Should You Purify High IV Pokémon?
In Pokémon Go, IVs (Individual Values) play a crucial role in determining the strength and performance of a Pokémon. A high IV Pokémon has the potential to be extremely powerful, and many players wonder whether it’s worth purifying these Pokémon. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of purifying high IV Pokémon, helping you make an informed decision.
What is Purification?
Purification is a process in Pokémon Go that changes a Pokémon’s form or type. When you purify a Pokémon, it gains a new type and sometimes a new move, which can significantly impact its performance in battles. The process requires a specific number of candies, which can be obtained by catching other Pokémon of the same species.
Benefits of Purifying High IV Pokémon
Purifying high IV Pokémon can have several benefits:
- Increased Damage Output: Purified Pokémon often gain new moves with higher damage output, making them more effective in battles.
- Improved Defensive Capabilities: Some purification processes grant Pokémon increased defense, making them more durable in battles.
- Type Advantage: Purifying a Pokémon can change its type, giving it an advantage over certain types of Pokémon.
- Increased Rare Candy Drop: Purifying a Pokémon can increase the drop rate of rare candies, which are essential for powering up and evolving Pokémon.
Drawbacks of Purifying High IV Pokémon
While purifying high IV Pokémon can be beneficial, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
- Loss of Current Stats: Purifying a Pokémon resets its current stats, which can be a setback if it has already developed a strong team.
- Potential Loss of Unique Moves: Some Pokémon have unique moves that may not be available after purification, which can be a disappointment for players who rely on those moves.
- Increased Candy Cost: Purifying a Pokémon often requires a significant amount of candies, which can be challenging to obtain.
When to Purify High IV Pokémon
So, when should you purify high IV Pokémon? Here are some scenarios where purification might be beneficial:
- Raids and PvP: Purified Pokémon are often more effective in raids and PvP battles due to their increased damage output and defensive capabilities.
- Research and Timed Research: Purifying a Pokémon can help complete research tasks and timed research, which can reward rare items and candies.
- Building a Strong Team: If you’re building a strong team, purifying high IV Pokémon can help you create a cohesive and powerful squad.
When Not to Purify High IV Pokémon
In some cases, it may not be worth purifying high IV Pokémon:
- Shadow Pokémon: Shadow Pokémon have a 20% boost to their attack stats, making them more effective in battles. If you have a high IV Shadow Pokémon, it might be better to keep it in its current form.
- Raid-Ready Pokémon: If you have a high IV Pokémon that’s already well-suited for raids, purifying it might not provide significant benefits.
- Unique Moves: If your high IV Pokémon has a unique move that’s valuable in battles, it might be better to keep it in its current form to preserve that move.
Conclusion
Purifying high IV Pokémon can be a valuable strategy in Pokémon Go, but it’s essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision. Consider the scenarios where purification might be beneficial and the cases where it might not be worth the investment. By making informed decisions, you can build a powerful and effective team that takes advantage of the strengths of your high IV Pokémon.