Understanding Pokémon Go IVs: Everything You Need to Know
What are IVs?
In Pokémon Go, Individual Values (IVs) are hidden statistics that affect a Pokémon’s performance in battles, raids, and gym contests. Each Pokémon has three primary IVs relating to its stats: Attack, Defense, and Stamina. Collectively, these influence a Pokémon’s effectiveness and overall potential. IVs range from 0 to 15 for each stat, and the maximum possible score for a Pokémon is 45 (15 in each category).
Why IVs Matter
The IVs of a Pokémon are crucial for trainers intending to optimize their team for competitive play. High IVs ensure stronger Pokémon in combat situations and enhance their survivability and damage output. For trainers interested in winning high-stakes battles or winning gym control, knowing and maximizing IVs becomes an essential aspect of gameplay.
How IVs Affect Pokémon Stats
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Attack (Att): This stat determines how much damage a Pokémon does in battle. Higher IVs in Attack provide stronger moves, which is integral during raids and Trainer Battles.
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Defense (Def): This stat reduces the damage taken from opposing Pokémon during battles. A higher Defense IV ensures increased durability, allowing Pokémon to withstand more hits.
- Stamina (Sta): Stamina influences the Pokémon’s HP (hit points). Pokémon with higher Stamina IVs typically have greater sustainability in battles, allowing them to endure longer. Stamina is particularly critical for Pokémon in prolonged engagements like Raids or Gym Battles.
Calculating IVs: The Basics
While players can’t see IVs directly in Pokémon Go, several methods enable their estimation. Many trainers employ IV calculators available online or as apps, where they input details like Pokémon type, level, and CP (Combat Power).
In-game appraisal features introduced by Team Leaders—Candela, Blanche, and Spark—give players a rough idea of their Pokémon’s IVs through qualitative feedback. For example, the appraisal system offers phrases like “incredible” or “not so great,” approximating the IV ranges.
IV Ranges and Perfect IVs
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Perfect IVs: A ‘perfect’ IV for Attack, Defense, and Stamina is 15 each, leading to a total score of 45. A Pokémon with perfect IVs will typically outperform others in its species, making it highly desirable for PvP (Player versus Player) and PvE (Player versus Environment).
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30-45 Percentage: Pokémon with IVs ranging from 30-45 are considered ‘great’ and generally perform well, often capable of taking down challenging foes in competitive scenarios.
- 0-29 Percentage: Pokémon with lower IVs (below 30) might still be useful but are less optimal for critical battles. They can serve as utility Pokémon or for filling decks.
IVs and Pokémon Evolution
When it comes to evolution, IVs play a crucial role. Evolved Pokémon maintain their IVs from their previous stage. For trainers interested in maximizing their Pokémon’s combat potential, choosing which Pokémon to evolve requires thoughtful consideration of IVs, as the evolved form will inherit its stats.
Breeding and IVs in Pokémon Go
In Pokémon Go, breeding isn’t a mechanic available to trainers, unlike in the main series games. However, IV mechanics from traditional Pokémon games affected breeding where “passing down” IVs could occur. Pokémon Go primarily relies on catching and powering up Pokémon to enhance their IVs through stardust and candy.
IVs vs. CP: Understanding the Difference
CP, or Combat Power, represents the overall strength of a Pokémon, but it is a combination of IVs, level, and species attributes. A higher CP does not always guarantee a better Pokémon; it’s essential to consider IVs when evaluating effectiveness in battle situations. A Pokémon may have a low CP but can still possess high IVs, allowing it to perform exceptionally well against higher CP opponents.
Maximizing IVs with Powering Up
Powering up Pokémon costs stardust and candy, which increases their level and consequently their CP. With every level-up, a Pokémon’s current IV stats remain intact, but its potential can be maximized when trainers choose to power up Pokémon with high IVs. This strategic investment pays significant dividends in high-stakes encounters.
Finding Hidden Gems: The Best IV Pokémon for Teams
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Legendary Pokémon: Many Legendary Pokémon tend to have higher IVs and stats, making them prime candidates for battles.
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Community Day Pokémon: Special events, like Community Days, often feature Pokémon that have increased odds of spawning with higher IVs. Trainers should seize these opportunities.
- Shiny Pokémon: While shiny Pokémon’ visual appeal remains, they can also sometimes include improved IVs, providing dual benefits to trainers.
Achieving Better IVs in Pokémon Go
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Raid Battles: Engaging in higher-level raids increases the likelihood of capturing Pokémon with superior IV stats.
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Research Tasks: Special research tasks frequently reward trainers with Pokémon that have better base stats.
- Event Pokémon: Niantic frequently hosts events that bolster specific Pokémon, often improving IV catch rates.
Common Myths about IVs
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Myth: IVs Do Not Matter. Contrary to this belief, IVs significantly contribute to a Pokémon’s battle performance.
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Myth: All Pokémon Have the Same IVs. Each captured Pokémon has unique IVs.
- Myth: IVs are Easily Identified. While features for appraisals exist, exact IVs remain hidden values unless calculated through external tools.
Conclusion
Understanding and maximizing IVs is crucial for any serious Pokémon Go trainer aiming to enhance their gameplay. With strategic captures, evolutions, and careful planning, trainers can create powerful teams capable of dominating battles, raids, and gyms. By staying informed on the various aspects of IVs, a trainer can significantly increase their chances of success in the Pokémon Go universe.
