Pokemon GO: PvP and PvE analysis of all new Shadow Pokemon in Crown Clash Taken Over 

Pokemon GO Crown Clash Taken Over will introduce five new Shadow Pokemon — Shadow Dialga, Shadow Inkay, Shadow Slakoth, Shadow Tyrunt, and Shadow Amaura. The event will run from midnight local time on May 14, 2025, and these creatures are guaranteed to stay available at least until the next season's Team GO Rocket Takeover event.

This article briefly discusses the PvP and PvE viability of all the new Shadow Pokemon in Crown Clash Taken Over.

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Are the new Shadow Pokemon in Crown Clash Taken Over good in Pokemon GO PvP and PvE?

Shadow Dialga

Shadow Dialga is the most-hyped new Shadow Pokemon to be added to the game during Crown Clash Taken Over. Here's how you can get it.

• Good in PvP? Yes. Only if you can manage to find a good IV variant. It is viable in the Master League.
• Good in PvE? Yes. A high IV variant will work better, but as long as it has high Attack, you are good to go.
• Should you purify? No, in most cases. Check out our detailed guide on whether you should purify Shadow Dialga.
• Is it better than the non-Shadow? Yes.

Shadow Inkay

When fed 50 Candy Shadow Inkay evolves into Shadow Malamar, the best new Shadow Pokemon to be introduced during the Crown Clash Taken Over event in Pokemon GO. It is one of the special evolutions in Pokemon GO.

• Good in PvP? Yes. Useful in both the Great League and Ultra League.
• Good in PvE? No.
• Should you purify? Depends. The non-shadow variant is pretty good. If you want to save up on upgrade costs, you can consider purifying.
• Is it better than the non-Shadow? In the Ultra League, Shadow Malamar outclasses the regular version by a mile.

Shadow Slakoth

Shadow Slakoth evolves into Shadow Vigoroth when fed 25 Candy and into Shadow Slaking when fed 100 Candy.

• Good in PvP? No.
• Good in PvE? Mostly, no. Shadow Slaking can have some benefits as a Gym Defender. But the regular version is still better.
• Should you purify? Yes. If you want a strong, cheap Slaking, purify it.
• Is it better than the non-Shadow? Neither has features to write home about.

Shadow Tyrunt

Shadow Tyrunt evolves into Shadow Tyrantrum when fed 50 Candy during the day.

• Good in PvP? No.
• Good in PvE? Yes, Shadow Tyrantrum has strong potential as a Rock- and Dragon-type attacker.
• Should you purify? No. The regular version is more or less abundantly available.
• Is it better than the non-Shadow? When it comes to attacking Gyms and Raids, the Shadow is much better. Neither is good in PvP.

Shadow Amaura

Shadow Amaura evolves into Shadow Aurorus when fed 50 Candy at night.

• Good in PvP? Yes. Shadow Aurorus will have some play in the Great and Ultra League formats.
• Good in PvE? No. There are much better Ice-type and Rock-type Pokemon you can use.
• Should you purify? No.
• Is it better than the non-Shadow? It's more of a sidegrade, with both versions having pros and cons.

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Overall, nearly all the new Shadow Pokemon introduced during the Crown Clash Taken Over event in Pokemon GO have some PvP and PvE utility. Focus on farming Shadow Inkay, as that is by far the best of the lot.

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In other news, Azelf raids, Mesprit raids, and Uxie raids are also available right now.

Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy Evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters
• Team GO Rocket Grunts