Purifying Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a decision that requires careful consideration. It's not a simple yes or no answer, as the benefits and drawbacks depend heavily on your individual goals and the specific Pokémon in question. This guide will explore the pros and cons to help you make the best choice for your team.
What Happens When You Purify a Shadow Pokémon?
Before diving into the decision-making process, let's understand what purification entails. When you purify a Shadow Pokémon, you're essentially removing its Shadow status. This results in several key changes:
- Increased CP: Purified Pokémon receive a CP boost.
- Improved stats: Their IVs (Individual Values) receive a significant upgrade, often resulting in a much stronger Pokémon.
- Better moveset: They may learn a different move set, sometimes including exclusive moves only available to purified Pokémon.
- Removal of the Shadow claw: The shadowy energy and menacing appearance are gone, replaced with a more standard Pokémon look.
- Increased Stardust and Candy Cost: Purification is not free; the costs increase with the Pokémon’s Combat Power (CP)
Should I Purify My High IV Shadow Pokémon?
This is a common question, and the answer is often a resounding yes, but with caveats. A high IV Shadow Pokémon already boasts impressive potential. Purification amplifies this potential, often making it a significantly stronger combatant. However, you need to weigh the cost. The stardust and candy required to purify high-CP Pokémon can be substantial, especially if you're aiming for the top tier. If you're lacking resources, it might be wiser to focus on powering up your existing high-IV Pokémon first.
Should I Purify My Low IV Shadow Pokémon?
For low IV Shadow Pokémon, the answer is more nuanced. While purification will improve their stats, it may not be worth the investment. The CP boost may still be worthwhile in some cases, especially if it's a Pokémon you lack. However, the improved IVs might not be enough to make it competitive, especially compared to other Pokémon you could power up.
Often it's more resource-efficient to simply use low IV Shadow Pokémon for tasks that don't require maximum CP or battle prowess.
What About Specific Shadow Pokémon?
The decision to purify also depends on the specific Pokémon. Certain Shadow Pokémon have access to exclusive moves after purification, making them considerably more valuable even if their base IVs are not exceptional. It’s crucial to research the potential movesets of a Shadow Pokémon before you decide to purify.
Is it Better to Purify or Power Up a Shadow Pokémon?
This is another key consideration. Powering up a Shadow Pokémon is cheaper initially than purification, so if you're on a tight budget, focusing on powering up stronger Shadow Pokémon is often the more strategic approach. However, purification provides a significant IV boost that powering up alone cannot match. The best approach depends on the individual Pokémon's IVs and your available resources.
Can I Reverse Purification?
Unfortunately, no. Once you purify a Shadow Pokémon, the process is irreversible. This is a crucial factor to consider before you confirm the action. Think carefully before committing to purify any Pokémon.
Conclusion: A Strategic Approach to Purification
Purifying Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a strategic decision requiring careful evaluation. Consider the Pokémon's IVs, your available resources (Stardust and Candy), and the potential benefits of purification versus simply powering up. Remember to research potential movesets and always consider the irreversible nature of the process. By carefully weighing these factors, you can optimize your Pokémon team and maximize your in-game success.
