Ho-Oh, the Rainbow Pokemon, is a legendary Pokemon that has graced Pokemon GO raids and events numerous times. While its regular form is powerful enough, the introduction of Shadow Ho-Oh added a new dimension to its strategic value. Now, with the ability to purify Shadow Pokemon, players face a critical decision: Should you purify your Shadow Ho-Oh, or keep it in its darkened, more powerful state? This article explores the pros and cons of purifying Shadow Ho-Oh, taking into account factors like stats, move sets, cost, and overall utility in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
Understanding Shadow Pokemon And Purification
Before delving into the specifics of Ho-Oh, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental differences between regular and Shadow Pokemon, as well as the effects of purification.
The Shadow Boost
Shadow Pokemon, corrupted by Team Rocket, possess a unique battle advantage. They receive a 20% damage boost, making them incredibly potent attackers. This comes at a cost, however, as they also take 20% more damage. This glass cannon nature makes them risky but rewarding in battle.
The Purification Process
Purification removes the Shadow status from a Pokemon. This process requires Stardust and Candy, the amount depending on the Pokemon’s rarity and type. Once purified, the Pokemon receives several benefits.
The most significant benefit is the IV boost. A purified Pokemon’s IVs are increased by +2 in each stat (Attack, Defense, HP), potentially resulting in a near-perfect or perfect IV specimen. Purified Pokemon also learn the move Return, a Normal-type charged move. They also require less Stardust and Candy to power up. The visual change is also a factor, as the dark aura surrounding the Pokemon vanishes, restoring its normal appearance.
Ho-Oh: A Versatile Legend
Ho-Oh is a Fire- and Flying-type legendary Pokemon known for its balanced stats and diverse movepool. Its access to powerful moves like Incinerate, Brave Bird, and Sacred Fire makes it a viable option in various battle formats.
Ho-Oh’s Base Stats
To properly evaluate the impact of purification, let’s consider Ho-Oh’s base stats:
- Attack: 239
- Defense: 244
- Stamina: 214
These stats make Ho-Oh a relatively bulky attacker, capable of dishing out respectable damage while also enduring some punishment.
Ho-Oh’s Movepool
Ho-Oh has access to a variety of moves, making it adaptable to different battle situations. Its notable moves include:
- Fast Moves: Incinerate, Extrasensory, Hidden Power
- Charged Moves: Brave Bird, Fire Blast, Solar Beam, Sacred Fire, Earthquake
Sacred Fire is its signature move and a key element of its strategic value.
Shadow Ho-Oh Vs. Purified Ho-Oh: A Direct Comparison
Now, let’s compare the Shadow and Purified versions of Ho-Oh to determine which is superior based on different factors.
Damage Output
The Shadow boost grants Shadow Ho-Oh a significant advantage in damage output. The 20% damage increase substantially enhances its offensive capabilities, making it a formidable attacker in raids and Team Rocket battles. Purifying removes this boost, resulting in a decrease in damage output.
Defensive Capabilities
While Shadow Ho-Oh deals more damage, it also takes more damage. This makes it less durable than its purified counterpart. Purifying removes the damage vulnerability, increasing its survivability. This can be beneficial in prolonged battles where endurance is crucial.
IV Considerations
Purification guarantees an IV boost of +2 in each stat. This can potentially turn a Shadow Ho-Oh with mediocre IVs into a near-perfect or perfect IV specimen after purification. A perfect IV Ho-Oh is a valuable asset for both PvE and PvP, especially in Master League. However, it’s important to remember that IVs are not the only factor determining a Pokemon’s strength. A Shadow Ho-Oh with low IVs can still outperform a purified Ho-Oh with perfect IVs due to the Shadow boost.
Movepool And Move Considerations
Purified Ho-Oh learns the move Return. While Return is a decent move, it’s generally not as useful as Ho-Oh’s other charged moves like Brave Bird or Sacred Fire. Furthermore, exclusive moves like Sacred Fire are often more impactful than Return in most battle scenarios. The move Return is a Normal-type charged attack that does a decent amount of damage. However, considering Ho-Oh’s diverse movepool and STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) options for Fire and Flying-type attacks, Return often finds itself overshadowed.
Stardust And Candy Costs
Shadow Pokemon require more Stardust and Candy to power up than regular Pokemon. Purifying reduces these costs, making it easier and cheaper to power up your Ho-Oh to its maximum potential. This can be a significant factor for players with limited resources. However, the power boost that Shadow Pokemon provides can often outweigh the increased costs.
