Pokémon GO's Purified Gems: A Surprising Link to Legends of Arceus

Team Rocket has once again made their presence known in Pokemon GO, and this time they're unleashing a swarm of Shadow Pokemon to take over gyms. These powerful monsters, now the game's newest Raid bosses, are a formidable challenge for players who rely solely on brute strength. Fortunately, trainers can gather materials to create an item that will assist them in these encounters. Fans of Pokemon Legends: Arceus may recognize this item, as well as other similarities in the Shadow Raids feature. In typical Raid events, powerful Pokemon take over gyms and become Raid bosses, which players can defeat and catch with the help of others. These bosses are rated on a scale of three to five stars, indicating their exceptional stats. However, for Shadow Raids, defeating bosses requires the use of a special item, similar to the technique used to calm frenzied bosses in Legends: Arceus.

Purified Gems are the Pokemon GO Version of Legends: Arceus’ Balms

Pokemon GO is incorporating new features inspired by other Pokemon games, such as the use of Purified Gems from Pokemon: Legends Arceus. These Gems can be used to weaken Shadow Raid Bosses, similar to how they are used in Legends: Arceus to pacify frenzied Noble Pokemon. By hitting the boss a certain number of times with the Gems, players can subdue the Shadow Raid Boss and have the opportunity to attack with their own Pokemon.

How Pokemon GO’s Purified Gems Improve on Pokemon Legends: Arceus’ Balms

Compared to its Hisuian counterpart, the Purified Gem boasts a wider range of effects, including the ability to temporarily weaken a Shadow Raid Boss' defense and attack. This strategic advantage allows trainers to deal massive damage to the boss, even before it is subdued. Additionally, multiple players can participate in Raids and use their own Purified Gems, which stack to create a powerful debuff. This makes it significantly easier and faster for players to defeat Shadow Raid Bosses, compared to the frenzied battles found in Legends: Arceus. While Purified Gems are highly sought after, they can only be crafted using Shadow Shards, which are obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts, Giovanni, GO Rocket Leaders, and Shadow Raid Bosses. Once players have gathered enough Shadow Shards, they can take them to Professor Willow to craft their own Purified Gem.

Trainers can aim to capture the formidable Mewtwo during the event, as it takes on the role of the five-star Shadow Raid boss. To increase their chances of success, players should gather Purified Gems. Additionally, three-star Shadow Pokemon such as Croconaw and Quilava can also be captured, while the odds of obtaining a shiny one-star Shadow Pokemon like Machamp, Poliwag, and Beldum are also heightened. Pokemon GO capitalizes on the new content from the franchise's mainline and spin-off games to keep the game fresh and exciting. The recent inclusion of Kleavor from Pokemon Legends: Arceus as a Raid boss is an example of this, and the game's Rising Shadows event has revamped its balm-throwing system, demonstrating Niantic's commitment to innovation.