Shadow Pokémon (GO)

A Shadow Charmander (left) and the same Charmander immediately after purification (right)

Shadow Pokémon (Japanese: シャドウポケモン Shadow Pokémon) are Pokémon in Pokémon GO that have been modified by Team GO Rocket through unnatural means, resulting in them having dark, flaming auras (except Mewtwo) and angry, red eyes. By defeating members of Team GO Rocket, players can capture Shadow Pokémon and restore them to a more normal state through purification.

In the Pokémon Box, Shadow Pokémon have a icon at the bottom left of their image, and Purified Pokémon have a icon. Similar to Lucky Pokémon, the Pokédex will keep count of the number of Pokémon that the player has purified of that species; evolving a Purified Pokémon will not increment the evolution's purified counter.

The Charged Attacks Frustration and Return are exclusive to Shadow Pokémon and Purified Pokémon, respectively. Unlike all other moves, these are not re-rolled upon evolution. On Community Days, eligible Purified Pokémon may learn event-exclusive moves, replacing Return upon evolution, even if that Pokémon already knows a second Charged Attack. Shadow Pokémon can only learn their event-exclusive moves if Frustration is first forgotten, either by purification or using a Charged TM during certain events. Once forgotten, Frustration and Return cannot be relearned, even if an Elite Charged TM is used, or if it evolves.

Characteristics

According to the research of Candela and Professor Willow, Shadow Pokémon are the result of having been artificially overpowered by Team GO Rocket, causing them frequent pain from their uncontrollable strength. Shadow Pokémon are surrounded by what looks like a purple fire, or in Mewtwo's case, surrounded by its Psychic power. During a Team GO Rocket battle, Shadow Pokémon used by Team GO Rocket members have significantly inflated stats, especially in Attack, potentially attaining CP values much higher than the maximum possible by powering up. The CP of Team GO Rocket's Pokémon increases with each player's Trainer level. Their Shadow Pokémon's moves, including Charged Attacks, are randomly selected from the species' current move pool.

For further information about how CP is calculated for Team GO Rocket's Shadow Pokémon, see Team GO Rocket → Pokémon.

If a Team GO Rocket member is defeated, they will leave behind one of the Shadow Pokémon used in battle, which the player can then "rescue" by capturing it in a bonus challenge using Premier Balls. During the capture encounter, Shadow Pokémon attack more frequently than their normal counterparts. Although their target rings are colored red to indicate a 5% base capture rate, their actual catch rates appear to be no different from that of their normal forms. Since November 7, 2019, all Shadow Pokémon are caught at an initial Power Up level of 8, or 13 with a Weather Boost, and their IVs are randomly determined the same way as in standard wild encounter. Currently, only Shadow Pokémon left behind by Team GO Rocket Leaders, Jessie, and James have a chance of becoming Shiny.

In addition, Shadow and Purified Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, but Purified Pokémon can be transferred to Pokémon HOME.

Shadow Pokémon, once captured by the player, all have the following characteristics:

• Have Frustration as a Charged Attack, which normally cannot be replaced using a Charged TM
• Cost ×1.2* Candy and Stardust to power up and to learn a second Charged Attack
• Have the following stat modifiers (not factored into CP) as a "Shadow Bonus":
  • ×⁶/₅ Attack
  • ×⁵/₆ Defense
• Cannot be traded (since July 25, 2019)
• Cannot Mega Evolve

Sorting

When viewing the list of currently owned Pokémon, sorted by Pokédex number, they are sorted in the order: normal, Shadow, Purified.

Purification

Through a process discovered by Blanche and Professor Willow, players can Purify (Japanese: リトレイン Retrain) Shadow Pokémon using Candy and Stardust, restoring them to a more normal state. Purified Pokémon have almost same appearance as their normal forms, but surrounded by a misty, white aura.

Upon purification, the Pokémon will:

• Power up to the player's Trainer level, up to level 25 (if currently at a lower level)
• Have each of its IVs increased by 2 (up to the maximum 15)
• Have Return replace the Charged Attack in the first slot
• Cost 0.9× Candy to evolve (rounded down)
• Cost 0.9× Stardust and Candy to Power Up (rounded up)
• Cost 0.8× Stardust and Candy to learn a second Charged Attack
• Lose its Shadow Bonus (Attack and Defense modifiers)
• Be eligible for Special Trades, which do not cost extra Stardust if the receiving player already has the purified form registered
• Be able to Mega Evolve, if it can

List of Shadow Pokémon

The cost to purify a Shadow Pokémon is proportional to its Buddy distance. The following is a list of all currently possible Shadow Pokémon grouped by the costs to purify them. Shadow Pokémon with a icon denote those whose Shiny forms can be caught during a bonus challenge.