Ho-Oh In PvE (Raids And Team Rocket Battles)
In PvE, the primary focus is on dealing as much damage as possible in a limited amount of time. The Shadow boost makes Shadow Ho-Oh an excellent choice for raids and Team Rocket battles, where its increased damage output can significantly contribute to victory.
Raid Performance
Shadow Ho-Oh excels as a Fire- and Flying-type attacker in raids. Its access to powerful moves like Incinerate and Sacred Fire, combined with the Shadow boost, allows it to deal substantial damage to raid bosses weak to these types. While the increased damage taken can be a liability, skilled players can mitigate this by dodging charged moves effectively.
Team Rocket Battles
Shadow Ho-Oh is also effective in Team Rocket battles, where its high damage output can quickly dispatch opponents. The faster you can defeat Team Rocket grunts and leaders, the less damage your team will take overall. The 20% damage boost therefore provides a significant advantage in these encounters.
Ho-Oh In PvP (Trainer Battles)
In PvP, the choice between Shadow and Purified Ho-Oh is more nuanced. Factors like the specific league, your team composition, and your preferred playstyle all play a role.
Master League Considerations
Ho-Oh is primarily relevant in Master League, where its high CP and balanced stats allow it to compete with other top-tier Pokemon. In Master League, the extra bulk afforded by a purified Ho-Oh can be valuable, particularly in matchups where survivability is crucial. However, the raw power of Shadow Ho-Oh can also be a game-changer, allowing it to quickly overwhelm opponents.
Move Sets And Strategies
The ideal move set for Ho-Oh in PvP typically includes Incinerate as the fast move and Brave Bird and Sacred Fire as the charged moves. The choice between Shadow and Purified Ho-Oh depends on how you intend to use it within your team.
If you prefer an aggressive playstyle focused on dealing maximum damage, Shadow Ho-Oh is the better choice. If you prefer a more defensive approach that emphasizes survivability, Purified Ho-Oh may be more suitable.
Specific Matchups
The effectiveness of Shadow and Purified Ho-Oh can vary depending on the specific matchup. For example, against opponents weak to Fire or Flying, Shadow Ho-Oh’s increased damage output can be decisive. However, against opponents that can easily exploit Shadow Ho-Oh’s vulnerability, Purified Ho-Oh’s increased bulk may be more advantageous.
The Cost Factor: Stardust And Candy Investment
Consider the Stardust and Candy costs associated with powering up both Shadow and Purified Ho-Oh.
Shadow Pokemon Costs
Shadow Pokemon require significantly more Stardust and Candy to power up than regular Pokemon. This can be a major constraint for players with limited resources.
Purified Pokemon Costs
Purification reduces the Stardust and Candy costs, making it more accessible to power up your Ho-Oh. This can be a deciding factor for players who want to quickly maximize their Ho-Oh’s potential without breaking the bank.
The Verdict: To Purify Or Not To Purify?
Ultimately, the decision to purify or not to purify your Shadow Ho-Oh depends on your individual priorities and goals.
Keep It Shadow If:
- You prioritize maximum damage output in raids and Team Rocket battles.
- You are willing to invest the extra Stardust and Candy to power it up.
- You prefer an aggressive playstyle in PvP.
Purify It If:
- You prioritize survivability and bulk in PvP.
- You want a perfect or near-perfect IV Ho-Oh.
- You want to reduce the Stardust and Candy costs associated with powering it up.
- You want to use Return as a surprise move.
Final Thoughts
Both Shadow and Purified Ho-Oh have their strengths and weaknesses. There is no universally “correct” answer. Carefully consider your own needs and preferences before making a decision. Remember that a well-considered choice, aligned with your playstyle and resources, will ultimately lead to a more satisfying and effective Pokemon GO experience. The most important thing is to have fun and experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you!
What Are The Benefits Of Keeping Shadow Ho-Oh In Pokemon GO?
Shadow Ho-Oh boasts significantly higher Attack stats compared to its purified counterpart. This translates to dealing considerably more damage in Raids and Gym battles. The increased offensive power makes it a formidable attacker against specific types, especially Grass, Bug, and Steel, allowing for quicker and more efficient takedowns. This can be particularly advantageous in challenging Raid scenarios where maximizing damage output is crucial for victory.
Furthermore, Shadow Ho-Oh’s rarity adds to its appeal. Acquiring a Shadow Ho-Oh requires defeating Giovanni, a formidable Team GO Rocket leader. Keeping it as a Shadow Pokemon signifies dedication and accomplishment, making it a prized possession for collectors and dedicated players. The satisfaction of owning a powerful and rare Shadow Pokemon is a major draw for many trainers.
