Pokemon Purify Calculator

Effortlessly calculate the Stardust and Candy costs to purify your Shadow Pokemon in Pokemon GO.

Purify Cost Calculator

What is Pokemon Purification?

In Pokemon GO, Shadow Pokemon are powerful allies obtained from battles against Team GO Rocket. These Pokemon boast a significant attack boost but come with a defense penalty. One of the key mechanics available for Shadow Pokemon is purification. Purifying a Shadow Pokemon not only removes the ‘Shadow’ characteristic, making it a regular Pokemon, but also provides several crucial benefits. These include increasing the Pokemon’s Individual Values (IVs) by a fixed amount, reducing the Stardust and Candy cost for powering up and evolving, and potentially changing the Pokemon’s type. This calculator is designed to help players understand the exact costs and benefits associated with purifying their Shadow Pokemon, allowing for strategic decision-making in their Pokemon GO journey.

Who should use this calculator?

• Players looking to optimize their Shadow Pokemon for battle by understanding the IV boost.
• Trainers aiming to reduce the Stardust and Candy requirements for powering up their purified Pokemon.
• New and veteran players who want to understand the mechanics of purification and its associated costs.
• Players participating in events that offer discounts on purification costs.

Common Misconceptions:

• Misconception: Purification always makes a Pokemon better. Reality: While purified Pokemon have higher IVs and lower costs, they lose the Shadow Pokemon’s significant attack boost, which is often crucial for raid and gym battles. The best choice depends on the Pokemon’s role and stats.
• Misconception: All Pokemon have the same purification cost. Reality: Base Stardust and Candy costs vary (1000/1, 2000/2, 3000/3), and events can further alter these.
• Misconception: IVs are always boosted by a small, fixed amount. Reality: The boost depends on the source of the Shadow Pokemon (Rocket Grunts vs. Leaders vs. Shadow Legendaries).

Pokemon Purify Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The Pokemon Purify Calculator is based on the game mechanics governing the purification process in Pokemon GO. The core calculation involves determining the final Stardust and Candy costs after applying any active event discounts, and then assessing the potential IV boosts.

Base Cost Calculation

Every Shadow Pokemon has a base Stardust and Candy cost associated with purification. These costs are typically tiered:

• Tier 1: 1000 Stardust, 1 Candy
• Tier 2: 2000 Stardust, 2 Candy
• Tier 3: 3000 Stardust, 3 Candy

The calculator uses the inputs for Base Stardust Cost and Base Candy Cost to establish these initial values.

Event Discount Application

Special events in Pokemon GO can reduce the cost of purification. The calculator accounts for two primary types of discounts:

• Stardust Discount: A percentage reduction applied directly to the Stardust cost.
• Candy Discount: A percentage reduction applied directly to the Candy cost.

The formula for calculating the discounted cost is:

Final Cost = Base Cost * (1 - Discount Percentage)

For example, if a Stardust discount of 25% is active, the final Stardust cost would be 75% of the base cost.

IV Boost Mechanics

Purification permanently increases a Shadow Pokemon’s IVs (Individual Values). The amount of the boost depends on the origin of the Shadow Pokemon:

• Rocket Grunts: Adds +2 to Attack, +2 to Defense, and +2 to HP.
• Rocket Leaders (Arlo, Cliff, Sierra): Adds +10 to Attack, +10 to Defense, and +10 to HP.
• Shadow Legendary Pokemon (from Giovanni): Adds +20 to Attack, +20 to Defense, and +20 to HP.

The calculator displays the potential IV range after purification based on the selected IV Boost Type.

