How to Purify Shadow Pokemon in Pokemon GO

The concept of Shadow Pokemon was first introduced way back in Pokemon Colloseum for the Gamecube. Basically, a Shadow Pokemon is a Pokemon that has had its emotions sealed away to turn it into a ruthless fighting machine, though this enhanced strength can prove traumatic for the Pokemon in the long run. Members of Team GO Rocket make use of this same practice in Pokemon GO, and just like in Pokemon Colloseum, you’re obligated to liberate those Shadow Pokemon and get them back to their normal selves. Here’s how to Purify Shadow Pokemon in Pokemon GO.

When you defeat a member of Team GO Rocket that has taken over a PokeStop, you’ll get an encounter with the Shadow Pokemon they were carrying, at which time you can catch it for yourself. Shadow Pokemon are naturally stronger than regular Pokemon thanks to the Shadow Bonus, a damage buff that’s applied to all of their moves. Shadow Pokemon are also the only ones who can use the special Normal type move Frustration, which can’t be removed. On the flip side, though, Shadow Pokemon also receive more damage from attacks, require more Stardust and Candy than usual to power up and unlock additional move slots, and cannot be traded or Mega Evolved. Depending on the Pokemon’s stats, Purifying it may make it a more efficient combatant, and, again, it’s also just the right thing to do.

How to Purify Shadow Pokemon in Pokemon GO

To Purify a Shadow Pokemon, you need to give them a nonspecific amount of both Stardust and their particular Candy. For example, if you wanted to Purify an average Shadow Charmander, you would need to spend 3000 Stardust and 3 Charmander Candy. Every Pokemon’s requirements for Purification are slightly different, however, depending on the Pokemon itself, its CP, and other factors. It’s a big investment of resources, but it can be very beneficial for the right Pokemon.

Upon Purification, the Pokemon will immediately be powered up to match your Trainer level if it’s lower than it. Additionally, all of its IVs will pick up two points, which means if they were at 13 as a Shadow Pokemon, you just got a Pokemon with perfect IVs. Frustration is also replaced by the special Normal type move Return, though unlike Frustration, you’re free to swap it out with something else.

Purified Pokemon do lose their Shadow Bonus, bringing the damage they deal and receive back to normal. In exchange, though, Purified Pokemon have discounts on the amount of Stardust and Candy required to power them up, evolve them, and unlock additional move slots. Finally, not only can you trade and Mega Evolve the Pokemon, but they also become eligible for Special Trades at no Stardust cost.

Basically, if you think a Shadow Pokemon’s shortcomings are made up for by the improved damage, you can just leave them as they are, but if you want to train them up properly, Purifying is the way to go.