Should you purify Shadow Sableye in Pokemon GO?

As Pokemon GO trainers gear up for the upcoming World Championships, which will feature exciting Shadow Raids from August 16, 2024, to August 18, 2024, a common question arises: Should they purify Shadow Sableye?

Sableye, a Dark/Ghost-type Pokemon, first made its debut in Pokemon GO during the Halloween event on October 20, 2017. Two years later, its Shadow form was introduced, adding a new layer of complexity to how players can use the mischievous Gen III Pokemon.

Since the decision to purify Shadow Sableye in Pokemon GO ultimately depends on your playstyle, let us dive into the pros and cons of doing it to help you make an informed decision.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.

---

What are the pros and cons of purifying Shadow Sableye in Pokemon GO?

The Dark/Ghost-type Darkness Pokemon (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Before we weigh the pros and cons, it is crucial to understand what makes Shadow Pokemon unique.

Shadow Pokemon have been corrupted by Team GO Rocket, giving them a menacing appearance and a significant stat adjustment. Specifically, they receive a 20% boost to their Attack stat but suffer a 20% reduction in their Defense stat.

For Sableye, this stat adjustment means its base stats shift from 141 Attack and 136 Defense in its regular form to 169.2 Attack and 108.8 Defense in its Shadow form.

This trade-off creates a Pokemon with higher offensive capabilities but reduced survivability. So, should you embrace Shadow Sableye's darker side, or is purifying it the better option?

---

Advantages of keeping Shadow Sableye in Pokemon GO

1) Increased offensive power: One of the most significant benefits of keeping Sableye in its Shadow form is the 20% boost to its Attack stat. With an attack stat of 169.2, Shadow Sableye hits harder, making it a more formidable attacker in raids and battles.

This increase in power can be particularly useful in scenarios where you need to deal damage quickly, such as in certain raid battles or Team GO Rocket encounters.

2) Strategic utility in PvP: In PvP battles, particularly in the Great League, Shadow Sableye can be a unique and unexpected choice. The added offensive power can catch opponents off guard, allowing you to apply pressure with fast and charged attacks.

While its reduced defense might seem like a drawback, if played correctly, Shadow Sableye can turn this into an advantage by taking down opponents before they can react.

---

Disadvantages of keeping Shadow Sableye in Pokemon GO

1) Decreased survivability: The flip side of Shadow Sableye's increased attack is its decreased defense. With a defense stat dropping to 108.8, Shadow Sableye becomes significantly more fragile.

This reduced bulk means it might not last as long in battles, especially against opponents with strong and super effective attacks. In high-pressure situations like raids or prolonged PvP battles, this fragility can be a critical disadvantage.

2) Higher power-up costs: Shadow Pokemon require more Stardust and Candy to power up compared to their purified counterparts. If you are planning to max out your Shadow Sableye's potential, be prepared to invest more resources.

This higher cost can be a deciding factor, especially if you are managing limited resources or prioritizing other Pokemon for power-ups.

3) IV distribution: When purifying a Shadow Pokemon, it gains an immediate boost to its IVs, with each stat (Attack, Defense, HP) increasing by two points.

This can be particularly valuable if you have a Shadow Sableye with near-perfect IVs that could become a perfect (100% IV) Sableye upon purification.

For collectors and those who prioritize IVs, purification may be the more attractive option.

---

When should you purify Shadow Sableye in Pokemon GO?

Sableye as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)

As mentioned earlier, the decision to purify Shadow Sableye in Pokemon GO ultimately depends on your playstyle and priorities.

If you value a higher attack stat and are willing to accept the trade-off of reduced defense and higher resource costs, keeping Sableye in its Shadow form can be a wise choice, especially in niche PvP scenarios.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced Pokemon with improved survivability and better IVs, purifying Sableye might be the better route. Additionally, purification can make Sableye more cost-effective to power up, which is an important consideration for many trainers.

In the end, there is no one general answer. Whether you purify Shadow Sableye or keep it in its Shadow form depends on how you plan to use it in your battles and collections. Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your goals.

---

Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters