Shadow Pokémon mechanics
Shadow Pokémon (caught from Team GO Rocket grunts) have unique modifiers:
- +20% Attack in all formats (Master League, raids)
- -20% Defense — they faint faster
- Higher Stardust / Candy cost to power up (1.2× standard rates)
- Locked move Frustration (40 BP Normal) — needs an Elite TM or Special Research to remove
When to purify
Purify if:
- The Pokémon has bad IVs (4/4/4 or lower) — purification jumps you to a minimum of 12/12/12
- You want it for Great League / Ultra League and the -20% Def matters more than +20% Atk
- You want Return (the purified-only Fast Charge move) for PvP shield pressure
- You're not going to use the Pokémon in raids
When to keep Shadow
Keep Shadow if:
- You'll use it as a Master League attacker (Shadow Mewtwo, Shadow Salamence, etc.)
- You'll use it for raids (top DPS picks)
- It already has Frustration removed (via Elite TM or community day)
- The IVs are already 12+ — purification doesn't help much
Top Shadow Pokémon worth keeping
- Shadow Mewtwo — best Psychic raider, top 5 Shadow Ball user
- Shadow Tyranitar — top 3 Dark attacker, viable Master League pivot
- Shadow Salamence — top Dragon attacker after Mega Rayquaza
- Shadow Moltres — best Fire attacker excluding Mega
- Shadow Hydreigon — Dark/Dragon utility, post-CD Brutal Swing
- Shadow Conkeldurr — best Fighting attacker (Counter + Dynamic Punch)
- Shadow Magnezone — best Electric attacker, beats Wash Rotom in raids
- Shadow Mamoswine — best Ice attacker for Dragon raids