Cracking the Code: How to Tell if a Pokémon Has Good IVs

So, you’re on the hunt for the perfect Pokémon, a true powerhouse ready to dominate raids, crush PvP battles, or simply be a dazzling addition to your collection. One crucial element in achieving this is understanding and identifying Individual Values (IVs). But how exactly do you tell if a Pokémon boasts those coveted high IVs?

The short answer is a combination of in-game tools, external calculators, and a healthy dose of trainer’s intuition. Primarily, you’ll use the in-game appraisal system (present in most modern Pokémon games), IV calculators (available on various websites and apps), and, if applicable, judge functions that reveal precise IV numbers. Let’s dive deep into each method and explore how they can help you distinguish a future champion from a mere commoner.

Decoding the Secrets of Individual Values

IVs, or Individual Values, are essentially a Pokémon’s genetic potential. Think of them as inherited traits that give each Pokémon a unique edge. They range from 0 to 31 for each of a Pokémon’s six stats: HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. The higher the IV in a given stat, the better that stat will be when the Pokémon reaches its maximum potential (usually level 100). This difference, while seemingly small at low levels, can be significant at higher levels and can be the difference between victory and defeat in competitive battles.

Utilizing In-Game Appraisal Systems

Modern Pokémon games, especially those on mobile platforms like Pokémon GO and mainline console games after Pokémon: Let’s Go, feature appraisal systems. These systems, usually accessed through a Pokémon’s details screen, provide a general assessment of a Pokémon’s IVs via phrases or marks.

• Pokémon GO Appraisal: Team Leaders (Blanche, Candela, and Spark) give appraisals using specific phrases that indicate the Pokémon’s overall potential and its highest individual stats. Learn what each phrase corresponds to in terms of IV ranges. A perfect appraisal will indicate the Pokémon has a perfect IV.

• Mainline Game Judge Function: In games like Pokémon Sword and Shield and later titles, you can unlock the Judge function after completing certain post-game objectives. This feature allows you to see a more granular assessment, with phrases like “Best” indicating a perfect IV of 31, “Pretty Good” being average, and so on. This can allow for a more precise understanding of your Pokémons IV’s.

While these systems don’t give you the exact IV numbers, they’re an excellent starting point for quickly identifying potentially strong Pokémon. Pay close attention to the phrases used, and keep a reference chart handy to translate them into IV ranges.

Unleashing the Power of IV Calculators

For a more precise understanding of your Pokémon’s IVs, IV calculators are indispensable. These calculators, available as websites and apps, use a Pokémon’s species, level, stats, and appraisal information to estimate its IVs.

Here’s how they generally work:

1. Input the Required Data: You’ll typically need to enter the Pokémon’s species, current level, CP (Combat Power, in Pokémon GO), HP, Attack, Defense, and Special Attack stats.

2. Specify Appraisal Information: Many calculators incorporate appraisal information, allowing you to narrow down the IV range based on the phrases used by the in-game appraisal system.

3. Receive an IV Range: The calculator will then provide a possible range of IVs for each stat. Keep in mind that this is still an estimate, as some combinations of IVs can result in the same stats at a given level.

4. Powering Up and Refining the Estimate: To get a more precise estimate, you can power up the Pokémon and re-enter the data into the calculator. Each power-up narrows down the possibilities until you have a clearer picture of its IVs.

Level and Evolutions

Remember that IVs are set at the time of encounter or hatching and do not change with level or evolution. A Pokémon with high IVs at level 1 will retain those high IVs when it evolves and reaches level 100. This makes early IV assessments crucial, especially when planning for long-term team building.

FAQs: Mastering the Art of IV Identification

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the world of Pokémon IVs:

1. What are the benefits of having high IVs? High IVs result in stronger stats at every level, leading to increased damage output, greater durability, and faster speed. This advantage can be decisive in battles, raids, and even catching other Pokémon.

2. Do IVs matter in casual gameplay? While not as critical as in competitive scenarios, high IVs still provide a noticeable advantage in casual gameplay. Your Pokémon will perform better in Gym battles, raids, and even Trainer battles with friends.

3. How do I find a good IV calculator? Search online for “Pokémon IV calculator” and look for reputable sites with positive reviews. Many popular Pokémon fan sites offer reliable IV calculators.

4. Can IVs be changed? In some games, such as the Pokémon Sword and Shield and other mainline games, you can use Bottle Caps to Hyper Train a Pokémon, effectively maximizing its stats to simulate perfect IVs for that specific Pokémon. Note that these stat boosts are not true IV changes.

5. Are there any items that directly reveal IVs? Not directly. The Judge function is typically unlocked after completing post-game content and allows you to see relative IVs (e.g., “Best,” “Fantastic”).

6. What is the ideal IV spread for a Pokémon? The ideal IV spread depends on the Pokémon and its role in your team. Generally, having high IVs in the stats that are most crucial for that Pokémon’s strategy is optimal. Attackers benefit from high Attack and Speed, while defensive Pokémon need high HP, Defense, and Special Defense.

7. Do Shinies have better IVs? No, a Shiny Pokémon’s appearance is independent of its IVs. A Shiny Pokémon can have terrible IVs, just as a non-Shiny Pokémon can have perfect IVs.

8. What are “Natures” and how do they relate to IVs? Natures are separate from IVs, but they also influence a Pokémon’s stats. A Nature will boost one stat by 10% and decrease another by 10%. Choosing a Nature that complements your Pokémon’s strengths and IVs is vital for maximizing its potential.

9. Are there any Pokémon that don’t need good IVs? Some support Pokémon, whose primary role is to use status moves or heal allies, may not need perfect IVs in offensive stats. However, having high HP and defensive IVs is still beneficial for survivability.

10. How do I increase my chances of finding Pokémon with high IVs? In Pokémon GO, participating in raids and hatching eggs offer higher chances of encountering Pokémon with better IVs compared to wild encounters. Some events also feature boosted IV floors for wild spawns.

11. What does a “perfect” IV Pokémon mean? A perfect IV Pokémon has an IV of 31 in all six stats (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed).

12. Does breeding affect IVs? Yes. In mainline games, breeding mechanics allow you to pass down IVs from parents to offspring. Items like the Destiny Knot can guarantee that certain IVs are inherited, making it easier to breed Pokémon with high IVs.

13. What is the difference between IVs and EVs (Effort Values)? IVs are inherent and unchangeable, representing a Pokémon’s genetic potential. EVs, on the other hand, are earned through battling and training and can be manipulated to further customize a Pokémon’s stats.

14. How important are IVs compared to a Pokémon’s moveset? Both IVs and movesets are crucial. High IVs provide a solid foundation for a Pokémon’s stats, while a strong moveset allows it to effectively utilize those stats in battle. A Pokémon with great IVs but a poor moveset may struggle to perform well.

15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon strategy and mechanics? You can find a wealth of information on Pokémon strategy, game mechanics, and community resources at the Games Learning Society website. Explore their resources to deepen your knowledge and connect with other passionate players. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for valuable insights!

Conclusion: Become an IV Master

Understanding and identifying Pokémon IVs is a journey of learning and refinement. By combining the in-game appraisal systems, IV calculators, and a solid understanding of Pokémon mechanics, you can significantly increase your chances of finding and training exceptional Pokémon. So, go forth, Trainer, and conquer the world with your perfectly-IVed team!