Why Can’t We Trade Shadow Pokémon? Unraveling the Mystery
The inability to trade Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a common source of frustration for many trainers. The straightforward answer is that Shadow Pokémon are intentionally untradeable due to a balancing issue Niantic encountered shortly after their introduction. Initially, Shadow Pokémon were tradeable, but this quickly created an exploit that allowed players to easily obtain high-IV (Individual Value) Pokémon, effectively undermining the core mechanics of the game. This exploit revolved around purification, as a purified Pokémon would gain significant stat boosts, potentially turning a mediocre Shadow Pokémon into a powerhouse.
The ability to trade Shadow Pokémon allowed players to reroll IVs and potentially receive a better one. When this better Shadow pokemon got purified, the boosted IVs plus the purification boost often guaranteed a perfect or near perfect IV pokemon, hence Niantic’s decision to disable it. To prevent widespread abuse and preserve the integrity of gameplay, Niantic made the decision to ban Shadow Pokémon trades in July 2019, a restriction that has remained in place. This ban also extends to transfers to Pokémon HOME, further limiting interactions with these unique creatures outside of Pokémon GO.
The removal of Shadow trades was a necessary measure to prevent the game’s economy from being easily manipulated. It ensured that high-IV Pokémon remained relatively rare and that players could not simply bypass the intended grind associated with catching and improving their Pokémon. While the restriction is often disappointing, it ultimately serves to protect the intended gameplay experience of Pokémon GO.
Understanding the Rationale
The Initial Exploit
The root cause of the trade ban lies in the mechanics of purification. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon provides a boost of +2 to each of its IV stats. Initially, when Shadow Pokémon could be traded, players would repeatedly trade the same Shadow, each time hoping to get a better IV. If a Pokemon was good already and boosted after trade, once purified, this would effectively guarantee a near perfect or perfect IV pokemon. This ability to manipulate IVs through trade and purification undermined the rarity and value of well-statted Pokémon, devaluing the time and effort invested by players.
Niantic’s Response
Recognizing the imbalance, Niantic swiftly acted to remove the ability to trade Shadow Pokémon. This was a necessary step to prevent the easy acquisition of powerful, high-IV creatures, preserving the game’s intended challenge and reward system. The ban serves as a clear example of Niantic’s commitment to balancing the gameplay and preventing exploits that could damage the overall experience for the majority of players.
The Trade Ban’s Continued Relevance
The ban on Shadow Pokémon trades has remained in effect because the purification mechanics haven’t significantly changed. The +2 IV boost upon purification is still a significant factor, which would make trading Shadow Pokémon a very exploitable feature if reintroduced. Niantic likely understands that reintroducing trading would again lead to the manipulation of IVs and the devaluing of the hunt for good Pokémon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions players have about Shadow Pokémon and trading, along with detailed answers:
1. Can Shadow Pokémon ever be Lucky?
No, Shadow Lucky Pokémon are no longer obtainable. The ability to get a lucky Shadow Pokémon was removed alongside the ban on Shadow Pokémon trades. This was done to further prevent the exploitation of IVs that Niantic was addressing with the trade ban.
2. Why can’t I transfer my Shadow Pokémon to Pokémon HOME?
Shadow Pokémon transfers to Pokémon HOME are also prohibited. This ban is an extension of the same logic that prevents trading them in Pokémon GO. The intent is to limit the flow of Shadow Pokémon between the main game and its outside integrations, preventing the potential for their unique stats and mechanics from being abused or circumvented in ways not intended by Niantic.
3. Can I trade my Purified Pokémon?
Yes, Purified Pokémon can be traded. Once a Shadow Pokémon is purified, it becomes a regular Pokémon and can be traded just like any other. The restrictions only apply to Shadow Pokémon before purification.
4. What happens when I purify a Shadow Pokémon?
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will:
* Increase its IVs by +2 for each stat.
* Change its charged attack to the exclusive Return move.
* Reduce the cost of powering up and evolving the Pokémon.
* Remove the “shadow” appearance, turning it into a regular Pokémon.
5. Why can’t some Pokémon be traded at all?
There are a few categories of Pokémon that are untradeable, including:
- Mythical Pokémon (e.g., Mew, Celebi, Zarude, Deoxys).
- Pokémon that have already been traded once.
- Pokémon obtained through hacking, botting, or spoofing.
- Pokémon obtained from certain restricted events or research tasks.
- Current buddies.
- Pokemon in a Gym.
- Fainted or not full health pokemon.
- Eggs.
6. Why are mythical Pokemon not tradeable?
Mythical Pokémon are designed to be exclusive and difficult to obtain. Allowing them to be traded would undermine their intended rarity and perceived value. They are usually obtained through special events and are a sort of trophy.
7. Why can’t Pokémon be traded more than once?
The primary reason is to prevent players from re-rolling a Pokémon’s stats through repeated trades. Each trade changes the CP and HP of a pokemon. It keeps trading from being used as an exploit to get better stats. This ensures that the value and uniqueness of every pokemon is maintained.
8. Can a 2-star Pokémon become a 3-star through purification?
Yes, a 2-star Shadow Pokémon can become a 3-star upon purification. The +2 bonus to all IVs that the purification provides can be the exact amount needed to push it into the next appraisal category. This is one of the biggest reasons for the ban on shadow pokemon trading.
9. Why are Legendary Pokémon “special” trades?
Legendary trades are classified as “special” because they involve higher costs and restrictions. Special trades also include:
* Pokémon not already in your Pokédex.
* Special forms of Pokémon (e.g., costume Pikachu).
* Shinies
* Unown and Castform forms.
* Alolan forms.
10. How do Shadow Shinies work?
Shadow Shinies exist, but are generally more difficult to obtain. In Pokemon Colosseum the chance of a Shadow being shiny is about 1/8192.
11. Is Shadow Tyranitar worth investing in?
Yes, Shadow Tyranitar is highly regarded as one of the best investments a player can make. Its boosted attack and great typing make it a powerful attacker in both raids and PvP.
12. Why was Zorua’s trading capability restricted?
Zorua’s trading capabilities were temporarily restricted due to a bug that allowed it to learn moves it was not supposed to. This was a measure to prevent further game-breaking issues until the problem was fixed.
13. Why is Zeraora’s trade not allowed on the GTS?
Zeraora’s Mythical status prevents it from being traded via the anonymous trade platform (GTS) in Pokemon Home. You will need to do a direct trade with a friend or someone through a community board to obtain a Zeraora.
14. What does a “4-star” Pokemon mean?
A 4-star Pokemon indicates a pokemon with perfect IVs. The orange bar in the appraisal system is completely red. This denotes that the Pokémon has maxed out all of its IV stats.
15. Should I keep 0-star Pokemon?
While not optimal in terms of combat effectiveness, 0-star Pokemon can be considered rare. Some players like to collect them for that very reason. However, they are typically less useful for competitive leagues.