What Shadow Pokemon Should You Keep in Pokemon GO?

Alright, fellow trainers, let’s cut to the chase. You’ve battled your way through Team GO Rocket, snagged a bunch of Shadow Pokemon, and now you’re staring at your Pokémon storage, wondering which of these shadowy beasts are worth the investment. The short answer is: Keep the strongest, most relevant attackers for raids and Team GO Rocket battles, focusing on those that benefit significantly from the Shadow bonus. In particular, prioritize Shadow legendaries and pseudo-legendaries with good Attack stats and useful movesets. That means aiming for Shadows of Pokemon like Mewtwo, Metagross, Salamence, Tyranitar, and Machamp. Now, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty and explain why.

Understanding the Shadow Pokemon Advantage

Shadow Pokemon possess a unique characteristic: a 20% damage bonus to their attacks, but they also take 20% more damage themselves. This trade-off makes them glass cannons – capable of dealing incredible damage but also vulnerable to being knocked out quickly. Because of this, the key is to maximize their offensive potential. Some Pokemon simply aren’t worth keeping as Shadows because they don’t have the stats or movesets to make use of the bonus or because they are more useful as tanks, or because they evolve into Pokemon that are more useful defensively.

Prioritizing Attack Stats

The 20% damage bonus is directly proportional to the base Attack stat of the Pokemon. A Pokemon with a high Attack stat will see a much larger increase in damage output than a Pokemon with a low Attack stat. Therefore, prioritizing Shadow Pokemon with naturally high Attack stats is crucial. Pokemon like Shadow Mewtwo or Shadow Machamp become top-tier attackers, outperforming their regular counterparts in many situations, despite the increased vulnerability.

Considering Movesets

The best Shadow Pokemon have access to powerful, relevant movesets for their type. A Shadow Pokemon with a mediocre moveset will still be less effective than a regular Pokemon with an optimal one. Take the time to research the best movesets for each Pokemon and use TMs (Technical Machines) to optimize your Shadow attackers. Don’t invest in second Charged Moves on Pokemon that aren’t going to be used regularly.

Don’t Purify Everything!

It can be tempting to purify all Shadow Pokemon to reduce their Stardust and Candy costs and potentially get a “hundo” (100% IV Pokemon). However, purifying removes the 20% damage bonus. Only purify Shadow Pokemon if you don’t plan on using them in battles or if they are specifically needed for research tasks. In most cases, the offensive power of a Shadow Pokemon outweighs the cost savings of purification. Purifying can be a good idea if you do not plan on using it for battle.

The Role of IVs (Individual Values)

While high IVs are always desirable, they are less crucial for Shadow Pokemon than for regular Pokemon. The 20% damage bonus often outweighs the slight difference in stats between a high-IV and a low-IV Shadow Pokemon. A 0% IV Shadow Mewtwo, for example, will still outdamage a 100% IV regular Mewtwo. However, if you have the option, of course, choose Shadow Pokemon with decent IVs, especially in Attack.

Top Shadow Pokemon to Keep

Here’s a breakdown of some of the top Shadow Pokemon to prioritize keeping and investing in:

• Shadow Mewtwo: The undisputed king of Shadow attackers. With its incredibly high Attack stat and versatile moveset, Shadow Mewtwo is a force to be reckoned with in raids and Team GO Rocket battles.

• Shadow Metagross: A steel-type powerhouse with access to Meteor Mash, making it an excellent generalist attacker and a top counter against Fairy and Ice-type Pokemon.

• Shadow Machamp: The premier Fighting-type attacker. Shadow Machamp is essential for taking down Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice, and Dark-type Pokemon.

• Shadow Salamence: A powerful Dragon-type attacker with access to Outrage. Shadow Salamence is a great choice for dealing massive damage to Dragon and Flying-type opponents.

• Shadow Tyranitar: A Dark and Rock-type beast with high Attack and access to Smack Down and Stone Edge for Rock-type damage or Bite and Crunch for Dark-type damage.

• Shadow Dragonite: Another fantastic Dragon-type attacker, offering a bit more bulk than Salamence.

• Shadow Gardevoir: Fairy-type attacker that can be effective against Dragon, Dark, and Fighting-type raid bosses.

• Shadow Electivire: Electric-type attacker that can be effective against Water and Flying-type raid bosses.

