Pokémon Go Purify Calculator
Instantly determine the new IVs and benefits of purifying your Shadow Pokémon for optimal gameplay.
Pokémon Go Purify Calculator
Purification Results
Original IV Total: —
Purified IV Total: —
Total IV Increase: —
Purification also increases your Pokémon’s level to 25 (if below) and boosts its CP.
Formula: Each IV stat (Attack, Defense, HP) increases by 2 points upon purification, capped at 15.
| Stat | Shadow IV | Purified IV |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | — | — |
| Defense | — | — |
| HP | — | — |
| Total IVs | — | — |
What is the Pokémon Go Purify Calculator?
The Pokémon Go Purify Calculator is an essential tool for trainers looking to optimize their Pokémon collection. In Pokémon Go, Shadow Pokémon are powerful but come with a significant drawback: they take more damage and have a move called Frustration. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon removes Frustration, grants a +2 IV boost to each of its Attack, Defense, and HP stats (up to a maximum of 15), and reduces the Stardust and Candy cost for powering it up by 10%. This Pokémon Go Purify Calculator helps you visualize exactly how your Shadow Pokémon’s Individual Values (IVs) will change after purification, allowing you to make informed decisions.
Who should use it? Any Pokémon Go trainer who has caught Shadow Pokémon from Team GO Rocket and is considering purifying them. This includes players aiming for perfect IV Pokémon, those looking to save Stardust and Candy, or trainers who want to understand the full impact of purification on their Pokémon’s stats. Whether you’re preparing for raids, PvP battles, or simply collecting, understanding the IV changes is crucial.
Common misconceptions: Many trainers believe that purifying a Shadow Pokémon always makes it stronger. While the IV boost is significant, Shadow Pokémon also receive a 20% damage bonus in battle, which is lost upon purification. This means a high-IV Shadow Pokémon can often outperform a purified one with perfect IVs in terms of raw damage output. The Pokémon Go Purify Calculator helps you weigh these trade-offs by clearly showing the IV gains, allowing you to decide if the IV boost and cost reduction outweigh the Shadow damage bonus for your specific Pokémon and use case.
Pokémon Go Purify Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core mechanic behind the Pokémon Go Purify Calculator is straightforward: purification adds 2 points to each of a Shadow Pokémon’s three Individual Values (IVs): Attack, Defense, and HP. These boosts are capped at 15, meaning an IV of 14 or 15 will only reach 15, not exceed it.
Here’s the step-by-step derivation:
- Identify Current Shadow IVs: Determine the current Attack (A), Defense (D), and HP (H) IVs of your Shadow Pokémon. These range from 0 to 15.
- Apply Purification Boost: For each stat, add 2 to its current IV.
- Purified Attack IV = Shadow Attack IV + 2
- Purified Defense IV = Shadow Defense IV + 2
- Purified HP IV = Shadow HP IV + 2
- Cap at 15: If any calculated Purified IV exceeds 15, it is capped at 15. For example, if a Shadow Pokémon has 14 Attack IV, its Purified Attack IV will be 15 (14 + 2 = 16, capped at 15).
- Calculate Total IVs: Sum the three IVs for both the Shadow and Purified forms to get their respective total IVs (out of a maximum of 45).
- Determine IV Increase: Subtract the Original IV Total from the Purified IV Total to see the overall gain.
Additionally, purification has other effects not directly calculated by the IV formula but are important to consider:
- The Pokémon’s level is increased to 25 if it was below level 25. This results in a significant CP boost.
- The move Frustration is replaced with Return.
- The Stardust and Candy costs for powering up the Pokémon are reduced by 10%.
Variables Table for Pokémon Go Purify Calculator
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow Attack IV | Individual Value for Attack stat of the Shadow Pokémon | Points | 0-15 |
| Shadow Defense IV | Individual Value for Defense stat of the Shadow Pokémon | Points | 0-15 |
| Shadow HP IV | Individual Value for HP (Stamina) stat of the Shadow Pokémon | Points | 0-15 |
| Purified Attack IV | Calculated Attack IV after purification | Points | 2-15 |
| Purified Defense IV | Calculated Defense IV after purification | Points | 2-15 |
| Purified HP IV | Calculated HP IV after purification | Points | 2-15 |
| Original IV Total | Sum of Shadow Attack, Defense, and HP IVs | Points | 0-45 |
| Purified IV Total | Sum of Purified Attack, Defense, and HP IVs | Points | 6-45 |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let’s look at a couple of examples using the Pokémon Go Purify Calculator to illustrate its utility.
