Are Big or Small Pokémon Better? Unveiling the Truth Behind Pokémon Sizes
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In the vast and exciting world of Pokémon, one question has puzzled trainers for years: Are big or small Pokémon better? The short answer is: it depends on the game and the specific scenario, but generally, size is more of a novelty than a direct advantage. In the core series games, size is largely cosmetic, while in Pokémon GO, specific size designations (XXS, XXL, and XL) can influence things like Buddy interactions, record-keeping, and even PvP strategies. Let’s dive deeper into the intricacies of Pokémon sizes and what they mean for your gameplay.
Understanding Pokémon Size Mechanics
Core Series Games
In the main series Pokémon games, like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the size and weight of a Pokémon have almost no impact on its stats or battle performance. A Pokémon’s stats are primarily determined by its base stats, which are fixed for each species, and its Individual Values (IVs) and Effort Values (EVs), which can be trained and raised by the player. While some moves, like Heavy Slam, do exist and have damage output based on weight of the user versus the weight of the target Pokémon, these are not commonly used and rarely have any impact on the overall gameplay.
Pokémon GO: A Different Story
Pokémon GO introduces a more nuanced system where size, particularly when designated as XXS (extra extra small), XXL (extra extra large), or XL (extra large), matters more than just visual appeal.
- XXS and XXL Pokémon: These are primarily cosmetic and are used for record-keeping. Catching the smallest or largest Pokémon of a particular species will update your record and trigger celebratory messages. They also appear visually distinct as your Buddy.
- XL Pokémon: This designation signifies a Pokémon that is powered up beyond level 40. This is particularly relevant for PvP, especially in leagues with CP caps, where an XL Pokémon can potentially reach the CP cap with more optimal IVs (e.g., lower Attack, higher Defense and HP).
Size as a Novelty
While practical implications are limited, the thrill of catching an XXS or XXL Pokémon is undeniable. These Pokémon are rare, with estimated odds of around 1 in 31,500. Displaying these unusual finds as your Buddy or Overworld Partner adds a personal touch to your Pokémon GO experience.
The PvP Factor
In Pokémon GO PvP, the XL designation holds significant weight. Because PvP leagues have CP caps, the level of a Pokémon is very important to get the most amount of stats out of a Pokémon without going over the cap. XL Pokémon can be powered up closer to the CP cap while maintaining an ideal stat distribution. For example, in Great League, where the CP cap is 1500, some Pokémon like Azumarill perform better with lower Attack IVs, and achieving this optimal stat distribution is possible using XL candies. Therefore, getting an XL Pokémon for PvP can be a huge boon.
Is Size a Direct Indicator of Strength?
No. A larger or smaller Pokémon does not inherently have better stats. The Pokemon’s size or weight does not affect its base stats, IVs, or EVs. Strength in the game is determined by:
- Base Stats: Every Pokémon species has predetermined base stats for Attack, Defense, HP, Special Attack, and Special Defense.
- Individual Values (IVs): These are hidden stats that range from 0 to 15 for each stat.
- Effort Values (EVs): These are gained through battling and can be strategically allocated to improve specific stats.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Pokémon Sizes
1. Does the weight of a Pokémon affect its battle performance?
Generally, no. In most Pokémon games, weight is largely a cosmetic factor. There may be specific moves or niche situations where weight plays a role, but these are rare.
2. Are XL Pokémon inherently better?
In Pokémon GO PvP, XL Pokémon can be advantageous because they can be powered up to higher levels, allowing for optimized IV spreads within CP limits.
3. Are XXS Pokémon good or bad?
There is nothing inherently good or bad about an XXS Pokémon. They are primarily a novelty, and catching one is a rare achievement.
4. Should I keep XXL Pokémon?
Keeping an XXL Pokémon is a personal choice. While they don’t offer any inherent stat advantages, they are rare and can be used to update size records.
5. How rare are XXS and XXL Pokémon?
XXS and XXL Pokémon are extremely rare, with estimated odds of around 1 in 31,500.
6. Do bigger Pokémon do more damage?
No, size does not directly correlate to damage output. Damage is determined by a Pokémon’s stats, move power, and type matchups.
7. Do XL Pokémon stay XL when evolved?
The XL, XXS, and XXL designations are independent of evolution. Height and weight are determined randomly upon evolution, so an XXL Pokémon might not stay XXL after evolving.
8. Does it matter if Pokémon are big?
Size doesn’t bear any importance to stats. Focus on IVs, as they are the keys to Pokémon performance in battle.
9. Why are XL Pokémon better?
XL Pokémon can be closer to the CP cap. Also, in Azumarill’s case it can reach the CP cap with more optimal IVs (i.e. lower Attack), which is why it’s ranked higher.
10. What is the point of XXL Pokémon?
Catching XXS and XXL Pokémon updates the record if they are smaller, larger, lighter or heavier than the previously caught Pokémon of the same specie.
11. Are shiny Pokémon stronger?
No, shininess is a cosmetic trait. Shiny Pokémon have the same stats and potential as their non-shiny counterparts.
12. Can Pokémon change their size?
The size of a Pokémon is fixed once it’s encountered. As a game set in one of the earliest time periods in Pokemon history, Arceus changes and elaborates on many elements of the series’ lore, such as retconning Indian Elephants from Raichu and Gastly’s Pokedex. One big example of this is that it seems to have confirmed that all Pokemon can shrink themselves.
13. Are light or heavy Pokémon better?
The height and weight have no meaning apart from specific moves. Depending on the move you may want to be light as a feather or heavy as house so it’s all relative and each has advantages.
14. Should I purify Shadow Pokemon?
Shadow Pokemon works as angry Pokemon and will deal damage more faster then Normal or Purified Pokemon. The attack power of a Shadow Pokemon is boosted by 1.2x or 20%, making its fast attack hit significantly harder. So it’s better to keep them unpurified.
15. What are the odds of getting a XXS Pokémon?
„They’re stupendously rare, rarer than 10k pokemon checked. The odds of getting one, requiring 4 standard deviations of height, is 1/31,500. So it is very possible for all of your friends to never get one or notice one being transferred.
Concluding Thoughts
While the size of a Pokémon might not always be the determining factor in its strength, it does add a layer of intrigue and collectibility to the Pokémon experience. Whether you’re chasing those elusive XXS and XXL Pokémon for bragging rights or strategically powering up XL Pokémon for PvP dominance, size certainly plays a role in shaping your Pokémon journey. Don’t just focus on the size, though; understanding base stats, IVs, and EVs is crucial for building a truly powerful team.
And if you are interested in learning more about how video games can promote learning, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to enjoy the game and collect Pokémon that you love, regardless of their size. Happy catching!