Can a Pokémon’s IV Change? Unlocking the Secrets of Individual Values
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The short answer is: generally, no, a Pokémon’s Individual Values (IVs) do not change after it’s been caught. However, like any good rule, there are a few crucial exceptions to be aware of that can alter a Pokémon’s IVs. Let’s dive into the details of IVs and explore the circumstances under which they can change.
Understanding Individual Values (IVs)
Before discussing the nuances of IV changes, it’s essential to understand what IVs are. IVs are hidden stats that are assigned to each Pokémon upon generation, acting as a sort of genetic potential for each stat. These values range from 0 to 31 for each of the following stats: HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. A Pokémon with an IV of 31 in Attack will have a noticeably higher Attack stat at level 100 than an identical Pokémon of the same species with an Attack IV of 0.
Think of IVs as a Pokémon’s inherent potential. Two Pokémon of the same species can have the same level, same moves, and even the same Effort Values (EVs), but their IVs will determine which one ultimately reaches its maximum stat potential. IVs are like a “genetic lottery” for Pokémon, influencing their strength and viability in battles.
The Immutable Nature of IVs (Most of the Time)
For the vast majority of Pokémon, their IVs are fixed the moment you encounter them. That means that a Pokémon you catch in the wild, hatch from an egg, or receive as a research reward will have set IVs that do not change as it levels up, evolves, or learns new moves. This is because IVs are inherent and are assigned as soon as the Pokémon is generated, so the Pokémon cannot alter them by itself.
Exceptions to the Rule: When IVs Can Change
While the stability of IVs is a fundamental rule, there are specific circumstances in certain games where IVs can be altered. It is very important to know what these circumstances are.
Trading
One of the most well-known exceptions to the “no IV change” rule occurs when trading Pokémon with another player in some Pokémon games, such as Pokémon GO. In games where trading IV changes occur, IVs are rerolled upon trade. This means that a Pokémon with perfect IVs (15/15/15 in Pokémon GO) might end up with significantly lower IVs after being traded. This is a gamble that has to be considered before starting a trade.
The range of possible IVs after a trade can depend on factors like your friendship level with the other player in Pokémon GO. Higher friendship levels increase the chances of getting a Pokémon with better IVs. However, there’s still no guarantee that a perfect IV Pokémon will retain its perfect stats after the trade.
Purification of Shadow Pokémon
In Pokémon GO, Shadow Pokémon captured from Team Rocket grunts initially have modified stats and a shadow boost. These Shadow Pokémon can be purified, which has a very good impact on their IVs. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon grants +2 to each of its IVs. So, if you purify a Shadow Pokémon with 13/13/13 IVs, it will turn into a regular Pokémon with perfect 15/15/15 IVs.
This purification process is a significant way to improve a Pokémon’s IVs. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits of the IV boost against the potential loss of the Shadow Pokémon’s attack boost, which makes them deal more damage.
Hyper Training
In some of the core Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Sword and Shield, there’s a feature called Hyper Training that allows you to max out a Pokémon’s stats as if it had perfect IVs (31) in all stats. Hyper Training does not actually change the underlying IVs, but it compensates for them by maximizing the stat calculation.
To use Hyper Training, you need to reach the post-game and collect Bottle Caps or a Gold Bottle Cap. Talk to the NPC in the Battle Tower, and he can train your Pokémon to have maximum stats. Note that Hyper Training cannot be used until a Pokémon reaches level 100. Also, IVs passed down during breeding are not affected by hyper training.
Why IVs Matter
Understanding IVs and how they can (or cannot) be changed is essential for serious Pokémon trainers who want to maximize their team’s potential. While a casual player might not notice the difference between a Pokémon with perfect IVs and one with mediocre IVs, the stat difference becomes significant in competitive battles and challenging raids.
