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How Rare Are 0 IV Pokemon? The Intriguing World of Imperfect Perfection

The rarity of 0 IV Pokemon, often called “nundos,” is a fascinating topic for Pokemon enthusiasts. In most circumstances, the chance of encountering a Pokemon with all Individual Values (IVs) set to 0 is exactly the same as finding a perfect 100% IV Pokemon (a “hundo”) through random generation. That means a baseline chance of 1 in 4096 for wild catches without any boosts. However, their actual availability is often far lower due to in-game mechanics that skew IV distributions.

Understanding IVs and Rarity

To understand the rarity of 0 IV Pokemon, we first need to understand what IVs are and how they are determined within the game. Individual Values (IVs) are hidden stats that range from 0 to 31 for each of a Pokemon’s six stats: HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. These values are inherent to each Pokemon and cannot be changed (outside of specific, rare mechanics in some games). They directly influence how high a Pokemon’s stats can grow and therefore how powerful they can become.

The Base Odds

Theoretically, each IV value (0 through 31) has an equal probability of being assigned. This means that for each stat, the chance of getting a 0 is 1/32. Because a Pokemon has six stats, the probability of getting all six stats with an IV of 0 is (1/32) multiplied by itself six times, or (1/32)^6. This works out to 1 in 1,073,741,824.

However, that calculation applies to the base possibility of each IV. Pokemon games are very specific in how you are able to obtain a specific IV for any one of the stats. This is very different to how a trainer can get a hundo and it is why “nundos” are more rare.

Factors Influencing IV Distribution

The base odds aren’t the whole story. Several factors can significantly alter the probability of encountering a 0 IV Pokemon:

Catch Method: Pokemon obtained through different methods have different IV floors. For example, in Pokemon GO, Pokemon obtained from Raids, Eggs, Research Tasks, and Trades are guaranteed to have a minimum IV of 10 in each stat. This completely eliminates the possibility of encountering a 0 IV Pokemon from these sources.
Weather Boosts: In Pokemon GO, weather boosts affect the minimum IVs of wild Pokemon. This means certain weather conditions will result in 0 IVs being completely unavaiable for certain types of Pokemon.
Shadow Pokemon: Shadow Pokemon in Pokemon GO cannot have their IVs reduced. They start at a certain level and can only be improved, making a naturally-occurring 0 IV Shadow Pokemon exceedingly rare.
Forced IVs: Some games include mechanics that force certain IVs on specific Pokemon. For example, some legendary Pokemon might have guaranteed perfect IVs in certain stats, or some event Pokemon might have set IV spreads. This can both increase or decrease the odds of finding a nundo, depending on the specific circumstance.

Why “Nundos” Are Coveted

Despite their perceived lack of battle prowess, 0 IV Pokemon are highly sought after by some collectors. Here’s why:

Rarity: As explained, factors often drastically reduce the chance of finding a 0 IV Pokemon compared to the theoretical base odds. This scarcity makes them a unique and valuable collector’s item.
Novelty: A Pokemon with terrible IVs is an amusing and counter-intuitive concept. Many players enjoy the novelty of owning a Pokemon with the worst possible stats.
Trick Room Strategies: In the mainline games, 0 Speed IV Pokemon are valuable for Trick Room strategies, where slower Pokemon move first. While less relevant in Pokemon GO, this still influences the overall appeal of 0 IV Pokemon.
Foul Play Mitigation: In specific competitive scenarios, a 0 Attack IV on a special attacker can be strategically advantageous, minimizing damage from the move Foul Play or from self-inflicted confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about 0 IV Pokemon, answered to provide further clarification:

Can a Pokemon have all 0 IVs? Yes, a Pokemon can have all 0 IVs. However, the probability varies depending on the game and the method used to obtain the Pokemon.
Are 0 IV Pokemon good for battles? Generally, no. Lower IVs mean lower potential stats, making the Pokemon weaker. However, in very niche situations, like minimizing Foul Play damage with a special attacker, a 0 Attack IV can be beneficial.
Are 0 IVs useful in Trick Room teams? Yes, in the mainline Pokemon games, 0 Speed IV Pokemon are highly valued for Trick Room teams, where the slowest Pokemon moves first.
What is the difference between a 0 IV Pokemon and a 0 star Pokemon in Pokemon GO? In Pokemon GO, a 0 star appraisal means the Pokemon’s IVs are in the lowest range of overall percentage. They are not necessarily all 0 IVs but are simply considered to be poor quality based on the appraisal system.
How rare is a 0% Shadow Pokemon in Pokemon GO? Extremely rare! Shadow Pokemon obtained through Team GO Rocket encounters have a very low chance of being 0 IV due to the minimum IV floors.
Should I purify a 0 star Shadow Pokemon? Generally, no. Purifying a Shadow Pokemon increases its IVs but removes the Shadow bonus, which significantly increases its damage output. A 0 star Shadow Pokemon with decent CP might be more valuable unpurified.
Can I change a Pokemon’s IVs? In most Pokemon games, IVs are fixed and cannot be changed. However, Pokemon Sword and Shield introduced Hyper Training, which effectively maximizes a Pokemon’s IVs for battle purposes, although the underlying IV value remains unchanged. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have methods for changing IVs through bottle caps.
What is the likelihood of finding a 0 IV Pokemon in a Raid? In Pokemon GO, Pokemon from raids are guaranteed to have a minimum IV of 10 in each stat, making it impossible to find a 0 IV Pokemon in a raid.
Are 0 IV Pokemon more or less rare than shiny Pokemon? That depends. If we consider the specific case of a wild catch in Pokemon GO, a shiny Pokemon is generally more common, especially during events with boosted shiny rates. A base rate of 1 in 500 versus 1 in 4096 for a wild Pokemon. However, due to the IV floors for raids, eggs, and research tasks, a “nundo” is much harder to come by for these circumstances.
Why do some players collect 0 IV Pokemon? Primarily for their rarity and novelty. Some players also find them strategically useful in specific situations.
Do 0 Attack IVs always benefit special attackers? Not always. It only matters if the Pokemon is likely to be hit by Foul Play or become confused and hit itself.
Is it worth keeping a 0 star Pokemon in Pokemon GO? That depends on your storage space and collecting goals. If you’re short on space, releasing them is generally a good idea. However, if you’re a collector or value novelty, keeping them is perfectly reasonable.
How does weather boost affect the chances of getting a 0 IV Pokemon in Pokemon GO? Weather boost increases the minimum IVs of wild Pokemon, which means that a weather boost may make it impossible for certain types of Pokemon to have zero IVs.
What’s the best way to hunt for 0 IV Pokemon? The best way depends on the game. In Pokemon GO, wild catches are your best bet, but be aware of weather boosts. In the mainline games, breeding is the most reliable method, often using Destiny Knots to pass down IVs.
Can you find 0 IV Ditto? Yes, but finding a 0 IV Ditto is just as rare as finding any other 0 IV Pokemon. However, Ditto’s unique ability to transform can make it a valuable breeding tool for obtaining other 0 IV Pokemon.

The world of Pokemon is vast and diverse, with countless strategies and collecting goals. Whether you’re a seasoned competitive player or a casual collector, understanding the nuances of IVs and the rarity of 0 IV Pokemon can add a new layer of depth to your enjoyment of the game. To further your understanding of the educational aspects of gaming, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

How rare are 0 IV Pokemon?