Example 1: Near-Perfect Shadow Pokémon
Imagine you caught a Shadow Machop with excellent Shadow Pokémon IVs:
- Shadow Attack IV: 13
- Shadow Defense IV: 13
- Shadow HP IV: 13
Using the Pokémon Go Purify Calculator:
- Purified Attack IV: 13 + 2 = 15
- Purified Defense IV: 13 + 2 = 15
- Purified HP IV: 13 + 2 = 15
Output: The Machop would become a perfect 15/15/15 IV Machop upon purification. Its Original IV Total is 39, and its Purified IV Total is 45, for a Total IV Increase of 6. This is a prime candidate for purification if you desire a perfect IV Machamp for your collection or for Mega Evolution, as Mega Machamp cannot be Shadow. However, for raw damage in raids, a 13/13/13 Shadow Machamp might still be preferred due to the 20% Shadow damage bonus, even with lower IVs.
Example 2: Low IV Shadow Pokémon
You caught a Shadow Snorlax, but its IVs are quite low:
- Shadow Attack IV: 5
- Shadow Defense IV: 7
- Shadow HP IV: 6
Using the Pokémon Go Purify Calculator:
- Purified Attack IV: 5 + 2 = 7
- Purified Defense IV: 7 + 2 = 9
- Purified HP IV: 6 + 2 = 8
Output: The Snorlax would become a 7/9/8 IV Snorlax. Its Original IV Total is 18, and its Purified IV Total is 24, for a Total IV Increase of 6. In this case, purifying might be a good option if you need a decent Snorlax for Great League PvP (where Shadow Snorlax is less common) or if you simply want to save on Stardust cost reduction for powering it up, as the Shadow damage bonus on such low IVs might not be as impactful as the IV boost and cost savings.
How to Use This Pokémon Go Purify Calculator
Our Pokémon Go Purify Calculator is designed for ease of use, providing instant results to help you make strategic decisions about your Shadow Pokémon.
- Input Shadow IVs: In the “Shadow Attack IV,” “Shadow Defense IV,” and “Shadow HP IV” fields, enter the current Individual Values of your Shadow Pokémon. These values range from 0 to 15. You can find these by appraising your Pokémon in the game.
- Real-time Calculation: As you type or adjust the numbers, the calculator will automatically update the results in real-time. There’s no need to click a separate “Calculate” button.
- Read the Results:
- New IV Spread: This is the primary highlighted result, showing the Attack/Defense/HP IVs your Pokémon will have after purification.
- Original IV Total: The sum of your Shadow Pokémon’s current IVs.
- Purified IV Total: The sum of your Pokémon’s IVs after purification.
- Total IV Increase: The difference between the Purified and Original IV Totals, showing the total points gained.
- Level & CP Info: A reminder that purification also boosts the Pokémon’s level to 25 (if it was lower) and increases its CP.
- Review the Table and Chart: The “IV Comparison: Shadow vs. Purified” table provides a clear side-by-side view of each stat’s change. The “Visual Comparison of Shadow vs. Purified IVs” chart offers a graphical representation, making it easy to see the improvements.
- Reset or Copy:
- Click “Reset” to clear all inputs and return to default values, allowing you to start a new calculation.
- Click “Copy Results” to copy all key output values to your clipboard, useful for sharing or record-keeping.
Decision-making guidance: Use the Pokémon Go Purify Calculator to quickly assess if a Shadow Pokémon is worth purifying for its IVs. Consider the trade-off between the 20% Shadow damage bonus and the IV boost/cost reduction. For Pokémon that are strong as Shadows (e.g., Shadow Machamp, Shadow Mewtwo), purifying might only be ideal if it results in a perfect 4* IV spread, or if you specifically need a non-Shadow version for Mega Evolution or certain PvP leagues where the Shadow bonus is less critical.
Key Factors That Affect Pokémon Go Purify Calculator Results
While the Pokémon Go Purify Calculator directly shows the IV changes, several broader factors influence whether purification is the right choice for your Pokémon:
- Original Shadow IVs: The starting IVs are paramount. A Shadow Pokémon with 13/13/13 IVs will become a perfect 15/15/15 upon purification, which is often a strong incentive. A Shadow with 0/0/0 IVs will become 2/2/2, which is a significant percentage increase but still low overall.
