Understanding Shadow Pokemon: What Makes Them Unique?
Shadow Pokemon are unique and mysterious creatures introduced in the Pokémon franchise, specifically appearing in games like Pokémon GO and Pokémon Colosseum. Unlike regular Pokémon, Shadow Pokemon have a dark aura, are often in a frenzied state, and usually require special attention and strategies to purify. This dark nature gives them both powerful attacks and notable weaknesses, making them a fascinating choice for trainers who enjoy a challenge.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about purifying Shadow Pokemon, the benefits of doing so, and some troubleshooting tips to make the process as smooth as possible. Whether you’re a seasoned Pokémon trainer or new to the concept of Shadow Pokemon, this guide will help you harness their full potential.
How to Purify Shadow Pokemon: A Step-by-Step Guide
Purifying Shadow Pokemon may seem daunting at first, but with a structured approach, you’ll find it easier than it appears. Follow these steps to transform your Shadow Pokemon into stronger allies:
Step 1: Capture a Shadow Pokemon
Before you can purify a Shadow Pokemon, you’ll need to capture one. In Pokémon GO, this often involves battles against Team GO Rocket Grunts, Leaders, or even Giovanni. Defeating these adversaries provides the opportunity to rescue the Shadow Pokemon they’ve used. Capture it, and you’ll notice its distinct dark aura.
Step 2: Evaluate the Shadow Pokemon’s Stats
After capturing a Shadow Pokemon, examine its Individual Values (IVs). Purifying a Shadow Pokemon will enhance its stats, and knowing the Pokémon’s potential helps you decide if it’s worth purifying. You’ll see increases in Attack, Defense, and HP stats after purification, making the process highly valuable.
Step 3: Locate the Purification Option
Once you’ve decided to purify your Shadow Pokemon, go to the Pokémon’s profile. Look for the Purify button, typically found near the Power Up and Evolve options. Select Purify, and be prepared for the cost, which includes Stardust and Candies.
Step 4: Complete the Purification
With enough Stardust and Candies, confirm the purification. Your Shadow Pokemon will transform, and its dark aura will vanish. You’ll now have a Purified Pokemon with improved stats and a different visual appearance, including a halo-like glow. It will also have reduced power-up costs, making it easier to strengthen.
Benefits of Purifying Shadow Pokemon
Purifying Shadow Pokemon can offer a range of benefits, making it a worthwhile process for many trainers. Here’s why purifying might be the best move for your team:
- Stat Boosts: Purifying Shadow Pokemon grants an IV boost, usually increasing its Attack, Defense, and HP stats by two points each, allowing for a stronger overall Pokémon.
- Lower Power-Up Costs: Once purified, these Pokémon require less Stardust and Candies for power-ups, evolutions, and even learning new moves.
- Improved Move Set: While Shadow Pokemon have their unique move, Frustration, which is quite weak, purifying them replaces it with Return, a more powerful Normal-type move.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Purified Pokemon display a glowing aura that sets them apart visually, making them a prized addition to your collection.
When to Keep Shadow Pokemon
Interestingly, some trainers choose not to purify all of their Shadow Pokemon. Here’s why:
- Increased Attack: Shadow Pokemon often have a significant attack boost, making them powerful in specific battles. Trainers sometimes prefer to keep these Pokémon in their Shadow state for that added punch.
- Event Bonuses: Occasionally, special events increase the effectiveness of Shadow Pokemon, especially against Team GO Rocket’s Pokémon. In these cases, having a high-attack Shadow Pokemon can be beneficial.
Whether to purify or keep the Shadow state depends on your strategy and the role you envision for the Pokémon in battles. You may find it useful to check a resource guide on individual Pokémon to see if keeping its Shadow state offers a tactical advantage.
Troubleshooting Purification Issues
Though purifying Shadow Pokemon is usually straightforward, you might encounter some obstacles. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues during the purification process:
Not Enough Resources
The most common hurdle in purifying Shadow Pokemon is lacking enough Stardust or Candies. To overcome this:
- Earn Stardust: Participate in battles, capture Pokémon, or complete field research tasks to accumulate Stardust. Many events also offer Stardust rewards.
- Get More Candies: Walking with the Pokémon as your buddy, catching more of the same species, or using Rare Candies can help you gather the necessary resources.
Accidentally Powered Up a Shadow Pokemon
If you’ve already invested in powering up a Shadow Pokemon but now want to purify it, you may feel reluctant due to the resources spent. Unfortunately, purification can’t reverse power-ups, but consider purifying it if you plan to use it frequently. Alternatively, leave it in its Shadow state if it performs well as-is.
Shadow Pokemon Aren’t Showing Up in Battles
Sometimes, Shadow Pokemon might not appear as options in battle if certain rules restrict them. For instance, some leagues or events limit the use of Shadow Pokemon due to their unique stats. Always review battle requirements to determine if Shadow Pokemon are allowed.
If the Shadow Pokemon is eligible and still not showing, try restarting your game or checking if the Pokémon is healed and ready for battle. You can also read our in-depth guide on battle strategies for additional tips on using Shadow Pokemon effectively.
Conclusion: Is Purifying Shadow Pokemon Worth It?
Purifying Shadow Pokemon is a strategic choice with both pros and cons, and it ultimately depends on your goals as a Pokémon trainer. By purifying, you boost your Pokémon’s stats, make it cheaper to power up, and unlock new moves, which can be advantageous in many battle scenarios. However, keeping certain Pokémon in their Shadow state can also be beneficial, especially for trainers seeking a high-attack powerhouse.
Whether you choose to purify or keep the Shadow state, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of Shadow Pokemon will give you a competitive edge. Remember, each Shadow Pokemon you encounter offers unique possibilities for your collection and battle strategies, adding an exciting layer of depth to the game.
Explore different strategies, experiment with your Shadow Pokemon in both purified and Shadow forms, and stay updated on events that might influence their effectiveness. With the right approach, your Shadow Pokemon can become some of the most valuable allies in your roster.
For more on mastering your Pokémon, check out official resources to stay updated on new features, strategies, and in-game events.
This article is in the category Entertainment and created by GameMasterHub Team