Shadow vs. Purified Pokémon: Which Reigns Supreme in Pokémon GO?
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The age-old question in Pokémon GO: Is it better to purify Shadow Pokémon or leave them shrouded in darkness? The short answer, and I’ll preface this with a resounding “it depends,” is that keeping Pokémon as Shadow is generally the superior choice for combat, particularly in raids and high-stakes gym battles. However, there are specific circumstances where purification offers distinct advantages. Let’s dive into the fascinating nuances of this decision.
The Allure of Shadow Pokémon
Unmatched Offensive Prowess
The core reason Shadow Pokémon are so highly valued lies in their massive damage output. They receive a 20% boost to their Attack stat in both PvP and PvE scenarios. While this comes at the cost of a 20% reduction in their Defense stat, the increased offensive pressure typically outweighs the defensive trade-off, especially in raids where maximizing damage within a time limit is paramount. Think of them as glass cannons—fragile, but incredibly powerful.
PvE Domination
In Player versus Environment (PvE) battles, such as raids and gym assaults, Shadow Pokémon are simply devastating. The sheer damage they inflict allows you to take down bosses more quickly, secure more rewards, and contribute more effectively to team efforts. This is why seasoned trainers covet Shadow versions of top-tier raid attackers like Shadow Mewtwo, Shadow Machamp, Shadow Tyranitar, and others.
The Merits of Purification
IV Enhancement
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon grants a significant boost to its Individual Values (IVs). Each IV stat (Attack, Defense, HP) increases by two points. This can elevate a Pokémon with mediocre IVs to a respectable level, potentially transforming a 2-star Pokémon into a 3-star one. For collectors seeking perfect or near-perfect Pokémon, purification can be a viable path.
Resource Savings
Purified Pokémon require less Stardust and Candy to power up, evolve, and learn new charged attacks. This is a considerable benefit, especially for rare or Legendary Pokémon where resources are scarce. If you’re on a budget or simply want to conserve your hard-earned Stardust, purifying a Pokémon can ease the burden.
Return, a Unique Charged Attack
Upon purification, a Shadow Pokémon forgets the Frustration Charged Attack and learns Return. While Return isn’t generally a top-tier move, it can be useful in certain situations, particularly on Normal-type Pokémon. More often than not, Return will be replaced with a better charged attack.
When to Purify: Niche Scenarios
PvP Considerations
In Player versus Player (PvP) battles, the calculus shifts. While Shadow Pokémon can still be powerful in PvP, the reduced Defense stat becomes more of a liability. In certain leagues and matchups, the added bulk of a purified Pokémon can provide a crucial edge, allowing it to withstand more damage and survive longer. This is especially true for Pokémon that rely on defensive stats or have movesets designed for prolonged battles.
Budget Battlers
For trainers with limited resources, purifying can make Pokémon more accessible. The reduced Stardust and Candy costs allow you to power up more Pokémon to a usable level, expanding your battle roster and improving your overall performance.
Dex Completion and Collection
Some trainers prioritize completing their Pokédex and collecting all possible variations of Pokémon. Purifying adds another entry to the “Purified” counter in your Pokédex, satisfying completionist desires.
Top Shadow Pokémon to Keep Unpurified: A Hall of Fame
Here’s a brief list of some of the most sought-after Shadow Pokémon that are generally best left untouched by purification:
- Shadow Mewtwo: The undisputed king of Shadow Pokémon, boasting unparalleled Attack power.
- Shadow Machamp: A premier Fighting-type attacker, essential for taking down Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice and Dark-type Raid Bosses.
- Shadow Tyranitar: A formidable Dark and Rock-type attacker, excelling against Ghost, Psychic, Flying, Fire, and Ice-type Raid Bosses.
- Shadow Salamence: A top-tier Dragon-type attacker.
- Shadow Metagross: A powerful Steel-type attacker, useful against Rock, Ice, and Fairy-type Raid Bosses.
- Shadow Dragonite: A very strong Dragon and Flying type attacker.
