Pokemon Go players slam “counterintuitive” Shadow mechanic

On Reddit, a Trainer shared their unfortunate realization that came too late. They had already purified over 200 Pokemon into Hundos before learning that it is not always the recommended action.

Even though Purified Pokemon gain advantages such as stat increases, easier evolution, and a Combat Power boost, they forfeit the natural 20% damage boost that Shadow Pokemon possess. As a result, determining whether a particular ‘mon is stronger as a Shadow or after being purified depends on a case-by-case evaluation.

The lack of transparency and absence of direct explanation led players to criticize the nuance.

One response pointed out a counterintuitive mechanic in Pokemon Go where a Shadow Pokemon, saved from Team Rocket, is found to be a better attacker with a triple zero Shadow than a normal Hundo.

pokemon go shadow pokemon header — Niantic

All Shadow Pokemon have an innate 20% damage boost.

Some individuals disagreed with the idea that one could gain from a Pocket Monster’s pain in terms of the lore.

Shadow Pokemon in Go are treated very poorly, as players are actively encouraged to act like Cipher from Colosseum and Gale of Darkness, using these creatures as mere instruments of war for their own personal gain. This is truly terrible.

In the absence of any adequate in-game directions, a helpful player gave a public service announcement to new players. They explained that a Shadow Pokemon receives a 20% boost and has a 5% difference in individual values (IVs) compared to a regular Pokemon. This means that even a Shadow Pokemon with zero attack IVs is still 15% stronger than a regular Pokemon with maximum attack IVs.

Ultimately, unless you are constantly participating in PvP or Raids as a dedicated player, the decision between purifying or not is mostly inconsequential. However, it would be beneficial for the nuances to be clarified.

Are you seeking more clarity on whether or not to purify a Shadow Pokémon?