How to purify Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon Go

Shadow Pokémon are poor, tormented souls who have been manipulated by Team Rocket for their nefarious purposes. It is your job to cleanse and purify the hatred in their little Poké hearts.

Where to find Shadow Pokémon

Pokémon Go introduced Shadow Pokémon in July 2019. The update also introduced Team Go Rocket. Much like the usual Team Rocket, they're not much of a threat. They can be found hidden around Poké Stops, waiting to battle unsuspecting players who just want their items.

Team Go Rocket members use Shadow Pokémon in battle. After fighting a Team Go Rocket member, the player has a chance to capture one of the Pokémon used by that Rocket Agent.

As cool as Shadow Pokémon, with their smoky effects and red eyes, they're actually very weak. Their CP is low due to the experimentation and handling of Team Go Rocket. In order to make your new partner stronger, he will need to be cleansed.

Purifying is like upgrading a Pokémon. The purification costs Stardust and Candy, about one Candy for every thousand Stardust. If you have a lot of Shadow Pokémon, you are very likely to find yourself running out of Stardust after a while. If you're into Stardust, check out our full guide to Stardust for some tips.

Screenshots via Niantic

How to purify Shadow Pokémon

• Select the Shadow Pokémon to cleanse. There will be a pink "Purify" button with the cost of Stardust and Candy above the usual "Power Up" button.
• If you have the Stardust and Candy, press the button. You'll be treated to a small cutscene with lots of glowing lights, similar to the one that plays when a Pokémon evolves.
• Completed, your Pokémon is now purified.

Purified Pokémon will have a blue spark-like symbol next to their icon. Looking at them, their sprite will have an extra glow and shine.

There are a lot of Shadow Pokémon in the game and more are continually being added over time for updates and events.