Pokemon Go has confirmed that Shadow Pokemon will not be eligible for Hyper Training. This new feature ties in with Gold Bottle Caps, a new item Pokemon Go is set to add to the game soon, but which has received mixed reactions from fans.
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In early June, Pokemon GO confirmed the introduction of Gold Bottle Caps—a long-requested item that carries over from the mainline games and allows players to maximize their Pokemon’s Individual Values (IVs). In the main series, using a Gold Bottle Cap causes a Pokemon to undergo Hyper Training and instantly boost its stats. However, the process of Hyper Training in Pokemon GO will be slightly different. It will require players to complete various tasks with their Buddy Pokemon , such as battles, quests, and other interactions. Now, Pokemon GO has shared another important detail about Hyper Training, revealing some of its restrictions.
Through an official Twitter post, Pokemon GO has confirmed that Shadow Pokemon will not be eligible for Hyper Training via Gold Bottle Caps. Shadow Pokemon are known for their prowess in PvP battles and raids, and for this reason players often look for Shadow monsters with better IVs. This announcement may be disappointing for players who were hoping to make their unpurified Shadow Pokemon more powerful. Additionally, the developers have also clarified that Pokemon whose stats are already maxed out cannot undergo Hyper Training.
Pokemon GO Confirms Shadow Pokemon Cannot Undergo Hyper Training
Although the Hyper Training feature has long been demanded by Pokemon GO players, the feature has also been criticized for its availability of gold bottle caps. The first wave of items will only be available to players who purchase the GO Pass Deluxe during the Ancients Recovered event starting on June 23. As such, many fans have called it an unsuitable feature for free-to-play (F2P) players and leaning towards a pay-to-win model. Some have also criticized that the bottle caps expire soon after they are obtained, limiting their use. It is currently unclear whether Pokemon GO will offer other options for obtaining gold bottle caps in the future, but the developers have indicated that these items will be rare leading to speculation that they will often be tied to limited-time events.
While many players are dissatisfied with the Gold Bottle Caps offering in Pokemon GO, some have shown interest in purchasing the GO Pass Deluxe to transform their rare Shiny Pokemon into perfect specimens. Overall, Hyper Training is a feature that can drastically change the game-play for players. During the upcoming Ancients Recovered event, fan-favorite Legendary Titans will return to the game. Additionally, free GO Pass users will also be guaranteed an exclusive background, a dress-up Pikachu, and a Reggie Pokemon.
