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Is a 0% Pokémon rare?

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Is a 0% Pokémon Rare? A Deep Dive into Pokémon GO’s Rarest Finds

Yes, a 0% Pokémon (also known as a nundo) is indeed rare in Pokémon GO, often considered even rarer than a 100% Pokémon (or hundo) in many circumstances. This is because the game mechanics make it nearly impossible to obtain a 0% IV Pokémon from certain sources, such as raids, eggs, research tasks, or trades, where IV floors are in place. The rarity stems from the pure chance involved in encountering them in the wild. Now, let’s delve deeper into why these seemingly undesirable Pokémon are so sought after and explore everything you need to know about nundos.

Understanding IVs and Appraisal Stars

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of 0% Pokémon, let’s quickly recap what IVs (Individual Values) are and how they relate to the appraisal stars in Pokémon GO.

  • IVs: These are hidden stats that each Pokémon possesses, influencing their overall potential in battle. They range from 0 to 15 in Attack, Defense, and HP (Hit Points).

  • Appraisal Stars: These stars represent the overall IV score of your Pokémon.

    • 0 stars: 0 – 48.9% IVs
    • 1 star: 51.1 – 64.4% IVs
    • 2 stars: 66.7 – 80% IVs
    • 3 stars: 82.2 – 97.8% IVs
    • 3 stars (red background): 100% IVs

A 0% Pokémon, therefore, has 0 IVs in all three stats, making it a curiosity for collectors rather than a powerhouse in raids or battles.

The Rarity Factor

The primary reason 0% Pokémon are considered rare is due to the IV floors present in various encounter methods:

  • Raids, Eggs, and Research Tasks: These encounters guarantee a minimum IV floor, usually 10 in each stat. This means a 0% IV Pokémon is impossible to obtain through these means.
  • Trades: Trading Pokémon increases the minimum IVs based on friendship level, making it challenging to get a 0% Pokémon through trading as well.
  • Wild Encounters: The only way to obtain a 0% Pokémon is through wild encounters or shadow Pokémon encounters. This makes them a product of pure chance, with only a 1 in 4096 chance of rolling the required IVs.

Considering that many players prioritize hunting down high-IV Pokémon, actively searching for 0% Pokémon requires a unique dedication and a lot of luck.

Are 0% Pokémon Worth Keeping?

While 0% Pokémon are generally not optimal for battling, they hold value for several reasons:

  • Rarity: As discussed, their scarcity makes them a prized possession for collectors.
  • Novelty: Owning a 0% Pokémon is a fun and unique achievement.
  • Limited PVP Use: Some players use 0% Pokémon strategically in specific PVP scenarios (more on this later).
  • Trophy: Some trainers simply like to show off their rare 0% Pokémon.

When Can 0% Pokémon Be Good?

0% Pokémon can find limited use in certain situations, such as:

  • Great League and Ultra League: If a 0-star’s CP is within the CP-cap (1500 for Great League and 2500 for Ultra League), then it can be used.
  • Special Attacking Pokémon: The attack stat is not as crucial with Special Attacking Pokémon.

However, these are niche cases, and the primary appeal of 0% Pokémon remains their rarity and collectibility.

FAQs About 0% Pokémon

1. Can a Legendary Pokémon be 0%?

Yes, but only through wild encounters. Since Legendary Pokémon are primarily encountered in raids, which guarantee a minimum IV floor, a 0% Legendary Pokémon is extremely rare.

2. How can I increase my chances of finding a 0% Pokémon?

There’s no way to directly increase your chances. The only thing you can do is encounter as many wild Pokémon as possible.

3. Are Shadow Pokémon able to be 0%?

Yes. Shadow Pokémon can have 0% IVs, but keep in mind they’re typically more difficult to catch than regular Pokémon.

4. Can weather boost affect the chances of finding a 0% Pokémon?

No, weather boost doesn’t affect the chances of finding a 0% Pokémon. It only affects the level and IV floor of the Pokémon, not the chance of getting the absolute minimum.

5. What’s the difference between a 0% and a 100% Pokémon?

A 0% Pokémon has the lowest possible IVs (0 in Attack, Defense, and HP), while a 100% Pokémon has the highest possible IVs (15 in Attack, Defense, and HP).

6. Are there any Pokémon that are better as 0% than 100%?

In very niche situations, some Pokémon might benefit from having 0 Attack IVs to minimize damage from moves like Foul Play or from confusion. However, this is rare and highly situational.

7. How do appraisal stars work?

Appraisal stars provide a quick visual representation of a Pokémon’s overall IV score. As mentioned earlier:

  • 0 stars: 0 – 48.9% IVs
  • 1 star: 51.1 – 64.4% IVs
  • 2 stars: 66.7 – 80% IVs
  • 3 stars: 82.2 – 97.8% IVs
  • 3 stars (red background): 100% IVs

8. What is the best way to appraise a Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

Use the in-game appraisal tool. Select the Pokémon, tap the menu button (the three horizontal lines), and choose “Appraise.”

9. Can purified Pokémon have 0% IVs?

No. When you purify a Shadow Pokémon, its IVs increase by 2 in each stat. If a Shadow Pokémon had 0 IVs, it would have 2 IVs in each stat after purification.

10. Should I evolve a 0% Pokémon?

It depends. If you’re a collector, evolving a 0% Pokémon can be a fun way to showcase your rare find. However, for battling, it’s generally not recommended.

11. How do IVs affect CP?

IVs directly impact a Pokémon’s CP. A Pokémon with higher IVs will generally have a higher CP at the same level than a Pokémon with lower IVs.

12. What is the maximum CP a 0% Pokémon can achieve?

The maximum CP a 0% Pokémon can achieve is lower than that of a 100% Pokémon of the same species and level. The exact CP will vary depending on the Pokémon.

13. Can the IVs of a Pokémon change?

No, the IVs of a Pokémon are fixed when it is generated, either through an encounter, egg hatch, or trade.

14. Are 0% Pokémon more common during specific events?

No, there are no known events that specifically increase the chance of encountering 0% Pokémon. It remains a matter of pure chance during all wild encounters.

15. Why do some players collect 0% Pokémon?

Players collect 0% Pokémon for their rarity and as a unique challenge. It’s a fun way to add diversity to their Pokémon GO collection beyond just aiming for the strongest Pokémon. This aspect of the game fosters engagement and exploration within the community, aligning with the principles explored by the Games Learning Society in their research on the educational and motivational aspects of gaming. For more insights into how gaming principles can enhance learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

The Hunt for the Nundo: A Testament to Dedication

While 0% Pokémon may not be the best for battles, their rarity and the challenge of finding them make them a unique and valuable addition to any Pokémon GO collection. So, keep an eye out for those seemingly worthless Pokémon – you might just stumble upon a rare nundo!

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