What Are The Benefits Of Purifying Shadow Ho-Oh In Pokemon GO?
Purifying Ho-Oh reduces the Stardust and Candy cost required to power it up, making it significantly more accessible to trainers with limited resources. This allows players to quickly level up their Ho-Oh and utilize it effectively in battles without requiring extensive farming. The lowered costs can be a game-changer for players who are new to the game or struggling to gather resources.
Purified Ho-Oh learns the exclusive move “Sacred Fire+”, which is a powerful Fire-type charged attack. While Shadow Ho-Oh hits harder with its Fast Attack, Sacred Fire+ can provide a considerable boost in damage output, especially in PvP scenarios. This move can make Purified Ho-Oh more versatile and a valuable asset in both Raids and Trainer Battles, depending on the specific matchup.
How Does Sacred Fire+ Compare To Other Charged Moves Ho-Oh Can Learn?
Sacred Fire+ is generally considered a very strong Fire-type charged move, boasting a high damage output and a decent chance of inflicting a burn on the opponent. While other moves like Brave Bird offer different advantages such as coverage, Sacred Fire+ typically performs better in Fire-type matchups due to its higher base power and the potential burn effect. This makes it a highly desirable move for any Ho-Oh focused on dealing Fire-type damage.
Compared to Fire Blast, another Fire-type charged move, Sacred Fire+ is typically superior due to its higher damage and chance of inflicting a burn. While Fire Blast might be slightly more readily available, the overall performance of Sacred Fire+ makes it the preferred choice for most trainers. This advantage solidifies the purified Ho-Oh’s unique niche as a potent Fire-type attacker.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Keeping Shadow Ho-Oh?
The primary drawback of keeping Shadow Ho-Oh is the increased Stardust and Candy cost associated with powering it up. Shadow Pokemon require significantly more resources to reach their full potential, which can be a significant barrier for many players. This increased cost can hinder the development of other Pokemon in your roster, limiting your overall team strength.
Another notable disadvantage is the debuff applied to Shadow Pokemon’s defense. While Shadow Ho-Oh benefits from a substantial attack boost, it simultaneously suffers a reduction in defense, making it more vulnerable to incoming attacks. This fragility can lead to quicker knockouts in battle, requiring strategic use of shields and careful team composition to mitigate the risk.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Purifying Shadow Ho-Oh?
Purifying Shadow Ho-Oh results in a reduction of its Attack stat, which is the primary reason for its power and appeal. This significantly diminishes its damage output, making it less effective in Raids and Gym battles compared to its Shadow form. The decreased offensive capabilities might lead to longer battle times and a reduced contribution to group raids.
Furthermore, once purified, Ho-Oh loses its unique Shadow status and becomes a more common and less visually distinct Pokemon. This might diminish its value as a collector’s item and reduce the satisfaction of owning a rare and powerful creature. The feeling of accomplishment and pride associated with possessing a Shadow Legendary may be lost during the purification process.
What Factors Should I Consider Before Deciding To Purify Or Keep My Shadow Ho-Oh?
Consider your play style and priorities within Pokemon GO. If you prioritize maximizing damage output in Raids and Gym battles, keeping Shadow Ho-Oh is generally the better option, despite the higher costs. Evaluate your current team composition and the availability of other powerful attackers before making a decision.
Assess your resource availability and the overall strength of your Pokemon roster. If you are short on Stardust and Candy or have other strong attackers already, purifying Ho-Oh might be a more practical choice, allowing you to quickly build a usable Pokemon. Consider the long-term benefits of both options and choose the one that aligns best with your goals and resources.
How Does IV (Individual Values) Affect The Decision To Purify Or Keep Shadow Ho-Oh?
A Shadow Ho-Oh with high IVs (Individual Values) is generally considered more valuable to keep in its Shadow form, as the Attack boost further amplifies its power. If your Shadow Ho-Oh has near-perfect IVs, particularly in Attack, the benefit of the Shadow boost is significantly greater than the advantages gained from purification. The potential damage output of a high-IV Shadow Ho-Oh is simply unmatched.
Conversely, a Shadow Ho-Oh with low IVs might be a better candidate for purification. The purified form gains IV boosts, potentially making it a stronger overall Pokemon with Sacred Fire+. The IV boost from purification can partially compensate for the loss of the Shadow boost. For a Shadow Ho-Oh with underwhelming IVs, purification can turn it into a more worthwhile addition to your team.