Should You Always Purify Your Pokémon in Pokémon Go?
In Pokémon Go, Shadow Pokémon have become a crucial part of the game, offering significant benefits in battles and raids. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon can improve its stats and make it a more valuable addition to your team. However, many players have raised the question: is it always necessary to purify your Pokémon? The answer is not a straightforward yes or no. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of purifying your Pokémon in Pokémon Go and help you make an informed decision.
What Does Purifying a Shadow Pokémon Do?
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon involves using specific items and techniques to eliminate the effects of Shadow damage. This process can take some time and resources, but the benefits are worth it. When you purify a Shadow Pokémon, you’ll receive the following benefits:
• Increased Combat Power (CP): Purifying a Shadow Pokémon increases its CP, making it more effective in battles and raids.
• Improved Appraisal: After purification, your Pokémon’s appraisal will reflect its new, higher CP.
• Reduced Candy Cost: Purifying a Shadow Pokémon reduces the amount of candy required to evolve it.
• Return Move: Shadow Pokémon will lose the Frustration move and gain the Return move, which has a chance to cause super effective damage.
Is Purification Always Necessary?
No, purification is not always necessary. There are cases where it’s beneficial to keep a Shadow Pokémon unpurified. Here are some reasons why:
• PvE Purposes: Shadow Pokémon with high HP and high CP can be effective in PvE content, such as raids and gym battles, even if they’re unpurified.
• Event-Purposed Shadow Pokémon: Some Shadow Pokémon are meant to be used in specific events or raids, where their Shadow form provides a unique advantage.
• Lucky or Shiny Shadow Pokémon: If you encounter a rare or Shiny Shadow Pokémon, it might be worth keeping it in its Shadow form to appreciate its rarity.
How to Decide Whether to Purify or Not
Before deciding whether to purify your Shadow Pokémon, consider the following factors:
| Factor | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Performance | Improved CP and appraisal | Increased candy cost for evolution |
| PvP Performance | Reduced candy cost for evolution | Potential reduction in effectiveness in PvP battles |
| Rarity | Unaffected by Shadow form’s rarity | Limited use cases for Shadow form |
| Event-Specific | Enhanced performance in specific events or raids | Limited availability or usefulness in other contexts |
| Shiny or Lucky | Unique visual appeal | Limited availability or usefulness in other contexts |
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether to purify or keep your Shadow Pokémon as is.
Conclusion
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon Go is not always necessary, as there are situations where an unpurified Shadow Pokémon can be effective. Consider the factors listed above and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of purification to make a decision that suits your gameplay style and team composition. Remember, Shadow Pokémon are valuable additions to your team, and the decision to purify or not depends on your individual needs and goals.