IVs are a complex, hidden mechanic that influence a Pokémon’s maximum stat potential. While IVs generally remain fixed, there are specific circumstances in which they can change, such as through trading or purification. Understanding these exceptions will help you make informed decisions about your Pokémon team and give you a competitive edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pokémon IVs:
1. How do I check my Pokémon’s IVs?
In Pokémon GO, you can check IVs by using the Appraisal feature. Your Team Leader will give you feedback about your Pokémon’s stats, and you can use this information to estimate its IVs. In core Pokémon games, you can unlock the Judge function in the PC after completing certain tasks, such as battling in the Battle Tower. The Judge function allows you to see a Pokémon’s IVs.
2. What is the highest IV for a Pokémon?
The highest possible IV for each stat is 31. A Pokémon with 31 IVs in every stat is considered to have perfect IVs. In Pokémon GO, the equivalent of this is having 15 IVs in Attack, Defense, and HP.
3. How rare is a 100% IV Pokémon?
The probability of catching or hatching a Pokémon with perfect IVs (100%) is quite low. In Pokémon GO, it is approximately 1 in 4096 for wild encounters and eggs. Weather boosted Pokémon have a higher chance of having better IVs.
4. Do IVs change when a Pokémon evolves?
No, IVs do not change when a Pokémon evolves. The IVs are set at the time of encounter and remain consistent throughout the Pokémon’s evolution. This makes it important to check a Pokémon’s IVs before evolving it, to avoid investing resources in a Pokémon with poor potential.
5. Can you increase a Pokémon’s IVs?
Generally, no. Once a Pokémon is caught or hatched, its IVs are fixed and cannot be directly increased. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, purifying a Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO increases each of its IVs by 2. Another exception is Hyper Training which doesn’t actually increase the IVs but it helps with stat calculations.
6. What happens if you trade a 100% IV Pokémon?
When you trade a Pokémon in games like Pokémon GO, its IVs are rerolled. This means that a 100% IV Pokémon might lose its perfect stats upon trade. This is why it’s generally not advisable to trade perfect IV Pokémon unless you are willing to take the risk.
7. Should I evolve a 3-star Pokémon?
In Pokémon GO, a 3-star Pokémon has relatively good IVs, usually in the range of 80-99% perfect. Whether you should evolve it depends on your goals. If you are looking for a strong Pokémon for battles or raids, evolving a 3-star Pokémon is a good choice. If you want a perfect IV Pokémon, then you should continue your search.
8. Is a 0 IV Pokémon rare?
Yes, a Pokémon with 0 IVs in all stats is considered quite rare. It is similarly as rare to find a perfect IV Pokémon.
9. How do IVs get passed down in breeding?
In the core Pokémon games, IVs can be passed down from parents to offspring during breeding. Giving one of the parents a Destiny Knot to hold will ensure that five of their combined IVs are passed down to the child.
10. What is the lowest IV in Pokémon?
The lowest possible IV for each stat is 0.
11. Are 0-star Pokémon worth keeping?
In Pokémon GO, 0-star Pokémon have poor IVs. Generally, it’s not worth investing resources in powering up or evolving 0-star Pokémon. They should likely be transferred to make room for better Pokémon.
12. How much does IV change in Pokémon Go?
In Pokémon GO, IVs can range from 0 to 15 in each stat. While these numbers might seem small, they can have a significant impact on a Pokémon’s overall stats, especially at higher levels.
13. Should I purify Shadow Pokémon?
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon can give a boost to its IVs, but it also removes the Shadow boost, which increases attack power. Whether to purify a Shadow Pokémon depends on your priorities. If you want a Pokémon with better IVs, purify it. If you want a Pokémon with higher damage output, keep it as a Shadow Pokémon.
14. What is a good IV value for a Pokémon?
A good IV value depends on your goals. For casual play, any Pokémon with decent IVs (e.g., 10 or higher in each stat) can be viable. For competitive play, you’ll want to aim for Pokémon with as many maxed-out IVs (31 in core games or 15 in Pokémon GO) as possible.
15. Are two-star Pokémon worth keeping?
Two-star Pokémon have moderate IVs and can be useful, especially if you don’t have access to better Pokémon. They can be worth keeping until you find something with higher potential.
Hopefully, this article has shed light on the fascinating world of Pokémon IVs and the circumstances under which they can change. Remember to check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website for more insights into gaming and learning! To learn more about video games and education check out the Games Learning Society website.