Should I keep low star Shadow Pokémon?

Should I Keep Low-Star Shadow Pokémon?

As Pokémon Trainers, we’ve all struggled with the question of whether to keep our low-star Shadow Pokémon or not. Shadow Pokémon, for those who don’t know, are regular Pokémon that have been infused with Shadow Energy, giving them an additional attack bonus at the expense of reduced defense. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of keeping low-star Shadow Pokémon and provide a comprehensive answer to this burning question.

Why You Should Keep Low-Star Shadow Pokémon

Here are some reasons why keeping low-star Shadow Pokémon might be beneficial:

• Increased Attack Stats: As mentioned earlier, Shadow Pokémon come with an increased attack bonus, making them formidable opponents in battles.
• Low Resource Requirements: Low-star Shadow Pokémon are relatively easy to raise and don’t require a lot of resources, making them a great option for busy Trainers.
• Endgame Worthiness: In the early stages of the game, low-star Shadow Pokémon can hold their own. Even at endgame levels, they can still pack a punch if you use the right moves.
• Variety: Shadow Pokémon can have different attributes and abilities than their non-Shadow counterparts, adding to the diversity of your Pokémon lineup.

Why You Might Not Want to Keep Low-Star Shadow Pokémon

Here are some potential downsides to keeping low-star Shadow Pokémon:

• Low Defensive Stats: Shadow Pokémon suffer from reduced defensive stats, making them more vulnerable to damage.
• Harder to Purify: Purifying a low-star Shadow Pokémon requires specific conditions and items, making it more difficult and time-consuming.
• Limited Battle Options: At lower levels, low-star Shadow Pokémon might not be suitable for the same types of battles as other Pokémon, limiting your battle options.

Should You Power Up Before Purifying?

Should you power up a low-star Shadow Pokémon before purifying it? The answer lies in understanding how the Purification process works. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon is not affected by its current CP, but rather the base stats of the Pokémon. Additionally, the moveset of a purified Pokémon does not change. Considering this, if you’re planning on using your low-star Shadow Pokémon, there’s little benefit in powering it up.

What Happens When I Purify?

Purifying a low-star Shadow Pokémon has both benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few key takeaways:

• IV Boost: Once purified, a Shadow Pokémon’s IV (Individual Values) are randomized.
• Potential for Increased Power: With Purification, your Pokémon will receive a new CP based on its species, level, and IV.
• Change in Battle Strategy: After purifying, you’ll need to rethink your battle strategy and consider new team compositions and tactics.

When Should You Trade a Low-Star Shadow Pokémon?

There might be times when it’s necessary to trade away a low-star Shadow Pokémon:

• In Pursuit of Specific Pokémon: You might want to trade a low-star Shadow Pokémon for a specific Pokémon to complete a Pokedex entry.
• Inadequate Team Comp: If you’ve already assembled a powerful team, and the low-star Shadow Pokémon no longer serves a useful purpose, trading it away can give you resources for more useful additions.
• Excessive Storage Requirements: Trainers with limited storage spaces might need to cull their collection of low-star Shadow Pokémon to free up room for more strategic Pokémon.

Final Thoughts

While low-star Shadow Pokémon are unlikely to make the cut for a powerful endgame team, they can still play a valuable role in your early game strategies. Weigh the pros and cons before making a decision:

• Will the low-star Shadow Pokémon add diversity and uniqueness to your team?
• Will the Purification process make significant improvements?
• Is trading the low-star Shadow Pokémon worthwhile for the sake of a specific Pokedex entry or storage space considerations?

Consider your own Playstyle, your Pokémon collection, and the benefits you seek. Remember: every low-star Shadow Pokémon is unique and deserves a chance on your team, but only as long as you can provide for its unique needs.

Conclusion
Keep your low-star Shadow Pokémon if you see potential for them, as they can contribute to your team even in lower levels. Powering them up can be unnecessary, as it’s more beneficial to focus on increasing their individual stats through different means, like using TMs, leveling, or optimizing your battles. Remember, no Pokémon is inherently low or high-quality – every battle requires its own unique strategy!