Is it Worth It to Purify Pokémon?
Purifying Shadow Pokémon is a debated topic among Pokémon GO enthusiasts, with some trainers swearing by its benefits and others dismissive of its importance. In this article, we’ll delve into the facts and explore whether purifying your Shadow Pokémon is really worth the effort.
What Happens When You Purify a Shadow Pokémon?
When you purify a Shadow Pokémon, it undergoes a magical process that removes the malicious energy infusing it and replaces it with pure intentions. This transformation is thought to improve the Pokémon’s overall stats, making it a more formidable battler and a more valuable member of your team.
Improvements in Combat Power and IVs
One of the most significant benefits of purifying a Shadow Pokémon is the boost it provides to its Combat Power and IVs. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon increases its Combat Power by +20%, making it a more formidable opponent on the battlefield. Additionally, purifying a Shadow Pokémon can also increase its Individual Values (IVs) by 2 points per stat, which can raise its overall stats and potentially make it a 2-star or even 4-star Pokémon.
Decreased Candy and Stardust Costs
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon also lowers the amount of Candy and Stardust required to power up, evolve, or teach it new moves. With a purified Shadow Pokémon, you’ll need fewer Candy and Stardust to maximize its potential, making it easier to build a well-rounded team.
When Is It Worth Purifying Your Shadow Pokémon?
But when is it worth spending the resources to purify your Shadow Pokémon? Here are a few scenarios where purifying might be a good investment:
- High-CP Shadows: If you have Shadow Pokémon with high Combat Powers (CPs), it’s worth purifying them to take advantage of their increased stats and potential. This can make them valuable additions to your team, especially if you’re actively participating in raids or other competitive events.
- Rarity and Legendary Pokémons: Purifying rare or legendary Pokémon is a good idea, especially if you’re missing only a few IVs or need to boost their overall stats. This can potentially turn a mediocre Pokémon into a powerhouse.
- IV-Boosting Goals: If you’re seeking to boost your Pokémon’s IVs to specific target values, purifying Shadows can be a crucial step in achieving this goal. By increasing IVs via purification, you can optimize your Pokémon’s stats for specific battle scenarios.
When Is It Not Worth Purifying Your Shadow Pokémon?
On the other hand, there are circumstances where purifying a Shadow Pokémon might not be worthwhile:
- Low-CP Shadows: If you have Shadow Pokémon with low Combat Powers (CPs), it might not be worth purifying them. While purification can increase IVs, it’s unlikely to make a significant impact if the Pokémon’s base CP is low.
- Common or Unruly Shadows: If you have common or unruly Pokémon that are difficult to deal with, it might not be worth purifying them. In these cases, it’s often more convenient to simply power up your other Pokémon or consider evolutions.
Rare Event: ShaShundo Spawn
One rare and noteworthy event is the ShaShundo spawn, which appears when a Shadow Pokémon becomes a shiny and then subsequently purified. This is highly unlikely, with a base rate of 0.00000390625 (1 in 25 million). However, it’s a thrilling experience, and the resulting Pokémon may become a valuable addition to your team.
Purification vs. Culling
Some trainers prioritize culling their Pokémon pool, focusing on only their strongest and most efficient partners. In this approach, purifying Shadow Pokémon takes a backseat to eliminating weaker Pokémon. However, purifying can be seen as a way to rehabilitate underperforming or underutilized Pokémon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, purifying Shadow Pokémon can be a worthwhile effort, especially when considering specific scenarios like high-CP shadows, rarity, or legendary Pokémon. However, for low-CP shadows, common or unruly Pokémon, and other circumstances, the benefits might not outweigh the costs. Ultimately, consider your team’s overall structure, your goals, and the resources required when deciding whether to purify a Shadow Pokémon.
Further Reading
- Pokémon Go Wiki: Purification (https://wiki.pogogo.com/Purification)
- Bulbapedia: Shadow Pokémon (https://bulbapedia.bulbagardenelectric.com/wiki/Shadow_Pokémon)
Additional Tips
- Always check your Shadow Pokémon’s stats and potential using the Pokémon Go app.
- Consider purifying Shiny Shadow Pokémon, but be aware of the ultra-low spawn rate.
- Don’t forget to remove any Frustration prior to purification, as it can affect the purification process.
- Keep in mind that purification is not available for all Pokémon; use the Pokémon Go app’s filter to identify purifiable Shadows.