Unlocking Perfection: Understanding IVs and Purification in Pokémon GO
The burning question on every Pokémon GO trainer’s mind when facing a shadowy foe: How many IVs do purified Pokémon get? The answer is simple and impactful: Purified Pokémon receive a +2 increase to each of their Individual Values (IVs) – Attack, Defense, and HP (Stamina). This crucial mechanic can transform a promising Shadow Pokémon into a battle-ready powerhouse.
The Power of Purification
Purification isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic decision that can significantly alter a Pokémon’s potential. Understanding the impact of IV boosts is vital for maximizing your team’s strength. A Pokémon with 13/13/13 IVs as a Shadow will become a perfect 15/15/15 IV creature upon purification. This is a game-changer!
Deciding to Purify: A Strategic Choice
Before you hastily purify every Shadow Pokémon you encounter, consider the trade-offs. Shadow Pokémon receive a substantial attack bonus, making them powerful attackers. However, the stardust and candy cost to power them up is significantly higher. Purifying reduces these costs and grants the IV boost, but you lose that raw attack power. It’s a delicate balance!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Purified Pokémon
Here’s a deep dive into the most common questions surrounding purification in Pokémon GO, giving you the knowledge to make informed decisions:
1. What Exactly are IVs in Pokémon GO?
Individual Values (IVs) are hidden stats that contribute to a Pokémon’s overall strength. Each Pokémon has an IV for Attack, Defense, and HP, ranging from 0 to 15. These IVs are added to the Pokémon’s base stats, influencing its Combat Power (CP) and performance in battle. The higher the IVs, the stronger the Pokémon. For those interested in the underlying mechanics of games and their impact on learning and engagement, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society.
2. What are the Benefits of Purifying a Pokémon?
Purifying a Pokémon offers several advantages:
- IV Boost: As mentioned, each IV stat (Attack, Defense, HP) increases by 2.
- Reduced Cost: Powering up, evolving, and learning new attacks become cheaper in terms of Stardust and Candy.
- Exclusive Move: The Pokémon learns the Charged Attack Return, a Normal-type move.
- Appraisal Improvement: Purification often improves the Pokémon’s appraisal, visually indicating its improved potential.
3. What is the Perfect IV for a Purified Pokémon?
A “perfect” IV Pokémon has 15 in Attack, 15 in Defense, and 15 in HP (15/15/15). If a Shadow Pokémon has IVs of at least 13 in each stat, purifying it will guarantee a perfect IV Pokémon.
4. What Happens if a Shadow Pokémon Already Has a 14 or 15 IV?
If a Shadow Pokémon already has a 14 or 15 in any IV stat, purifying it will simply bring that stat to the maximum of 15. The purification bonus won’t push it beyond the cap.
5. Should I Purify a Shadow Pokémon with Already High IVs?
This is a tricky question and depends on your goals. If the Shadow Pokémon already has high IVs (close to 15 in each stat), the purification bonus might not be as impactful. The raw power of a Shadow Pokémon might be more valuable for certain battle scenarios. Consider whether you prioritize raw damage output or cost-effectiveness.
6. How Rare is a 100% IV Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
The base chance of encountering a 100% IV Pokémon in the wild is 1 in 4096 (0.0244%). However, certain factors can improve these odds, such as weather boost or friendship level during trades. Raids and research tasks offer increased odds, as they have a minimum IV floor.
7. Is it Worth Purifying a 100% IV Shadow Pokémon?
No! Purifying a 100% IV Shadow Pokémon is generally not recommended. Since its IVs are already maxed out, you gain no additional benefit from the purification boost, and you lose the powerful Shadow bonus. Keep it as a Shadow Pokémon for maximum attacking potential.
8. What About Nundo Pokémon? Are They Useful After Purifying?
A “nundo” Pokémon has 0 IVs in all stats (0/0/0). While purifying a nundo will improve its IVs, it won’t make it exceptionally strong. The purified result will have 2/2/2 IVs, which is still relatively weak. Nundos are often kept as novelty collectibles due to their rarity.
9. Is a 0-Star Shadow Pokémon Worth Purifying?
Whether to purify a 0-star Shadow Pokémon depends on its species and your needs. If it’s a relatively common Pokémon, purification can be a cost-effective way to get a usable Pokémon with decent IVs. However, for rare or powerful Shadow Pokémon, the attack bonus might outweigh the benefits of purification, even with low IVs.
10. What is a “Pundo” and How is it Obtained?
A “pundo” is a purified Pokémon that has perfect IVs (15/15/15). It’s obtained by purifying a Shadow Pokémon that had IVs of at least 13 in each stat. Pundos are sought after by collectors and players who value both high IVs and the reduced costs associated with purified Pokémon.
11. Does Purifying a Pokémon Change Its CP?
Yes, purifying a Pokémon will increase its Combat Power (CP). This is a direct result of the IV boost, which improves the Pokémon’s underlying stats.
12. Should I Evolve a Pokémon Before or After Purifying it?
Purify BEFORE evolving. Purifying first reduces the stardust and candy cost for both evolving and powering up. It’s more efficient to purify first, then evolve.
13. Does Purifying a Pokémon Change its Moveset?
Purifying a Pokémon will always replace its Charged Attack Frustration (the default Shadow Pokémon Charged Attack) with Return. It will not affect the Pokémon’s Fast Attack. The new move, Return, is a 3 bar normal type move, which is great for Normal type Pokemon.
14. What is the Rarity of Perfect IVs?
The base odds of encountering a wild perfect (15/15/15) IV Pokémon in Pokémon GO are quite low, sitting at 1 in 4,096, which is 0.0244%. It is generally more rare than encountering a shiny Pokemon.
15. Are 0 IV Pokemon good for PVP?
0 IV Pokemon are generally NOT good for PVE. For PVP, it depends on the species, moveset, and league. Some Pokemon benefit from having lower attack IVs to maximize their overall stats within a CP limit, particularly in the Great and Ultra Leagues. However, for Master League and raids/gym battles, high IVs are almost always preferred.
Final Thoughts: Master the Shadows, Embrace the Light
Understanding the mechanics of purification and IVs is crucial for becoming a successful Pokémon GO trainer. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your goals, and make informed decisions. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer; the best choice depends on the specific Pokémon, your resources, and your preferred battle strategy.
The world of Pokémon GO is constantly evolving, and staying informed is key. For further insights into the intersection of gaming and learning, explore the resources available at the GamesLearningSociety.org. Keep exploring, keep battling, and keep catching them all!