How to Choose the Best Pokémon to Evolve: A Comprehensive Guide
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Choosing the best Pokémon to evolve in any Pokémon game, especially in dynamic environments like Pokémon GO, requires a strategic blend of understanding various factors. The primary goal is to maximize your Pokémon’s potential for battles, raids, and Gym defense. Consider the Pokémon’s IVs (Individual Values), CP (Combat Power), moveset, and your specific needs within the game. Prioritize Pokémon with high IVs, as these represent their potential for growth and can’t be altered after catching the Pokémon. Once you have identified potential candidates, you can invest resources wisely to build a powerful team.
Understanding the Key Factors
Before haphazardly spending your precious Candies and Stardust, it’s crucial to understand the elements that make a Pokémon a worthwhile evolution candidate.
Individual Values (IVs) – The Hidden Potential
IVs are like a Pokémon’s genetic makeup. Each Pokémon has three IVs: Attack, Defense, and HP, each ranging from 0 to 15. These values are permanent and hidden, influencing how high the Pokémon’s CP can potentially reach when fully powered up. A Pokémon with high IVs will have a higher CP at max level than a Pokémon of the same species with lower IVs.
- 100% IV Pokémon (4*): Also called “perfect” Pokémon, these have all IVs at 15.
- High IV Pokémon (3*): These generally have IVs in the range of 80-99% and are excellent candidates for evolution.
- Mid-Range IV Pokémon (2*): These have IVs in the range of 66-80%. These can be useful depending on rarity and your immediate needs.
Combat Power (CP) – The Immediate Strength
CP represents a Pokémon’s current battle prowess. While important, it is not the be-all and end-all. CP can be increased by powering up a Pokémon using Stardust and Candy. A Pokémon with a high CP but low IVs might seem strong now, but it will ultimately be weaker than a Pokémon with lower CP but higher IVs when both are fully powered up.
Moveset – The Battle Strategy
A Pokémon’s moveset is critical for its performance in battle. After evolving a Pokémon, it will learn a new set of moves, which can significantly impact its usefulness. Some moves are better for attacking, while others are better for defending. Look up resources online or use battle simulators to understand which movesets are optimal for your desired use.
Rarity and Usefulness in the Meta
Consider how rare the Pokémon is and how useful its evolved form is in the current meta (most effective tactics available). Some Pokémon are more common than others, making it easier to obtain a specimen with good IVs. Additionally, some Pokémon excel in specific roles, such as raid attackers or Gym defenders. Evolving a Pokémon that fits a needed role is a wise investment.
Making the Decision: Prioritization and Trade-Offs
With these factors in mind, here’s how to prioritize:
- High IVs are King: Always prioritize Pokémon with high IVs. A 3* or 4* Pokémon is usually the best choice for long-term investment.
- CP is a Factor, But Not the Decider: A higher CP starting point is nice, but it’s less critical than IVs. You can always increase CP, but you can’t change IVs.
- Consider the Moveset: Don’t invest heavily in powering up a Pokémon until you know it has a good moveset after evolution. Sometimes it’s better to evolve several to try and get a good one.
- Think About the Meta: Do you need a powerful attacker for raids? A sturdy defender for gyms? Choose Pokémon that fill the roles you need most.
- Don’t Forget Shiny Pokémon: While shiny Pokémon are purely cosmetic, many players value them highly. If you have a shiny with decent IVs, it might be worth evolving simply for the rarity factor.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing
- Catch Multiple Specimens: Catch as many of the Pokémon species as possible to increase your chances of finding one with good IVs.
- Appraise Your Pokémon: Use the in-game appraisal feature to check your Pokémon’s IVs.
- Compare and Contrast: Compare the IVs, CP, and potential movesets of your Pokémon.
- Evolve Strategically: Evolve the Pokémon with the best combination of IVs and potential usefulness.
- Evaluate the Moveset: After evolving, check the new moveset. If it’s not ideal, you can use TMs (Technical Machines) to change it.
- Invest Wisely: Only power up Pokémon with excellent IVs and desirable movesets.
The Role of Games Learning Society
Understanding the nuances of Pokémon evolution involves strategic thinking and data analysis. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org promotes the study of game-based learning and how games can be used to develop critical thinking skills. The decision-making processes involved in choosing the best Pokémon to evolve are an excellent example of how games can engage and challenge players intellectually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is CP or IVs more important when choosing a Pokémon to evolve?
IVs are generally more important than CP. CP can be increased through powering up, but IVs are fixed. A Pokémon with higher IVs has a higher potential maximum CP.
2. What is a “perfect” Pokémon?
A “perfect” Pokémon is a Pokémon with 100% IVs, meaning all three stats (Attack, Defense, and HP) are at the maximum value of 15. In Pokémon GO, this is represented by a red stamp and three stars in the appraisal.
3. Are 2-star Pokémon worth keeping?
Sometimes! While not ideal, 2-star Pokémon can be worth keeping if they are rare, have special moves, or if you don’t have better alternatives. Evaluate their potential usefulness and rarity before transferring them.
4. Should I evolve a Pokémon before or after powering it up?
It doesn’t matter. Evolving a Pokémon and powering it up are independent actions. The final CP will be the same regardless of the order you do them in. However, it is recommended to evolve first to check the moveset before investing Stardust in powering up.
5. Are Shiny Pokémon stronger than regular Pokémon?
No. Shiny Pokémon are purely cosmetic and have the same stats and potential as their non-shiny counterparts.
6. What does it mean when a Pokémon has a red stamp in the appraisal?
A red stamp means the Pokémon has perfect IVs (100%).
7. How do I check a Pokémon’s IVs?
You can check a Pokémon’s IVs using the in-game appraisal feature or by using third-party apps or websites that calculate IVs based on CP and HP.
8. Should I get rid of duplicate Pokémon?
Yes, you should transfer duplicate Pokémon, especially those with low IVs. Sending them to the Professor gives you Candy, which is essential for evolving and powering up your better Pokémon.
9. Are Lucky Pokémon always good?
Lucky Pokémon have a minimum IV floor of 12/12/12, making them at least decent. They also cost less Stardust to power up.
10. What is the best Pokémon to power up to its max?
This depends on your needs, but powerful attackers like Mewtwo, Rayquaza, and Metagross are generally good choices for maxing out.
11. What are the best moves to have on my Pokémon?
The best moves vary depending on the Pokémon and its role. Consult online resources and battle simulators to determine the optimal movesets for your specific Pokémon.
12. How does evolution affect CP?
Evolution significantly increases a Pokémon’s CP. Pokémon that require more Candy to evolve generally have greater CP gains.
13. What level should I evolve my Pokémon?
There is no specific level requirement for evolving Pokémon. As soon as you have enough Candy, you can evolve them.
14. What Pokémon gains the most CP when evolving?
Certain Pokémon show impressive CP gains on evolution. Some examples from the article show Feebas to Milotic yielding +2,731. Vigoroth to Slaking: +2,463. Kirlia to Gardevoir/Gallade: +2,127.
15. What are the best Pokemon to leave in gyms?
Pokemon with high HP and defense make solid Gym defenders such as Blissey, Snorlax, and Chansey.
By carefully considering these factors and following these guidelines, you can make informed decisions about which Pokémon to evolve, maximizing your potential in the Pokémon world and becoming a true Pokémon master.