When Can I Unlearn Frustration in Pokémon Go 2023?

The next opportunity in Pokémon Go to TM away the charged move Frustration from Shadow Pokémon will likely happen in February or March 2023. During these special Team Rocket takeover events, trainers scramble to eliminate Frustration and unlock their shadows‘ full attacking potential. But with the costs of powering up and the temptation to purify, what‘s the optimal strategy around frustration removal for 2023?

What is Frustration and Why Remove It?

All Shadow Pokémon, which are obtained by defeating Team Rocket leaders, come with the charged move Frustration by default. This low energy cost move has just 1 base power for maximum level friendship or 102 power at minimum friendship. It prevents unlocking an exclusive move during Community Day or Raid Day evolutions.

Removing frustration permanently is the only way to realize a shadow Pokémon‘s 20% damage boost over its normal counterparts. In PvP, they require careful strategy and proper team support. But for raid and gym offense, purified versions fall far behind. Shadow Mewtwo and Shadow Moltres currently rank #1 in DPS for their types.

Elite TMs Offer Rare Out-Of-Event Option

While frustration removal is normally locked to Rocket events recurring a few times per year, elite charged TMs can overwrite it anytime. They are extremely scarce – offered only as end-of-season PvP rewards (rank 19+), community day boxes (1280 coins), or from timed research. Just 1-2% of the playerbase likely has access to these TMs.

Elite TMs should be reserved only for perfect IV shadow legendaries/mythicals with great league relevance or significant raid/gym offense impact like Mewtwo, Moltres, Machamp, Tyranitar, Sableye. They are the only way to guarantee a frustration-free Shadow Lugia or Shadow Ho-oh.

Prepare Today For the Next Event

While hardcore PvP players may have already handled their rosters, the next mass frustration event early this year will be key for raid focused players to enable top counters like Shadow Weavile, Electivire, Magnezone, Swampert. Start compiling a list now of strong candidates to invest in, with IVs and moves factored in.

Aim to stockpile at least 50-100 charge TMs – use mystery boxes, scan tasks, GBL rewards to accumulate them over time. Ensure at least 100 free spaces in Pokémon storage before the event weekend. Having tons of charged TMs and open slots makes the most of the short event window to evolve and remove frustration from your priorities.

To Purify or Not To Purify?

The temptation after finally TM‘ing away Frustration is to hit that Purify button. The glowing particles are satisfying. CP skyrockets up. It costs less resources to power up. Three IVs raise to max 15. But don‘t purify reflexively or you could regret it later. We‘ll compare the pros and cons of keeping shadow vs purifying below.

Analyzing matchups in PvPoke makes it clear that shadow versions dominate the great and ultra leagues for many Pokémon in 1 and 0 shield scenarios thanks to the huge attack boost. Open Master League sees less separation. Raid offense is where shadows truly overwhelm purified counterparts in performance. But remember – shadows top out at level 40 compared to 50 when mega evolved for normal Pokémon. Resource investment requires commitment.

Verdict – Patience Is Key

With another opportunity for trainers to eliminate frustration on the horizon, the key is having patience and not purifying your long term priorities. Wait for Community Day or Raid Days to evolve top PvE attackers, plan to use regular charged TMs only after removing frustration. Avoid powering up impulsively without checking IVs and movesets.

Stockpile your charged TMs now, clear space on your roster, and you‘ll maximize the chances that the next Shadow Mewtwo or Shadow Salamence you luck into won‘t be stuck with the junk move Frustration!