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Is 0 IV Pokemon Good? Unveiling the Zero-Star Enigma

The question of whether a 0 IV Pokémon is “good” is multifaceted and depends entirely on your goals as a trainer. In most situations, particularly for general PvE content like raids and gym battles, a 0 IV Pokémon is not ideal. Higher IVs generally translate to better stats, leading to increased damage output and survivability. However, these seemingly “worthless” Pokémon possess a unique appeal and, in certain niche scenarios, can even be strategically advantageous. Let’s dive deeper into the world of 0 IV Pokémon to uncover their hidden value and explore when holding onto one might be worthwhile.

Understanding Individual Values (IVs)

Before we delve into the merits of 0 IVs, let’s establish a clear understanding of what Individual Values (IVs) are in the context of Pokémon GO (and other Pokémon games). IVs are essentially hidden stats that each Pokémon possesses, determining their potential strength. These values range from 0 to 15 in Pokémon GO for each of the three primary stats: Attack, Defense, and HP (Hit Points). Unlike base stats, which are determined by the Pokémon’s species, IVs are fixed at the time of capture or hatching and cannot be changed (unless you’re purifying a Shadow Pokémon, in which case, each IV increases by 2).

A Pokémon with perfect IVs (15/15/15, often referred to as a “hundo”) will have slightly higher stats than the same species with lower IVs at the same level. This stat difference is a major appeal for competitive players. The actual impact of IVs on a Pokémon’s overall performance typically falls within the range of 5% to 10%, depending on the species and stat distribution.

The Allure of Zero: Why 0 IVs Might Be Desirable

While maximizing IVs is the conventional wisdom, 0 IVs can be strategically beneficial in a few specific contexts:

Minimizing Damage from Confusion: When a Pokémon becomes confused, it has a chance of hitting itself with a physical attack. A 0 Attack IV will minimize the damage it takes when doing so. This is extremely situational, as confusion is not a prevalent status condition in Pokémon GO.
Mitigating Foul Play Damage: The move Foul Play uses the opponent’s Attack stat to calculate damage. Therefore, a Pokémon with a low Attack stat will take less damage from Foul Play. Again, this is a niche scenario, and the benefit is often negligible.
Trick Room Strategies: This holds relevance mostly for the core series games, not Pokemon GO. In these games, the Trick Room move reverses the turn order, making slower Pokémon move first. A 0 Speed IV is highly desirable in Trick Room teams.
Rarity and Collectibility: Perhaps the most compelling reason for many players is the sheer rarity of 0 IV Pokémon. Because these Pokemon cannot come from raids, eggs, research tasks or trades, their presence in the wild is extremely rare, making them far more uncommon than hundos. Catching a “nundo” (a Pokémon with 0 IVs in all stats) is a noteworthy accomplishment for dedicated collectors.
Niche PvP Applications: There may be specific situations in PvP where slightly lower Attack IVs, even beyond the benefit against Foul Play, could give you an edge by manipulating CP to stay within a certain league’s CP cap. However, these scenarios are highly specific and require careful analysis.

When to Keep a 0 IV Pokémon

Given the rare occurrences where a 0 IV Pokémon is valuable, here’s a breakdown of when you might want to hold onto one:

As a Collector’s Item: If you enjoy collecting rare and unusual Pokémon, a 0 IV specimen is a worthy addition to your collection. The bragging rights alone might be worth the storage space!
Potential Future Meta Shifts: Game mechanics are constantly evolving. A niche strategy that’s currently ineffective could become viable in the future.
Sentimental Value: Sometimes, the joy of catching a rare find outweighs any practical considerations. If you’re attached to a particular 0 IV Pokémon, there’s no harm in keeping it.

When to Transfer a 0 IV Pokémon

While 0 IV Pokémon can be interesting, they are generally outclassed by their higher-IV counterparts in most practical situations. Here’s when it’s probably safe to transfer a 0 IV Pokémon:

If you have a better IV version of the same species: If you’re prioritizing performance, always favor Pokémon with higher IVs, especially for important battles.
If you need storage space: Storage space is a precious commodity in Pokémon GO. If you’re running low, less useful Pokémon, like most 0 IV specimens, are good candidates for transfer.
If you’re not interested in collecting: If you’re solely focused on building the strongest possible team, a 0 IV Pokémon likely won’t contribute to your goals.

FAQs About 0 IV Pokémon

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of 0 IV Pokémon:

1. What are IVs in Pokémon GO?

IVs (Individual Values) are hidden stats that affect a Pokémon’s potential strength in Attack, Defense, and HP. They range from 0 to 15 for each stat.

2. How do IVs affect a Pokémon’s performance?

IVs contribute to a Pokémon’s overall stats, typically impacting performance by about 5% to 10%.

3. What is a “nundo” Pokémon?

A nundo is a Pokémon with 0 IVs in all three stats (Attack, Defense, and HP).

4. Are 0 IV Pokémon rare?

Yes, 0 IV Pokémon are rarer than 100% IV Pokémon in Pokémon GO because they cannot come from raids, eggs, research tasks or trades.

5. Why would I want a 0 Attack IV Pokémon?

To minimize damage from self-inflicted confusion or the opponent’s Foul Play move.

6. Is a 0 Speed IV useful?

A 0 Speed IV is helpful in core series games that utilize Trick Room.

7. Should I transfer a 0 IV Pokémon?

Generally, yes, unless you are a collector or foresee a potential future use.

8. What is the chance of finding a 0% IV Pokémon?

The chance of getting a 0 IV for each stat is the same as getting a 15 IV for each stat, which is 1/32. A “nundo” would be (1/32)^3.

9. What makes a Pokémon a 0-star in Pokémon GO?

A 0-star Pokémon has an overall IV percentage ranging from 0% to 48.9%.

10. Are 0 IV Shadow Pokémon good?

Generally, no, a 0 IV shadow Pokemon isn’t “good” but it’s more that Shadow Pokemon do more damage than regular pokemon. The main appeal of keeping a shadow Pokemon is for its damage output. If it’s a rare one, then it might be beneficial.

11. Should I trade a 0 IV Pokémon?

Trading 0 IV Pokémon is fine as the IVs will be re-rolled. It’s more important to never trade Pokemon with perfect IVs.

12. Is there any real benefit to keeping a 0 0 0 Pokémon?

Most benefits are from collecting, and rare occurances in pvp, such as minimizing damage when confused.

13. How does a 0 IV compare to a 100 IV Pokémon?

The difference statistically is between 5% and 10% depending on species. In practice, the difference is typically even smaller.

14. Do IVs or CP matter more?

IVs contribute to the CP score of a Pokemon. However, for most players, the combination matters, not either one.

15. What are the IV ranges for “Decent” in the appraisal system?

“Decent” IVs range from 1-15.

The Final Verdict: Embrace the Rarity, Acknowledge the Limitations

In conclusion, while 0 IV Pokémon are generally less powerful than their high-IV counterparts, they possess a unique appeal for collectors and can be strategically advantageous in extremely niche scenarios. Knowing when to keep one and when to transfer it depends on your personal goals and play style. Appreciating the nuances of IVs and their impact on gameplay allows you to make informed decisions and optimize your Pokémon team.

Remember, the true beauty of Pokémon lies in the diverse collection of creatures and the bonds we form with them. Whether you’re chasing hundos or celebrating the rarity of nundos, the journey is what truly matters. Understanding and appreciating the nuances of game mechanics, such as the role of IVs, can also enhance the learning experience. To explore more about the intersection of games and learning, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Is 0 IV Pokemon good?