Shadow Kyogre: Purify Or Keep Shadow?

Hey trainers, let's dive deep into the world of Shadow Kyogre! This powerful Water-type Pokémon is a real beast in Pokémon GO, and figuring out how to best utilize it can be a game-changer. Today, we'll tackle a burning question: should you purify your 14/13/14 Shadow Kyogre? Plus, we'll explore the best ways to use Shadow Kyogre and build your team. Let's get started!

Understanding Shadow Kyogre's Power

Alright, first things first, let's talk about why Shadow Kyogre is so awesome. Shadow Pokémon, like Kyogre, get a massive attack boost – a whopping 20% increase in damage output! This makes them incredibly strong attackers in raids, Gym battles, and even the GO Battle League. However, this extra power comes at a cost: Shadow Pokémon take 20% more damage. It's a double-edged sword, but the offensive power often outweighs the increased vulnerability. The question of whether to purify or not is really all about what you value more: raw power or added bulk.

Shadow Kyogre is a Water-type behemoth, which immediately makes it a top-tier choice. Water-types are incredibly valuable in Pokémon GO because they have good offensive matchups against Fire, Ground, and Rock-types, which appear frequently in raids and are often used by Team GO Rocket grunts. Kyogre's signature move, Hydro Pump, is a powerful Water-type Charged Attack, making it a formidable attacker. But, since Hydro Pump can be a legacy move, and you are working with a shadow pokemon, let's examine all the aspects. Kyogre, with its high base attack stat and Shadow boost, can dish out a lot of damage. This makes it a must-have for many trainers, especially those who want to excel in raid battles. Its ability to quickly take down opponents makes it one of the most popular attackers. Now, the question of purifying that near-perfect IV Shadow Kyogre is quite a complex one, so let's get right into it. There are definitely some important factors to consider before making your decision. Firstly, consider the IVs (Individual Values) of your Shadow Kyogre. In Pokémon GO, IVs determine a Pokémon's potential. They are invisible stats that influence a Pokémon's overall strength. They include the Attack, Defense, and HP stats, which range from 0 to 15. A perfect IV Pokémon has 15 in each of these stats.

For many trainers, a 14/13/14 Shadow Kyogre is a pretty darn good find! It means your Kyogre has excellent IVs, and it's very close to perfect. However, since Shadow Kyogre's are all about that extra damage output, you have to keep your eye on that. Purifying your Kyogre will add +2 to each IV stat. This will give you a perfect IV Kyogre. This might seem appealing at first, but think carefully, as it is not as simple as it seems. The shadow bonus really does make the shadow version much stronger in raids and battles. So, you have to decide if you want to keep the extra damage or add more bulk. If you want more bulk, then purifying your Shadow Kyogre is not a bad idea. It will gain a stat boost and also remove the shadow cost. Consider your playstyle when deciding what to do. If you play to win, then keep the shadow, as it is the most useful option. If you are more of a collector, then purifying is for you, as it will be more of a trophy.

To Purify or Not to Purify: The 14/13/14 Dilemma

Now, let's get to the main question: should you purify your 14/13/14 Shadow Kyogre? This decision depends on your goals. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

Reasons To Not Purify:

  • Raw Power: Shadow Kyogre is a top-tier attacker. The 20% damage boost significantly increases its damage per second (DPS). This is crucial in raid battles, where you want to deal as much damage as possible in a limited time. A 14/13/14 Shadow Kyogre already has great IVs, and keeping the Shadow bonus will maximize its offensive potential.
  • Raid Performance: In raid battles, Shadow Kyogre's higher DPS can make a huge difference. It allows you to deal more damage, use fewer revives, and potentially earn more rewards. This is the main reason why many players choose to keep their Shadow Pokémon.

Reasons To Purify:

  • IV Perfection: Purifying a 14/13/14 Kyogre would give it perfect IVs (15/15/15). This might appeal to completionists or players who value perfect stats. Plus, the IV boost will add to Kyogre's overall combat power (CP).
  • Cost Reduction: Purifying reduces the stardust and candy costs to power up your Kyogre. Shadow Pokémon require a lot more resources to level up, and purifying can save you a significant amount of stardust and candy in the long run.
  • Bulkier Stats: Purified Kyogre gets a slight increase in defense and HP. While the difference isn't huge, it can make your Kyogre more resilient in battles.
  • Removal of Shadow Cost: Purifying Kyogre removes the frustration of the shadow pokemon cost. With the shadow pokemon cost, your pokemon requires more resources than a normal version of Kyogre. So it could be easier to raise your purified Kyogre to a higher level.

Making the Right Call

Here's the deal: If you are focused on raids and want to maximize your damage output, then do not purify your 14/13/14 Shadow Kyogre. The Shadow bonus is just too valuable to give up. If you are a collector or value having perfect IVs more than raw power, or if you're running low on resources, then purifying is a viable option. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Consider your playstyle, your resources, and what you value most in the game.

Building Your Shadow Kyogre Team

So, you've decided to keep your Shadow Kyogre. Awesome! Now, let's talk about building a team around it. Shadow Kyogre works best when paired with Pokémon that can cover its weaknesses or provide support. Here are some suggestions for your team:

Best Teammates

  • A Good Tank: Consider pairing Shadow Kyogre with a tanky Pokémon that can help you last longer in battle. The best choices depend on the raid boss, but these are some good choices. A bulky Water-type or even a Steel-type. Make sure you have coverage in case the boss is Fire-type.
  • Team Boosters: Some Pokémon have moves or abilities that can boost the attack of your entire team. These are especially useful in raid battles. These moves can drastically increase your team's overall damage output.

Move Sets

  • Hydro Pump: This is the signature move for Kyogre and is great for raid battles. If your Kyogre doesn't have it, then use an Elite TM. Hydro Pump is great for neutral damage.
  • Waterfall: Is a must-have fast move. It is good for doing consistent damage. It generates energy for the charged moves very fast.

Remember, the best team composition will vary depending on the specific raid boss. Always research the boss's moveset and weaknesses before forming your team.

Other Shadow Kyogre Tips & Tricks

  • Double Move: Shadow Kyogre is a resource-intensive Pokémon. It may be a good idea to get a second charged move for a wider range of coverage.
  • Plan Ahead: Shadow Kyogre is very expensive to power up, so plan accordingly. Gather resources and save them to level up your Kyogre. Use the right movesets.

Conclusion

So, should you purify that awesome 14/13/14 Shadow Kyogre? Ultimately, it's your call. If you are a competitive player, then stick with Shadow! If you are a collector, then purify it. Build a good team, and you will be successful in raids and battles!

Happy raiding, trainers!