Decoding the Blue Aura: Why Some Pokémon in Pokémon GO Radiate a Cerulean Glow

Have you ever been engrossed in Pokémon GO, swiping at your screen, and noticed a Pokémon with a distinctive blue aura around it? Understanding what these blue visual cues signify is crucial for maximizing your gameplay. In Pokémon GO, a blue glow or visual effect around a Pokémon can indicate several different things depending on the specific context. It could signify that the Pokémon was recently caught, hatched, or traded, is a Purified Pokémon, or indicate “new” catches. It’s important to distinguish between the different blue indicators to understand what information the game is trying to convey.

Understanding the Different Blue Visual Cues

The color blue in Pokémon GO isn’t just for aesthetic appeal; it’s a functional element of the game, designed to provide players with essential information at a glance. Let’s delve into the various reasons why you might see a Pokémon bathed in blue.

The “Recently Acquired” Blue Aura

One of the most common reasons for a blue aura is simply that you recently acquired the Pokémon. This occurs immediately after you’ve caught it in the wild, hatched it from an Egg, or received it in a trade. Think of it as a visual notification from the game, saying, “Hey, this one’s new to your collection!” This effect typically fades after a short period, signifying that the Pokémon is no longer “fresh off the press”.

The Blue Particles of Purified Pokémon

Another reason you might encounter a blue aura around a Pokémon is that it is Purified. Shadow Pokémon, rescued from the clutches of Team GO Rocket, can be purified using Stardust and Candy. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon removes the “Shadow” status, improves its IVs (Individual Values), and adds a distinctive blue particle effect to the Pokémon’s appearance. A bright blue particle icon appears to the left of the Pokémon’s image in its summary. These particles swirl around the Pokémon, visually indicating its purified status.

The “New Catch” Blue Cloud

Sometimes, you may see a blue cloud effect around a Pokémon in the Pokémon storage screen. This typically indicates a newly caught Pokémon. If you have a large Pokémon storage, it could signify that the Pokémon is new so that you won’t get lost amidst your stored Pokémon.

Blue Rings and Target Circles

It’s important not to confuse the blue auras mentioned above with other blue elements in the game. For instance, the color of the target ring that appears when catching a Pokémon is related to the capture difficulty. While the ring can appear blue-ish, the color progresses from green (easy) to orange (intermediate) to red (difficult). The size of this colored ring also matters. Waiting for the ring to be at its smallest diameter increases your chances of a successful catch.

Similarly, a blue ring around a Pokémon Gym indicates the level to which that Gym has been powered up. This is different from the blue aura surrounding the Pokémon themselves.

The Significance of Purified Pokémon

Purifying a Pokémon can significantly impact its attributes. While it’s tempting to purify all Shadow Pokémon, there are strategic considerations to keep in mind. Purified Pokémon receive +2 IVs to each stat, potentially improving their overall ranking. However, Shadow Pokémon possess a 20% damage bonus in their attacks, making them powerhouses in battles. Thus, it’s important to weigh the benefits of improved stats against the damage boost when deciding whether to purify a Shadow Pokémon. The Games Learning Society studies and promotes these complex game mechanics, highlighting how such systems can stimulate strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. You can learn more about how games foster learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Shiny Pokémon: No Direct Blue Aura, But Still Special

It’s important to note that a blue aura is not a direct indicator of a Shiny Pokémon. Shiny Pokémon are visually distinct due to their alternate color palettes. You can also identify them by the shiny icon above their CP when encountering them in the wild or viewing their summary. These rare variants are highly sought after by collectors and add an extra layer of excitement to the game. They do not, however, have a distinct blue aura specifically.

FAQs: Decoding the Blue Mysteries of Pokémon GO

To further clarify the various blue indicators in Pokémon GO, here’s a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What does the blue shade around the outside of my friend avatar circle mean?

The blue shade around your friend’s avatar indicates that your daily friendship level has already increased with that player. This means you’ve already interacted with them that day (e.g., traded gifts, battled together).

2. What does the colored ring mean when I’m trying to catch a Pokémon?

The ring’s color indicates the capture difficulty level of the Pokémon. Green means low difficulty, orange is intermediate, and red signals extreme difficulty.

3. What does a blue cloud mean in Pokemon GO?

The blue cloud indicates a ‘new’ catch. This visual cue helps you quickly identify Pokémon recently added to your collection.

4. Are Purified Pokémon always better than Shadow Pokémon?

Not necessarily. While Purified Pokémon gain stat boosts, Shadow Pokémon have a 20% damage bonus. The better choice depends on the specific Pokémon and your strategic goals.

5. How do I know if a Pokémon is shiny?

Shiny Pokémon have a distinct alternate color scheme and a shiny icon above their CP.

6. Do Shiny Pokémon have any stat advantages?

No, Shiny Pokémon do not have any inherent stat advantages over non-Shiny Pokémon. Their value is purely aesthetic and collectible.

7. What are Lucky Pokémon, and are they stronger?

Lucky Pokémon require less Stardust to power up and are more likely to be strong in battle. They appear with a shimmery effect in the Pokédex.

8. What does a blue ring around a Pokémon Gym mean?

The blue ring indicates the level to which that Gym has been powered up.

9. How do I tell if a Pokémon is a Ditto?

Ditto disguises itself as common Pokémon. After you catch the disguised Pokémon, you’ll see an “Oh?” prompt, and it will transform into Ditto.

10. Is it worth keeping weak Shiny Pokémon?

Yes! Shiny Pokémon are rare and valuable. Even if they’re weak, they can be traded or used for their aesthetic appeal.

11. What is the difference between XXL and XXS Pokémon?

XXL and XXS Pokémon are visually larger or smaller than their standard sizes. This is a cosmetic variation that adds a fun element to the game.

12. Should I always purify Shadow Pokémon?

No, consider the trade-offs of purification. While purified Pokémon get stat boosts, Shadow Pokémon retain a 20% damage bonus.

13. Is there a way to tell if a Pokémon is shiny before catching it?

Yes, you’ll notice the Pokémon right away compared to others, as it’ll be slightly off-colored compared to the other ones there. As well, when you go into battle, there will be a special noise and animation to indiciate that the Pokemon is indeed shiny.

14. How can I get a Lucky Pokémon?

Become Lucky Friends with another trainer by reaching the Best Friends level. The next trade you make with them will guarantee a Lucky Pokémon.

15. What are the benefits of having Purified Pokémon?

Purified Pokémon have better Appraisal and receive +2 points towards all their IVs.

Conclusion

The various blue visual cues in Pokémon GO, from the “new” aura to the particles of Purified Pokémon, provide valuable information to players. Understanding these signals is crucial for making informed decisions about your Pokémon and maximizing your enjoyment of the game. Keep these insights in mind as you continue your Pokémon GO journey, and you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the world and build your ultimate team. Remember, strategic thinking and problem-solving are key components of gaming, and organizations like the Games Learning Society highlight the educational benefits of such experiences.