Pokemon Go players have the opportunity to catch powerful Shadow Legendaries by battling Giovanni from time to time. These valuable rewards are definitely worth the effort, although some may be more desirable than others.
In Pokemon Go, Shadow variants are unique in that they possess a 20% boost in Attack and a 20% decrease in Defensive stats. Additionally, they are equipped with an exclusive move called Frustration, which can only be altered through the use of TMs.
The only way to encounter Shadow Legendaries is by defeating Giovanni or participating in temporary Raids. Other Shadow versions can be obtained by defeating members of Team Rocket. Players have the option to purify these catches by using Stardust and Candy, which will improve their IV values, remove Frustration, and make them easier to level up.
Nevertheless, players have the option to retain Shadow Pokemon in their distressed state to benefit from their heightened Attack stats, enabling them to utilize them in other raids and PvP battles.
Listed below are the top Shadow Legendary Pokemon that players have obtained from Giovanni over the years, ranked according to their in-game strength and overall usefulness.
Shadow Regigigas
Shadow Regigigas was available in the October 2023 Giovanni battle.
The least desirable Shadow Legendary from this encounter would have to be Shadow Regigigas, due to its Normal typing which is not ideal for PvP or Raids. However, with its optimal moveset, it can still be a valuable asset on a PvP team, although it requires a strong supporting team to reach its full potential.
Obtaining a Pokemon with 100% IVs at 2,483 CP, the highest on the list, is possible. However, the chances of achieving this are slim, making it a frustrating catch after putting in so much effort.
17. Shadow Suicune: Legendary Pokémon
Shadow Suicune was available in the July 2020 Giovanni battle.
Despite its low base CP of 1,704 even with max IVs, Shadow Suicune is not the most optimal choice for general PvP due to its typing, which is similar to that of Regigigas. However, its Dark-type moves make it a valuable asset for raids.
Cresselia in its Shadow Form
Shadow Cresselia was available in the August 2024 Giovanni battle.
This particular Shadow Legendary has a relatively low base CP when caught from a raid, reaching a maximum of 1,633 under optimal conditions. However, its Psychic typing somewhat compensates for its lower power and it excels in PvP compared to its non-Shadow counterpart due to its boosted Attack stat.
Despite its power, Shadow Cresselia is quite fragile and can be easily defeated by formidable opponents.
Shadow Latias
Shadow Latias was available in the April 2022 Giovanni battle.
Despite its potential as a Shadow Pokemon, Latias falls on the lower end in terms of base CP with a maximum of 2,006. It fails to make a significant impact when compared to its more powerful Mega Evolved form. Additionally, its Dragon/Psychic typing puts it in direct competition with numerous other Pokemon, making it a less desirable choice for PvP battles and raids.
To even be on par with superior single-typed options, Shadow Latias would require a significant amount of Candy and Stardust.
14. Shadow Moltres
Shadow Moltres was available in the January 2020 and May 2021 Giovanni battles.
The upcoming section of the list showcases the Shadow Legendary Pokemon at their strongest. Moltres stands out as a fearsome Raid Attacker, easily taking down entire teams with its powerful move set featuring Fire Spin and Sky Attack.
The Pokemon will require a certain amount of time to reach the attacker status since the highest CP that can be caught by players with perfect IVs is 1,980.
Shadow Registeel
Shadow Registeel was available in the February 2023 Giovanni battle.
The Regis are challenging to assess as Shadow Legendaries due to their optimal performance in PvP after being purified, thanks to their impressive Defense stats.
Despite being a member of the original trio, Shadow Registeel has the lowest Defense among them. Additionally, it has the lowest base CP on this list, with a value of 1,398.
Shadow Regice
Shadow Regice was available in the March 2023 Giovanni battle.
Trainers can acquire Shadow Regice with a maximum base CP of 1,784. After being purified, it can easily be strengthened and added to your team. Its Ice type also gives it an advantage against several popular options used by other trainers.
11. Shadow Regirock
Shadow Regirock was available in the June 2023 Giovanni battle.
