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Is a 0 Star Pokémon Bad? The Truth About IVs in Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, a 0-star Pokémon refers to a creature with Individual Values (IVs) that are quite low, specifically below 50%. These IVs represent a Pokémon’s potential in three key stats: Attack, Defense, and HP (Hit Points). So, is a 0-star Pokémon inherently “bad”? The straightforward answer is: it depends on your goals. For serious battling and competitive play, a 0-star Pokémon is generally not ideal. However, there are specific situations and reasons why you might want to keep one, or why their low IVs might not matter as much as you think. In short, 0-star Pokémon are bad for serious battling, but can be kept for rarity purposes.

Understanding IVs and Their Impact

Before diving deeper, let’s recap what IVs are and why they matter in Pokémon GO:

Individual Values (IVs): These are hidden stats unique to each Pokémon, ranging from 0 to 15 for each stat (Attack, Defense, and HP). IVs contribute to a Pokémon’s overall Combat Power (CP) and determine its performance in battles.
CP (Combat Power): CP is a measure of a Pokémon’s strength. Higher CP generally means a stronger Pokémon. IVs are just one factor that contributes to CP. Pokémon level and the Pokémon’s base stats are the two other factors that determine CP.
Star Ratings: The star rating system gives you a quick visual assessment of a Pokémon’s IVs. 0-star Pokémon have the lowest potential, while 3-star and 4-star Pokémon have the highest.

Why 0-Star Pokémon Are Usually Considered Undesirable

Lower CP Potential: 0-star Pokémon generally have lower CP ceilings compared to their counterparts with higher IVs. This means they won’t reach the same maximum strength when powered up.
Weaker in Battles: In Player vs. Player (PvP) battles, Gym battles, and Raids, the difference in stats can be noticeable. Pokémon with higher IVs will deal more damage and withstand more hits.
Less Efficient Resource Usage: Investing Stardust and Candy to power up a 0-star Pokémon is less efficient because you’ll be spending resources on a Pokémon that won’t perform as well as one with higher IVs.

Reasons to Keep a 0-Star Pokémon

Despite their drawbacks, there are valid reasons to hold onto a 0-star Pokémon:

Rarity and Novelty: A 0% IV Pokémon (all IVs are 0) is statistically rarer than a 100% IV Pokémon (all IVs are 15). Some players enjoy collecting these rare specimens purely for their novelty.
Collection Purposes: Completing your Pokédex is a primary goal for many players. A 0-star Pokémon might be necessary to fill a gap in your collection, especially if it’s a rare or regional Pokémon.
Trade Material: While you can’t guarantee a good IV roll, trading can sometimes yield positive surprises. Some players collect 0-star Pokémon to use as trade fodder, hoping for a lucky re-roll of IVs.
Niche PvP Strategies: In certain specific PvP scenarios, a Pokémon with low Attack IVs can actually be beneficial. This is because in Great League and Ultra League, there is a CP limit. A lower attack stat can allow for higher stat product (the product of Attack, Defense, and HP), which can result in increased bulk.
Sentimental Value: Maybe that 0-star Pokémon was your first catch, or it has some other personal significance. Sometimes, sentiment outweighs practical considerations.

The Role of IVs in Different Game Aspects

To make a more informed decision, consider how IVs impact various aspects of Pokémon GO:

Gym Battles and Raids: High IVs are generally desirable for maximizing your damage output and survivability. However, team composition, move sets, and battle strategies are equally important. A well-coordinated team with decent Pokémon can often overcome a team of poorly-coordinated players with perfect Pokémon.
PvP (Trainer Battles): IVs are a more significant factor in PvP battles. A small stat advantage can make a difference in close matches. However, skillful play, type matchups, and move selection are still crucial.
Team GO Rocket Battles: These battles are typically less demanding than Raids or PvP, so a 0-star Pokémon might be sufficient, especially if it has a favorable type matchup.
Collection and Trading: As mentioned, rarity and the potential for trade re-rolls make 0-star Pokémon potentially valuable for collectors.

Alternatives to Consider

Focus on High CP: For Gym battles and Raids, a high CP Pokémon with decent moves is often more effective than a lower CP Pokémon with perfect IVs. Prioritize CP over IVs if you’re short on resources.
Look for Shadow Pokémon: Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage than their regular counterparts. Even a Shadow Pokémon with mediocre IVs can be a powerful attacker.
Consider Purifying Shadow Pokémon: Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will improve its IVs, but it will also remove the damage boost. Carefully weigh the pros and cons before purifying.

