Do Lucky Pokémon Get a CP Boost in Pokémon GO? Unveiling the Truth
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, Lucky Pokémon do effectively get a CP boost, but not in the way you might think. They don’t inherently start with higher CP than a non-Lucky Pokémon of the same species and IVs. The “boost” comes from their dramatically reduced Stardust cost for powering up. Because you can power them up more easily and affordably, you can reach a higher CP much faster and with fewer resources compared to a regular Pokémon. This makes them incredibly valuable for trainers looking to optimize their teams for battles, raids, and gym defense. It’s less of an initial boost and more of an accelerated path to high CP.
The Mechanics Behind Lucky Pokémon
The magic of Lucky Pokémon lies in their unique Stardust discount. This single feature makes them desirable and potent assets in any trainer’s arsenal. The Stardust cost for powering up a Lucky Pokémon is reduced by 50%. This means that if a regular Pokémon would cost 2,000 Stardust to power up, a Lucky version of that same Pokémon would only cost 1,000 Stardust. Over the course of powering up a Pokémon to its maximum CP, this discount adds up to a significant saving. This discount stacks with that of being Purified, making a Lucky Purified Pokémon far cheaper to upgrade.
The initial IVs (Individual Values) of a Lucky Pokémon are guaranteed to be between 12 and 15 for all three stats (Attack, Defense, and HP). This means that Lucky Pokémon are, by default, reasonably strong, with a minimum appraisal of 2 stars and a high probability of being 3 stars. While not guaranteed to be perfect (15/15/15), this floor ensures that Lucky Pokémon are good candidates for investment.
Why are Lucky Pokémon so Valuable?
The value of Lucky Pokémon extends beyond just the Stardust discount. Here’s a breakdown:
-
Resource Efficiency: The reduced Stardust cost is the most prominent benefit. Stardust is a precious resource in Pokémon GO, used for powering up Pokémon, learning second Charged Attacks, and even trading. By using Lucky Pokémon, trainers can conserve significant amounts of Stardust, allowing them to power up more Pokémon overall.
-
Faster Progression: Because of the reduced Stardust cost, you can level up your Lucky Pokémon much faster. This is particularly useful for powerful Pokémon like Legendaries, Mythicals, and rare species that require a substantial investment to reach their full potential.
-
Consistent IVs: While IVs are rerolled during trades, Lucky Pokémon have a minimum IV floor of 12/12/12. This mitigates the risk of receiving a traded Pokémon with abysmal stats and ensures a baseline level of competency.
-
Aesthetic Appeal: Lucky Pokémon have a unique shimmery effect in the Pokédex and on their Pokémon Summary page. This visual distinction adds to their appeal and makes them easy to identify.
Maximizing the Benefits of Lucky Pokémon
To truly maximize the benefits of Lucky Pokémon, consider the following strategies:
-
Target Powerful Pokémon: Focus on acquiring Lucky versions of top-tier Pokémon that are strong in raids, PvP battles, or gym defense. This allows you to build a cost-effective and competitive team. Some sought-after Pokémon for Lucky trades include Mewtwo, Metagross, Rayquaza, Togekiss, Giratina, Garchomp, Kyogre, and Lucario.
-
Prioritize Pokémon with Good IVs: While Lucky Pokémon have a guaranteed minimum IV floor, aim for those with higher IVs. A Lucky Pokémon with stats closer to 15/15/15 will be a significantly stronger investment in the long run.
-
Utilize Lucky Friends: The Lucky Friends mechanic guarantees that your next trade with that friend will result in a Lucky Pokémon. Take advantage of this feature to target specific Pokémon you need or want.
-
Be Strategic with Powering Up: Even with the Stardust discount, it’s essential to be strategic about which Lucky Pokémon you power up. Prioritize those that fill a critical role in your team or have the potential to be powerful assets.
Common Misconceptions about Lucky Pokémon
-
Lucky Pokémon are not always 3 stars: While they have a higher chance of being 3 stars due to the guaranteed minimum IV floor, it is not guaranteed. The lowest IV Floor for Luckies is 12/12/12, which would be on the very end of 2*.
