How Rare are 0% IV Pokemon in Pokemon GO?
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In Pokemon GO, a 0% IV Pokemon, also known as a “nundo,” is significantly rarer than its perfect 100% IV counterpart. While a 100% IV Pokemon (often called a “hundo”) has a base chance of around 1 in 4096, a 0% IV Pokemon has that same base chance, but its rarity is amplified because certain game mechanics prevent them from appearing at all. Specifically, Pokemon obtained from raids, research tasks, eggs, and trades are guaranteed to have a minimum IV value, effectively eliminating the possibility of a 0% IV. This means that nundos can only be found in the wild. Thus, these special Pokemon are quite rare.
Understanding IVs in Pokemon GO
Before diving deeper into the rarity, it’s crucial to understand what Individual Values (IVs) are in Pokemon GO. Each Pokemon has three IV stats: Attack, Defense, and HP (Hit Points). These values range from 0 to 15 for each stat. These IVs are hidden and contribute to a Pokemon’s overall Combat Power (CP) and performance in battles. They are a Pokemon’s inherent strengths.
IV Combinations and Probability
With each IV having 16 possible values (0-15), there are 16 x 16 x 16 = 4096 possible IV combinations. This means, at first glance, you have a 1 in 4096 chance (0.0244%) of encountering any specific IV combination, including a 0% IV Pokemon (0/0/0). So, a 0% Pokemon can be found in the wild around that rate. Keep searching!
Why 0% IVs Are Rarer
The key difference lies in how Pokemon are generated within the game. As mentioned earlier, certain methods guarantee a minimum IV floor, drastically reducing the pool of Pokemon that can have 0 IVs.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Wild Encounters: These are the only sources where a true 0% IV Pokemon can spawn, thus making wild encounters valuable to Nundo Hunters!
- Raids: Pokemon caught after raids have a minimum IV floor of 10 in each stat, meaning a 0% IV is impossible.
- Eggs: Pokemon hatched from eggs also have a minimum IV floor, making 0% IVs unobtainable.
- Research Tasks: Similar to raids and eggs, research task encounters come with a minimum IV floor, eliminating 0% IVs.
- Trades: Traded Pokemon have a minimum IV floor that increases with friendship level, making 0% IVs impossible to obtain through trading.
This restriction on 0% IV Pokemon appearing in many of the game’s core features is what makes them significantly rarer than 100% IV Pokemon, which can be obtained through raids, eggs, research tasks, and trades.
The Allure of the Nundo
Despite their lack of battling prowess, 0% IV Pokemon hold a certain appeal for collectors and completionists. Here’s why:
- Rarity: The sheer difficulty in obtaining a 0% IV Pokemon makes them a prized possession.
- Novelty: They are the “underdogs” of the Pokemon world, representing the weakest possible specimen of a species.
- Community: A dedicated community of “nundo hunters” exists, sharing their finds and strategies for obtaining these rare Pokemon.
- Humor: Let’s face it, some nundos are downright funny, and the Pokemon Go community is well-known for its humor.
FAQs About 0% IV Pokemon
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of 0% IV Pokemon in Pokemon GO:
1. What does 0* mean in Pokemon GO?
0* (zero stars) indicates that a Pokemon has very low IVs. The in-game appraisal system uses stars to represent the overall quality of a Pokemon’s IVs. A 0* Pokemon has IVs that are considered poor.
2. Is it worth keeping 0 star Pokemon?
While not ideal for battling, 0-star Pokemon are worth keeping for their rarity and novelty value. They are much rarer than 100% IV Pokemon.
3. What are the chances of getting a 0% IV Pokemon from a raid?
Zero. Raid encounters have a minimum IV floor of 10 in each stat, making a 0% IV impossible.
4. Is it worth keeping 0 star Shadow Pokemon?
Yes, it is generally recommended to keep 0-star Shadow Pokemon. Shadow Pokemon receive a significant attack boost, and purifying them would remove this bonus. A 0-star Shadow Pokemon with decent Attacks and CP will prove to be useful in future battles.
5. Should I purify a 0 star Shadow Pokemon?
Generally, no. Purifying a Shadow Pokemon will increase its IVs but removes the Shadow bonus, which is more valuable for battling. Keeping a 0-star Shadow Pokemon provides a decent advantage in future battles.
6. Are 0 star Pokemon rare?
Yes, 0-star Pokemon are rare. They can only be found in the wild, as they cannot be obtained from raids, eggs, research tasks, or trades. This makes them rarer than 100% IV Pokemon.
7. What Pokémon is 001 in Pokémon GO?
The first Pokémon, Bulbasaur, is number 001 in the Pokedex.
8. Should I transfer 0 star Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
It depends on your storage capacity and collecting goals. If you are short on storage, releasing 0-star Pokemon could be the best option. However, you may want to hold on to them if you collect them or like to show them off.
9. Why would you want a 0 IV Pokemon?
While not useful for general battling, 0 IV Pokemon have novelty value and are considered rare collectibles. They are also fun to show off to your friends!
10. Can a 2 star Pokemon become a 3 star?
Yes, a 2-star Shadow Pokemon can become a 3-star if purified. Purifying a Shadow Pokemon will improve its appraisal and give it 2 points towards all of its IVs.
11. Should I prioritize CP or IV Pokemon go?
IVs should be prioritized over CP because IVs cannot be changed, whereas CP can be increased by powering up a Pokemon. Higher IVs will lead to a higher CP when the Pokemon is fully evolved and powered up.
12. What is the rarest Pokémon GO?
The rarest Pokémon in Pokemon GO are Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie. Each one only spawns in specific regions and does not show up often.
13. What happens if you purify a 4 * Shadow Pokemon?
Purifying a 4* Shadow Pokémon will change the Pokemon. After a Pokemon is purified, they will forget Frustration and learn Return. Purifying a 4* Shadow Pokemon will improve its appraisal and reduce the amount of Stardust and Candy required for them to Power Up, Evolve, or learn a new attack.
14. How rare is a shiny in Pokemon go?
On average, there is a 1 in 500 chance, or .2%, for a wild Pokemon to be Shiny. The rate appears to be eight times higher – a 1 in 62.5 chance, or 1.6% – for very rare wild spawns, certain Shadow Pokemon, and certain raid Pokemon.
15. Should I evolve a 3 star Pokemon?
Yes, it’s recommended to evolve a Pokemon that has high CP, or a 3/4-star Appraisal. Evolving too many of the same species can burn through Candy very quickly.
Conclusion: Embrace the Rarity
While 0% IV Pokemon may not be powerhouses in battle, their rarity and uniqueness make them a prized possession for many Pokemon GO players. The odds of finding one in the wild are slim, but the thrill of the hunt and the bragging rights that come with owning a “nundo” make it a worthwhile endeavor for dedicated collectors. Consider using the resources and insights that Games Learning Society provides at GamesLearningSociety.org to further understand how game mechanics influence player behavior and engagement, enhancing your experience and success in the game. Embrace the challenge, and happy hunting!