Can you trade Shadow Pokemon?

Can You Trade Shadow Pokémon?

Pokémon GO has introduced a new type of Pokémon, known as Shadow Pokémon, which can be obtained through various means, including completing research tasks, hatching eggs, and more. However, one of the most frequently asked questions by Pokémon trainers is whether Shadow Pokémon can be traded. In this article, we will delve into the world of Shadow Pokémon trading and provide you with a comprehensive answer to this question.

Direct Answer: No, You Can’t Trade Shadow Pokémon

Unfortunately, in Pokémon GO, Trainers cannot trade Shadow Pokémon. Since July 2019, Niantic’s trading rules have banned the exchange of Shadow-type creatures in any trade. This means that even if you have a rare or highly coveted Shadow Pokémon, you won’t be able to trade it with other trainers.

Why Can’t You Trade Shadow Pokémon?

There are several reasons why Niantic has banned the trading of Shadow Pokémon. One of the main reasons is to prevent the exploitation of the Shadow Pokémon system. When Shadow Pokémon are purified, they become more powerful and can be used in battles. If Shadow Pokémon could be traded, trainers could potentially trade them to gain an unfair advantage in battles.

Another reason is to maintain the balance of the game. Trading Shadow Pokémon could disrupt the balance of the game, as it would allow trainers to access powerful Pokémon that they wouldn’t normally have access to.

Can You Purify Shadow Pokémon?

Yes, Shadow Pokémon can be purified, but this process is not without its downsides. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will improve their appraisal and reduce the amount of Stardust and Candy required for them to Power Up, Evolve, or learn a new attack. However, the downsides to purification are:

• Loss of damage bonus: Purified Pokémon lose the 20% damage bonus made available to Shadows. Though this is less painful for certain Pokémon, others do benefit highly from remaining as a Shadow.
• 2 IV increase: Purified Pokémon receive a 2 IV increase, which is often dwarfed by the Shadow damage boost.

Can You Trade Shadow Pokémon in 2023?

Unfortunately, the answer is still no. Niantic’s trading rules have not changed, and Shadow Pokémon are still not tradable.

Why Not to Purify Shadow Pokémon?

While purification can be beneficial, there are also reasons not to purify Shadow Pokémon:

• Loss of damage bonus: As mentioned earlier, purified Pokémon lose the 20% damage bonus made available to Shadows.
• IV increase: The 2 IV increase received by purified Pokémon may not be significant enough to outweigh the benefits of remaining as a Shadow.
• Purification cost: Purifying a Shadow Pokémon requires a significant amount of Stardust and Candy, which may not be readily available.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shadow Pokémon cannot be traded in Pokémon GO. While purification can be beneficial, it is not without its downsides, and trainers should carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding whether to purify their Shadow Pokémon. As always, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest Pokémon GO news and updates to ensure that you’re making the most of your Pokémon experience.

Table: Comparison of Shadow and Purified Pokémon

Note: The table is a summary of the main points discussed in this article. It is not exhaustive and is intended to provide a general comparison between Shadow and Purified Pokémon.