Variable Explanations

The following variables are used in the Pokemon Purify Calculator:

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Base Stardust Cost	The initial Stardust required to purify a Shadow Pokemon before any discounts.	Stardust	1000, 2000, 3000
Base Candy Cost	The initial Candy required to purify a Shadow Pokemon before any discounts.	Candy	1, 2, 3
Active Event	Indicates if a discount event is currently running in Pokemon GO.	N/A	None, Stardust Discount, Candy Discount
Discount Percentage	The percentage reduction offered by an active event.	%	0% to 50% (common discounts)
IV Boost Type	The category of Shadow Pokemon, determining the IV increase upon purification.	N/A	Rocket Grunts, Rocket Leaders, Shadow Legendary
IV Increase	The fixed amount added to each IV stat (Attack, Defense, HP) based on the IV Boost Type.	Points	+2, +10, +20
Final Stardust Cost	The calculated Stardust cost after applying any active Stardust discounts.	Stardust	Variable
Final Candy Cost	The calculated Candy cost after applying any active Candy discounts.	Candy	Variable
Stardust Saved	The amount of Stardust saved due to active discounts.	Stardust	Variable
Candy Saved	The amount of Candy saved due to active discounts.	Candy	Variable
IV Range	The potential IVs of the Pokemon after purification, showing the base range and the boost.	IVs (e.g., 10-12-12)	Variable
Pokemon Type	The primary type of the Pokemon, which may influence certain gameplay aspects but not direct purification costs.	Type	Normal, Fire, Water, etc.

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Purifying a High-IV Shadow Beldum During a Discount Event

Scenario: A player has a Shadow Beldum with base IVs of 13/14/15 (total 42/45) and a base purification cost of 3000 Stardust and 3 Candy. An event is active offering a 25% Stardust discount and a 25% Candy discount.

Inputs:

• Pokemon Type: Psychic (for illustration, though Beldum is Steel/Psychic)
• Base Stardust Cost: 3000
• Base Candy Cost: 3
• Active Event: Stardust Discount (25%) and Candy Discount (25%)
• IV Boost Type: Shadow Legendary (Beldum is often from Giovanni)

Calculations:

• Stardust Saved = 3000 * 0.25 = 750 Stardust
• Candy Saved = 3 * 0.25 = 0.75 Candy (rounded down to 0 or up depending on game implementation, typically rounded down in practice, so 0 saved, final cost 3) – *Let’s assume for this example exact calculation and state it as a potential difference.*
• Final Stardust Cost = 3000 * (1 – 0.25) = 3000 * 0.75 = 2250 Stardust
• Final Candy Cost = 3 * (1 – 0.25) = 3 * 0.75 = 2.25 Candy (often rounds down to 2 Candy for cost)
• IV Boost = +20 Attack, +20 Defense, +20 HP
• Final IVs = (13+20)/(14+20)/(15+20) = 33/34/35

Outputs:

• Primary Result: Final Costs: 2250 Stardust, 2 Candy
• Stardust Saved: 750
• Candy Saved: ~0-1 (depending on rounding)
• Final Stardust Cost: 2250
• Final Candy Cost: 2
• IV Range: 33/34/35

Financial Interpretation: This purification is highly cost-effective due to the event discounts. The player saves significant Stardust and potentially Candy, while drastically improving the Beldum’s IVs. A purified Metagross (evolved form) is a top-tier attacker, making this a worthwhile investment.

Example 2: Purifying a Low-IV Shadow Rattata with No Event

Scenario: A player finds a Shadow Rattata with base IVs of 1/2/3 (total 6/45) and a base purification cost of 1000 Stardust and 1 Candy. There are no active purification events.

Inputs:

• Pokemon Type: Normal
• Base Stardust Cost: 1000
• Base Candy Cost: 1
• Active Event: None
• IV Boost Type: Rocket Grunts (Rattata often from grunts)

Calculations:

• Stardust Saved = 0
• Candy Saved = 0
• Final Stardust Cost = 1000 * (1 – 0) = 1000 Stardust
• Final Candy Cost = 1 * (1 – 0) = 1 Candy
• IV Boost = +2 Attack, +2 Defense, +2 HP
• Final IVs = (1+2)/(2+2)/(3+2) = 3/4/5

Outputs:

• Primary Result: Final Costs: 1000 Stardust, 1 Candy
• Stardust Saved: 0
• Candy Saved: 0
• Final Stardust Cost: 1000
• Final Candy Cost: 1
• IV Range: 3/4/5

Financial Interpretation: While the cost is minimal, the resulting Rattata (even purified) is unlikely to be competitively viable due to its low base stats and modest IV gains. This scenario highlights that purification is most beneficial for Pokemon with high initial IVs or those that evolve into meta-relevant Pokemon, where the IV boost significantly improves their potential.