#	Pokémon		Catch CP	Purification cost	Release date
0010		Bulbasaur	198 - 251 348 - 414	3,000 + 3	July 22, 2019
0020		Ivysaur	316 - 383 549 - 631	3,000 + 3	July 22, 2019
0030		Venusaur	528 - 613 906 - 1010	3,000 + 3	July 22, 2019
0040		Charmander	171 - 221 302 - 364	3,000 + 3	July 22, 2019
0050		Charmeleon	306 - 372 533 - 614	3,000 + 3	July 22, 2019
0060		Charizard	563 - 651 965 - 1073	3,000 + 3	July 22, 2019
0070		Squirtle	164 - 213 290 - 351	3,000 + 3	July 22, 2019
0080		Wartortle	273 - 335 476 - 552	3,000 + 3	July 22, 2019
0090		Blastoise	474 - 555 817 - 916	3,000 + 3	July 22, 2019
0130		Weedle	68 - 102 127 - 169	1,000 + 1	October 17, 2019
0140		Kakuna	63 - 97 118 - 160	1,000 + 1	October 17, 2019
0150		Beedrill	346 - 416 600 - 685	1,000 + 1	October 17, 2019
0190		Rattata	122 - 165 219 - 273	1,000 + 1	July 22, 2019
0200		Raticate	322 - 390 560 - 643	1,000 + 1	July 22, 2019
0230		Ekans	160 - 209 285 - 344	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
0240		Arbok	362 - 433 626 - 713	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
0270		Sandshrew	227 - 284 398 - 468	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
0280		Sandslash	456 - 535 785 - 882	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
0290		Nidoran♀	138 - 184 246 - 303	3,000 + 3	February 3, 2020
0300		Nidorina	236 - 295 414 - 486	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
0310		Nidoqueen	479 - 560 825 - 924	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
0320		Nidoran♂	146 - 194 261 - 319	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
0330		Nidorino	253 - 314 443 - 517	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
0340		Nidoking	495 - 578 852 - 953	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
0370		Vulpix	151 - 199 270 - 328	3,000 + 3	February 3, 2020
0380		Ninetales	436 - 513 752 - 846	3,000 + 3	February 3, 2020
0410		Zubat	109 - 150 197 - 247	1,000 + 1	July 22, 2019
0420		Golbat	373 - 445 646 - 734	1,000 + 1	July 22, 2019
0430		Oddish	220 - 277 387 - 456	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
0440		Gloom	312 - 378 543 - 624	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
0450		Vileplume	494 - 577 850 - 950	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
0480		Venonat	175 - 226 310 - 373	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
0490		Venomoth	395 - 469 682 - 773	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
0500		Diglett	110 - 152 200 - 251	3,000 + 3	October 12, 2020
0510		Dugtrio	286 - 351 499 - 578	3,000 + 3	October 12, 2020
0520		Meowth	125 - 168 224 - 278	3,000 + 3	November 5, 2019
0530		Persian	314 - 380 546 - 627	3,000 + 3	November 5, 2019
0540		Psyduck	195 - 249 345 - 411	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
0550		Golduck	471 - 552 811 - 910	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
0580		Growlithe	223 - 280 391 - 461	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
0590		Arcanine	592 - 683 1015 - 1125	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
0600		Poliwag	141 - 186 251 - 307	3,000 + 3	August 1, 2019
0610		Poliwhirl	259 - 319 452 - 527	3,000 + 3	August 1, 2019
0620		Poliwrath	500 - 583 859 - 960	3,000 + 3	August 1, 2019
0630		Abra	239 - 302 421 - 498	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
0640		Kadabra	387 - 464 670 - 765	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
0650		Alakazam	595 - 689 1021 - 1135	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
0660		Machop	229 - 288 402 - 474	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
0670		Machoke	384 - 457 664 - 754	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
0680		Machamp	597 - 689 1024 - 1135	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
0690		Bellsprout	178 - 233 317 - 384	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
