When to Purify Shadow Pokémon

The Shadow Dilemma: To Purify or Not?

Defeating Team GO Rocket allows you to catch Shadow Pokémon. They look angry and have purple flames.

The Shadow Bonus

Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage, but take 20% more damage in return. Because damage speed matters most in raids, a Shadow Pokémon with 0% stats will often beat a regular Pokémon with 100% stats. Keep your good Shadow Pokémon as they are.

When to Purify

Purifying a Shadow Pokémon adds +2 points to every stat bar and raises its level automatically. If you have a Shadow with nearly full bars, purifying it can turn it into a perfect 100% Pokémon. Do this if you want the perfect trophy or need it to Mega Evolve (Shadows cannot Mega Evolve).