Does CP or IV Matter More?
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.
In the world of Pokémon Go, the question of whether CP (Combat Power) or IV (Individual Values) matters more is a frequent topic of discussion among trainers, with the answer being that IVs are 100% more important than CP due to their impact on a Pokémon’s overall potential and performance. While CP is a measure of a Pokémon’s current power level, IVs determine its inherent strengths and weaknesses, making them a crucial factor in determining a Pokémon’s long-term value and viability in battles.
Understanding CP and IVs
To truly grasp the significance of CP and IVs, it’s essential to understand how they work. CP is a calculated value based on a Pokémon’s base stats, level, and IVs, and it represents a Pokémon’s current power level. On the other hand, IVs are hidden stats that range from 0 to 31 for each of a Pokémon’s attributes, such as HP, Attack, and Defense, and they play a significant role in determining a Pokémon’s overall potential.
FAQs
Q1: Is CP or IV More Important?
IVs are more important because they determine a Pokémon’s inherent strengths and weaknesses and cannot be changed, whereas CP can be increased through powering up.
Q2: How Much Do IVs Affect CP?
IVs can make a significant difference in a Pokémon’s CP, with a maximum difference of about 10% between the best and worst Pokémon of the same species.
Q3: Can You Tell IV Based on CP?
No, you cannot directly determine a Pokémon’s IVs based on its CP, but you can use an IV Calculator to estimate its IVs based on its CP, level, and Stardust requirements.
Q4: Should You Evolve a 0-Star Pokémon?
It’s not recommended to evolve a 0-star Pokémon unless you don’t have another Pokémon of the same species, as 0-star Pokémon have very low IVs and may not perform well in battles.
Q5: Are 0 IV Pokémon Good for PvP?
No, 0 IV Pokémon are not suitable for PvP battles, as high IV Pokémon have a significant advantage in terms of CP and overall performance.
Q6: How Important is CP in Pokémon Go?
CP is important in Pokémon Go as it determines a Pokémon’s current power level and performance in battles, but IVs are more important in the long run.
Q7: Should You Max CP Before Evolving?
No, it doesn’t matter if you max CP before or after evolving a Pokémon, as the CP it reaches won’t change.
Q8: Is it Best to Evolve Pokémon with the Highest CP?
Not always, as a Pokémon’s CP may not accurately reflect its overall strength and potential, and IVs should be considered when deciding which Pokémon to evolve.
Q9: Are Pokémon with Higher CP Better?
Higher CP Pokémon have an advantage in battles, but IVs and other factors like move sets and typing also play a significant role in determining a Pokémon’s overall strength.
Q10: How Rare is Perfect IVs?
The chance of getting perfect IVs is 1 in 4,096, or 0.0244%, making perfect IV Pokémon extremely rare and valuable.
Q11: What is a Perfect 3-Star Pokémon?
A perfect 3-star Pokémon has 100% perfect IVs, indicated by three stars and a red stamp, making it a highly desirable and powerful Pokémon.
Q12: Are Lucky Pokémon Always 3 Stars?
No, Lucky Pokémon can have IVs ranging from 12/12/12 to 15/15/15, and their star rating is determined by their IVs, with 3-star being the highest rating.
Q13: Are Shiny Pokémon Stronger?
No, Shiny Pokémon are not stronger or weaker than their non-Shiny counterparts, and their stats and IVs are the same as those of regular Pokémon.
Q14: Can You Change a Pokémon’s Star Rating?
No, a Pokémon’s star rating is determined by its IVs and cannot be changed, although purifying a Pokémon can improve its IVs and star rating.
Q15: What Do Perfect IVs Look Like?
Perfect IVs mean having a value of 31 in all stats’ IVs, resulting in maximum stats and potential for a Pokémon, although this is extremely rare and difficult to achieve.