0700		Weepinbell	296 - 363 517 - 598	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
0710		Victreebel	466 - 548 803 - 903	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
0790		Slowpoke	218 - 276 384 - 455	3,000 + 3	October 12, 2020
0800		Slowbro	491 - 573 844 - 945	3,000 + 3	October 12, 2020
0810		Magnemite	246 - 307 431 - 506	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
0820		Magneton	477 - 560 822 - 923	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
0880		Grimer	248 - 309 435 - 510	3,000 + 3	August 1, 2019
0890		Muk	535 - 621 919 - 1024	3,000 + 3	August 1, 2019
0900		Shellder	190 - 243 336 - 401	3,000 + 3	October 12, 2020
0910		Cloyster	490 - 574 844 - 946	3,000 + 3	October 12, 2020
0960		Drowzee	181 - 234 321 - 386	3,000 + 3	August 1, 2019
0970		Hypno	396 - 471 685 - 776	3,000 + 3	August 1, 2019
1021		Exeggcute	209 - 265 368 - 436	3,000 + 3	February 3, 2020
1031		Exeggutor	588 - 679 1008 - 1119	3,000 + 3	February 3, 2020
1041		Cubone	177 - 229 315 - 378	3,000 + 3	August 1, 2019
1051		Marowak	344 - 413 596 - 681	3,000 + 3	August 1, 2019
1061		Hitmonlee	496 - 580 854 - 957	5,000 + 5	November 7, 2019
1071		Hitmonchan	446 - 525 769 - 866	5,000 + 5	September 5, 2019
1091		Koffing	217 - 273 382 - 451	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
1101		Weezing	439 - 516 756 - 851	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
1231		Scyther	524 - 610 901 - 1005	5,000 + 5	August 1, 2019
1251		Electabuzz	447 - 526 770 - 867	5,000 + 5	October 17, 2019
1261		Magmar	459 - 539 791 - 889	5,000 + 5	October 17, 2019
1271		Pinsir	577 - 667 989 - 1099	5,000 + 5	February 3, 2020
1291		Magikarp	34 - 61 68 - 102	1,000 + 1	August 1, 2019
1301		Gyarados	668 - 764 1143 - 1259	1,000 + 1	August 1, 2019
1311		Lapras	510 - 595 876 - 981	5,000 + 5	October 17, 2019
1371		Porygon	320 - 387 556 - 639	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
1381		Omanyte	284 - 348 495 - 573	5,000 + 5	February 3, 2020
1391		Omastar	541 - 628 929 - 1035	5,000 + 5	February 3, 2020
1421		Aerodactyl	540 - 627 928 - 1034	5,000 + 5	October 12, 2020
1431		Snorlax	631 - 727 1081 - 1198	5,000 + 5	July 22, 2019
1441		Articuno	597 - 688 1023 - 1133	20,000 + 20	November 5, 2019
1451		Zapdos	697 - 795 1190 - 1310	20,000 + 20	December 1, 2019
1461		Moltres	684 - 781 1168 - 1287	20,000 + 20	January 1, 2020
1471		Dratini	175 - 226 310 - 373	5,000 + 5	July 22, 2019
1481		Dragonair	333 - 401 577 - 661	5,000 + 5	July 22, 2019
1491		Dragonite	753 - 855 1284 - 1408	5,000 + 5	July 22, 2019
1501		Mewtwo	833 - 942 1420 - 1552	20,000 + 20	June 26, 2020 (GO Fest ticket holders only) October 13, 2020 Worldwide
1691		Crobat	512 - 596 880 - 983	1,000 + 1	July 22, 2019
1791		Mareep	172 - 223 305 - 368	5,000 + 5	October 17, 2019
1801		Flaaffy	279 - 343 487 - 565	5,000 + 5	October 17, 2019
1811		Ampharos	555 - 643 953 - 1059	5,000 + 5	October 17, 2019
1821		Bellossom	436 - 514 752 - 847	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
1861		Politoed	471 - 552 811 - 910	3,000 + 3	August 1, 2019
1871		Hoppip	96 - 135 174 - 222	3,000 + 3	October 12, 2020
1881		Skiploom	169 - 220 300 - 362	3,000 + 3	October 12, 2020
1891		Jumpluff	302 - 368 526 - 607	3,000 + 3	October 12, 2020
1941		Wooper	103 - 144 187 - 238	3,000 + 3	December 10, 2020
1951		Quagsire	376 - 449 650 - 740	3,000 + 3	December 10, 2020
1991		Slowking	491 - 573 844 - 945	3,000 + 3	October 12, 2020
2002		Misdreavus	363 - 434 628 - 715	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
2022		Wobbuffet	169 - 231 305 - 381	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
2042		Pineco	196 - 249 346 - 411	5,000 + 5	June 10, 2020
2052		Forretress	436 - 514 752 - 847	5,000 + 5	June 10, 2020
2072		Gligar	348 - 418 604 - 689	5,000 + 5	June 10, 2020
2122		Scizor	586 - 676 1004 - 1114	5,000 + 5	August 1, 2019
2132		Shuckle	43 - 91 91 - 150	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
