Table of Contents

Understanding Pokémon GO IVs: Your Comprehensive Guide

Quick answer

This page answers How do Pokemon go IVs work? quickly.

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 Pokémon GO, Individual Values (IVs) represent a Pokémon’s inherent potential within its species, influencing its stats like Attack, Defense, and Stamina (HP). Each IV is a number between 0 and 15 for each of these three stats. Higher IVs translate to a more powerful Pokémon with a higher Combat Power (CP) potential when fully powered up. Think of IVs as a Pokémon’s genes; they’re predetermined and unchangeable except through trading or purification of Shadow Pokemon, influencing the Pokemon’s performance in battles and raids. Let’s delve into the intricacies of Pokémon GO IVs, explaining how they work and why they matter!

Decoding IVs: The Building Blocks of Pokémon Power

What are Individual Values (IVs)?

IVs, or Individual Values, are hidden stats that each Pokémon possesses, determining how strong it can become. They are like a genetic blueprint, influencing the Pokémon’s potential in battles. In Pokémon GO, IVs are specifically divided into three categories:

Attack: This IV impacts the Pokémon’s damage output during battles.
Defense: This IV determines how well the Pokémon can withstand attacks.
Stamina (HP): This IV affects the Pokémon’s health points, influencing how long it can stay in a fight.

Each of these IVs has a value ranging from 0 to 15. Therefore, a perfect IV Pokémon would have 15 in Attack, 15 in Defense, and 15 in Stamina (HP), often denoted as 15/15/15 or simply 100% IV.

How IVs Affect Combat Power (CP)

CP, or Combat Power, is a numerical representation of a Pokémon’s overall strength. While CP is influenced by several factors, IVs play a significant role in determining a Pokémon’s maximum achievable CP. A Pokémon with higher IVs will generally have a higher CP at the same level as a Pokémon of the same species with lower IVs. CP is a key metric to consider when battling in Gyms, Raids, or the GO Battle League. Remember to check out the Games Learning Society to learn more about the educational aspects of gaming.

How to Check a Pokémon’s IVs

Pokémon GO doesn’t explicitly display a Pokémon’s IVs numerically within the game. However, the appraisal system offers clues about a Pokémon’s potential. The in-game appraisal system lets you know how good is your Pokemon. You can also use third-party apps, such as PokeGenie (iOS and Android), to calculate a Pokémon’s IVs by analyzing its CP, HP, and Stardust cost for powering up. These apps overlay information on your screen to give you precise IV readings without violating the game’s terms of service.

Why IVs Matter

IVs are most critical for trainers who want to maximize their Pokémon’s performance in battles. A Pokémon with high IVs, especially a 100% IV Pokémon, will perform significantly better in Raids, Gym battles, and the GO Battle League compared to a Pokémon with lower IVs. While skill and strategy are essential, having Pokémon with high IVs gives you a competitive edge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon GO IVs

Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Pokémon GO IVs to help you gain a deeper understanding of this core game mechanic:

Are IVs the only factor determining a Pokémon’s strength? No, IVs are not the only factor. A Pokémon’s level, species base stats, and moveset also significantly impact its overall strength. IVs provide the potential to maximize those base stats.
Is a 0% IV Pokémon worth keeping? Generally, 0% IV Pokémon are not worth investing in for battles due to their low potential. They can clog up Pokemon Storage fairly quickly. However, some players collect them as rare novelties, as they are rarer than 100% IV Pokemon.
How rare is a 100% IV Pokémon? The chance of encountering a 100% IV Pokémon in the wild is quite low, approximately 1 in 4096 (0.0244%). However, certain situations, like Research Breakthrough encounters or Lucky Pokémon trades, increase the odds of obtaining higher IV Pokémon.
Can I change a Pokémon’s IVs after I catch it? Directly changing a Pokémon’s IVs is generally not possible. The only exceptions are through trading, where IVs are rerolled (and can go up or down), and purifying Shadow Pokémon, which increases IVs.
Do Shiny Pokémon have better IVs? No, Shiny Pokémon do not inherently have better IVs. The appearance of a Shiny Pokémon is independent of its IVs. It’s purely cosmetic!
How do IVs differ from Pokémon level? Level refers to how much a Pokémon has been powered up. IVs are a hidden, unchanging stat that affects the Pokémon’s base stats. Both level and IVs contribute to a Pokémon’s overall CP.
Should I evolve a 3-star Pokémon? Evolving a 3-star Pokémon is generally a good idea, as it indicates high IVs. However, consider the Pokémon’s CP and your available resources. If you have a low CP 0-star Pokémon and a 3-star Pokémon, the 3-star one is almost always the better choice.
Is CP or star rating more important? Star rating (representing IV range) indicates potential, while CP indicates current strength. A higher star rating implies a higher potential CP.
Can Pokémon have 0 IVs in all stats? Yes, a Pokémon can have 0 IVs in all stats (0/0/0). These are known as “0% IV” Pokémon and are rarer than perfect 100% IV Pokémon.
How do IVs affect PvP battles (GO Battle League)? IVs play a significant role in PvP battles, especially in the Great League and Ultra League. Optimizing IVs for these leagues often involves aiming for low Attack IV and high Defense and Stamina IVs to maximize a Pokémon’s bulk at the CP cap. The Master League is an exception, where maximum IVs are almost always preferred.
Do IVs matter in Raids? Yes, IVs matter in Raids. Higher IVs contribute to higher damage output and better survivability, making it easier to defeat Raid bosses.
What is the maximum possible CP for a Pokémon? The maximum possible CP for a Pokémon is determined by its species, level, and IVs. Generally, legendary Pokémon and pseudo-legendary Pokémon have the highest potential CP.
How does trading affect IVs? Trading rerolls a Pokémon’s IVs, potentially increasing or decreasing them. The friendship level between trainers influences the minimum IVs a Pokémon can have after a trade. Lucky Pokémon are guaranteed to have higher IVs after trading.
Why purify Shadow Pokémon? Purifying Shadow Pokémon increases their IVs and reduces the Stardust and Candy cost for powering them up. However, Shadow Pokémon deal significantly more damage, so purifying can sometimes be detrimental for damage output.
How do weather boosts affect IVs? Weather boosts do not directly affect IVs. Weather boosts increase the level of Pokémon in the wild, making them stronger upon capture. However, the IVs are still random within the typical range.

Understanding and utilizing IVs effectively can significantly enhance your Pokémon GO experience, allowing you to build stronger teams and conquer challenging battles. Keep exploring, keep training, and catch ‘em all with the knowledge of IVs!