Team Go Rocket

On July 23, 2019, Team Rocket Grunts started invading Pokestops in Pokemon Go. Invaded Pokestops are darker-colored and visibly 'twitch' on the overworld map.

Invaded Pokestops function similarly to Raids:

  • When a Pokestop is invaded, all trainers above level 8 will be able to see the invasion.
  • Upon defeating the Rocket Grunt, you can attempt to catch one of their Shadow Pokemon with Premier Balls.
  • The Rocket Grunt's team will be consistent for all Trainers.
  • The Shadow Pokemon rewarded may vary between Trainers. IVs will be different.
  • Invaded Pokestops have a despawn timer of 30 minutes.

After you spin an invaded Pokestop, a Team Rocket Grunt will appear and challenge you to a battle. Defeat them, and you will be rewarded with some Premier Balls and the chance to catch one of their abandoned Shadow Pokemon.

  • Premier Balls are earned based on the number of Pokemon you have remaining, as well as your Hero and Purifier Medals.
  • Hero: Defeat Team Rocket 10/100/1000 times.
  • Purifier: Purify 5/50/500 Shadow Pokemon.

If the game doesn't allow you to use anything above 1500 or 2500 CP, make a Master League team to bypass this bug.

Team Rocket Dialogues

If you're having trouble defeating some of the Team Rocket Grunts, pay attention to their dialogue before starting the battle:

  • Normal - Normal doesn't mean weak.
  • Fighting - This buff physique isn't just for show!
  • Flying - My bird Pokemon wants to battle with you!
  • Poison - Coiled and ready to strike!
  • Ground - You'll be defeated into the ground!
  • Rock - Let's rock and roll!
  • Bug - Go, my super bug Pokemon!
  • Ghost - Ke...ke...ke...ke...ke...ke!
  • Steel - You're no match for my iron will!
  • Fire - Do you know how hot Pokemon fire breath can get?
  • Water - These waters are treacherous!
  • Grass - Don't tangle with us!
  • Electric - Get ready to be shocked!
  • Psychic - Are you scared of psychics that use unseen power?
  • Ice - You're gonna be frozen in your tracks.
  • Dragon - ROAR! ...How'd that sound?
  • Dark - Wherever is a light, there is also shadow.
  • Fairy - Check out my cute Pokemon!

There are also 3 special dialogues that may indicate a harder battle, featuring Pokemon like Snorlax, Gardevoir, and Dragonite:

  • Winning is for winners.
  • Don't bother, I've already won.
  • Get ready to be defeated!
Shadow Pokemon

Shadow Pokemon have a dark, shadowy aura that distinguishes them from regular Pokemon. Things to know about Shadow Pokemon:

  • Shadow Pokemon cost 3x Stardust and Candy to power up.
  • Shadow Pokemon know the Normal-type Charge Move Frustration, which is a terrible move. Don't use Frustration.
  • Shadow Pokemon are encountered at Levels 1-5, or 6-10 if Weather Boosted.
  • Shadow Pokemon are considered a Special Trade, even if both trainers already have it registered.
  • Shadow Pokemon can be Purified for a small Stardust and Candy cost.
Purified Pokemon

Purified Pokemon have a light, glowy aura surrounding them, similar to Lucky Pokemon. Things to know about Purified Pokemon:

  • Purified Pokemon cost 10% less Stardust and Candy to power up.
  • When Purified, the Pokemon gains +2 in each IV and is raised to Level 25. If for some reason you powered up a Shadow Pokemon above Level 25, it does not go back down to 25.
    • A Level 5 Shadow Snorlax with IVs of 13/10/15 will be converted to a Level 25 Purified Snorlax with IVs of 15/12/15.
  • Purified Pokemon learn the Normal-type Charge Move Return, replacing Frustration. Return is actually a pretty decent move, but it's a Normal-type move, rendering it irrelevant for raiding.
  • Purified Pokemon are considered a Special Trade, even if both trainers already have it registered.
Purified + Lucky Pokemon Interaction

EDIT: Niantic has patched this out. Shadow Pokemon are no longer able to be traded.

Purified Pokemon gain an IV boost of +2/+2/+2 when Purified. Lucky Pokemon have an IV floor of 12/12/12.

If you trade for a Shadow Pokemon and it becomes Lucky, it will have a minimum IV distribution of 12/12/12.

If you then Purify that Lucky Shadow Pokemon, it will gain +2/+2/+2 IVs, for a minimum IV distribution of 14/14/14.

Any Lucky Shadow Pokemon that has an IV distribution of 13/13/13 or higher is guaranteed to become 15/15/15 after Purifying. This means that there is a 42% chance of getting a 100% Lucky Purified Pokemon in a Lucky Trade.