Understanding the Elusive Hundo in Pokémon GO
In the world of Pokémon GO, trainers constantly strive to catch the strongest and most capable Pokémon. Among the various factors determining a Pokémon’s strength, Individual Values (IVs) play a crucial role. When a Pokémon boasts perfect IVs across the board, it attains the coveted status of a “Hundo”. But what exactly is a Hundo, and why is it so highly sought after? A Hundo in Pokémon GO refers to a Pokémon with perfect Individual Values (IVs) in all three stats: Attack, Defense, and HP. This means each stat has a value of 15, the maximum possible. Such a Pokémon is considered to have 100% IVs, hence the nickname “Hundo.”
Why are Hundos so Desirable?
The appeal of a Hundo stems from its potential for maximum Combat Power (CP). While a Pokémon’s base stats and level heavily influence its CP, IVs provide a final, unchangeable boost. A Hundo, therefore, represents the absolute peak potential for that species, making it a prized possession for trainers looking to dominate in raids, gyms, and PvP battles.
How to Identify a Hundo
Identifying a Hundo in Pokémon GO requires utilizing the in-game appraisal system. Here’s how:
- Appraise the Pokémon: Tap on the Pokémon, then select “Appraise” from the menu.
- Check the Stats: Your team leader will provide feedback on the Pokémon’s stats. Look for statements indicating that the Pokémon’s best attribute is its Attack, Defense, and HP.
- Verify Maximum Stats: Crucially, the appraisal must also state that the Pokémon’s stats are “the best it can be” or some similar phrasing. Also, a three-star appraisal with a red stamp indicates a perfect Hundo.
Obtaining a Hundo
Securing a Hundo is often a matter of luck, but some methods offer better odds:
- Wild Encounters: In the wild, IVs are randomly generated, making the odds of finding a Hundo quite slim. Weather Boost can slightly increase the minimum IVs, improving the chances marginally.
- Raids: Raid bosses have a guaranteed minimum IV floor, making Hundos more common than in the wild.
- Research Tasks: Similar to raids, research task encounters often have an IV floor.
- Eggs: Pokémon hatched from eggs also benefit from an IV floor.
- Lucky Trades: Trading with a Lucky Friend guarantees a Lucky Pokémon, which have a higher chance of having good IVs. There is a 1 in 64 chance of receiving a Hundo from a Lucky Trade. This is one of the most reliable ways to get a Hundo.
- Purified Pokémon: Purifying a Shadow Pokémon adds +2 to each IV stat, which can potentially turn a high IV Shadow into a Hundo.
Understanding Related Terminology
The Pokémon GO community has developed its own unique vocabulary to describe Pokémon with specific characteristics:
- Nundo: A Pokémon with 0 IVs in all three stats (Attack, Defense, and HP).
- Shundo: A Shiny Hundo. This is an incredibly rare combination, representing a Pokémon that is both shiny and has perfect IVs.
- Lundo: A Lucky Hundo. A Pokémon that is both Lucky and has perfect IVs.
- Shlundo: A Shiny, Lucky Hundo. This is the holy grail of Pokemon GO and is the rarest form.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Hundos
1. Are Hundos rarer than shinies?
Generally, Hundos are rarer than standard shinies in most scenarios. While shiny rates are often boosted during events (e.g., 1/25 for some legendary raids), the odds of encountering a Hundo in the wild are considerably lower.
2. What are the exact odds of finding a Hundo in the wild?
The odds of finding a Hundo in the wild, without weather boost, is 1 in 4096. This is because each of the three IVs has 16 possible values (0-15), and each has a 1/16 chance of landing on 15. The multiplication (1/16) * (1/16) * (1/16) gives the final probability of 1/4096.
3. Does weather boost affect the chances of finding a Hundo?
Yes, weather boost increases the chances of finding a Hundo. With weather boost, the minimum IV for each stat is 4. This narrows the range of possible IVs, increasing the odds of getting a Hundo to approximately 1 in 1728.
4. How do Lucky Trades increase the odds of getting a Hundo?
Lucky Pokémon have a minimum IV of 12 in each stat. This significantly increases the odds of obtaining a Hundo through trading, resulting in roughly a 1 in 64 chance.
5. Should I purify a Shadow Pokémon in hopes of getting a Hundo?
If a Shadow Pokémon has at least 13 IVs in each stat, purification will result in a Hundo. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon increases each IV by 2. Analyze the Shadow Pokémon before you purify.
6. Is there any way to increase a Pokémon’s IVs after it’s been caught?
No, generally, you cannot increase a Pokémon’s IVs after it has been caught. Except through purification of a Shadow Pokemon. Trading will shuffle a Pokemon’s IVs, but not necessarily increase the total IVs.
7. Are Hundos always the best choice for battles?
While Hundos offer the highest potential CP, they aren’t always the best choice for battles, particularly in the Great League and Ultra League PvP formats. In these leagues, Pokémon are capped at certain CP levels (1500 and 2500, respectively). Pokémon with lower Attack IVs and higher Defense/HP IVs can sometimes reach higher levels within those CP caps, giving them an edge in terms of overall bulk and stat product.
8. What is a “Nundo,” and is it rare?
A Nundo is a Pokémon with 0 IVs in all three stats. While it is a novelty, it is much rarer than a Hundo to encounter.
9. Why is a “Shundo” so highly valued?
A Shundo (Shiny Hundo) combines two rare characteristics – shininess and perfect IVs. This makes it an exceptionally rare and sought-after Pokémon, symbolizing the pinnacle of luck and dedication in Pokémon GO.
10. Does Ditto retain its IVs when it transforms?
No, Ditto does not retain its original IVs when it transforms. Instead, it adopts the IVs of the Pokémon it is mimicking.
11. How do I become Lucky Friends with someone?
You become Lucky Friends by interacting with a Best Friend (i.e., battling together, raiding together, trading gifts). The interaction will be random, and then your friend’s avatar in your friends list will have a different appearance. This will only last for one trade before you have to become Lucky Friends again.
12. Can Legendary Pokémon be Hundos?
Yes, Legendary Pokémon can be Hundos. Although finding a Hundo Legendary is challenging due to the raid-only nature of many Legendaries, it is certainly possible. Raid encounters have a higher IV floor than wild encounters, increasing the odds.
13. What’s the best way to maximize my chances of getting a Hundo?
The best approach involves a combination of strategies: participating in raids and research tasks, hatching eggs, and utilizing Lucky Trades with Best Friends. Actively seeking out weather-boosted spawns can also slightly improve your odds in the wild.
14. Is it worth investing resources into a non-Hundo Pokémon?
Yes, it can be worth investing resources into a high IV (but not perfect) Pokemon, as the difference between a 100% IV and a 98% IV is not significant. For players without Hundos, it is worth using a 96-98% IV Pokemon for raids, gym battles, and PvP.
15. Are certain Pokémon species more likely to be Hundos?
No, all Pokémon species have the same likelihood of being Hundos. The IVs are generated randomly, and there is no inherent bias towards any specific species.
The Joy of the Hunt
The pursuit of Hundos is a captivating aspect of Pokémon GO, driving trainers to explore, battle, and connect with others. While luck plays a significant role, understanding the mechanics of IVs and utilizing strategic approaches can increase your chances of obtaining these coveted creatures. Happy hunting, and may your next catch be a perfect Hundo!
To delve deeper into the mechanics of gaming and learning, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization provides valuable insights into the intersection of games and education, offering a wealth of knowledge for educators, researchers, and gamers alike.