Should you purify this Shiny Shadow Pinsir in Pokemon Go?
NianticShadow Shiny Pokemon are among the rarest in Pokemon Go.
Usually the Pokemon community has an answer for anything but this question has created some debate. One trainer asked for advice as to whether they should purify a Shiny Shadow Pinsir. The answer leaned one way, but there was certainly a discussion to be had.
To give some perspective, the Pinsir in question has a CP of 659 and IVs of 15, 13 and 13. This means if it were to be purified that it would become 2,113 CP with perfect IVs.
We know this because purification adds +2 to each stat and that all purified Pokemon go to level 25. Now we know the two options we’re dealing with let’s discuss whether it should be purified. The question was originally brought up by Vinnocchio on Reddit.
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Why would you purify?
The most obvious reason to purify is get yourself a 100% IV Shiny Pokemon. Even nearly four years after Pokemon Go released, this is something many trainers are still searching for. While this is good for your collection and bragging rights, the reason behind is purely aesthetic.
The other reason would be to get it PvP battle ready. GO Battle League favors defensively strong Pokemon.
Due to changes made to how Shadow Pokemon work, namely their defense being weakened, they are less appealing in the PvP format. Pinsir is already better at attack then it is defence, so the Shadow version of it would struggle.
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This particular Pinsir would be restricted to Ultra League, as it would be purified well over the 1,500 CP limit for Great League. The Stag Beetle Pokemon doesn’t have any real advantage in any of the leagues, and it isn’t considered a strong option for trainer battles.
It’s biggest selling point is its ability to burn through opponent’s Protect Shields with the quick charging X-Scissor. This is something Scizor also offers, though.
@PokemonGoAppSo, keep it as a Shadow?
Shiny Shadow Pokemon aren’t something you see often in Pokemon Go. This is a reason in itself to keep it as it is.
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Shadow Pinsir may have no business in GO Battle League but it’s certainly an option to use in Raid Battles. It is rated the best attacker among bug-types.
Therefore, it’s an excellent option to counter both Darkrai and Mewtwo. However, a lot of trainers are already prepared for the both of these.
Darkrai can be countered by common fighting-types such as Hariyama, Lucario and Machamp. Togekiss and Toxicroak are also good to have.
Meanwhile Mewtwo has been in Raid Battles for what seems like forever. Origin Giratina, Tyranitar and Weavile are all Pokemon a lot of trainers will have and they are among the best to counter the Gen 1 legend.
It isn’t an easy decision by any means but Shadow Pinsir is probably of slightly more use. So, unless you’re desperate for a coveted 100% IV shiny we reckon you should stick with it.
That being said there is no right or wrong answer. What would you do?
