How to get and use Shadow Shards and Purified Gems in Pokémon Go

While it’s not often that new items are introduced to Pokémon Go, when they do make their way into the mobile title, they usually bring about new mechanics that allow players to enjoy new or enhanced features.

Alongside the new Shadow Raids, Niantic is giving players another valuable collectible to farm in the form of Shadow Shards, which directly influence how players will perform in this new type of Raid. Much like how the Rocket Radar has worked in the past, collecting enough of these new items will create another new item, the Purified Gem, which possesses the power to quell the fury of boss Shadow Pokémon.

These new items were added to Pokémon Go starting on May 22 alongside a massive Team Go Rocket takeover and the first iteration of Shadow Raids, which is being described as an ‘evolution’ in terms of content.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get and use Shadow Shards and Purified Gems to increase your chances of completing Shadow Raids.

How to get Shadow Shards and Purified Gems in Pokémon Go

Defeating Team Go Rocket members is the primary way to get Shadow Shards in Pokémon Go. The harder and more reputable they are, the more Shadow Shards you’ll receive. Go Rocket Grunts, for example, drop one Shadow Shard per encounter. Leaders, on the other hand, drop three, and Giovanni drops four. You can also earn five each time you complete a Shadow Raid, but they’re much harder.

Related: Shadow Raids bring dark twist, Shiny Shadow Mewtwo to Pokémon Go

As for Purified Gems, they’re made up of four Shadow Shards. Professor Willow will convert them for you via the Shard Refiner. The Purified Gem will then be added to your Go inventory for use in Shadow Raids.

How to use Shadow Shards and Purified Gems in Pokémon Go

In a Shadow Raid, the Raid boss will become enraged after taking a number of attacks, boosting its offensive and defensive capabilities for the remainder of the battle. Once this happens, which will be obvious because they’ll turn purple and the word enraged will appear on their health bar, tap the button on the lower left of the screen to use a Purified Gem. This will counter the effects of its enranged status.

How many Purified Gems can you have at one time in Pokemon Go?

Players can hold a maximum of 10 Purified Gems at any given time. For that reason, it’s good to get into the habit of using them rather than stocking them up, otherwise, you’ll risk capping out. Plus, using them often is the key to making Shadow Raids easier.