Shadow Pokemon Tier Listing as Raid Attackers (PvE): Which of them to un-Frustrate and put money into?

TL;DR

This infographic, in collaboration with The Poke Go Hunter, serves as our TL;DR for immediately!

Altenatively, right here’s the tier record in textual content type:

• Tier 1: Mamoswine (Ice), Salamence / Dragonite, Metagross, Machamp
• Tier 2: Mewtwo (psychic), Swampert, Moltres (Flying), Mamoswine (Floor), Raikou / Electivire / Magnezone, Tyranitar (Rock), Weavile / Mewtwo (Ice)
• Tier 3: Moltres / Apex Ho-Oh / Entei / Blaziken, Gardevoir, Hariyama, Zapdos, Latios (Dragon)
• Tier 4: Weavile / Tyranitar / Mewtwo (Darkish–Ghost), Charizard, Luxray, Tangrowth / Sceptile / Venusaur, Feraligatr / Gyarados, Metagross (Psychic)
• Tier 5: Pinsir / Scizor, Apex Lugia / Ho-Oh / Honchkrow / Staraptor (Flying)
• Tier 6: Houndoom / Honchkrow (Darkish), Typhlosion / Arcanine / Magmortar, Torterra, Golurk, Latios (Psychic), Alakazam, Aerodactyl / Aggron (Rock)
• Tier 7: Mewtwo (Electrical), Gardevoir / Gallade (Psychic), Exeggutor, Granbull, Latias (Dragon)

Maintain studying for:

• Why use shadows?
• Mythbusters (not as costly as you thought…)
• Hyperlinks to charts with rankings of every sort
• Temporary factors about Shadow Blaziken and Sceptile, in their very own sections, earlier than I write a devoted article for them later
• Two extra fascinating lists on the finish…

Now you can comply with me (@teban54) on Twitter!

Introduction

The Rocket Takeover occasion, which returns as soon as each season, is getting back from Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. to Wednesday, March 29, at 8:00 p.m. native time. Throughout this time, you should use a daily Charged TM to take away Frustration from any Shadow Pokémon.

Shadow Pokémon have implications for a number of features of the sport. As raid attackers, they’re insanely sturdy and (nearly) strict upgrades over their non-shadow selves. However which of them are stronger and extra helpful than others?

This text addresses the query that has been floating round very steadily:

Which shadows are “good” for raids?

After a brief part that set up the fundamentals, I’ll current an inventory consisting of seven tiers, going from probably the most essential to borderline choices. Should you get to the tip of this text, you may even get an Easter egg!

Fundamentals: Why Shadows, Mythbusters, and My Methodology

TL:DR:

• Shadows are 16% higher than their very own non-shadows on the identical degree, therefore “OP”.
• Nonetheless, they’re not a necessity in case you simply need some respectable groups – they’re “premium investments”. A full group of shadows solely saves you 5-10 seconds in a bunch raid.
• No, Shadow Pokémon are NOT dearer than their very own non-shadows (arguably)!
  • L30 shadows are higher and cheaper than their L40 non-shadows
• No, Shadow Pokémon do NOT faint extra usually than their very own non-shadows!
• No, a “unhealthy IV” Shadow is NOT ineffective!
  • IVs “solely” make ~7% of distinction
• No, simply because a Shadow has larger DPS than a legendary does NOT all the time imply it performs higher!
• My record considers three foremost components: Power, Utility, and Replaceability.

Extra particulars right here in screenshots:

• Why shadows?
• Mythbusters
  • Shadow Blaziken vs Reshiram DPS table, as referenced within the part
• Methodology and disclaimers

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Tier 1: Prime of its sort and really helpful

Mamoswine (Ice), Salamence, Dragonite, Metagross (Metal), Machamp

These shadows are at or close to the highest of their sorts, and have excessive utility for raids. They’ve the very best precedence amongst all shadows.

My suggestions for gamers who’re severe into constructing raid groups:

• As much as 6 Shadow Salamence/Dragonite/Mamoswine mixed
  • Extra Shadow Mamoswine in case you like
• As much as 6 Shadow Metagross
• As much as 6 Terrakion/Shadow Machamp

Shadow Mamoswine (Ice) – Tier 1

Mamoswine (Shadow)

IceFloor

• Power: 5 / 5
• Kind utility: 4.5 / 5
• Precedence: 5 / 5
• Moveset: Powder Snow / Avalanche
• Final out there: Nonetheless out there now

Verdict: Ice-type king, Rayquaza slayer, even stronger than most dragons

Shadow Mamoswine is the very best Ice attacker, and solely Shadow Weavile comes shut. This robotically makes it one of the best counter in opposition to a number of well-liked bosses which can be double weak to Ice, reminiscent of Rayquaza, Landorus and future Mega Garchomp.

The place Shadow Mamoswine actually stands out from its non-shadow is that, due to the shadow enhance, it’s additionally aggressive with attackers of different sorts – even the mighty dragons!