- Shadow Gardevoir: A strong Fairy and Psychic type attacker.
Making the Decision: A Flowchart
To help you decide whether to purify a Shadow Pokémon, consider the following questions:
- Is this Pokémon a top-tier attacker in its type? If yes, generally keep it as a Shadow.
- Are the IVs extremely poor (e.g., 0-star)? If yes, purification might be worthwhile if you need a usable version of that Pokémon and lack the resources to acquire a better Shadow.
- Do you primarily focus on PvP? If yes, carefully evaluate the Pokémon’s stats, moveset, and role in your team before deciding. Purification may be beneficial for certain PvP specialists.
- Are you on a tight budget of Stardust and Candy? If yes, purification can make Pokémon more accessible.
- Are you a dedicated collector aiming to complete your Pokédex? If yes, purification might be desirable for the sake of completion.
Summary
Ultimately, the decision to purify or not purify a Shadow Pokémon is a complex one, driven by individual goals, resource constraints, and play style. However, for players focused on maximizing damage in PvE battles, the raw power of Shadow Pokémon generally outweighs the benefits of purification. Evaluate your priorities, consider the specific Pokémon in question, and make an informed choice that aligns with your Pokémon GO strategy. If you are interested in learning more about communities engaging with each other about gaming visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you evolve Shadow Pokémon without purifying?
Yes, you can absolutely evolve Shadow Pokémon without purifying them. The only change when evolving a purified vs a shadow Pokémon is to add the “Purified” counter on the Pokédex.
2. Can you mega evolve Shadow Pokémon?
No, Shadow Pokémon cannot be Mega Evolved. Only purified or costumed Pokémon can Mega Evolve.
3. Are purified Pokémon better?
Shadow Pokemon works as angry Pokemon and will deal damage more faster then Normal or Purified Pokemon. The attack power of a Shadow Pokemon is boosted by 1.2x or 20%, making its fast attack hit significantly harder. So it’s better to keep them unpurified.
4. What is the most powerful Shadow Pokémon?
Shadow Mewtwo is widely considered the most powerful Shadow Pokémon due to its exceptional Attack stat and versatile movepool.
5. What is the benefit of Shadow Pokémon?
The primary benefit of Shadow Pokémon is their increased attack damage, making them highly effective in raids and gym battles.
6. Can a purified Pokémon be lucky?
Yes, a purified Pokémon can be Lucky, meaning you can have a Lucky Purified Pokémon. You can also get Lucky Shadow Pokémon, but you cannot trade them.
7. Is a 0-star Shadow Pokémon good?
If a 0-star Shadow Pokémon is of a high-ranking attacker, it’s often better to keep it unpurified due to the Shadow bonus. The low IVs will not outweigh the 20% attack damage that it brings, and will still prove to be a huge help in future raids.
8. Are 0-star Pokémon worth keeping?
Generally, 0-star Pokémon are not worth keeping for defending gyms or attacking enemy gyms. High IVs are much more important for these roles.
9. Can purified Pokémon mega evolve?
Yes, you can Mega Evolve purified Pokémon, but they won’t have a swirly white aura when Mega Evolved.
10. Why not to purify Pokémon?
The main reason not to purify Pokémon is that purified Pokémon lose the 20% damage bonus available to Shadow Pokémon.
11. Can I trade purified Pokémon?
Yes, you can trade purified Pokémon. However, trading a purified Pokémon counts as your special trade for the day.
12. Are purified Pokémon easier to evolve?
Purified Pokémon cost less Candy to evolve and less Stardust to power up. This is one of the main benefits of purifying.
13. Should I power up before evolving?
It’s generally better to evolve first and then power up to ensure you get the desired moveset on the evolved form.
14. Can you trade Shadow Pokémon?
No, you cannot trade Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Niantic’s trading rules prohibit the exchange of Shadow-type creatures.
15. Can Shadow Pokémon be shiny?
Yes, Shadow Pokémon can be shiny. Shadow Pokémon are a coveted asset and hard to come by, and Shiny Shadow Pokémon even more so.