In Pokémon GO you can replace the move Frustration in Shadow Pokémon thanks to the new event. Here you will find some strong attackers where it is worthwhile.
What are Shadow Pokémon? Shadow Pokémon are essentially “dark” variants of monsters that have been corrupted by Team GO Rocket. You will encounter these special versions in battle when challenging Rocket Grunts, Leaders, or Giovanni.
At the end of each Rocket battle, you can catch one of the Shadow Pokémon and, if you want, purify it. However, there is one point against it: Shadow monsters have a higher attack value at the cost of their defense. They can deal 1.2 times the damage compared to the normal variant.
For this reason, some Shadow Monsters are among the best attackers in Pokémon GO, which you can make full use of in raids or gym battles. However, the attack of the monsters is decisive.
This is the role of “Frustration”: “Frustration” is the move that every Shadow Pokémon you catch has. Unfortunately, it hardly helps in battles and usually cannot be replaced – except during certain time frames.
A time frame started with the “Radiant Legends Y” event on May 18, 2021. This means: Now you have the chance to equip your previously collected Shadow Monsters, or also Shadows that you catch now, with a new attack using a Charged TM. Here, we will look at some monsters where this is worthwhile.
For these Pokémon, you should change the move
What kind of monsters are these? Here you will find strong Shadow monsters that belong to the strongest attackers in the game when you teach them the right moves. They can provide you with a decent advantage in raids and gyms, as they belong to the best monsters of their respective type.
Typically, moves are worthwhile for the monsters that also correspond to their type. Then there is a damage bonus.
The best choice: Shadow Mewtwo
Why Shadow Mewtwo is worthwhile: Shadow Mewtwo remains the top attacker in Pokémon GO when it can drop Frustration. Therefore, it is the first choice when it comes to replacing Frustration with another move. The problem: Currently, it is not available in the game as Giovanni is currently using other Pokémon. Mewtwo is only an option if you already have one in stock but have not been able to change the move yet.
If this applies to you, the combination of the fast move Confusion and the exclusive Charged move Psycho Cut is worth it to build an extremely strong Shadow Mewtwo. However, you need a Charged TM for this, as Psycho Cut is a legacy move that was only available during certain events.
Nonetheless, Mewtwo is a good choice – for example, with Psychic. Alternatively, Shadow Mewtwo can also learn a fairly large variety of moves that are not Psychic type, but are still very dangerous due to its high attack value. Among others, it can learn Ice Beam, Thunder Shock, or Focus Blast, making it an interesting counter for other types.
Which monsters are also worthwhile
Basically, the best attackers in Pokémon GO are also a good choice in their Shadow variant. However, not every monster is available in the dark variant. Therefore, here are some options where it is worthwhile to unlearn moves.
Important: It is also possible to let the pre-evolutions of the following monsters unlearn Frustration first if you are short on candies for the final evolution. However, we list only the highest stages of the monsters here, as these are more relevant as attackers due to their better stats.
- Shadow Machamp: Machamp is an incredibly useful Fighting-type attacker and is even stronger in its Shadow form. Teach it “Dynamic Punch” instead of “Frustration” to deal high damage.
- Shadow Salamence: Dragon attackers are generally useful, and the dark version of Salamence is among the best of its kind. Outrage and Draco Meteor are a good choice.
- Shadow Mamoswine: Mamoswine is one of the best Ice attackers and is thus a strong counter against Dragon Pokémon. Here, the moveset Powder Snow / Avalanche is worthwhile.
- Shadow Sniobble: Sniobble should not be underestimated as an attacker, especially in its Shadow form. Like Mamoswine, the move “Avalanche” is worthwhile instead of “Frustration”. If you prefer to make Sniobble a Dark attacker, you should use Foul Play instead.
- Shadow Tyranitar: Tyranitar is a dangerous Rock attacker and can impress with Stone Edge and Crunch. However, you also need a Charged TM for Crunch.
- Shadow Dragonite: Dragonite is not quite as dangerous as Salamence, but still a very good Shadow monster. Similar to Salamence, it can deal a lot of damage with Outrage or Draco Meteor.
- Shadow Metagross: A Metagross with Meteor Mash is already dangerous, a Shadow Metagross with Meteor Mash is even more so. However, you can only get the move for the strong Steel attacker with a Charged TM.
- Shadow Swampert: The dark Swampert version is the right choice if you need a Water attacker. Especially with Hydro Cannon, it deals an extreme amount of damage, but this is also a legacy move. Alternatively, you can use it as a Ground attacker with Mud Shot and Earthquake.
- Shadow Electivire: A good option if you want an Electric Shadow attacker. Here, the moves Thunder Shock and Thunder Punch are worthwhile.
- To cover another type, Shadow Gardevoir is recommended. It is not quite as strong as the other alternatives, but has Charm and Fairy Wind as two fairy attacks in its repertoire.
Additionally, you may have already secured some legendary monsters as Shadows if you have fought Giovanni several times. Here are some strong options:
- Shadow Raikou is one of the best Electric attackers. Use the moveset of Thunder Shock and Thunder Punch.
- Shadow Entei is also a good choice – just from the Fire type. Here, Fire Spin and Overheat are beneficial.
- Fire Spin as a fast move also works for Shadow Moltres. For the Charged move, you might consider Sky Attack to have a truly strong Flying attacker.
- Shadow Zapdos, on the other hand, impresses as an Electric attacker with Thunder Shock and Thunderbolt.
Things you should keep in mind: Once you have changed the move, you cannot purify your new attackers anymore. Because then the monster not only loses the attack bonus but also learns the move “Return.” You would have to remove that again if necessary.
If you still have Shadow Pokémon in your collection, you should definitely take advantage of the event. What else is upcoming in the game is shown in the event overview for Pokémon GO in May.
