How to Remove Frustration From Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO
By Matt · Published · Updated You can only remove Frustration from a Shadow Pokémon during special Team GO Rocket events, roughly once a season. While the event is on, use a regular Charged TM on the Shadow Pokémon and Frustration is gone for good, with the Pokémon still a Shadow. Outside those events, the only way is purifying it, which removes the Shadow damage bonus.
Why Frustration is a problem
Frustration is the weakest charged move in the game, and every Shadow Pokémon you catch from Team GO Rocket comes with it. Until it’s gone, your Shadow Pokémon is pretty much useless in battle.
You could purify the Pokémon to get rid of it, but that also removes the Shadow damage bonus, which is the whole reason you want a Shadow.
How to remove it and keep your Shadow
During special Team GO Rocket events, you can use a regular Charged TM on a Shadow Pokémon to replace Frustration, and it stays a Shadow. That’s the window you’re waiting for.
- These events come around roughly once a season. The event announcement will say Frustration can be removed.
- An Elite Charged TM won’t get around this. According to Pokémon GO Hub, it’s still blocked outside those events.
- Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good, even after you evolve the Pokémon.
Tips for Frustration events
- Plan which Shadows to fix first. Charged TMs can run short, so start with the Shadows you’ll actually use in raids.
- Remove Frustration before evolving if you want an event-exclusive move from evolving during that event. Unlocking a second charged move instead doesn’t get around this.
- Unlocking a second charged move is a workaround outside events, but it costs extra Stardust and Candy and Frustration is still there.
Matt's takeDon't forget to do this when the event comes around. Removing Frustration keeps your Shadow strong with a useful charged move, and missing the window means waiting another season.
Not sure which Shadows are worth it? See whether Shadow Pokémon are always better, with the best Shadows to build right now.
FAQ
How do you remove Frustration in Pokémon GO?
During a special Team GO Rocket event that allows it, use a regular Charged TM on the Shadow Pokémon. It stays a Shadow and Frustration is replaced with another charged move.
When can I remove Frustration?
Only during events that specifically allow it, which usually happens about once a season with a Team GO Rocket event. The event announcement will say so.
Can I use an Elite TM to remove Frustration?
No. Pokémon GO Hub notes that an Elite Charged TM doesn't get around the event restriction.
Does Frustration come back after evolving?
No. Once it's removed, it's gone for good, even after evolution.
Should I just purify my Shadow Pokémon instead?
Usually not. Purifying removes the 20% damage bonus that makes Shadows strong in raids. Wait for the next Frustration event instead.
Get Matt's full take
The extended write-up on Patreon has Matt’s commentary, what to prioritise and Matt’s own plan.