Pokémon GO - Shadow Pokémon: Purifying Strategies - A Review

Introduction

Pokémon GO, the augmented reality mobile game developed by Niantic, has introduced various mechanics to keep players engaged. One of the most intriguing features is Shadow Pokémon, which are corrupted versions of regular Pokémon, captured from Team GO Rocket encounters. These Shadow Pokémon boast increased attack power but suffer from reduced defense. A key decision players face is whether to purify them or keep them in their shadow form.

This article explores the strategies for purifying Shadow Pokémon, weighing the pros and cons, and providing insights into optimal purification choices for both PvE (Player vs. Environment) and PvP (Player vs. Player) battles.

Understanding Shadow Pokémon

What Are Shadow Pokémon?

Shadow Pokémon are captured after defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts, Leaders, or Giovanni. They appear with a dark aura and red eyes, indicating their corrupted state.

Shadow Bonus: Attack Boost & Defense Penalty

• +20% Attack Damage – Shadow Pokémon deal more damage than their purified or normal counterparts.
• -20% Defense – They take more damage in battles, making them glass cannons.

Purification Process

Purifying a Shadow Pokémon requires Stardust and Candy, and it removes the "Shadow" status, providing:

• Increased IVs (Individual Values) – Each stat (Attack, Defense, HP) increases by +2.
• Reduced Power-Up Costs – Purified Pokémon cost less Stardust and Candy to power up.
• Exclusive Move: Return – A Normal-type charge move that can be useful in certain PvP scenarios.

Purification Strategies: When to Purify & When to Keep Shadow

1. Purify for PvE (Raids & Gym Battles)

Shadow Pokémon are generally better for raids due to their higher DPS (Damage Per Second). However, purifying can be beneficial if:

• The Pokémon has low IVs (e.g., 0/0/0), and purification boosts them to 2/2/2.
• The Pokémon is not meta-relevant in raids (e.g., purified Pidgeot for Mega Evolution).
• You lack resources to power up Shadow Pokémon (since purification reduces costs).

Example:

• Shadow Mewtwo is one of the strongest raid attackers—keeping it as a Shadow is optimal.
• Shadow Weedle, however, has no raid utility, so purifying it for a perfect Beedrill (for Mega Evolution) may be worthwhile.

2. Purify for PvP (Great League, Ultra League, Master League)

In PvP, the decision depends on league restrictions and move viability:

Great League & Ultra League (CP-Capped Leagues)

• Some purified Pokémon gain better stat distributions for CP-limited leagues.
• Return can be a useful coverage move (e.g., Sableye, Wobbuffet).

Example:

• Purified Sableye (with Return) is a top-tier pick in Great League.
• Shadow Swampert (with Hydro Cannon) is stronger in Ultra League due to higher damage output.

Master League (No CP Cap)

• Shadow Pokémon often perform better due to unrestricted power scaling.
• Purification is only useful if the Pokémon needs a stat boost to reach 100% IVs.

Example:

• Shadow Dragonite outperforms purified in Master League.
• Purified Lugia (with higher bulk) may be viable in certain matchups.

3. Purify for Mega Evolution

Mega Evolved Pokémon cannot be Shadow, so purifying is necessary if you want to Mega Evolve them.

Example:

• Purified Charizard can Mega Evolve, while Shadow Charizard cannot.
• Shadow Gyarados is strong, but purifying allows Mega Gyarados usage.

4. Purify for Cost Efficiency

• Shadow Pokémon require more Stardust and Candy to power up.
• Purifying reduces costs, making it budget-friendly for casual players.

When NOT to Purify

1. High-IV Shadow Pokémon with Raid Utility

• Pokémon like Shadow Mewtwo, Shadow Machamp, or Shadow Salamence are top-tier attackers—purifying them weakens their potential.

2. PvP Shadows with Optimal Movesets

• Some Shadows (e.g., Shadow Victreebel, Shadow Politoed) perform better in certain leagues due to their fast damage output.

3. Rare Shadow Pokémon

• Shadows like Shadow Legendaries (e.g., Shadow Ho-Oh, Shadow Latios) are hard to obtain—keeping them as Shadows preserves their uniqueness.

Conclusion: To Purify or Not to Purify?

The decision to purify Shadow Pokémon depends on:

• Battle Role (PvE vs. PvP)
• IVs & Meta Relevance
• Resource Availability (Stardust & Candy)
• Mega Evolution Potential

General Rule of Thumb:

• Keep Shadows for high-tier raid attackers & Master League.
• Purify for PvP specialists (with Return), Mega Evolution, or budget builds.

By carefully evaluating these factors, trainers can maximize their Pokémon’s potential in both raids and competitive battles.

Tags: #PokemonGO #ShadowPokemon #PurificationGuide #PVP #PVE #TeamGORocket #PokemonStrategy #GamingTips