• Higher than all common Dragon, Rayquaza included. Solely Shadow Salamence and Shadow Dragonite are higher on common, however they’re much less constant. (Chart)
• In opposition to Flying-type bosses, often higher than Shadow Tyranitar. Whereas the Electrical shadows are higher on common, they aren’t all the time usable. (Chart)

Don’t neglect Shadow Mamoswine can be an ideal Floor attacker, and I rank it as Tier 2 as a Floor sort. Double transfer them!

Here’s a chart of all Ice-type raid attackers.

Shadow Salamence & Dragonite – Tier 1

• Power: 5 / 5
• Kind utility: 4 / 5
• Precedence: 5 / 5
• Moveset: Dragon Tail / Outrage
  • Outrage on Salamence is a previous Group Day (CD) transfer. It might come again throughout future occasions that mean you can get it upon evolution.
  • If you wish to unlock a second transfer, Draco Meteor for Salamence, Dragon Claw for Dragonite.
• Final out there:
  • Salamence: April 2022 (chief), unlikely to return again for some time
  • Dragonite: Nonetheless out there now, however uncommon

Verdict: Prime Dragon by far, quite specialised position

Each of them are high Dragon attackers by far, and even put Rayquaza to disgrace.

The one factor holding them again somewhat bit is the utility of Dragon sorts. They’re solely Tremendous Efficient in opposition to different dragons, and whereas there’s an ideal amount and high quality of dragons amongst legendaries, it’s nonetheless less common than you think. The excellent news is each time a Dragon is in raids, Shadow Salamence/Dragonite are sometimes the highest counters.

Here’s a chart of all Dragon-type raid attackers.

Shadow Metagross (Metal) – Tier 1

Metagross (Shadow)

MetalPsychic

• Power: 5 / 5
• Kind utility: 3.5 / 5
• Precedence: 5 / 5
• Moveset: Bullet Punch / Meteor Mash*
  • (*) Meteor Mash is a previous CD transfer. Might come again by way of evolution throughout future occasions.
• Final out there: March 2023 (chief), unlikely to return again for some time

Verdict: Prime Metal of the last decade, not as excessive utility as chances are you’ll suppose, however essential for anti-Fairy

Shadow Metagross defines Metal sorts. Unlikely to vary till the sport dies.

Although I do must say, similar to dragons, Metal sorts’ utility in raids could also be decrease than you suppose. How usually do you see a Rock, Ice and Fairy boss ^{that’s not ineffective like Regice and Regirock}? My type utility metric ranks each Dragon and Metal as the center of the pack, if not leaning in direction of the decrease facet.

Regardless, Metal continues to be a usually helpful sort to have, particularly when it’s virtually the one counter in opposition to fairy bosses like Zacian. And everytime you can use Metal, Shadow Metagross dominates the scene. These causes, mixed with its shortage, are sufficient to place it solidly in Tier 1.

Here’s a chart of all Metal-type raid attackers.

Shadow Machamp – Tier 1

Machamp (Shadow)

Preventing

• Power: 4 / 5
• Kind utility: 5 / 5
• Precedence: 5 / 5
• Moveset: Counter / Dynamic Punch
• Final out there: January 2023 (chief), unlikely to return again for some time

Verdict: Outclassed barely by Terrakion, however nonetheless very helpful, even in different PvE modes

Arguably the least deserving amongst Tier 1s, and it’s simple to see why: It’s not sitting on the high of its sort by far. Specifically, Terrakion has outclassed it.

I nonetheless put it right here in Tier 1 for a couple of causes. For one, Terrakion is a legendary that prices uncommon candies, so good luck getting 6 of them. Shadow Machamp can be a lot simpler to push to Degree 50.

For one more, Preventing is a really helpful sort that’s Tremendous Efficient in opposition to 5 sorts (Darkish, Ice, Regular, Rock, Metal). Shadow Machamp isn’t all the time the highest counter (being weaker than Shadow Metagross and Reshiram and many others), however it should seemingly seem on most individuals’s groups.

The final cause is what sealed the deal for me: Shadow Machamp can be extremely helpful in different PvE codecs exterior of raids. In gyms taking down these Blisseys. In Workforce Rocket battles, with big Counter injury, Cross Chop to burn shields, and even Shut Fight nuke.

Here’s a chart of all Preventing-type raid attackers.

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Tier 2: Nonetheless top-tier or helpful, simply with a little bit of points

All these are nonetheless actually good, however with some causes that stopped them from being Tier 1.

There are three sub-categories right here:

• Prime of its sort, however restricted utilization
  • Mewtwo (Psychic), Swampert, Moltres (Flying)
• Close to high of its sort, however just like high non-shadows
  • Mamoswine (Floor), Raikou, Electivire, Magnezone, Tyranitar (Rock)
• Helpful sorts, however worse than different shadows
  • Weavile (Ice), Mewtwo (Ice)

Shadow Mewtwo (Psychic) – Tier 2

Mewtwo (Shadow)

Psychic

• Power: 6 / 5
• Kind utility: 2 / 5
• Precedence: 4 / 5
• Moveset: Confusion / Psystrike**
  • (**) Psystrike is a previous unique transfer. Unlikely to return on shadows, take into account ETM.
  • Non-legacy transfer Psychic is ample
• Final out there: January 2023 (Giovanni), unlikely to return again for some time

Verdict: Ridiculously OP, however Psychic is among the least helpful sorts

I wrote a whole article devoted to Shadow Mewtwo.

Sure, nothing ever comes near Shadow Mewtwo’s uncooked energy. Nonetheless, that is balanced by Psychic being one of many least useful sorts in raids. There’s Terrakion, however aside from that, what do you utilize Mewtwo in opposition to…? Zamazenta? Lol.

That’s why I didn’t suggest burning radars to get 6 Shadow Mewtwo. However in case you have one? Completely energy it up.

Here’s a chart of all Psychic-type raid attackers.

Shadow Swampert – Tier 2

Swampert (Shadow)

WaterFloor

• Power: 4.5 / 5
• Kind utility: 2 / 5
• Precedence: 4 / 5
• Moveset: Water Gun / Hydro Cannon*
  • (*) Hydro Cannon is a previous CD transfer. Might come again by way of evolution throughout future occasions.
• Final out there: Nonetheless out there now

Verdict: Prime Water, higher than Kyogre, however water has low utility

Shadow Swampert with HC is certainly nonetheless higher than Origin Pulse (common) Kyogre, each in concept and in observe. However Water has comparable utility points as Psychic: Fireplace, Rock and Floor bosses should not too widespread, and in observe, Water attackers are nearly like anti-Groudon specialists. That’s nonetheless a priceless position in itself (particularly Primal Groudon), simply {that a} supreme Water group just isn’t essential.

Here’s a chart of all Water-type raid attackers.

Shadow Moltres (Flying) – Tier 2

Moltres (Shadow)

FireplaceFlying

• Power: 5 / 5
• Kind utility: 2 / 5
• Precedence: 4 / 5
• Moveset: Wing Assault / Sky Assault**
  • (**) Sky Assault is a previous unique transfer. Unlikely to return on shadows, take into account ETM.
• Final out there: Might 2021 (Giovanni), unlikely to return again for some time

Verdict: Prime Flying by far, nonetheless low utility, however a great specialist in opposition to 4 bosses with double weaknesses

Yet one more top-of-its-type shadow murdered by low utility. Shadow Moltres is one of the best Flying by far, and besides for 2 Apex Shadows, the subsequent factor beneath it (in Estimator) is… common Moltres. However the sorts Flying is sweet in opposition to – Bug, Grass, Preventing – merely don’t have many legendaries.

The saving grace is that 4 T5/Mega bosses are double weak to Flying: Virizion, Pheromosa, Buzzwole and Mega Heracross. Shadow Moltres is the highest counter in opposition to them, by a mile.

Here’s a chart of all Flying-type raid attackers.

Shadow Mamoswine (Floor) – Tier 2

Mamoswine (Shadow)

IceFloor

• Power: 4.5 / 5
• Kind utility: 4 / 5
• Precedence: 4 / 5
• Moveset: Mud-Slap / Excessive Horsepower
• Final out there: Nonetheless out there now

Verdict: A hair higher than PB Groudon; Floor sorts have their area of interest, however might battle when in comparison with different sorts

Shadow Mamoswine vs. Precipice Blades Groudon is an fascinating comparability, that I wrote intimately in my Groudon evaluation. Shadow Mamoswine “wins” extra usually, regardless of horrible typing. However they’re shut sufficient.

The problem with Floor is weaker energy than different sorts. Regardless of being SE in opposition to 5 sorts, in observe Shadow Mamoswine doesn’t actually put up with different shadows you should use:

• = Lucario, < Shadow Machamp
• < Kyogre & Shadow Swampert
• < Reshiram & Fireplace-type shadow legendaries (& seemingly Shadow Blaziken)
• < Metagross

Regardless of this, it’s nonetheless not less than higher than non-legendaries, has extensive protection in opposition to many bosses, and is the #1-2 counter once you want to make use of Floor (in opposition to Raikou, Heatran, Xurkitree, Tapu Koko, Regieleki). And when it could simply double responsibility as the highest Ice sort, why not?

Here’s a chart of all Floor-type raid attackers.

Shadow Raikou, Electivire & Magnezone – Tier 2

• Power: Raikou 5/5, Electivire 4.5/5, Magnezone 4/5
• Kind utility: 4 / 5
• Precedence: 4 / 5
• Moveset:
  • Raikou & Electivire: Thunder Shock / Wild Cost
  • Magnezone: Spark / Wild Cost
• Final out there:
  • Raikou: March 2020 (Giovanni), unlikely to return again for some time
  • Electivire: Nonetheless out there now, however uncommon
  • Magnezone: March 2023 (chief), unlikely to return again for some time

Verdict: Much like Xurkitree, forward of Zekrom, choose one of the best IVs; Electrical is beneficial however not essential, don’t want 6

At 100% IVs, Shadow Raikou > Xurkitree > Shadow Electivire > Shadow Zapdos > Shadow Magnezone = FB Zekrom, however they’re very, very shut and IV-dependent. Zapdos, Magnezone and Zekrom’s distinctive typings assist them on events. For folks with out 6 Xurkitrees, one among these shadows is your subsequent finest.

Whereas Electrical is a robust and helpful sort, it’s by no means the one choice.

• Shadow electrics are among the many finest as anti-Flying, however you too can do it with Rock and Ice. (Chart)
• In opposition to Water, Kartana is healthier. Electrical shadows are nonetheless higher than all Grass shadows. (Chart)

A couple of shadow electrics will serve you nicely (particularly in case you lack Xurkitrees), however whether or not you need 6 is up for debate.

Here’s a chart of all Electrical-type raid attackers.

Shadow Tyranitar (Rock) – Tier 2

Tyranitar (Shadow)

RockDarkish

• Power: 4 / 5
• Kind utility: 5 / 5
• Precedence: 4 / 5
• Moveset: Smack Down* / Stone Edge
  • (*) Smack Down is a previous CD transfer. Might come again by way of evolution throughout future occasions, in all probability December 2023 CD.
• Final out there: Out there now (chief), unlikely to return again for some time afterwards

Verdict: Finest Rock, however barely forward of Rampardos

Shadow Tyranitar is one of the best Rock attacker holistically, and Rock is among the many most helpful sorts in raids. The one downside is Rampardos – solely barely behind in simulations, even has larger theoretical DPS, and is not less than extra accessible than “legendaries” like Xurkitree.

As I wrote in CD Tyranitar evaluation: Good funding in case you get acceptable IVs, however not one thing to go loopy on.

Here’s a chart of all Rock-type raid attackers.

Shadow Weavile & Mewtwo (Ice) – Tier 2

• Power: 4 / 5
• Kind utility: 4.5 / 5
• Precedence: 4 / 5
• Moveset:
  • Weavile: Ice Shard / Avalanche
  • Mewtwo: Psycho Reduce / Ice Beam
• Final out there:
  • Weavile: November 2021 (chief), unlikely to return again for some time
  • Mewtwo: January 2023 (Giovanni), unlikely to return again for some time

Verdict: Worse than Shadow Mamoswine, nonetheless helpful

In case you don’t have (sufficient) Shadow Mamoswine. They’re nonetheless higher than common Mamoswine. The primary causes I put them in Tier 2 are the excessive utility of Ice sorts, and that each can even serve different duties.

Do observe that as anti-dragons, each fall to the identical degree as common dragons, although seemingly nonetheless extra constant. For that reason, they’re arguably the least deserving of all Tier 2s – some gamers might deal with them as Tier 3 and even Tier 4.

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Tier 3: Nice, however higher choices exist

Moltres (Fireplace), Apex Ho-Oh (Fireplace), Entei, Blaziken (Fireplace), Gardevoir (Fairy), Hariyama, Zapdos, Latios (Dragon)

These choices are nonetheless sturdy and helpful, however outclassed by extra highly effective attackers, both of their very own sort or of different sorts. Nonetheless, what outclass them are sometimes legendaries, so gamers who lack uncommon candies will nonetheless discover them as priceless investments (except for Zapdos and Latios).

Shadow Moltres (Fireplace), Apex Ho-Oh (Fireplace), Entei & Blaziken (Fireplace) – Tier 3

• Power: 4 / 5
• Kind utility: 4 / 5
• Precedence: Moltres and Blaziken 4/5, Apex Ho-Oh and Entei 3/5
• Moveset:
  • Moltres: Fireplace Spin / Overheat
  • Apex Ho-Oh: Incinerate / Sacred Fireplace+ (ticket unique)
  • Entei: Fireplace Fang / Overheat
  • Blaziken: Fireplace Spin / Blast Burn* or Blaze Kick
    • (*) Blast Burn is a previous CD transfer. Might come again by way of evolution throughout future occasions.
    • Blaze Kick does surprisingly nicely – see beneath.
• Final out there:
  • Moltres: Might 2021 (Giovanni), unlikely to return again for some time
  • Apex Ho-Oh: February 2022 (Paid ticket), unlikely to return again for some time
  • Entei: July 2020 (Giovanni), unlikely to return again for some time
  • Blaziken: Nonetheless out there now

Verdict: Worse than Fusion Flare Reshiram, however not by an excessive amount of

These would have been Tier 2 if Fusion Flare hadn’t been launched. They’re nonetheless higher than something that’s not FF Reshiram, and Fireplace is a helpful sort, however FF Reshiram is healthier than even 100% IV shadows. For anybody with out 6 Reshiram, they’re nonetheless good investments for a full Fireplace group, particularly Shadow Blaziken that doesn’t value uncommon candies.

Concerning Shadow Blaziken, I’ll write its personal article, however listed here are some preliminary outcomes:

• L40 Shadow Blaziken <= L40 Shadow Moltres (15/15/15) < L40 FF Reshiram.
• On most events, L40 S-Blaziken > L40 Overheat Reshiram.
• L40 S-Blaziken > L30 FF Reshiram. Likewise, in all probability L50 S-Blaziken > L40 FF Reshiram.
• Blaze Kick is surprisingly good – a small best-case dropoff from Blast Burn, however rather more constant and avoids among the horrible conditions. In actual fact, Blaze Kick has even higher ASE and ASTTW than Blast Burn! Should you can’t wait to evolve, I wouldn’t ETM it, except you will have too many ETMs.

Here’s a chart of all Fireplace-type raid attackers, with Shadow Blaziken included.

Shadow Gardevoir (Fairy) – Tier 3

Gardevoir (Shadow)

PsychicFairy

• Power: 3 / 5
• Kind utility: 3 / 5
• Precedence: 3.5 / 5
• Moveset: Appeal / Dazzling Gleam
• Final out there: Nonetheless out there now

Verdict: Finest Fairy by far, “solely” just like common dragons, however extra constant

One other high of its sort by far with no competitors, however exterior of Guzzlord raids, Fairy attackers have decrease energy than various sorts you should use. The very best state of affairs is in opposition to Dragon (Chart), the place Shadow Gardevoir is just like common Dragon sorts (like Rayquaza and Salamence), however extra constant and doesn’t worry Dragon charged strikes from the boss. Having one or two may be very priceless, however not essentially 6 of them.

For a extra thorough evaluation of Shadow Gardevoir vs different sorts, see my Mega Gardevoir evaluation.

Here’s a chart of all Fairy-type raid attackers.

Shadow Hariyama – Tier 3

Hariyama (Shadow)

Preventing

• Power: 3 / 5
• Kind utility: 5 / 5
• Precedence: 3 / 5
• Moveset: Counter / Dynamic Punch
• Final out there: Nonetheless out there now

Verdict: Worse than Terrakion and Shadow Machamp, nonetheless higher than non-shadows

Being outclassed by an OP legendary isn’t a deadly blow, but it surely’s additionally beneath Shadow Machamp, and never considerably above Lucario and Conkeldurr. It nonetheless received a spot in Tier 3 largely attributable to being widespread and Preventing sorts’ excessive utility, although even that’s up for debate. Some might imagine it’s ranked too excessive.

Shadow Zapdos – Tier 3

Zapdos (Shadow)

ElectricalFlying

• Power: 4.5 / 5
• Kind utility: 4 / 5
• Precedence: 3 / 5
• Moveset: Thunder Shock** / Thunderbolt
  • (**) Thunder Shock is a previous unique transfer. Unlikely to return on shadows, take into account ETM.
• Final out there: June 2021 (Giovanni), unlikely to return again for some time

Verdict: Much like Shadow Magnezone if with good IVs, worse than Xurkitree

This is able to have been in Tier 2 along with Shadow Raikou, Electivire and Magnezone, if it wasn’t a quantity-limited shadow legendary, seemingly has unhealthy IVs, requires an Elite Quick TM and uncommon candies, and nonetheless finally ends up worse than Xurkitree. It’s a wonderful selection choose, however Shadow Magnezone is a greater bang for buck, and Xurkitree and Fusion Bolt Zekrom are each higher makes use of of uncommon candies.

Shadow Latios (Dragon) – Tier 3

Latios (Shadow)

DragonPsychic

• Power: 4 / 5
• Kind utility: 4 / 5
• Precedence: 3 / 5
• Moveset: Dragon Breath / Dragon Claw
• Final out there: November 2022 (Giovanni), unlikely to return again for some time

Verdict: Worse than Shadow Salamence/Dragonite, nonetheless higher than non-shadows

Not unhealthy by any means, because it’s nonetheless above Rayquaza and all common dragons… Simply that Shadow Salamance and Dragonite exist. Nice for Distinctive 6 customers, however in any other case seemingly not well worth the uncommon candies.

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Tier 4: Reasonably outclassed

These choices can nonetheless put in good work in case you do energy them up, however they’re both outclassed by one thing reasonably priced, or manner beneath higher choices. Good in case you already had them, however I’d suppose twice earlier than constructing new ones.

Particularly, there are three circumstances:

• Very helpful sort, however outclassed by CD Pokemon
  • Weavile (Darkish), Tyranitar (Darkish), Mewtwo (Ghost)
• Outclassed by legendaries by far
  • Charizard, Luxray, Tangrowth, Sceptile, Venusaur
• Restricted utilization, and nonetheless outclassed by legendaries and different shadows
  • Feraligatr, Gyarados, Metagross (Psychic)

Shadow Weavile (Darkish), Tyranitar (Darkish) & Mewtwo (Ghost) – Tier 4

• Power: 4 / 5
• Kind utility: 5 / 5
• Precedence: 3 / 5
• Moveset:
  • Weavile: Snarl / Foul Play
  • Tyranitar: Chunk / Crunch
  • Mewtwo: Psycho Reduce / Shadow Ball** (Previous unique transfer. Unlikely to return on shadows, take into account ETM.)
• Final out there:
  • Weavile: November 2021 (chief), unlikely to return again for some time
  • Tyranitar: Out there now (chief), unlikely to return again for some time afterwards
  • Mewtwo: January 2023 (Giovanni), unlikely to return again for some time

Verdict: Prime Darkish/Ghost and really helpful, however too just like CD Hydreigon, not price constructing now

I really feel actually sorry for these guys. They’re nonetheless top-tier Darkish and Ghost attackers, that are among the many most helpful sorts in raids, and would have been strong Tier 1s… Besides CD Hydreigon is simply pretty much as good, even perhaps higher, at a lot decrease value.

Anybody who already constructed them will nonetheless get good use out of them, however I might not suggest powering up new ones solely for these roles now (not less than not multiples). Nor do I like to recommend ETMing Shadow Ball.

Shadow Weavile is the one that will stand out a bit. As a consequence of its excessive DPS, a 100% IV one does outperform Hydreigon majority of the time, however its fragility and unhealthy typing makes it much less constant. It’s additionally an ideal Ice sort (Tier 2).

Here’s a chart of all Darkish and Ghost-type raid attackers.

Shadow Charizard – Tier 4

Charizard (Shadow)

FireplaceFlying

• Power: 3.5 / 5
• Kind utility: 4 / 5
• Precedence: 3 / 5
• Moveset: Fireplace Spin / Blast Burn*
  • (*) Blast Burn is a previous CD transfer. Might come again by way of evolution throughout future occasions.
• Final out there: Could also be out there this rotation? Final time was November 2022 (chief)

Verdict: Worse than Reshiram, shadow legendaries and Shadow Blaziken

Already had hassle overcoming Overheat Reshiram again within the days regardless of larger DPS, and now even L30 Fusion Flare Reshiram > L40 Shadow Charizard. It stayed as one of the best non-legendary for a very long time, however now Shadow Blaziken outclasses it too (even with Blaze Kick). Not ineffective in any respect, however plenty of higher choices now.

Shadow Luxray – Tier 4

Luxray (Shadow)

Electrical

• Power: 3 / 5
• Kind utility: 4 / 5
• Precedence: 3 / 5
• Moveset: Spark / Wild Cost
• Final out there: Nonetheless out there now

Verdict: Worse than Xurkitree, Zekrom and different shadow electrics

Tier 4 really considerably underrepresents its energy: it’s not too far behind different shadows like Electivire and Magnezone, and L40 Shadow Luxray > L30 Xurkitree nonetheless. But it surely suffers from oversaturation of decisions above it.

Shadow Tangrowth, Sceptile & Venusaur – Tier 4

• Power: 3 / 5
• Kind utility: 3 / 5
• Precedence: 3 / 5
• Moveset:
  • Tangrowth: Vine Whip / Energy Whip
  • Sceptile: Bullet Seed / Frenzy Plant*
  • Venusaur: Vine Whip / Frenzy Plant*
  • (*) Frenzy Plant is a previous CD transfer. Might come again by way of evolution throughout future occasions.
• Final out there:
  • Tangrowth: January 2022 (grunt), might come again in future
  • Sceptile: Nonetheless out there now
  • Venusaur: Nonetheless out there now (?)

Verdict: Prime Grass beneath Kartana, however even L30 Kartana outclasses them, and might’t evaluate to shadows of different sorts

These was one of the best Grass sorts earlier than Kartana. Despite the fact that they’re nonetheless the highest non-legendaries, not solely is Degree 30 Kartana higher (solely 66 candies), however in addition they sit beneath shadows of competitor sorts:

• In opposition to Rock & floor]: < Shadow Swampert (Chart)
• In opposition to Water: < Shadow Electivire and Magnezone (Chart)

Until it’s sunny or a T5 Groudon has Photo voltaic Beam, there are higher issues to spend your mud on.

Concerning Shadow Sceptile, I’ll write its personal article, however listed here are some preliminary outcomes:

• L40 Shadow Sceptile < L30 Kartana.
• I take into account Shadow Sceptile as just like Shadow Tangrowth at finest, arguably even worse. It beats S-Tangrowth 34% of the time in estimator and 55% in TTW, whereas being much less constant.
• Shadow Sceptile > Shadow Venusaur, usually, although nonetheless much less constant.
• Leaf Blade is an excessive amount of of a dropoff from Frenzy Plant, and makes Shadow LB Sceptile worse than all different high shadows.

Here’s a chart of all grass-type raid attackers.

Shadow Feraligatr & Gyarados – Tier 4

• Power: 4 / 5
• Kind utility: 2 / 5
• Precedence: 3 / 5
• Moveset:
  • Feraligatr: Waterfall (or Water Gun**) / Hydro Cannon*
    • (*) Hydro Cannon is a previous CD transfer. Might come again by way of evolution throughout future occasions.
    • (**) Water Gun is healthier than Waterfall, but it surely’s a legacy transfer. Unlikely to return on shadows, take into account ETM.
  • Gyarados: Waterfall / Hydro Pump
    • Aqua Tail is an effective second transfer, but it surely’s a previous CD transfer.
• Final out there: Each are nonetheless out there now

Verdict: Worse than Shadow Swampert, too just like Origin Pulse Kyogre, Water has low utility

If any of those three components have been lacking, they might have been larger. Shadow Feraligatr (Waterfall) is similar to Origin Pulse Kyogre relying on metric, and Shadow Gyarados is usually beneath.

Whereas Shadow Gyarados is exceptionally good for Groudon raids, neither are excessive precedence picks in any other case. Higher off constructing Shadow Swamperts.

Shadow Metagross (Psychic) – Tier 4

Metagross (Shadow)

MetalPsychic

• Power: 3 / 5
• Kind utility: 2 / 5
• Precedence: 3 / 5
• Moveset: Zen Headbutt / Psychic
• Final out there: March 2023 (chief), unlikely to return again for some time

Verdict: Gread Psychic sort, however nicely beneath L30 common Mewtwo

You’re forgiven in case you hadn’t considered Metagross as a Psychic attacker earlier than. In actual fact, it’s one of the best non-legendary Psychic sort. Should you don’t have 6 L30+ Mewtwos constructed, double transfer your Meteor Mash ones for Naganadel and Eternatus raids… And that’s it.

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Tier 5: Sorts with restricted utilization

Pinsir, Scizor (Bug), Apex Shadow Lugia, Shadow Ho-Oh (Flying), Shadow Honchkrow (Flying), Shadow Staraptor

Bug and Flying sorts, principally. They each have low utility, the previous attributable to low energy, and the latter attributable to too few bosses. There are area of interest raids the place they could shine, so don’t trash them, however deal with constructing others first.

Shadow Pinsir & Scizor (Bug) – Tier 5

• Power: 2 / 5
• Kind utility: 3 / 5
• Precedence: 2 / 5
• Moveset:
  • Pinsir: Bug Chunk or Fury Cutter / X-Scissor
  • Scizor: Fury Cutter / X-Scissor
• Final out there: October 2021 (Jessie & James), unlikely to return again for some time

Verdict: Finest bug for now, however too weak to be helpful

Should you powered them up for Hoopa Unbound raids, congratulations! You used them in the one T5+ raid in historical past that Bug is sweet in opposition to.

Shadow Pinsir and Scizor are tied as the highest Bug attackers, till Volcarona arrives. The issue is that they’re manner too weak. Despite the fact that Bug is Tremendous Efficient in opposition to many Psychic bosses, they’re solely pretty much as good as common Weavile (Chart).

There are a couple of bosses sooner or later that Bug sorts shine attributable to double weaknesses, particularly Zarude (one other well-liked Elite Raid candidate), Calyrex, Brute Bonnet and Iron Leaves. Nonetheless, it’s very low precedence, and we might get Volcarona by then.

Should you nonetheless have a Shadow Scyther: Maintain it unevolved. Shadow Kleavor has potential to be higher than Shadow Scizor, if it turns into a factor.

Here’s a chart of all Bug-type raid attackers.

Apex Lugia, Ho-Oh (Flying), Honchkrow (Flying) & Staraptor – Tier 5

• Power: Apex Lugia and Ho-Oh 4/5, Honchkrow and Staraptor 3/5
• Kind utility: 2 / 5
• Precedence: Ho-Oh 3/5, others 2/5
• Moveset:
  • Apex Lugia: Extrasensory / Aeroblast+ (ticket unique)
  • Ho-Oh: Incinerate or Extrasensory / Courageous Hen
    • Hidden Energy Flying is healthier if yours has it
  • Honchkrow: Peck / Sky Assault
  • Staraptor: Gust* / Courageous Hen
    • (*) Gust is a previous CD transfer. Might come again by way of evolution throughout future occasions, in all probability December 2023 CD.
    • Non-legacy transfer Wing Assault is ample
• Final out there:
  • Apex Lugia: February 2022 (Paid ticket), unlikely to return again for some time
  • Ho-Oh: February 2022 (Paid ticket) and August 2021 (Giovanni), unlikely to return again for some time
  • Honchkrow: Out there now (chief), unlikely to return again for some time afterwards
  • Staraptor: January 2023 (grunt), might come again in future

Verdict: All nice Flying sorts, however low utility exterior of 4 bosses

All the pieces right here is equal or higher than common Moltres as a Flying attacker (Shadow Honchkrow and Staraptor have worse estimator however higher TTW). The primary downside just isn’t power, however lack of utility. As of now, they’re primarily specialists for Virizion, Pheromosa, Buzzwole and Mega Heracross. They’ll see some makes use of, however don’t count on to deliver them out usually.

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Tier 6: Outclassed, not well worth the shadow value

These choices are beneath many different shadows, legendaries and generally even non-legendaries of their sorts. Should you love selection, love these particular Pokémon, or have them constructed for one more position, they’ll nonetheless do some work. However in case you’re simply on the lookout for a great group, I might in all probability by no means recommend powering them up from scratch.

Darkish: Houndoom, Honchkrow

• Manner beneath Hydreigon, simply above Chandelure

Fireplace: Typhlosion, Arcanine, Magmortar

• Much like Darmanitan & Chandelure (Shadow Typhlosion is marginally higher)

Grass: Torterra

• Just under different grass shadows (Tangrowth, Sceptile, Venusaur)

Floor: Golurk

• Much like Garchomp or simply barely above, manner worse than Shadow Mamoswine

Psychic: Latios, Alakazam

• Manner worse than Mewtwo, above or beneath Shadow Metagross

Rock: Aerodactyl, Aggron

• Between Terrakion and Gigalith, worse than Rampardos and Rhyperior
• Principally in case you missed out on too lots of the uncommon or CD choices above them; Veteran gamers will discover them extra like Tier 7

Tier 7: Solely in case you have nothing else

These are technically nonetheless practical, I assume – in case you discover one more reason to construct them.

Mewtwo (Thunderbolt), Gardevoir/Gallade (Psychic), Exeggutor (Psychic & Grass), Granbull, Latias (Dragon)

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Only for Enjoyable…

Right here’s an inventory of Shadow Pokémon that you just in all probability would have by no means anticipated to even be viable in raids, however apparently, they’re sturdy sufficient to indicate up on my charts (or they might have). This implies they’re not less than on par with the most funds choices, like Eeveelutions, Donphan and Avalugg.

To be clear: These are just for individuals who actually love these Pokémon, need to use utterly unconventional counters, or need a Distinctive 18 problem. They’re NOT common suggestions, and the overwhelming majority of gamers can simply trash them.

With out additional ado, listed here are the “enjoyable” shadows:

Absol, Aggron (Metal), Alolan Exeggutor (Dragon & Grass), Articuno (Ice), Banette, Blastoise, Donphan, Dragonite (Flying), Flygon (Floor), Gallade (Preventing), Golem (Floor & Rock), Houndoom (Fireplace), Lugia (Psychic), Manectric, Mewtwo (Flamethrower), Mismagius, Muk & Alolan Muk (Poison), Omastar (Rock & Water), Politoed, Poliwrath (Preventing), Scizor (Metal), Scyther (Bug & Flying), Sharpedo (Darkish & Water), Shiftry (Darkish & Grass), Skuntank (Poison), Swampert (Floor), Ursaluna, Victreebel (Grass & Poison), Vileplume (Grass & Poison), Walrein (Ice)

Future shadows to sit up for?

Suppose you will have completed constructing each shadow I’ve really useful above. What future shadows would curiosity you, then?

I wrote a full evaluation on future shadow legendaries, however these would seemingly come at a snail’s tempo. So as a substitute, I’ll drop an inventory of the most related shadow NON-legendaries to count on sooner or later:

1. Hydreigon
2. Chandelure
3. Garchomp
4. Rhyperior
5. Rampardos
6. Darmanitan
7. Excadrill
8. Conkeldurr
9. Lucario
10. Volcarona
11. Roserade
12. Gengar

These can dethrone present shadow non-legendaries, although a few of them should still be worse than legendaries like Reshiram, Terrakion and Kartana.

That’s proper… Out of round 500 non-legendary Pokémon that haven’t but obtained the shadow therapy, solely 12 evolution strains (6-7%) can do higher than shadows we have already got. Sort of unhappy if you concentrate on it, however that’s an inevitable consequence of the best way raids and PvE at present operate within the recreation. You both outclass one thing else, otherwise you don’t matter.

I assume the purpose is: Don’t count on each rotation to being a brand new raid-relevant shadow. There are just too few of them left, and doing that is assured to go away you dissatisfied. We’ve seen a stunning, disproportionally excessive variety of raid-relevant shadows already.

There are a number of different shadows that can turn into viable, tying present shadows (e.g. Kingler, Emboar, Glaceon).

Closing Remarks

It’s essential to do not forget that Shadow Pokémon are premium investments as raid attackers, similar to legendaries. It’s an “finish recreation” content material for many who care, however you don’t have to construct shadows. As I discussed earlier, even constructing 6 shadows your self solely saves the group 5-10 seconds in group raids.

Additionally, that is nonetheless a considerably subjective tier record, and doesn’t seize everybody’s wants and pursuits. A whole lot of components can have an effect on how YOU rank these shadows: How a lot sources do YOU have (stardust and uncommon candies)? How a lot time do YOU have for looking good IV shadows? Do YOU like constructing a group of 6 distinctive Pokémon? Do YOU have a full roster of Pokemon with previous Group Day strikes and raid-exclusive strikes? That’s why I’m making this writeup along with @thepokegohunter‘s infographic, in order that I can present sufficient info so that you can make your personal selections.

Thanks for reaching the tip of this loooong article. Hope this may enable you in your TM and funding selections. Good luck, and have enjoyable!

The submit Shadow Pokemon Tier Listing as Raid Attackers (PvE): Which of them to un-Frustrate and put money into? appeared first on Pokémon GO Hub.