2152		Sneasel	388 - 462 671 - 762	3,000 + 3	November 5, 2019
2162		Teddiursa	240 - 299 420 - 493	3,000 + 3	October 12, 2020
2172		Ursaring	573 - 663 984 - 1094	3,000 + 3	October 12, 2020
2252		Delibird	193 - 246 341 - 406	5,000 + 5	December 24, 2019
2272		Skarmory	399 - 475 691 - 783	5,000 + 5	October 12, 2020
2282		Houndour	220 - 278 387 - 458	3,000 + 3	August 1, 2019
2292		Houndoom	509 - 594 875 - 978	3,000 + 3	August 1, 2019
2332		Porygon2	526 - 611 903 - 1007	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
2342		Stantler	411 - 487 710 - 804	3,000 + 3	December 24, 2019
2432		Raikou	681 - 778 1164 - 1282	20,000 + 20	February 1, 2020
2442		Entei	685 - 782 1171 - 1290	20,000 + 20	March 1, 2020
2452		Suicune	582 - 672 998 - 1108	20,000 + 20	June 10, 2020
2462		Larvitar	182 - 234 322 - 386	5,000 + 5	September 5, 2019
2472		Pupitar	330 - 398 572 - 656	5,000 + 5	September 5, 2019
2482		Tyranitar	762 - 864 1300 - 1424	5,000 + 5	September 5, 2019
2582		Mudkip	200 - 254 352 - 419	3,000 + 3	July 22, 2019
2592		Marshtomp	332 - 400 576 - 660	3,000 + 3	July 22, 2019
2602		Swampert	581 - 670 995 - 1104	3,000 + 3	July 22, 2019
2732		Seedot	96 - 134 174 - 222	3,000 + 3	October 17, 2019
2742		Nuzleaf	218 - 276 384 - 455	3,000 + 3	October 17, 2019
2752		Shiftry	445 - 526 768 - 866	3,000 + 3	October 17, 2019
2802		Ralts	85 - 121 155 - 200	5,000 + 5	August 8, 2019
2812		Kirlia	168 - 217 298 - 359	5,000 + 5	August 8, 2019
2822		Gardevoir	605 - 697 1037 - 1149	5,000 + 5	August 8, 2019
3023		Sableye	270 - 332 472 - 548	5,000 + 5	October 17, 2019
3033		Mawile	303 - 368 527 - 607	5,000 + 5	February 3, 2020
3183		Carvanha	170 - 230 305 - 379	3,000 + 3	February 3, 2020
3193		Sharpedo	408 - 491 709 - 810	3,000 + 3	February 3, 2020
3283		Trapinch	227 - 287 400 - 473	5,000 + 5	October 17, 2019
3293		Vibrava	219 - 276 385 - 455	5,000 + 5	October 17, 2019
3303		Flygon	515 - 599 885 - 988	5,000 + 5	October 17, 2019
3313		Cacnea	221 - 280 389 - 461	3,000 + 3	October 17, 2019
3323		Cacturne	437 - 518 755 - 853	3,000 + 3	October 17, 2019
3533		Shuppet	176 - 229 313 - 378	3,000 + 3	October 17, 2019
3543		Banette	438 - 518 756 - 854	3,000 + 3	October 17, 2019
3553		Duskull	115 - 159 208 - 262	3,000 + 3	October 17, 2019
3563		Dusclops	292 - 358 510 - 591	3,000 + 3	October 17, 2019
3593		Absol	484 - 569 834 - 938	5,000 + 5	December 24, 2019
3713		Bagon	205 - 260 362 - 429	5,000 + 5	December 24, 2019
3723		Shelgon	384 - 458 665 - 754	5,000 + 5	December 24, 2019
3733		Salamence	742 - 845 1268 - 1392	5,000 + 5	December 24, 2019
3743		Beldum	170 - 220 301 - 362	5,000 + 5	February 3, 2020
3753		Metang	320 - 388 557 - 639	5,000 + 5	February 3, 2020
3763		Metagross	753 - 854 1284 - 1408	5,000 + 5	February 3, 2020
3873		Turtwig	212 - 267 373 - 441	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
3883		Grotle	355 - 426 616 - 702	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
3893		Torterra	573 - 661 982 - 1090	3,000 + 3	September 5, 2019
4294		Mismagius	505 - 589 869 - 971	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
4344		Stunky	204 - 259 360 - 427	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
4354		Skuntank	451 - 531 778 - 876	3,000 + 3	June 10, 2020
4594		Snover	206 - 261 363 - 430	3,000 + 3	December 24, 2019
4604		Abomasnow	453 - 532 780 - 877	3,000 + 3	December 24, 2019
4614		Weavile	586 - 677 1005 - 1116	3,000 + 3	November 5, 2019
4624		Magnezone	629 - 722 1076 - 1190	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
4664		Electivire	602 - 694 1031 - 1144	5,000 + 5	October 17, 2019
4674		Magmortar	613 - 706 1050 - 1163	5,000 + 5	October 17, 2019
4724		Gliscor	522 - 606 896 - 1000	5,000 + 5	June 10, 2020
4744		Porygon-Z	640 - 736 1096 - 1213	3,000 + 3	November 7, 2019
4754		Gallade	605 - 697 1037 - 1149	5,000 + 5	August 8, 2019
4774		Dusknoir	456 - 538 787 - 887	3,000 + 3	October 17, 2019