Shadow Regirock is the strongest of the Regis and becomes even more useful once it is purified. It can reach a maximum CP of 1,783 when caught by players. With its solid typing and moveset, Regirock can serve as a reliable defensive anchor.
10. Shadow Lugia
Shadow Lugia was available in the November 2021 Giovanni battle.
Despite its already impressive attack, Shadow Lugia is a solid choice for raids and can further enhance the power of Legendary Pokemon. With a CP of 2,115, it is possible for players to catch this Pokemon with optimal IV conditions. However, there are other options on this list that may be even more effective.
9. The Shadow Articuno
Shadow Articuno was available in the November 2019 and March 2021 Giovanni battles.
Despite its slightly lacking Attack stat even with the Shadow boost, Shadow Articuno remains a solid choice for PvP due to its Ice/Flying typing, narrowly surpassing Lugia. If captured under optimal IV conditions, its base CP can reach 1,743.
8. Shadow Latios
Shadow Latios was available in the July 2022 Giovanni battle.
Shadow Latios, with its superior CP and Attack, is a Dragon and Psychic type that outshines its sibling Latias. If fortunate, players may encounter this Legendary Pokémon with a maximum CP of 2,178.
Shadow Entei
Shadow Entei was available in the March to July 2020 Giovanni battle.
With its impressive bulk, Shadow Entei reigns as one of the strongest Fire-type Pokemon in the game. It surpasses other options such as Moltres, allowing it to endure battles for a longer period of time. Capturing this Pokemon could yield a CP of up to 1,984.
6. Legendary Shadow Pokémon: Zapdos
Shadow Zapdos was available in the December 2019, April 2021, and June 2021 Giovanni battle.
Shadow Zapdos boasts an extensive move pool that players can utilize, with its typing leaving it vulnerable only to Ice and Rock moves. It is highly recommended to allocate a significant amount of Candy and Stardust towards powering up this Pokemon and utilizing it as a key member of any team.
Players can catch this Pokemon with a maximum CP of 2,015, if it is currently obtainable.
5. Shadow Ho-Oh
Shadow Ho-Oh was available in the June 2021 Giovanni battle.
Shadow Ho-Oh, like the other top Pokemon on this list, boasts exceptional Fire and Flying typing as well as an impressive damage-dealing potential. Whether purified or not, Ho-Oh is a formidable force in PvP battles at the highest levels.
In optimal circumstances, it was possible for players to capture this Pokemon with a CP of 2,207.
4. Shadow Kyogre
Shadow Kyogre was available in the January 2024 Giovanni battle.
Despite possessing a Water typing that may seem to limit its strength, Shadow Kyogre remains one of the top PvP Pokemon in the game with an impressive base CP value of 2,351. Its formidable power makes it a valuable asset for taking on raids as a strong counter.
3. Shadow Raikou
Shadow Raikou was available in the February 2020 Giovanni battle.
Despite its relatively low base CP of 1,972, Shadow Raikou is still a highly sought-after Legendary for PvP and can serve as a strong counter in raids. With its powerful move Shadow Ball, it also proves to be a formidable Attacker.
2. Shadow Groudon
Shadow Groudon was available in the March 2024 Giovanni battle.
If players are able to catch Shadow Groudon with the best IV conditions, they will have one of the highest base CP at 2,351. This Legendary also possesses a vast move pool, including Solar Beam, Dragon Tail, and Fire Punch, as well as STAB Ground-Type moves.
Despite its strengths, the Pokemon is susceptible to numerous weaknesses, making it a target in PvP battles.
1. Shadow Mewtwo
Shadow Mewtwo was available in the October 2020 and November 2022 Giovanni battles.
Mewtwo is an already powerful Pokemon, and this holds true for its Shadow version as well. With a Psychic typing and a wide range of moves, it proves to be a valuable asset in both raids and PvP battles. Its maximum CP of 2,387 is the second highest on this list, giving players the upper hand against Giovanni’s Shadow Legendaries.
If you are searching for information on the current Shadow Legendary featured in Giovanni and Team Rocket’s latest mission, we have you covered. Our guide includes tips on how to defeat their current teams and what rewards you can obtain.
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