How to Use This Pokemon Purify Calculator

Using the Pokemon Purify Calculator is straightforward. Follow these steps to quickly determine the costs and benefits of purifying your Shadow Pokemon:

1. Select Pokemon Type: Choose the primary type of your Shadow Pokemon from the dropdown menu. While this doesn’t directly affect costs, it’s good practice for record-keeping.
2. Enter Base Costs: Input the Stardust and Candy required to purify the Pokemon before any discounts. Common values are 1000/1, 2000/2, or 3000/3.
3. Choose Active Event: If there’s a current Pokemon GO event offering Stardust or Candy discounts for purification, select it from the dropdown. If no event is active, choose “None”.
4. Select IV Boost Type: Indicate the source of your Shadow Pokemon (Rocket Grunts, Leaders, or Shadow Legendary) to determine the potential IV increase.
5. Calculate Costs: Click the “Calculate Costs” button. The calculator will instantly display the results.

How to Read Results:

• Primary Result: This highlights the final Stardust and Candy cost after discounts, showing the most critical outcome.
• Stardust/Candy Saved: Shows the amount of resources you’re saving due to the active event.
• Final Stardust/Candy Cost: The exact amount of resources you will spend.
• IV Range: Displays the potential final IVs (Attack/Defense/HP) after the purification boost is applied to the base IVs.
• Table & Chart: Provide a visual breakdown and comparison of costs across different base values, helping to understand the impact of discounts.

Decision-Making Guidance:

• Prioritize purifying Pokemon that are meta-relevant in their purified form (e.g., Metagross, Dragonite, Gyarados) or Pokemon with already high base IVs (above 10/10/10).
• Consider the cost-benefit ratio. During discount events, purifying even slightly useful Pokemon can be very resource-efficient.
• Remember that Shadow Pokemon often have higher DPS (Damage Per Second) due to their attack bonus. Purifying removes this bonus. Evaluate if the IV increase and cost reduction outweigh the loss of the Shadow boost for your intended use (Raids, PvP, Gyms).

Key Factors That Affect Pokemon Purify Results

Several factors influence the outcome and decision-making process for purifying Shadow Pokemon:

1. Base Purification Costs: The fundamental factor. Different Pokemon tiers require 1000/1, 2000/2, or 3000/3 Stardust/Candy. Understanding which tier your Pokemon falls into is the first step.
2. Active Pokemon GO Events: This is arguably the most impactful factor for cost reduction. Events offering Stardust or Candy discounts can drastically lower the resources needed, making previously unviable purifications cost-effective. Always check the in-game news for these limited-time opportunities.
3. Pokemon’s Base IVs: A Shadow Pokemon with initial IVs of 13/13/13 will benefit far more from a +2 or +10 boost than one with 0/0/0 IVs. Purifying Pokemon with naturally high base IVs is generally recommended for PvP or Master League.
4. Pokemon’s Role and Tier: Is the Pokemon intended for raids, gym defense, or PvP leagues (Great, Ultra, Master)? Shadow Pokemon often excel in raids due to their attack boost. Purified Pokemon might be better suited for specific PvP leagues where bulk (HP/Defense) and lower powering-up costs are advantageous. A purified Pokemon’s potential is tied to its evolved form’s effectiveness.
5. Shadow Bonus vs. Purified Stats: Shadow Pokemon gain a 20% Attack bonus at the cost of a 20% Defense reduction. Purification removes this Shadow bonus but increases base IVs. For many Pokemon, the Shadow bonus provides higher DPS, making them superior attackers in raids, even with lower IVs. The decision hinges on whether the IV boost and reduced costs compensate for losing the Shadow Attack bonus.
6. Candy and Stardust Availability: Your personal resource pool plays a significant role. Purifying a Pokemon requires a substantial investment of Stardust and Candy. If you are low on these resources, you might postpone purification, even if it’s strategically beneficial, until you’ve farmed more.
7. Elite TMs and Movepools: Sometimes, purification is necessary to obtain legacy or exclusive moves (like Meteor Mash for Metagross) that are only available via Elite TMs or during specific events. While not directly a cost calculation, it influences the decision to purify a Pokemon that might otherwise retain its Shadow form.
8. Mega Evolution Potential: While purified Pokemon do not gain a Mega Evolution, some Pokemon that can Mega Evolve (like Gengar) are also available as Shadow Pokemon. Deciding whether to prioritize a Shadow attacker or a purified Pokemon that can Mega Evolve requires careful consideration of your team composition and raid needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between a Shadow Pokemon and a Purified Pokemon?

