How Team GO Rocket and purifying work
By Matt, MattSimplified
7 min read
Team GO Rocket invades PokéStops and floats around the map in balloons. Beat a Grunt and you get to rescue one of its Shadow Pokémon. Collect six Mysterious Components to build a Rocket Radar and track down a Leader: Cliff, Arlo or Sierra. Giovanni needs a Super Rocket Radar from special events. Shadow Pokémon hit 20% harder but take more damage, and you can purify them with Stardust and Candy.
What you need
Rocket battles are three on three, like Trainer Battles. Grunts are easy, but Leaders and Giovanni need a proper team.
Grunts invade PokéStops for 30 minutes at a time, and Rocket balloons float over to you.
Only if you want to purify what you rescue. Most of the time you won't want to.
How to beat a Grunt
- Find an invaded PokéStop
Invaded stops turn dark and twitch on the map. Rocket balloons drift towards you, so you can tap those too.
- Read the hint
The Grunt's line before the battle hints at the type they use, like a Water grunt talking about the sea. Pick counters to match.
- Battle with three Pokémon
Tap to attack, and use your shields on their charged attacks. Grunts have three Pokémon and fold quickly to strong counters.
- Rescue the Shadow Pokémon
Win and you get Premier Balls to catch one of its Shadow Pokémon, plus a Mysterious Component and a Shadow Shard.
Shinies can appearSince March 2026, any Pokémon you rescue from Team GO Rocket can be Shiny, as long as its Shiny is already in the game.
Grunts, Leaders and Giovanni
The Shadow Shards you earn turn into Purified Gems for shadow raids.
Found at invaded PokéStops and in balloons. Each one uses a team themed around a type, and each win gives a Mysterious Component and 1 Shadow Shard.
Combine six Mysterious Components into a Rocket Radar to find their hideouts. The radar is only used up when you beat a Leader. Each win gives 3 Shadow Shards.
The boss, and the only way to get his Shadow legendary. You need a Super Rocket Radar from a special event, and since June 2026 he only appears at PokéStops. A win gives 4 Shadow Shards.
Rocket balloons now appear much less often than they used to, around once a day, with more during Team GO Rocket events.
Who are the Rocket Leaders and Giovanni using right now?See my weekly guideWhat changes when you purify
Purifying costs Stardust and Candy and can't be undone. Here's what you gain and lose.
| Shadow | Purified | |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | 20% more damage | Normal |
| Damage taken | About 20% more | Normal |
| Charged attack | Frustration until removed | Learns Return |
| Level and IVs | Stays the same | Goes to level 25 (if lower) and +2 to each IV |
| Power-up cost | 20% more | 10% less |
| Mega Evolve | No | Yes |
| Trade | No | Yes |
From October 2026, neither Shadow nor purified Pokémon can be used in Fusions.
How much purifying costs
The cost depends on how rare the Pokémon is.
| Pokémon | Stardust | Candy |
|---|---|---|
| Most common Pokémon | 1,000 | 1 |
| Mid rarity | 3,000 | 3 |
| Rarer Pokémon | 5,000 | 5 |
| Legendaries | 20,000 | 20 |
What to do with your Shadow Pokémon
Keep almost everything as a Shadow. The 20% attack bonus is worth more than anything purifying gives you. The exception is a Pokémon with a Mega Evolution: Shadows can't Mega Evolve, so I purify one copy to Mega and keep the rest as Shadows.
Matt, MattSimplifiedEvery Shadow Pokémon knows Frustration, which barely does any damage. A regular Charged TM removes it, but only during certain Team GO Rocket events, usually about once a season. Keep your best Shadows ready for that.
So they can never become Lucky. If you want a cheap power-up, a purified Pokémon costs 10% less Stardust and Candy.
Simple strategies that work
Each one is a Shadow Shard and a component. Six components gets you a Leader.
Leaders and their rewards often change during Rocket events, so it can pay to wait.
Grunts often lead with their strongest attacker. Shielding the first charged attack wins most battles.
Purifying only adds +2 to each IV. Level makes far more difference to damage.
Team GO Rocket FAQ
How many Mysterious Components do you need for a Rocket Radar?
Six. You can also buy a Rocket Radar in the shop.
How do you find Giovanni?
With a Super Rocket Radar, which comes from special Team GO Rocket events. Since June 2026 he only appears at PokéStops.
Should I purify my Shadow Pokémon?
Mostly no. Shadows deal 20% more damage. Purify one copy if the Pokémon has a Mega Evolution, because Shadows can't Mega Evolve.
How much does it cost to purify a Pokémon?
From 1,000 Stardust and 1 Candy for common Pokémon up to 20,000 Stardust and 20 Candy for Legendaries.
Can Shadow Pokémon be shiny?
Yes. Since March 2026, any Pokémon rescued from Team GO Rocket can be Shiny if its Shiny is in the game.
Can you trade Shadow Pokémon?
No. Shadow Pokémon can't be traded. Purified Pokémon can.
How do you remove Frustration?
With a regular Charged TM, but only during certain Team GO Rocket events.
More new and returning player guides
Every guide lives in the new and returning player guide.
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