Unobtainable Shadow Pokémon

These Shadow Pokémon have yet to be obtainable by players, but have been used by Team GO Rocket members. Game data for their purification costs still exist, and they are grouped accordingly.

Purification cost	Pokémon
3,000 + 3
5,000 + 5

Updates

• Prior to July 25, 2019, Shadow Pokémon were eligible for Special Trades. However, due to the likelihood of a Lucky Shadow Pokémon being purified with perfect IVs, this feature was restricted.
• Prior to July 31, 2019, purification costs were on average much higher and did not necessarily scale directly with Buddy distance. For starter Pokémon, the purification costs were also higher for the second and third stages.
• Shadow Pokémon received a major update on March 2, 2020. Prior to this, Shadow Pokémon
  • Cost 3× the Candy and Stardust to power up or learn a second Charged Attack
  • Had no way of forgetting Frustration
  • Did not have any special stat modifiers
• Prior to November 7, 2019, Shadow Pokémon were caught between Lv. 1 to 5 or Lv. 6 to 10 if Weather Boosted.

Trivia

• The English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and Chinese terms for Shadow Pokémon and purification are the same as their equivalents (Shadow Pokémon and purification) in Pokémon Colosseum and XD; however, the Japanese terms differ (being ダークポケモン Dark Pokémon and リライブ Relive, respectively, in the Nintendo GameCube games).
• Due to every Shadow Pokémon knowing Frustration and Purified Pokémon knowing Return, Weedle, Kakuna, Magikarp, Wobbuffet and Beldum each have two moves in Pokémon GO that they cannot learn in the core series.

In other languages

Language Title Chinese Cantonese 暗影寶可夢 Amyíng Pokémon Mandarin 暗影寶可夢 Ànyǐng Pokémon French Pokémon Obscur German Crypto-Pokémon Italian Pokémon ombra Korean 그림자 포켓몬 Geurimja Pokémon Brazilian Portuguese Pokémon Sombroso Spanish Pokémon oscuro Thai โปเกมอนชาโดว์ Pokémon Shadow

Purification

Language Title Chinese Cantonese 淨化 Jihngfa Mandarin 淨化 Jìnghuà French Purification German Erlösung Italian Purificazione Korean 정화 Jeonghwa Brazilian Portuguese Purificação Spanish Purificación Thai ชำระล้าง Chamralang

References

This game-related article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games.