-
Lucky Pokémon are not always the “best” option: A Lucky Pokémon with mediocre IVs might still be less desirable than a non-Lucky Pokémon with exceptional IVs. Consider the overall stats when making investment decisions. A 13-13-13 shadow is better than a purified hundo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Lucky Pokémon to provide even more clarity:
1. Are Lucky Pokémon always strong?
No, but they have a guaranteed minimum IV floor of 12/12/12. This makes them inherently decent, but not necessarily “strong” right off the bat. The IVs go only up to 15, meaning Lucky Pokémon are in the top 20% of Pokémon by default.
2. Can shiny Pokémon be lucky?
Yes, a Pokémon can be both Shiny and Lucky! This is a very rare and desirable combination.
3. Do lucky trades give better IVs than normal trades?
Yes, Lucky Trades are guaranteed to have IVs between 12 and 15 for all three categories. However, it doesn’t guarantee an increase. If you trade a 14-14-14, you could get a perfect IV, or you could get a 12-12-12.
4. What happens if you lucky trade a 100% IV Pokémon?
Trading a 100% IV Pokémon is generally not recommended. In PoGo, traded IVs will absolutely not stay the same, regardless of level. Never trade perfect IV Pokémon. Pokémon Go will recalculate all IV stats of every Pokémon traded. It shows you the stats range it might have right on the trade screen before you hit confirm.
5. How do you guarantee a lucky trade?
When you’re Lucky Friends with another trainer, the next trade you make with them is guaranteed to give you a Lucky Pokemon. To become Lucky Friends, you have to reach the Best Friends level, first.
6. Are Lucky Pokémon lucky forever?
Yes. Evolving a Lucky Pokemon will give you an evolved Lucky Pokemon. You won’t lose the Lucky quality.
7. Can you trade Lucky Pokemon back?
No. Pokémon GO does not allow people to trade back Pokémon or trade a traded Pokémon more than once. Effectively, every trade in Pokémon GO is set in stone and can’t be undone or reversed.
8. What is the lowest IV a Lucky Pokémon can have?
The minimum IVs for Lucky Pokémon are 12 / 12 / 12.
9. Does CP change when you trade?
Yes. The CP, HP, and other stats will change when you trade. The Pokémon’s new CP and HP will appear as a range.
10. Which Pokémon is best for Lucky trade?
Some of the most sought-after Pokémon for Lucky Trades include:
- Mewtwo
- Metagross
- Rayquaza
- Togekiss
- Giratina (Altered & Origin Forme)
- Garchomp
- Kyogre
- Lucario
11. Are Purified Pokemon stronger?
Purified Pokemon will have better Appraisal and receive 2 points towards all their IVs. This can potentially bring a 2-star Shadow Pokemon to a 3-star if it’s purified. Purified Pokemon will receive a significant boost in Combat Power (CP). Purifying also makes your mon less powerful. You’re better off with a 13-13-13 shadow than a purified hundo.
12. Should I always evolve the 3 star Pokémon?
Sometimes it’s better to learn a Charged Attack before evolving the Pokemon. Evolving too many of the same species can burn through Candy very quickly. It’s recommended to only evolve a Pokemon that has high CP, or a 3/4-star Appraisal.
13. Can you change a Pokémon’s star rating?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to increase or change a Pokemon’s IVs once it’s been caught.
14. Should I purify a 4 star shadow?
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will improve their appraisal and reduce the amount of Stardust and Candy required for them to Power Up, Evolve, or learn a new attack. When Purified, a Shadow Pokémon will forget Frustration and learn Return, a Charged Attack that’s exclusive to Purified Pokémon.
15. Is it worth keeping 0 star Pokémon?
0-star Pokemon with high CP are also great for leaving in Gyms or even battling in Gyms. If GO trainers catch a Shiny Pokemon, there’s a chance it will have 0-stars. However, it’s a Shiny, meaning trainers had to be extremely lucky to even find one. A Shiny is not worth transferring even if it has a poor Appraisal.
Conclusion
Lucky Pokémon are valuable assets in Pokémon GO, providing a significant Stardust discount and guaranteed minimum IVs. While they don’t receive an immediate CP boost, they offer an accelerated path to high CP due to their reduced power-up costs. By understanding the mechanics of Lucky Pokémon and utilizing them strategically, trainers can build more powerful and resource-efficient teams. For more insights into the intersection of games and learning, explore the resources at the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The innovative research and ideas presented at GamesLearningSociety.org can provide a deeper understanding of the educational potential within games like Pokémon GO.