How to Guarantee 100 IV in Pokémon GO
Unfortunately, guaranteeing a 100 IV Pokémon in Pokémon GO is impossible through normal gameplay. There’s always an element of chance involved. However, you can significantly increase your odds by focusing on specific methods and understanding the game’s mechanics. Let’s break down the best strategies to maximize your chances of catching those elusive perfect Pokémon.
Understanding IVs and Appraisal
Before diving into the tactics, it’s crucial to understand what IVs are and how to evaluate them. IVs (Individual Values) are hidden stats that each Pokémon possesses, determining their potential in battle. There are three IVs: Attack, Defense, and Stamina, each ranging from 0 to 15. A perfect Pokémon has all three IVs at 15/15/15, resulting in a 100% IV rating.
Appraisal System
Pokémon GO uses an appraisal system to give you an estimate of your Pokémon’s IVs. Your team leader (Candela, Blanche, or Spark) will provide a summary of your Pokémon’s strengths. The most important thing to look for is a three-star Pokémon with a red stamp. This indicates a perfect 100% IV Pokémon. A three-star Pokémon with an orange stamp has an IV range of 80-99%, making it still a very desirable catch.
Strategies to Increase Your Chances
While a guaranteed 100 IV Pokemon is not possible, there are a few methods that have an increased probability of finding one.
Raids and Research Tasks
Raids and Research Tasks are great sources for Pokémon with higher IV floors. Pokemon caught in raids or as a research task reward will always have a floor of at least 10/10/10 for each of their IVs, meaning these Pokemon are going to be at minimum two-star quality.
Lucky Friends
Being Lucky Friends with another player guarantees that your next trade will result in a Lucky Pokémon. Lucky Pokémon have a higher IV floor and require less Stardust to power up. While not a guarantee of perfect IVs, the higher floor greatly increases your odds. Trading Pokemon with friends will also help you fill out your Pokedex and find those elusive Pokemon that just aren’t spawning near you.
Weather Boost
Weather Boost can affect the IVs of Pokémon caught in the wild. During weather conditions that boost a particular type, those Pokémon will spawn at higher levels and will have an IV boost as well. Even if you don’t get that 100% IV stat, you will more likely have a higher base Pokemon to begin with.
Purifying Shadow Pokémon
Shadow Pokémon, obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket, can be purified. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon increases each of its IVs by +2. This is one of the best methods to potentially turn a Shadow Pokémon with decent IVs into a perfect one. If you catch a Shadow Pokémon with at least 13 Attack, 13 Defense, and 13 Stamina, purifying it will result in a 100% IV Pokémon.
Special Events
Keep an eye out for special events in Pokémon GO. Sometimes, these events offer increased spawn rates for specific Pokémon or boost the odds of finding Pokémon with higher IVs. Community Days are an excellent way to hunt for shiny and high-IV Pokémon.
FAQs: All About Perfect IVs in Pokémon GO
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide additional valuable information about IVs and how to get the most out of your Pokemon in Pokemon Go.
1. Can I increase a Pokémon’s IVs after catching it?
No, you cannot directly increase a Pokémon’s IVs after catching it, with one exception. The exception to the rule is Purification.
2. How does trading affect IVs?
Trading re-rolls a Pokémon’s IVs. The outcome is random and influenced by your friendship level. Higher friendship levels result in better IV floors, increasing the chances of a high-IV Pokémon.
3. What is the IV floor for Lucky Pokémon?
Lucky Pokémon have a guaranteed IV floor of 12/12/12 for each stat, meaning that at worst you will have an 80% IV Pokemon.
4. Should I keep 0-star Pokémon?
Generally, no. Zero-star Pokémon have low IVs and aren’t ideal for battling or raids. Releasing them frees up storage space. However, some players keep them for novelty or specific collection purposes.
5. How rare are perfect IV Pokémon in the wild?
The base chance of finding a perfect IV Pokémon in the wild is approximately 1 in 4,096. This is one reason why it is so hard to find Pokemon with perfect stats.
6. Does weather boost affect IVs?
Yes, weather boost can affect the levels of Pokemon found in the wild. However, even if it is weather boosted, it will still have the same odds of having a perfect IV rating, at 1 in 4,096 chance.
7. Are certain Pokémon more likely to have high IVs?
No, all Pokémon have an equal chance of having high IVs when encountered in the wild (unless influenced by specific events or methods). Pokemon with a higher base stat will be stronger to begin with.
8. Is CP or IV more important?
IVs are generally considered more important than CP in the long run. CP (Combat Power) can be increased by powering up a Pokémon, but IVs are fixed. A Pokémon with high IVs will ultimately have a higher potential CP than one with low IVs.
9. What is the maximum CP in Pokémon GO?
The maximum CP in Pokémon GO depends on the Pokémon and its level. Typically, fully powered-up Legendary and Mythical Pokémon have the highest CP values.
10. How do I use the appraisal system effectively?
Pay close attention to your team leader’s appraisal comments. A three-star Pokémon with a red stamp indicates a perfect IV. Focus on the team leader’s description of the best stat. If they say something along the lines of “Its best stat is Attack!”, this tells you which stat is the highest.
11. Can Ditto breed with any Pokémon to get good IVs?
In the main series Pokémon games, Ditto can breed with almost any Pokémon. However, breeding does not exist in Pokémon GO. If you’re coming from the main series Pokemon games, this will be a change.
12. Why should I purify a Shadow Pokémon?
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon increases its IVs and reduces the Stardust and Candy cost to power it up. However, some players prefer keeping Shadow Pokémon for their increased attack stat.
13. What are the benefits of having Lucky Friends?
Having Lucky Friends guarantees that your next trade will result in a Lucky Pokémon, which has a higher IV floor and costs less Stardust to power up.
14. How do I become Lucky Friends with someone?
You become Lucky Friends by interacting with someone daily (opening gifts, raiding, battling in Gyms) and randomly becoming Lucky Friends after one of these interactions. The odds are low, but consistent interaction increases your chances.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon game mechanics and educational aspects?
You can explore resources at the Games Learning Society, which investigates the intersection of games and learning: GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society promotes using the educational benefits of gaming.
Final Thoughts
While guaranteeing a 100 IV Pokémon in Pokémon GO remains elusive, understanding the mechanics and leveraging strategies like Raids, Lucky Friends, and Shadow Pokémon purification can significantly increase your odds. Remember that patience and persistence are key. Keep exploring, keep catching, and you’ll eventually add that perfect Pokémon to your collection.