• Shadow Magnezone: Another excellent Electric-type attacker, often preferred for its slightly higher bulk.

• Shadow Weavile: Dark and Ice-type attacker that can be effective against Ghost, Psychic, Dragon, and Flying-type raid bosses.

FAQs about Shadow Pokemon in Pokemon GO

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of choosing which Shadow Pokemon to keep:

1. Are Shadow Legendaries always worth keeping?

Generally, yes. Shadow Legendaries often have incredibly high Attack stats, making them top-tier attackers. The 20% damage bonus amplifies their offensive potential, making them superior to their regular counterparts in most raiding situations. It is typically worth the investment, even with poorer IVs.

2. Should I purify a Shadow Pokemon if it has bad IVs?

Not necessarily. The 20% damage bonus is usually more valuable than slightly improved stats from purification. However, if you don’t plan on using the Pokemon in battle, purifying it for a potential “hundo” or for a research task is fine.

3. How do I get rid of Frustration?

Frustration is a Charged Attack that all Shadow Pokemon initially have. It can only be removed during special Team GO Rocket events when you can use a Charged TM to replace it. Always prioritize removing Frustration from any Shadow Pokemon you plan to use.

4. What is the best way to use Shadow Pokemon in battle?

Use Shadow Pokemon strategically in battles where their high damage output can quickly take down opponents. Be mindful of their fragility and avoid prolonged engagements where they are likely to take significant damage. They are best used in raids and against Team GO Rocket.

5. Are Shadow Pokemon good for PvP (Trainer Battles)?

It depends. Some Shadow Pokemon can be effective in PvP due to their high damage output. However, their increased vulnerability means they require careful strategy and shielding. Shadow Pokemon are more commonly used in raids.

6. How much does it cost to power up Shadow Pokemon?

Powering up Shadow Pokemon requires more Stardust and Candy than regular Pokemon. However, the increased power can be worth the investment, especially for top-tier attackers.

7. Should I use Elite TMs on Shadow Pokemon?

Yes, if you want to equip the very best movesets! Elite TMs are rare and valuable, but they can unlock exclusive moves that significantly enhance the performance of your Shadow Pokemon. Only use Elite TMs on Pokemon that you will use.

8. Are there any Shadow Pokemon that are not worth keeping?

Yes. Shadow Pokemon with low Attack stats or those that evolve into Pokemon with primarily defensive roles are generally not worth keeping. For example, Shadow Blissey would not be worth keeping as Blissey is a defender.

9. How do I find good Shadow Pokemon?

Battle Team GO Rocket Grunts and Leaders at PokeStops. The Pokemon they use will be available for you to catch as Shadow Pokemon. Different Grunts have different Pokemon, so knowing their catch pool is important.

10. Can Shadow Pokemon be shiny?

Yes, Shadow Pokemon can be shiny. Shiny Shadow Pokemon are highly sought after due to their rarity and unique appearance.

11. What is the difference between a Shadow and a Purified Pokemon?

Shadow Pokemon have a 20% damage bonus but take 20% more damage. Purified Pokemon have lower Stardust and Candy costs for powering up and evolving and also get the move Return.

12. How do I purify a Shadow Pokemon?

Select the Shadow Pokemon in your storage and choose the “Purify” option. It will cost Stardust and Candy, depending on the Pokemon’s rarity and evolution stage.

13. What should I do with duplicate Shadow Pokemon?

If you have multiple Shadow Pokemon of the same species, focus on powering up the one with the best IVs and moveset. You can transfer the others to Professor Willow for Candy.

14. Are Shadow Pokemon affected by weather boosts?

Yes, Shadow Pokemon are affected by weather boosts, just like regular Pokemon. This can further amplify their damage output in favorable weather conditions.

15. Where can I learn more about Pokemon GO strategies and game design?

The world of gaming and learning intertwine in fascinating ways. If you’re curious about how games like Pokemon GO can be used for educational purposes and to foster critical thinking, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You’ll find valuable research and resources exploring the intersection of games and learning.

So there you have it, trainers! By focusing on high Attack stats, optimal movesets, and understanding the Shadow bonus, you can build a formidable team of Shadow Pokemon to conquer any challenge in Pokemon GO. Happy battling!