The Bottom Line

A 0-star Pokémon is not inherently “bad.” It depends on your play style, goals, and resource availability. If you’re a competitive player striving for top performance, prioritize Pokémon with higher IVs. If you’re a casual player or collector, a 0-star Pokémon can be a fun novelty or a valuable addition to your collection.

Remember, Pokémon GO is about more than just stats. It’s about exploring, collecting, battling, and connecting with other players. Don’t let the pursuit of perfect IVs overshadow the enjoyment of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about 0-star Pokémon in Pokémon GO:

1. What does a 0-star rating mean in Pokémon GO?

A 0-star rating means that the Pokémon’s combined Individual Values (IVs) for Attack, Defense, and HP fall below 50% of the maximum possible value. This generally indicates that the Pokémon has low potential compared to others of the same species.

2. How rare is a 0% IV (0-star) Pokémon?

A 0% IV Pokémon, where all three IVs (Attack, Defense, and HP) are zero, is extremely rare. The odds of encountering one in the wild are 1/4096. This makes them rarer than 100% IV Pokémon in many scenarios. The only way to get it is through normal wild Pokemon encounters or trades.

3. Can I increase a Pokémon’s star rating (IVs)?

No, you cannot directly increase a Pokémon’s IVs after it has been caught. Evolving or powering up a Pokémon will not change its IVs. The only exception is purifying a Shadow Pokémon, which will increase its IVs by +2 to each stat.

4. Is it worth keeping a 0-star Shiny Pokémon?

Yes, absolutely! Shiny Pokémon are very rare and highly sought after. Even if the IVs are low, the rarity of a Shiny Pokémon makes it worth keeping for collection purposes.

5. Should I transfer my 0-star Pokémon for Candy?

It depends. If you have multiple copies of the same species, transferring a 0-star Pokémon can be a good way to obtain Candy. However, if it’s a rare or valuable Pokémon, or if you want to keep it for novelty, you might want to hold onto it.

6. Are 0-star Pokémon useless in battles?

Not entirely useless, but they are at a disadvantage. A 0-star Pokémon will generally have lower CP and lower stats compared to a higher IV Pokémon of the same species. This makes them less effective in Gym battles, Raids, and PvP.

7. Can a Shadow Pokémon be 0-star?

Yes, a Shadow Pokémon can be 0-star. In fact, 0% IV Shadow Pokémon are even rarer than 100% IV Pokémon, since they cannot be obtained through raids, eggs, or research tasks.

8. Should I purify a 0-star Shadow Pokémon?

Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will increase its IVs, but it will also remove the 20% damage boost that Shadow Pokémon have. Consider whether you value the IV improvement more than the damage boost. In most cases, it’s better to keep Shadow Pokémon unpurified.

9. Are high CP or high stars (IVs) more important?

It depends on the situation. For Gym battles and Raids, high CP is generally more important, as it indicates a Pokémon’s overall strength. However, for PvP battles, IVs can play a more significant role, especially in close matches. High CP reflects the current state of a Pokemon, whereas high stars are indicative of a Pokemon’s potential.

10. What is the best way to find Pokémon with high IVs?

Raids, eggs, and research tasks guarantee Pokémon with a minimum IV of 10 in each stat. Trading with Best Friends also increases the chances of getting high IV Pokémon. Wild Pokémon encounters are less likely to yield high IVs, but they are still possible.

11. Can a Legendary Pokémon be 0-star?

Yes, a Legendary Pokémon can be 0-star, but only through trading. Legendary Pokémon obtained through Raids, Research Tasks, and Special Research have a minimum IV floor.

12. Do IVs matter in Team GO Rocket battles?

IVs matter less in Team GO Rocket battles compared to other types of battles. Team GO Rocket battles are generally easier, so you can often get by with Pokémon that have lower IVs.

13. What is the difference between a 3-star and a 4-star Pokémon?

A 3-star Pokémon has IVs that fall within the range of approximately 80% to 99% of the maximum possible value. A 4-star Pokémon is a 100% IV Pokémon, meaning all three IVs (Attack, Defense, and HP) are the maximum value of 15.

14. How do I check a Pokémon’s IVs?

You can use the in-game appraisal feature or third-party apps like PokeGenie to check a Pokémon’s IVs. The in-game appraisal will give you a general idea of the Pokémon’s strengths, while third-party apps provide a more precise IV calculation.

15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategy and gameplay?

You can find valuable information on the Pokémon GO community Reddit page, and you can also explore resources at the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org. These sources offer insights into game mechanics, battle strategies, and community discussions.

Is a 0 star Pokémon bad?