Is it Worth it to Power Up Shadow Pokémon?
Powering up Shadow Pokémon is a crucial decision in Pokémon Go, as it can significantly impact their performance in battles. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of powering up Shadow Pokémon and help you make an informed decision.
The Attack Power Boost
One of the most significant advantages of powering up Shadow Pokémon is the attack power boost. Shadow Pokémon have their attack power increased by 1.2x or 20%, making their fast attack hit significantly harder. This can be particularly useful in raid battles, where a powerful fast attack can make all the difference.
Purification and IVs
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon can also increase its IVs, which can lead to higher stats and better performance. However, the chances of getting perfect IVs are relatively low, and it’s not always worth the effort. Only 0.0244% of wild catches result in perfect IVs, making it a rare occurrence.
Candy and Stardust Costs
Powering up Shadow Pokémon requires a significant amount of Candy and Stardust, which can be a major drawback. The cost of powering up a Shadow Pokémon is 20% higher than that of a regular Pokémon, making it a more expensive option.
When to Power Up Shadow Pokémon
So, when is it worth powering up a Shadow Pokémon? Here are some scenarios where it might be worth considering:
- High-IV Shadow Pokémon: If you have a Shadow Pokémon with high IVs, it may be worth powering up to take advantage of its increased stats.
- Raid Battles: Powering up a Shadow Pokémon can be particularly useful in raid battles, where a powerful fast attack can make all the difference.
- PvP Battles: Shadow Pokémon can be useful in PvP battles, especially if you have a high-IV Shadow Pokémon with a powerful fast attack.
When to Keep Shadow Pokémon Unpurified
On the other hand, there are scenarios where it might not be worth powering up a Shadow Pokémon:
- Low-IV Shadow Pokémon: If you have a Shadow Pokémon with low IVs, it may not be worth powering up, as the increased stats may not be significant enough to make a difference.
- Cost: The cost of powering up a Shadow Pokémon can be prohibitively expensive, especially if you’re low on Candy and Stardust.
- Alternative Options: If you have alternative options for powering up your Pokémon, such as using a different Pokémon or using a different strategy, it may not be worth the effort.
Conclusion
Powering up Shadow Pokémon can be a valuable strategy in Pokémon Go, but it’s not always worth the effort. Only power up Shadow Pokémon with high IVs or in specific scenarios, such as raid battles or PvP battles. Consider the cost and alternative options before making a decision. By weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision and optimize your Pokémon Go experience.
Table: Powering Up Shadow Pokémon
| Scenario | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| High-IV Shadow Pokémon | Increased stats, powerful fast attack | Higher cost, alternative options |
| Raid Battles | Powerful fast attack, increased damage | Higher cost, alternative options |
| PvP Battles | Powerful fast attack, increased damage | Higher cost, alternative options |
| Low-IV Shadow Pokémon | Low increased stats, not worth the cost | Higher cost, alternative options |
| Cost | Higher cost, alternative options |
Bullets List: Key Points
• Powering up Shadow Pokémon increases their attack power by 1.2x or 20%.
• Purifying a Shadow Pokémon can increase its IVs, but the chances of getting perfect IVs are low.
• Powering up a Shadow Pokémon requires a significant amount of Candy and Stardust.
• Only power up Shadow Pokémon with high IVs or in specific scenarios, such as raid battles or PvP battles.
• Consider the cost and alternative options before making a decision.