How Rare is a No IV Pokémon in Pokémon GO? The Elusive Nundo Explained
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A 0% IV Pokémon, affectionately nicknamed a “Nundo” by the Pokémon GO community, is indeed quite rare. The base probability of encountering a Nundo in the wild is 1 in 4,096, mirroring the odds of finding a perfect IV (“Hundo“) Pokémon. However, this base rate can be significantly affected by various in-game mechanics and encounter scenarios. Understanding these mechanics is key to appreciating just how uncommon these seemingly undesirable Pokémon truly are.
Understanding Individual Values (IVs) in Pokémon GO
Before diving deeper, let’s clarify what IVs are. Every Pokémon in Pokémon GO possesses three hidden stats: Attack, Defense, and Stamina (HP). These stats each range from 0 to 15, contributing to the Pokémon’s overall Combat Power (CP) and performance in battles. A 100% IV Pokémon has 15 in all three categories, while a 0% IV Pokémon (Nundo) has 0 in each.
The Base Probability: 1 in 4,096
As stated earlier, in the simplest scenario, the odds of encountering a Nundo are the same as finding a Hundo: 1 in 4,096. This holds true for wild Pokémon caught in their natural habitats or hatched from Eggs. Since each IV stat has 16 possible values (0-15), the probability of rolling a 0 for each stat is 1/16. Multiplying these probabilities together (1/16 * 1/16 * 1/16) gives you 1/4096.
Factors Affecting Nundo Rarity
Several factors can drastically alter the rarity of Nundos:
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Weather Boost: Weather boost increases the minimum IVs of wild encounters. This means that, during weather boost, you cannot find a Nundo in the wild.
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Research Tasks and Raids: Pokémon encountered through Research Tasks and Raid Battles have a minimum IV floor of 10. Therefore, Nundos cannot be obtained through these methods.
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Friendship Levels and Trading: Trading can affect IVs, potentially resulting in a Nundo. However, friendship levels raise the minimum IV floor for trades, making it more difficult to obtain a Nundo through trading with higher-level friends. Trading with strangers or new friends presents a more favorable (though still improbable) scenario.
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Purified Pokémon: Purifying a Shadow Pokémon adds +2 to each IV stat. This means if a Shadow Pokémon already has 0 IVs, it will gain 2 in each stat. You can not purify a Shadow Pokémon to get a nundo.
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Lucky Pokémon: The minimum IV floor for lucky Pokémon is much higher, which makes getting a nundo impossible.
Why Keep a Nundo? The Collector’s Perspective
While a Nundo is undoubtedly less useful in battles than a Hundo, many players actively seek them out for their rarity and novelty. The Pokémon GO community has embraced Nundos as unique collectibles, adding another layer to the game’s already engaging collecting aspect. Some players find the challenge of locating and obtaining these elusive Pokémon to be just as rewarding as powering up top-tier battlers. Furthermore, there may be niche instances where very low Attack IVs are useful in specific PvP scenarios in order to get turn priority.
Nundo Hunting Strategies
If you’re interested in hunting for Nundos, here are some strategies to consider:
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Focus on wild spawns: Prioritize catching Pokémon in the wild, especially when there is no weather boost for those specific Pokémon types.
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Trade with new friends: Increase your chances by trading with trainers who have low friendship levels to minimize the IV floor.
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Utilize Pokémon Storage: Be prepared to catch and appraise a large number of Pokémon to increase your chances of finding a Nundo.
The Appeal of the Imperfect
In a game often focused on maximizing stats and optimizing performance, the Nundo represents a charming anomaly. Its inherent “imperfection” makes it a sought-after prize for collectors and adds a unique element to the Pokémon GO experience. Just as some collect shiny Pokémon, some players have a passion for collecting nundos, highlighting the diverse ways in which players can engage with the game.
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) emphasizes how games foster learning through exploration and discovery, which perfectly aligns with the pursuit of rare Pokémon like Nundos. This hunt promotes engagement and a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nundo Pokémon
What is a Nundo Pokémon?
A Nundo Pokémon is a Pokémon with 0 IVs in Attack, Defense, and Stamina. Essentially, it’s the opposite of a “Hundo” or perfect IV Pokémon.
Is a Nundo rarer than a Shiny?
While Shiny rarity varies, Nundos are generally rarer than most Shiny Pokémon found in the wild.
Can you get a Nundo from an Egg?
Yes, you can hatch a Nundo from an Egg, as Egg hatches don’t guarantee minimum IVs (unless otherwise specified during an event).
Can you get a Nundo from a Raid?
No. Pokémon encountered in Raids have a minimum IV floor of 10 in each stat, making Nundos impossible to obtain through this method.
Can you get a Nundo from Research Tasks?
Similar to Raids, Research Tasks also guarantee a minimum IV floor, preventing Nundos from appearing.
Can you get a Nundo from a Shadow Pokémon?
Yes, Shadow Pokémon can have 0 IVs. However, purifying a Shadow Pokémon will increase each IV stat by +2, so a 0 IV Shadow can’t be purified into a Nundo.
Are Nundos good for PvP?
Generally, no. High IVs are usually preferred for PvP, as they improve a Pokémon’s stats. However, some very niche strategies prioritize lower Attack IVs to manipulate turn order in certain leagues.
Are Nundos good for Gym Defense?
Similar to PvP, high IVs are generally better for Gym defense, as they lead to a stronger and more durable defender.
What’s the best way to find a Nundo?
Focus on catching Pokémon in the wild, especially during times when weather boost doesn’t affect the Pokémon you’re hunting. Avoid encounters from Raids, Research Tasks, and high-level trades.
Why do people collect Nundos?
Nundos are collected primarily for their rarity and as a unique challenge within the game.
Does weather boost affect Nundo spawns?
Yes. Weather boost increases the minimum IVs of wild spawns, making Nundos impossible to find in boosted weather conditions.
Can Lucky Pokémon be Nundos?
No. Lucky Pokémon have a high minimum IV floor that makes obtaining a Nundo impossible.
Are there any events that increase Nundo chances?
Generally, no. Events that affect IVs typically raise the minimum values, decreasing the chance of finding Nundos.
What is the search string for Nundos in Pokémon GO?
While there isn’t a direct search string for Nundos, you can use the string 0*&4attack-0&defense-0&hp-0 after appraising your Pokémon. 0* will show you pokemon with 0 stars. The remaining parameters will then show you specific ones that have 0 in each individual stat.
Are Nundos worth anything in trades?
The value of Nundos in trades is subjective and depends on the other player’s interest in collecting them. Their practical value is low, but their novelty can make them desirable to certain collectors.