Are XXL Pokémon Rare in Pokémon GO? Unveiling the Mystery of Giant-Sized Catches

The short answer is yes, XXL Pokémon are relatively rare in Pokémon GO, though not in the same vein as encountering a shiny or a perfect IV (100% IV) specimen. XXL Pokémon, along with their counterparts, XXS Pokémon, represent the extreme ends of the height and weight spectrum for a given species. While the exact odds are not explicitly stated by Niantic, the community has gathered evidence suggesting that finding Pokémon significantly outside the average size range is uncommon. Think of it like this: while most members of a species are roughly the same size, some are naturally bigger or smaller, but those are less frequently encountered.

Understanding Size Variations in Pokémon GO

Before diving deeper into rarity, it’s crucial to understand how size works in Pokémon GO. Each Pokémon species has an average height and weight. When you encounter a Pokémon, its specific height and weight are randomly generated, with most falling within a certain range around that average. However, some Pokémon will deviate significantly, resulting in the “XL” (Extra Large), “XS” (Extra Small), “XXL” (Extra Extra Large), or “XXS” (Extra Extra Small) designations.

These designations are purely cosmetic and do not directly impact a Pokémon’s Combat Power (CP), HP (Hit Points), or other battle stats. They are essentially visual indicators of a Pokémon’s size relative to its species. The game tracks your record for the smallest and largest Pokémon of each species, providing a small celebratory message when you break one of these records.

The Role of Standard Deviations

The initial text from which your request was derived states that XXL Pokémon require 4 standard deviations of height, resulting in a 1/31,500 chance of finding one. This is a very rare situation.

Why the Perceived Rarity?

While the exact probability of encountering an XXL Pokémon remains unconfirmed by Niantic, several factors contribute to their perceived rarity:

• Random Distribution: The size generation is random. While most Pokémon will fall near the average, the further you deviate from that average, the less likely you are to encounter one.
• Lack of Visual Cues: Unlike shinies, there’s no visual indicator on the overworld map to suggest a Pokémon is XXL or XXS. You only discover its size after catching it. This means many potentially record-breaking Pokémon might be transferred without players even realizing it.
• Focus on Other Metrics: Most players prioritize IVs, shininess, and event-exclusive Pokémon. The size of a Pokémon often becomes an afterthought, leading to less focused searching.
• No Functional Advantage: The lack of any gameplay advantage associated with XXL or XXS Pokémon reduces the incentive to actively seek them out. Most players simply want strong battlers or rare shinies, and size is not relevant to either.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into XXL Pokémon

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the role and rarity of XXL Pokémon in Pokémon GO:

1. Are XXL Pokémon stronger in battle?

No, XXL Pokémon are not inherently stronger. Their size does not influence their stats, CP, or battle performance. A Pokémon’s strength is determined by its IVs (Individual Values), level, and moveset.

2. Do XXL Pokémon evolve differently?

No, the size of a Pokémon does not affect its evolution. An XXL Pokémon will evolve into the same form as any other Pokémon of that species, regardless of size. Furthermore, the evolved form will be randomly assigned a size (XXS, XS, XL, XXL).

3. Does weight affect anything in Pokémon GO?

Weight, like height, is purely cosmetic. It doesn’t influence battle performance, evolution, or any other gameplay aspect.

4. What’s the point of catching XXL and XXS Pokémon?

The primary benefit is to update your records and receive a small in-game notification. It’s a fun side-activity for collectors who enjoy tracking unique aspects of their Pokémon.

5. Are XL Pokémon the same as XXL Pokémon?

No, XL and XXL are different designations. XL simply means “Extra Large,” while XXL means “Extra Extra Large.” XXL Pokémon are larger than XL Pokémon. Similarly, XS and XXS represent different levels of smallness.

6. Is it better to evolve bigger Pokémon?

No, it is not better. CP and IVs are what you should be focusing on.

7. How do I increase my chances of finding XXL Pokémon?

Since size is random, there’s no guaranteed method to increase your chances. The best approach is to simply catch as many Pokémon as possible and diligently check their sizes after catching them. Participating in events with increased spawn rates can indirectly increase your odds by providing more opportunities to encounter Pokémon.

8. Do Lucky Pokémon have a higher chance of being XXL?

There’s no evidence to suggest that Lucky Pokémon are more likely to be XXL. Luckiness affects IVs, but not height or weight. Lucky Pokémon are more likely to have great stats, so make sure to trade with friends and aim for Lucky Pokémon!

9. Are 100% IV Pokémon more likely to be XXL?

No, IVs and size are independent factors. A Pokémon can have perfect IVs and be of any size (XXS, XS, XL, XXL, or none of these).

10. How do XL Candy relate to XXL Pokémon?

XL Candy is required to level up Pokémon beyond Level 40. This is unrelated to the XL/XXL size designations.

11. Do certain Pokémon species have a higher chance of being XXL?

While anecdotal evidence suggests some species might appear to have more size variation, there’s no confirmed bias in the game code. All species have a chance to be XXL or XXS.

12. How can I tell if a Pokémon is XXL or XXS before catching it?

You can’t. The size is only revealed after you catch the Pokémon.

13. Does weather boost affect the size of Pokémon?

No, weather boost only affects the CP level and IV floor of wild Pokémon. It does not influence their height or weight.

14. Does transferring an XXL or XXS Pokémon give any bonus?

No, transferring an XXL or XXS Pokémon provides the same rewards as transferring any other Pokémon of the same species, which is typically one candy (unless it’s part of an event).

15. Where can I learn more about the mechanics of Pokémon GO?

Reliable resources for Pokémon GO information include the official Pokémon GO website, community-driven websites like Bulbapedia and Serebii.net, and reputable Pokémon GO communities on platforms like Reddit. These resources provide in-depth information about game mechanics, event details, and community discoveries. You may also want to consider visiting the Games Learning Society to read about similar games-based education. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

In Conclusion: Appreciate the Small (and Large) Victories

While XXL Pokémon may not provide a competitive edge in battles, they offer a unique and engaging aspect to Pokémon GO’s collection mechanics. Their relative rarity adds a layer of excitement to the catching experience, encouraging players to appreciate the diversity within each Pokémon species. So, keep catching, keep exploring, and who knows – you might just stumble upon a record-breaking giant of a Pokémon!