Does CP Really Matter in Pokémon GO?
Yes, CP (Combat Points) absolutely matters in Pokémon GO, but it’s not the only thing that matters. Think of it as the headline stat – the one that immediately grabs your attention. While a high CP generally indicates a Pokémon’s potential strength in battle, it’s a simplified representation of a more complex equation involving base stats, Individual Values (IVs), movesets, and even external factors like weather. Ignoring these other elements while focusing solely on CP is like judging a book by its cover; you might miss out on hidden gems. CP is an easily available metric to determine your Pokemon’s strength, and its value should not be dismissed, but Pokemon Go players should also consider other factors.
CP is calculated using a Pokemon’s Attack, Defense, and Stamina stats, and the trainer level. That is why you could see Pokemon with similar stats have a high CP than another.
Let’s dive deeper into how CP works and why it’s essential to understand its limitations.
Understanding CP’s Role
CP, at its core, is a single number that gives you a quick snapshot of a Pokémon’s combat prowess. A Pokémon with a higher CP will generally perform better in battles against Pokémon with lower CP. This is especially true for:
- Gym Battles: When attacking or defending gyms, CP provides a good baseline for predicting how well your Pokémon will fare.
- Raids: High CP Pokémon are crucial for taking down raid bosses, as they can inflict more damage and withstand more hits.
- Team GO Rocket Battles: A solid team of high CP Pokémon is essential for defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts, Leaders, and Giovanni.
However, relying solely on CP can lead to misjudgments. A Pokémon with a slightly lower CP but a superior moveset or type advantage can often outperform a higher CP Pokémon in battle. For instance, a Water-type Pokémon with a powerful Water-type move will be more effective against a Fire-type Pokémon, regardless of CP differences within a reasonable range. This is where understanding type matchups is very important.
Beyond the Numbers: The Importance of IVs and Movesets
While CP is a readily available indicator of a Pokemon’s strength, it’s important to understand the other key metrics: Individual Values (IVs) and Movesets.
Individual Values (IVs)
IVs (Individual Values) are hidden stats that range from 0 to 15 for Attack, Defense, and Stamina. These values are permanent and cannot be changed, representing a Pokémon’s inherent potential. A Pokémon with high IVs will have a higher maximum CP than a Pokémon of the same species with low IVs. For example, a Dragonite with 0% IVs might max out at 3,141 CP, while a perfect 100% IV Dragonite could reach 3,581 CP.
While the CP difference that IV’s provide might not seem like a lot, it can actually have a big effect on how your Pokemon will perform in a raid or battle. If you are serious about end game content, it is best to prioritize high IV’s over high CP.
Movesets
Movesets refer to the attacks a Pokémon uses in battle. Each Pokémon has a Fast Attack and a Charged Attack, and their effectiveness varies greatly. Some moves are more powerful than others, and some are more effective against specific types of Pokémon. For example, a Pokémon with a Super Effective charged attack against the opposing type of Pokemon, such as a fire type against a grass type, can have a big advantage in battle even if it has a low CP.
A Pokémon with a high CP but a weak or ineffective moveset might struggle against a lower CP Pokémon with a superior moveset. It’s always wise to research which movesets are optimal for each Pokémon species and aim to acquire those moves through Technical Machines (TMs).
External Factors: Weather and Level
Two more factors influence your Pokemon’s CP: weather and level.
Weather Bonuses
Pokémon GO features dynamic weather that affects Pokémon spawns and battle effectiveness. Certain types of Pokémon receive a CP boost in specific weather conditions. For example, Fire-type Pokémon are stronger in sunny weather. This boost can significantly impact a Pokémon’s performance, making it temporarily more powerful than its CP would suggest.
Trainer Level
Your Trainer Level determines the maximum CP that you can power up your Pokemon to. The higher your trainer level, the more you can power up your Pokemon’s CP.
In Conclusion
CP is undoubtedly a valuable tool for gauging a Pokémon’s strength in Pokémon GO. However, it is essential to consider other crucial factors like IVs, movesets, and even weather conditions to make informed decisions about which Pokémon to invest in and which to use in battles. A well-rounded understanding of these elements will significantly enhance your success in the game. Learn more about the impact of games on learning at Games Learning Society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is CP the most important thing in Pokémon GO?
No, while CP is a good indicator of a Pokémon’s strength, it’s not the only thing that matters. IVs, movesets, and type advantages are also crucial factors to consider.
2. Is it better to evolve Pokémon with higher CP?
Generally, yes, evolving a Pokémon with higher CP is preferable. However, don’t ignore IVs. A lower CP Pokémon with better IVs might be a better long-term investment, especially if you intend to power it up significantly.
3. Does CP matter when catching Pokémon GO?
Yes, high CP makes a big difference for winning gym battles and raids. But don’t disregard Pokémon with lower CP if they have great IVs, as they can be powered up to become formidable contenders.
4. Is it worth it to keep low CP Pokémon?
It depends. If a low CP Pokémon has high IVs, it might be worth keeping and investing in. However, if it has low IVs as well, it’s probably best to transfer it to free up storage space.
5. Should I only evolve 3-star Pokémon?
Not necessarily. A 0-star Pokémon with a high CP might be worth evolving if you need a strong Pokémon quickly. However, a 3-star Pokémon is generally a better long-term investment because of its higher IVs.
6. Should you get rid of 0-star Pokémon?
Generally, yes. 0-star Pokémon have low IVs and will likely never reach the same potential as a 3-star or 4-star Pokémon. Freeing up storage space is often a better use of your resources.
7. Should I keep low IV Pokémon?
It depends on your goals. For casual players, a low IV Pokémon might suffice for simple tasks. However, for more competitive players, high IVs are crucial for maximizing a Pokémon’s potential in battles.
8. Should I prioritize CP or IV in Pokémon GO?
IVs should generally take priority over CP. CP can be increased by powering up a Pokémon, but IVs are permanent. A Pokémon with high IVs will always have a higher potential CP than one with low IVs.
9. Is it better to have a higher CP or IV in Pokémon GO?
In the long run, higher IVs are better. CP is just a snapshot of current strength, while IVs represent the Pokémon’s inherent potential.
10. Can a 2-star Pokémon become a 3-star Pokémon GO?
No, a Pokémon’s IVs are fixed when it’s caught or hatched. A 2-star Pokémon will always remain a 2-star Pokémon.
11. Should you keep multiple Pokémon?
Yes, Catch Combos are a great way to earn more Candies to power up your Pokémon. So, catching the same Pokemon repeatedly is beneficial.
12. Should you put high CP Pokémon in a gym?
High CP Pokémon can be useful for defending gyms, but keep in mind that higher CP Pokémon decay faster. A diverse team of Pokémon with different types and movesets is often more effective for defense.
13. Why do people put low CP Pokémon in gyms?
There are a few reasons. Sometimes it’s to make it more challenging for attackers, as they have to battle the Pokémon multiple times to kick it out. Other times, it’s because the player is intentionally trying to lower the gym’s overall CP to attract weaker attackers.
14. Should I power up before evolving?
It’s generally recommended to evolve first and then power up. This allows you to see the Pokémon’s final moveset and decide if it’s worth investing resources into.
15. Are Shiny Pokémon worth evolving?
Yes, evolve your favorite shiny Pokémon! However, consider holding onto them in their base forms until you get a second shiny of the same species with better stats. Consider lucky trades to increase IV’s.