A: Shadow Pokemon have a 20% attack boost and a 20% defense reduction. They also cost more to power up. Purified Pokemon lose the Shadow bonus but gain a permanent +2 to each IV stat (Attack, Defense, HP) based on their origin. Their Stardust and Candy costs for powering up and purification are also reduced.

Q2: Can purifying a Shadow Pokemon change its type?

A: Yes, in some cases. For example, purifying a Shadow Growlithe (Fire-type) makes it a Fire/Fire type, effectively changing its typing if it had a secondary type initially. However, for many Pokemon, purification doesn’t change their type combination.

Q3: How much does it cost to purify a Shadow Legendary Pokemon?

A: Shadow Legendary Pokemon typically have the highest base purification cost: 3000 Stardust and 3 Candy. They also receive the largest IV boost (+20 to each stat).

Q4: Are purified Pokemon better than Shadow Pokemon?

A: It depends on the Pokemon and its intended use. Shadow Pokemon often have higher DPS (Damage Per Second) making them excellent raid attackers. Purified Pokemon are cheaper to power up and have higher IVs, making them potentially better for PvP or if you need a strong, cost-effective attacker without the Shadow defense penalty.

Q5: What are the IV ranges for different purification sources?

A: Rocket Grunts add +2/+2/+2 to Attack/Defense/HP. Rocket Leaders add +10/+10/+10. Shadow Legendaries add +20/+20/+20. The final IVs are base IVs + boost.

Q6: Do purified Pokemon learn new moves?

A: Yes, purifying a Shadow Pokemon has a chance to change its Charged Attack to Return, an exclusive move for purified Pokemon. This can be beneficial, especially if Return is a good move for that Pokemon’s typing or role.

Q7: Is it worth purifying a Pokemon with 0 IVs?

A: Often, yes, especially if the Pokemon evolves into a powerful attacker (like Metagross) or is useful in PvP leagues. The boost from purification (+2, +10, or +20) can significantly improve even a 0 IV Pokemon, and the reduced powering-up costs are a major advantage.

Q8: How do Stardust and Candy discounts work during events?

A: Discounts are applied multiplicatively to the base cost. For example, a 25% Stardust discount on 3000 Stardust reduces the cost to 2250 Stardust (3000 * 0.75).

Q9: Can I calculate the cost for multiple Pokemon at once?

A: This calculator is designed for one Pokemon at a time to ensure clarity and focus on individual cost-benefit analysis. For multiple calculations, simply re-enter the values after each result.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

• Pokemon GO IV Calculator

  Determine the exact IVs of your Pokemon and understand their potential for PvP and Raids.

• Pokemon GO Raid Counter Guide

  Find the best Pokemon to counter every raid boss in Pokemon GO.

• Pokemon GO PvP Tier List

  Discover the top-ranked Pokemon for each league in Pokemon GO PvP.

• Ultimate Guide to Shadow Pokemon

  Learn everything you need to know about Shadow Pokemon, their benefits, and how to obtain them.

• Pokemon GO Buddy System Guide

  Maximize your Buddy interactions and rewards, including Candy gains.

• Best Ways to Farm Stardust in Pokemon GO

  Essential strategies and tips for accumulating large amounts of Stardust.