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Decide whether to purify Shadow Pokemon in Pokemon GO. Learn the benefits, drawbacks, and best choices for your gameplay strategy!
If you’ve caught a Shadow Pokemon in Pokemon Go, you might wonder whether to purify it or keep it as it is. Each choice has its benefits, so it really depends on what you want from your Pokemon. Let’s break it down in a simple way!
What Makes Shadow Pokemon Special?
Shadow Pokemon hit harder than their normal versions because of the extra damage boost from the Shadow Bonus. However, they also take more damage in return. You’ll recognize them by their dark aura and red eyes.
You can only get them by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts, Leaders, or Giovanni. After winning a battle, you’ll get a chance to catch one using Premier Balls.
Reasons To Keep a Shadow Pokemon
- Stronger Attacks: Shadow Pokemon deal more damage than their regular forms. If you’re looking to hit hard in battles, keeping them as Shadow might be a good idea.
- Useful for PvE Battles: Because of their high attack power, Shadow Pokemon perform well in raids and gym battles. They can defeat opponents faster than purified Pokemon.
- Weather Boost Still Works: If the weather favors a certain type, a Shadow Pokemon will get both the weather boost and its natural attack bonus, making it even stronger.
- They Look Cool: Some players just like the look of Shadow Pokemon and prefer to keep them for collection purposes.
Also Read: Best Shadow Pokemon Attackers in Pokemon GO
Why You Might Want to Purify
CP Boost and Better Stats
Purification raises a Pokemon’s level to 25, increasing its CP. If it was already past level 25, its level stays the same. It also adds +2 to each IV, which can turn a weak Pokemon into a strong one.
Lower Power-Up and Evolution Costs
Shadow Pokemon need 20% more Stardust and Candy to power up, evolve, or learn a second Charged Move. Purified Pokemon reduce these costs:
- Powering up: 10% less Stardust and Candy
- Evolving: 10% less Candy
- Learning a second Charged Move: 20% less Stardust and Candy
If a Pokemon is both Lucky and Purified, Stardust costs drop even further.
Easier Move Changes
Shadow Pokemon are stuck with Frustration, a weak move that can only be removed during special events. Purifying replaces it with Return, a decent Normal-type move. You can also change Return anytime with a Charged TM.
More Trading and Storage Options
Purified Pokemon can be traded as Special Trades and transferred to Pokemon HOME, while Shadow Pokemon cannot.
Visual Change
The dark aura of Shadow Pokemon disappears, replaced by a bright glow.
Purifier Medal Progress
Purifying Pokemon helps increase your Purifier Medal rank, which some players enjoy working towards.
What About Legendary Shadow Pokemon?
Purifying a Legendary Shadow Pokemon can be expensive. It takes a lot of Stardust and Candy, and finding more of the same Legendary Pokemon for extra Candy isn’t easy. While purification gives a Legendary Pokemon better stats, it also removes its Shadow Bonus. Some players prefer keeping them as Shadow to take advantage of the extra attack power.
Final Thoughts
If you want raw attack power, keeping a Shadow Pokemon might be the way to go. But if you prefer better stats, cheaper upgrades, and easier training, purifying is the better choice.
Think about how you plan to use the Pokemon and make the choice that works best for you!
Looking For More?
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