Best Pokemon to Purify in Pokemon GO
Understanding Purification Benefits
Purification adds +2 to all three IVs (capped at 15), reduces future power-up costs by 10%, and removes the Shadow combat multipliers entirely. It isn't automatically the right move for every Shadow Pokemon - this guide covers how to decide.
Top Priority Pokemon for Purification
Low-IV Legendaries
Shadow Legendaries with poor IVs (below roughly 80%) often benefit most from purification, since the guaranteed +2/+2/+2 boost matters more the lower you started:
- Shadow Lugia: becomes a strong tank once purified
- Shadow Ho-Oh: gains useful bulk for defensive roles
- Shadow Latios/Latias: the IV boost makes them more versatile
- Shadow Celebi: better IVs enhance its utility
Defensive Pokemon
Pokemon primarily used for defense benefit from purification, since losing the Shadow Defense penalty matters more than keeping the Attack bonus:
- Shadow Steelix: a solid gym defender once purified
- Shadow Lapras: more bulk for PvP and defense
- Shadow Snorlax: holds gyms better purified
- Shadow Blissey: maximizes its defensive role
PvP Specialists
Some Pokemon perform better in PvP when purified:
- Shadow Sableye: Return provides useful coverage
- Shadow Wobbuffet: extra bulk for specific strategies
- Shadow Hypno: stronger stats for Great League
Purification Stardust Cost Tiers
Purification Stardust/Candy cost is tiered by the species' Buddy walking-distance category (1 km, 3 km, 5 km, 20 km), which loosely tracks rarity, and the cost is flat across an entire evolution line:
1,000 Stardust / 1 Candy (1 km Buddy tier)
- Zubat line
- Rattata line
- Weedle line
- Caterpie line
3,000 Stardust / 3 Candy (3 km Buddy tier)
- Growlithe line
- Psyduck line
- Machop line
- Geodude line
Rarer species (5 km and 20 km Buddy tiers, including most Legendaries) cost 5,000/5 or 20,000/20 Stardust/Candy to purify.
Special Research Considerations
- Hang on to cheap Shadow Pokemon for Special Research tasks that require purification
- Purify during Team GO Rocket-themed events for extra rewards when offered
- Some Medals and research require multiple purifications
Pokemon You Probably Shouldn't Purify
High-DPS raid attackers usually stay stronger as Shadow:
Elite Shadow Attackers
- Shadow Mewtwo: top-tier Psychic attacker
- Shadow Machamp: premier Fighting-type DPS
- Shadow Tyranitar: top Dark and Rock attacker
- Shadow Salamence: excellent Dragon-type DPS
- Shadow Gardevoir: strong Fairy/Psychic damage
High-IV Shadows
Any Shadow Pokemon with 90%+ IVs is usually worth keeping Shadow for maximum raid/PvE damage output.
Decision-Making Framework
Ask Yourself:
- What are this Pokemon's IV stats?
- Is this species meta-relevant for raid/PvE damage?
- Do I need this Pokemon for defense or PvP instead?
- Do I have Special Research tasks that require purification?
Making the Right Decision
Generally: purify defensive Pokemon, low-IV Legendaries, and cheap Pokemon you're holding for research. Keep high-DPS attackers and high-IV Pokemon Shadow for maximum damage output.
Use the purify calculator to see the exact CP and IV difference for your specific Pokemon before deciding.
Important reminder:
Purification is irreversible - once purified, a Pokemon cannot be turned back into a Shadow. Double-check your decision first.