Is 100 IV Rare in Pokémon GO? A Deep Dive
Yes, finding a 100% IV (also known as “hundo”) Pokémon in Pokémon GO is indeed rare. While the exact rarity depends on various factors such as weather boosts, research encounters, and raid battles, the base odds of encountering a wild Pokémon with perfect Individual Values (IVs) are quite low. Let’s explore this topic in detail and debunk some myths along the way.
Understanding IVs in Pokémon GO
Individual Values (IVs) are hidden stats that each Pokémon possesses, influencing its overall strength in battle. There are three IVs: Attack, Defense, and HP (Hit Points). Each IV can range from 0 to 15. A 100% IV Pokémon has 15 Attack, 15 Defense, and 15 HP, representing the pinnacle of its potential within its species.
Base Odds of Finding a Hundo
In the wild, without any boosts, the chance of encountering a Pokémon with perfect IVs is 1 in 4096 (0.0244%). This is because each of the three IVs has 16 possible values (0-15), resulting in 16 x 16 x 16 = 4096 possible combinations. Every IV combination has the same probability of occurring.
Factors Affecting Hundo Odds
Several in-game mechanics can dramatically improve your chances of finding a hundo:
- Weather Boost: When a Pokémon is weather-boosted (e.g., a Grass-type Pokémon appearing more frequently in sunny weather), its IVs are guaranteed to be at least 4. This significantly reduces the pool of possible IV combinations, improving the odds of finding a hundo.
- Raids, Eggs, and Research Tasks: Pokémon encountered through raids, hatched from eggs, or obtained from research tasks have a guaranteed minimum IV of 10. This substantially increases the likelihood of finding a hundo compared to wild encounters.
- Trades: Lucky Pokémon obtained through trading have a higher chance of having good IVs, including the possibility of perfect IVs. Best Friends have the highest IV floor when trading.
Why Hundos Matter (and When They Don’t)
While hundos are coveted by many players, it’s essential to understand their actual impact on gameplay. A 100% IV Pokémon does offer a slight advantage in battle. The difference between a 0% IV and a 100% IV Pokémon is about 10% in battle performance. That is, they will last around 10% longer, deal around 10% more damage, and resist around 10% more damage.
For casual players, the difference is often negligible. However, for competitive players participating in Raids, Gym Battles, and the GO Battle League, every stat point counts.
0% IV Pokémon: Even Rarer?
Interestingly, 0% IV Pokémon are even rarer than hundos under certain circumstances. Pokémon obtained from raids, eggs, research tasks, and trades are guaranteed to have a minimum IV. This means that a 0% IV Pokémon can only be found in the wild and cannot be weather-boosted.
The Appeal of “Nundos”
Some players collect these “nundos” (0% IV Pokémon) as a novelty, showcasing the opposite end of the IV spectrum. This is the case when trying to find a Pokémon with 0 Speed IV, such as Eelektross.
Dispelling Myths About Hundos
- Myth: Hundos are automatically the best Pokémon to use.
- Reality: While hundos offer a stat advantage, a Pokémon’s type, moveset, and level are equally important. A well-leveled Pokémon with a good moveset but lower IVs can often outperform a low-level hundo with a poor moveset.
- Myth: IVs are the only thing that matters in competitive play.
- Reality: IVs are just one piece of the puzzle. Strategic team composition, type matchups, and move timing are crucial for success in competitive battles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about IVs and hundos in Pokémon GO:
1. What are the highest possible IVs in Pokémon GO?
The highest possible IVs are 15/15/15, representing perfect scores in Attack, Defense, and HP.
2. How can I check a Pokémon’s IVs?
You can check a Pokémon’s IVs using the in-game appraisal system or third-party apps like Poke Genie.
3. Do IVs matter at level 50?
Yes, IVs still matter at level 50, although their impact is slightly less pronounced than at lower levels. The difference between 0 IV and 100 IV Pokémon is approximately 15-16 stats.
4. Is it harder to catch high IV Pokémon in the wild?
No, there’s no direct correlation between a Pokémon’s catch difficulty and its IVs. Catch difficulty depends on the Pokémon’s level and the effectiveness of your Poké Balls and Berries.
5. Can all Pokémon have perfect IVs?
Yes, all Pokémon can potentially have perfect IVs, although some encounter methods (like raids and eggs) guarantee a minimum IV floor.
6. Are shiny Pokémon with perfect IVs even rarer?
Yes, a shiny Pokémon with perfect IVs (a “shiny hundo”) is exceptionally rare due to the combined rarity of both attributes. Shiny Pokémon usually have a 1 in 500 chance of appearing.
7. Should I keep 0-star Pokémon?
It depends. If storage space is limited, it’s generally better to prioritize 1-star or higher Pokémon. However, some players collect 0-star Pokémon as a novelty.
8. How can I improve my chances of finding a hundo?
Participate in raids, hatch eggs, complete research tasks, trade Pokémon, and take advantage of weather boosts to encounter Pokémon with higher minimum IVs.
9. What is a “shadow hundo”?
A “shadow hundo” is a Shadow Pokémon with perfect IVs. These are extremely rare and highly sought after due to the Shadow boost, which increases damage output.
10. Can Ditto have perfect IVs?
Yes, Ditto can have perfect IVs. However, finding a perfect IV Ditto is still subject to the same odds as other Pokémon, unless encountered in special events.
11. What does 3* and 4* mean in Pokémon GO?
In the in-game appraisal system, 3* indicates a Pokémon with an IV range of approximately 80-99%, while 4* indicates a Pokémon with perfect 100% IVs.
12. Are hundos more important for PvP or PvE?
Hundos are generally more important for PvE (raids and gym battles) where maximizing damage output is crucial. In PvP, specific IV combinations that optimize stat distribution for certain leagues may be preferred. Check the Games Learning Society for more information regarding competitive play.
13. Can legendary Pokémon have perfect IVs?
Yes, legendary Pokémon can have perfect IVs. However, the odds depend on the encounter method. Raids and research breakthroughs offer higher chances of good IVs compared to wild encounters.
14. Is it worth powering up a 98% IV Pokémon over a 100% IV Pokémon?
In most cases, yes. The difference in performance between a 98% IV and a 100% IV Pokémon is often negligible. Powering up a readily available 98% IV Pokémon is usually more practical than waiting for a potential hundo.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategy and mechanics?
You can find valuable information and resources on websites like GamesLearningSociety.org, community forums, and dedicated Pokémon GO content creators.
Conclusion
Finding a 100% IV Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a rare and exciting event. While hundos offer a slight advantage in battle, it’s important to prioritize factors like Pokémon type, moveset, and level. Use the information in this article to improve your chances of finding hundos and make informed decisions about which Pokémon to invest in. Happy hunting!