Are Nundos Rare in Pokémon GO? Unveiling the Elusive Zero-IV Pokemon

Yes, nundos, Pokémon with 0% Individual Values (IVs) across all stats (Attack, Defense, and HP), are indeed rare in Pokémon GO. They are often considered rarer than hundos (perfect IV Pokémon) due to the game mechanics that inherently skew IV distributions away from zero. The scarcity of nundos makes them a coveted trophy for collectors and players seeking unique challenges within the game. This article delves into why nundos are rare, how they compare to other sought-after Pokémon, and answers frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of these elusive creatures.

Understanding IVs and Rarity

In Pokémon GO, Individual Values (IVs) are hidden stats that range from 0 to 15 for Attack, Defense, and HP. These values are added to the base stats of a Pokémon species, influencing its overall combat power (CP). A Pokémon with all IVs at 15 is considered a hundo, boasting maximum potential for its species. Conversely, a Pokémon with all IVs at 0 is a nundo, possessing the lowest possible stats.

The rarity of nundos stems from several factors:

• IV Floors: Many in-game mechanics, such as weather boosts, research encounters, raids, and lucky trades, guarantee a minimum IV for Pokémon caught through these methods. These IV floors effectively eliminate the possibility of encountering nundos in these scenarios.
• Purification: Shadow Pokémon initially have boosted Attack stats but reduced Defense. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon increases its IVs, further decreasing the likelihood of obtaining a nundo.
• Natural Spawns: While wild Pokémon spawns don’t have IV floors, the sheer number of possible IV combinations makes zero IVs statistically unlikely.
• Community Day Bonuses: Community Days often boost the spawn rate of a particular pokemon, but those catches can be affected by weather and research tasks which affect IV Floors.

Nundos vs. Hundos: A Comparison

While both nundos and hundos are rare, the conditions that increase the likelihood of finding one often decrease the likelihood of finding the other. Hundos are highly desirable for their competitive viability, while nundos are prized for their rarity and novelty. Shiny nundos are perhaps the rarest find of all.

The relative rarity of nundos and hundos often depends on the specific circumstances. For example, during events that boost IV floors, hundos become relatively more common, while nundos become even rarer. Conversely, mass-catching Pokémon in the wild without any IV boosts provides the best chance of finding a nundo, though the odds remain slim.

FAQs: All About Nundos in Pokémon GO

1. How rare is a 0% IV Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

A fully 0% IV Pokémon is extremely rare. The probability of encountering a nundo in the wild without any IV floors is approximately 1 in 4096 (16x16x16 possible IV combinations). However, IV floors from various in-game mechanics significantly reduce the chances of finding a nundo.

2. Are nundos rarer than shinies?

Generally, shinies are more common than nundos in most scenarios. The base shiny rate for wild encounters is around 1 in 500, while the probability of a nundo is 1 in 4096 in unboosted conditions. However, some events can boost shiny rates for specific Pokémon, potentially making them more common than nundos for a limited time. Note that legendaries from Raids have even better odds for their shiny rate.

3. What’s the best way to find a nundo?

The best way to find a nundo is to catch Pokémon in the wild without any IV-boosting factors such as weather boost, research tasks, raids, or trades. This maximizes your chances of encountering a Pokémon with completely random IVs. Using Incense or Lure Modules can increase the number of wild spawns, thereby increasing your opportunities to find a nundo.

4. Do weather boosts affect the chances of finding a nundo?

Yes, weather boosts guarantee a minimum IV of 4 for each stat, making it impossible to find nundos for Pokémon boosted by the current weather.

5. Can you get a nundo from a raid?

No, you cannot get a nundo from a raid. Raid encounters have a minimum IV floor of 10 for each stat, preventing the possibility of encountering a nundo.

6. Are shadow Pokémon more likely to be nundos?

Shadow Pokémon themselves are not inherently more likely to be nundos. However, they start with boosted attack and 0 defense, and purify them will increase the IV, making them less likely to be nundos.

7. Does trading affect the IVs of a Pokémon, and does it influence nundo potential?

Trading randomizes the IVs of Pokémon. While this can lead to better IVs, it can also result in worse IVs, even potentially creating a nundo from a Pokémon with initially higher IVs. Lucky Trades, however, guarantee a minimum IV floor, thus preventing nundos.

8. Should I keep a nundo?

Whether to keep a nundo is a matter of personal preference. From a competitive standpoint, nundos are generally useless. However, they are highly valued by collectors for their rarity and uniqueness. Keeping a nundo is a fun way to add a unique trophy to your Pokémon collection.

9. Is there a community dedicated to nundo hunting?

Yes, there are dedicated online communities and social media groups for nundo hunters. These communities share tips, strategies, and sightings of nundos, fostering a collaborative environment for enthusiasts.

10. Can Community Day Pokémon be nundos?

Yes, Community Day Pokémon can be nundos, but it is rare. Community Days often boost the spawn rate of a particular Pokémon, increasing the chances of encountering a nundo in the wild. However, weather boosts during the event can make it more difficult to find nundos.

11. Are there any Pokémon species more likely to be nundos than others?

No, there is no evidence to suggest that any specific Pokémon species is inherently more likely to be a nundo than others. The probability of encountering a nundo is primarily determined by the IV mechanics of the game, not by species.

12. Can you get a nundo from research tasks?

No, you cannot get a nundo from research tasks. Research task encounters have a minimum IV floor, preventing the possibility of encountering a nundo.

13. Are shiny nundos even rarer?

Yes, shiny nundos are exceptionally rare. The probability of encountering a shiny nundo is the product of the individual probabilities of finding a shiny and finding a nundo, making it an extremely coveted and elusive prize.

14. What’s the appeal of collecting nundos?

The appeal of collecting nundos lies in their rarity and uniqueness. Nundos represent the opposite end of the spectrum from the highly sought-after hundos, providing a unique collecting challenge and a sense of accomplishment for those who manage to find them. The hunt for nundos adds an extra layer of depth and excitement to the Pokémon GO experience.

15. How does the Games Learning Society relate to Pokémon GO and collecting nundos?

While seemingly unrelated, the phenomenon of nundo collecting in Pokémon GO exemplifies the Games Learning Society‘s focus on understanding how games foster learning and community building. GamesLearningSociety.org explores how players develop strategies, share knowledge, and create unique challenges within game environments, as seen in the dedication and collaborative spirit of nundo hunters. The pursuit of nundos demonstrates how players can find unique forms of engagement and create their own goals within a game, highlighting the potential for games to inspire creativity and foster a sense of community. The Games Learning Society seeks to understand these emergent behaviors and their implications for education and broader social contexts.