- Pokémon’s Base Stats: The impact of IVs is relative to a Pokémon’s base stats. A +2 IV boost on a Pokémon with very high base stats (like Mewtwo) will have a smaller percentage impact than on a Pokémon with lower base stats. The Pokémon Go Purify Calculator focuses on IVs, but the overall power depends on base stats too.
- Intended Use (Raids vs. PvP):
- Raids: Shadow Pokémon often excel in raids due to their 20% damage bonus. A purified Pokémon, even with higher IVs, might deal less damage.
- PvP: In certain PvP leagues (Great and Ultra League), specific IV spreads are optimal for reaching maximum CP without exceeding the league cap. A purified Pokémon’s IVs might push it over the desired CP threshold or make it less optimal than a Shadow version. For Master League, higher IVs are generally better, making purification for a perfect 4* more appealing.
- Stardust and Candy Costs: Purifying a Pokémon reduces its power-up costs by 10%. This can be a substantial saving, especially for legendary Pokémon or those you plan to power up to high levels. The Pokémon Go Purify Calculator doesn’t show the exact savings, but it’s a key benefit.
- Pokémon’s Level: Purification automatically raises a Pokémon’s level to 25 if it’s below that. This can save a lot of Stardust and Candy if you catch a low-level Shadow Pokémon and want to use it quickly.
- Exclusive Moves: Shadow Pokémon have Frustration, which is a terrible charge move. Purifying replaces it with Return, a decent Normal-type move. During specific events, you can TM away Frustration on Shadow Pokémon, allowing them to keep their Shadow bonus with a better move. This makes the decision to purify more complex, as you might not need to purify just to remove Frustration.
- Collection Goals: Some trainers prioritize collecting perfect IV Pokémon (4*). The Pokémon Go Purify Calculator is invaluable for identifying which Shadow Pokémon can become perfect upon purification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What exactly does purifying a Shadow Pokémon do?
A: Purifying a Shadow Pokémon increases each of its Attack, Defense, and HP IVs by 2 points (capped at 15), changes its charge move from Frustration to Return, increases its level to 25 (if below), and reduces its power-up Stardust and Candy costs by 10%. Our Pokémon Go Purify Calculator focuses on the IV changes.
Q: Is it always better to purify a Shadow Pokémon?
A: Not always. While purification boosts IVs and reduces costs, Shadow Pokémon receive a 20% damage bonus in battle. This bonus often makes them superior attackers in raids and some PvP scenarios, even with lower IVs. The Pokémon Go Purify Calculator helps you see the IV gains, but the damage bonus is a separate consideration.
Q: How do I know my Shadow Pokémon’s IVs?
A: In Pokémon Go, go to the Pokémon’s summary screen, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and select “Appraise.” Your team leader will show you the IVs (Attack, Defense, HP) as bars or numerical values.
Q: Can a purified Pokémon become a perfect 4*?
A: Yes! If a Shadow Pokémon has at least 13 IVs in all three stats (Attack, Defense, HP), purifying it will boost each to 15, resulting in a perfect 15/15/15 (4*) Pokémon. Use the Pokémon Go Purify Calculator to check if your Shadow Pokémon qualifies.
Q: Does purification affect a Pokémon’s CP?
A: Yes, purification significantly affects CP. It increases the Pokémon’s level to 25 (if it was lower) and the IV boost also contributes to higher CP. Our Pokémon Go Purify Calculator notes this effect.
Q: What is the purification cost?
A: The cost to purify a Shadow Pokémon varies by species, typically ranging from 1,000 Stardust and 1 Candy for common Pokémon to 20,000 Stardust and 20 Candy for legendary Pokémon. This Pokémon Go Purify Calculator focuses on the IV outcome, not the cost itself.
Q: Can I un-purify a Pokémon?
A: No, once a Pokémon is purified, the action cannot be reversed. Make sure to use the Pokémon Go Purify Calculator and consider all factors before purifying.
Q: Why would I purify a Pokémon if Shadow is stronger?
A: Reasons include: aiming for a perfect 4* IV Pokémon, reducing power-up costs, needing a non-Shadow version for Mega Evolution, or for specific PvP scenarios where the Shadow bonus is detrimental or the purified IVs are more optimal for a specific league cap. The Pokémon Go Purify Calculator helps you weigh these benefits.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
To further enhance your Pokémon Go strategy, explore these related tools and guides: