A major consideration for Pokémon Go players is Shadow Pokémon and whether to purify them or keep them in this darker form. It’s a tough decision when Legendary Pokémon gain this form, like Shadow Cresselia.
Shadow Cresselia Captured! But Should YOU Catch It? (Pokémon GO)
As you near the end of Adventure Week: Taken Over Special Research, you may be wondering what to do with Shadow Cresselia after defeating Giovanni. You have the option to purify it or keep it as a Shadow Cresselia and use it against other players. There is a clear choice between these options, however, especially for Pokémon Go players who don't yet have a standard Cresselia.
After looking at the various stat differences between the two, we've determined that Pokémon Go players should purify Shadow Cresselia. Leaving it in its Shadow form won't optimize it for battles against other players or when fighting NPCs, even if you're using its best moveset.
The reason for this has to do with Cresselia's stats. When a Pokémon has a Shadow version in Pokémon Go, it gets a 20 percent increase in attack power, but a 20 percent decrease in defense. For Cresselia, it has low attack power and significantly higher defense, making it tough to defeat. When you apply these 20 percent changes to these stats, Shadow Cresselia becomes an underpowered choice, and you're better off sticking with the standard version.
