enough to find a six-IV Ditto.
Where can I learn more about the strategy of playing Pokémon GO?
You can learn more about the strategy of playing Pokémon GO from various resources. One good resource is the Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and education. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover a wealth of information on game-based learning and the educational aspects of gaming. Games Learning Society offers an invaluable connection between gaming and learning to help educate gamers.
What happens if I purify a 4 star Shadow Pokémon?
Purifying a 4-star Shadow Pokémon (one with perfect IVs) results in a 4-star purified Pokémon. This boosts its CP, reduces candy and stardust costs, and changes its move to Return. However, it also removes the vital Shadow damage bonus.
Understanding the nuances of IVs and the impact of the Shadow bonus is crucial for maximizing your success in Pokémon GO. Remember that a “good” IV for a Shadow Pokémon depends on its intended use, and sometimes, embracing the darkness is the best strategy.