Pokemon GO’s Individual Values (IVs) are hidden stats that make each Pokemon unique, even among others of the same species. Think of them like genetic traits that determine how strong a Pokemon can ultimately become.
Understanding IVs in Pokemon GO
Every Pokemon has three IV stats – Attack, Defense, and Stamina – each ranging from 0 to 15. So when trainers talk about a “perfect IV” Pokemon, they’re referring to one that scored 15 in all three categories (45 total). It’s like hitting the genetic lottery!
Why IVs Matter
While base stats do most of the heavy lifting for a Pokemon’s performance, IVs provide that extra edge that can make the difference in close battles. Think of them as your Pokemon’s potential – two Charizards might look identical, but the one with better IVs will always have slightly higher combat power (CP) at the same level.
How to Check IVs
The game doesn’t show IVs directly, but there are several ways to evaluate them:
– The in-game appraisal system gives you a rough idea
– Third-party IV calculator apps can provide exact numbers
– Team leaders’ comments provide clues about your Pokemon’s potential
IV Hunting Tips
Want to catch Pokemon with great IVs? Here are some insider tips:
– Raid bosses and research rewards typically have higher IV floors
– Weather-boosted Pokemon have a minimum IV of 4 in each stat
– Lucky Pokemon from trades have a minimum IV of 12 in each stat
– Trading can completely randomize IVs, giving you another chance at better stats
Should You Care About IVs?
Here’s the thing – while hardcore players obsess over perfect IVs, the difference between a 0% and 100% IV Pokemon is actually only about 10% in overall performance. For casual players, focusing on high CP Pokemon with the right moves is usually more important than hunting for perfect IVs.
Think of it like this: a professional athlete might care about having the absolute best equipment for that tiny performance edge, but for most of us, good enough is, well, good enough!
The Bottom Line
IVs add depth to Pokemon GO’s collecting aspect and give dedicated players something to hunt for beyond just filling their Pokedex. While they’re interesting to track, don’t let the pursuit of perfect IVs stop you from enjoying the game – a Pokemon with mediocre IVs but the right moveset will serve you better than a perfect IV Pokemon with the wrong moves.
Remember, at the end of the day, Pokemon GO is about having fun and exploring your world. IVs are just one piece of a much larger puzzle!
