Pokémon Go Shadow type explained

Want to learn more about Shadow types? Shadow Pokémon refer to Pokémon with closed hearts, as first seen in Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness.

Shadow Pokémon have succumbed to the influence of evil, and it's your responsibility in Pokémon GO to rescue and purify these Pokémon. In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about the Pokémon Go Shadow type.

By the way, did you know that the Sinnoh Tour changes how you use in-game items? Also, don't forget to check out how To Catch Mienfoo in Pokémon GO.

How does the Pokémon Go Shadow type work?

Shadow-type Pokémon are stronger than regular Pokémon and can serve as a great addition to your roster once you purify them. If you want to enhance your team with the power of Shadow Pokémon, it's important that you understand where they're coming from, and what they're all about.

These Pokémon have been corrupted after being abducted by Team GO Rocket. Comparing them to their regular counterparts, Shadow-type Pokémon boast a 20% increased Attack and 20% reduced Defense. They come with an exclusive charge move named Frustration, and the key lies in purifying them to release them from Team GO Rocket's influence.

Catching Shadow Pokémon occurs at Level 8 (without weather boost) or Level 13 (with weather boost). They cannot be traded, and powering them up or unlocking a second charge move costs 20% more Candy and Stardust compared to their normal forms.

In both PvP and PvE battles, Shadow Pokémon enjoy a 20% boost to their Attack stats at the expense of a 20% decrease in Defense stats. This makes them formidable in raids and gym battles, so you definitely want them on your side.

To get Shadow Pokémon, you'll need to defeat Team GO Rocket during your encounters with them, including PokéStops, GO Rocket Balloons, Leader, and Giovanni fights.

You'll get Premier Balls when you successfully capture a Shadow-type Pokémon. The number of Premier Balls received depends on factors like surviving Pokémon, Purify Pokémon Medal rank, and Defeat Team Rocket Medal rank. These balls are solely usable during the Shadow Pokémon Encounter.

Upon catching one, you'll find that it comes with the undesirable charge move Frustration. Removing Frustration is possible during special Team GO Rocket Takeover Events, allowing the use of a Charge TM. You can get the exclusive Return charge move when you purify a Shadow Pokémon.

How to purify Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon Go

Purifying Shadow Pokémon yields Purified versions with a +2 increase to every IV. Purified Pokémon are always at Level 25 and receive a 10% discount for Stardust and Candy for various enhancements. This process incurs varying Candy and Stardust costs. Common Shadow Pokémon have lower costs, while Shadow Legendary Pokémon demand higher amounts.

Once you have purified a Shadow Pokémon, you'll have a rare and powerful Pokémon on your team. Purified Pokémon have a special marker but can still be transferred from your storage screen, so be careful while doing mass transfers as you might lose them.

That's the end of our guide on Pokémon Go Shadow type. Now that you know what Shadow Pokémon are all about, check out our guide on Pokémon GO Rayquaza counters and weaknesses. Finally, here are all the details about Pokémon Go Leader Giovanni counters and team.