Is it Better to Keep a Shadow Pokémon or Purify it?
In Pokémon Go, players often find themselves with a Shadow Pokémon, which has a unique set of stats and abilities. But when it comes to deciding what to do with these Shadow Pokémon, players are faced with a dilemma: is it better to keep it as is or purify it? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of keeping a Shadow Pokémon versus purifying it, to help you make an informed decision.
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon
What is Purification?
Purification is a process that can be applied to Shadow Pokémon to remove the Shadow effect, which changes their stats and abilities. When a Pokémon is purified, it gains a boost in stats and can also learn new moves.
Benefits of Purification
• Stat Boost: Purified Pokémon gain a significant boost in stats, making them stronger and more effective in battle.
• New Moves: Purified Pokémon can learn new moves, giving them a wider range of options in battle.
• IVs Increased: Purified Pokémon have their IVs (Individual Values) increased, making them more effective in battle.
• Stardust and Candy Savings: Purified Pokémon require less stardust and candy to power up, evolve, or learn new moves.
Downsides of Purification
• Loss of Shadow Bonus: Purifying a Shadow Pokémon means giving up the Shadow Bonus, which provides an additional 20% damage boost in battle.
• Reset of Moves: Purified Pokémon may have their moves reset, potentially losing the moves they learned as Shadow Pokémon.
Keeping a Shadow Pokémon
Pros of Keeping a Shadow Pokémon
• Shadow Bonus: Shadow Pokémon retain the Shadow Bonus, providing an additional 20% damage boost in battle.
• Unique Stats and Abilities: Shadow Pokémon have unique stats and abilities that can be advantageous in battle.
• No Reset of Moves: Shadow Pokémon do not reset their moves, so you can keep the moves they learned as Shadow Pokémon.
Cons of Keeping a Shadow Pokémon
• Limited Moves: Shadow Pokémon are limited to the moves they learned as Shadow Pokémon, which may not be optimal for your team.
• IVs Unaffected: Shadow Pokémon do not have their IVs increased, making them less effective in battle.
• Stardust and Candy Costs: Shadow Pokémon require more stardust and candy to power up, evolve, or learn new moves.
Comparison Table
| Purified Pokémon | Shadow Pokémon | |
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Increased | Unaffected |
| Moves | Increased | Limited |
| IVs | Increased | Unaffected |
| Stardust and Candy | Reduced | Increased |
| Shadow Bonus | Lost | Retained |
Conclusion
When deciding whether to keep a Shadow Pokémon or purify it, consider the following:
- If you’re looking for a stronger and more effective Pokémon, purifying may be the best option.
- If you value the unique stats and abilities of a Shadow Pokémon, and are willing to work with its limitations, keeping it as is may be the better choice.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what you’re looking for in a Pokémon. Whether you choose to purify or keep a Shadow Pokémon, it’s essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each option to make the most of your Pokémon team.