Is Machop Rare? Unpacking the Rarity of the Tiny Titan
No, Machop is not generally considered a rare Pokémon, especially in the context of the main series games and Pokémon GO. In the core video games, Machop and its evolutions, Machoke and Machamp, are often found in caves and mountainous regions. Its availability varies between game versions, but overall, it is usually a common encounter. In Pokémon GO, Machop has also been featured in events, Community Days, and as a regular spawn, making it quite accessible to players. However, its shiny form is significantly rarer, as is a 100% IV Machop.
Machop: Not Rare, But Still Special
Machop’s common availability doesn’t diminish its value, though. This Fighting-type Pokémon is beloved for its impressive attack stat and potential to evolve into the powerful Machamp. Many players find it to be a useful addition to their teams, particularly early in the game. Let’s dig deeper into the specifics of Machop’s rarity in different contexts and answer some common questions about this muscle-bound marvel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Machop
1. How rare is Machop in Pokémon GO?
In Pokémon GO, Machop is a relatively common spawn, especially during events that feature Fighting-type Pokémon. While not as ubiquitous as some of the most common Pokémon like Pidgey or Rattata, it appears with enough frequency that most players can catch multiple Machop without too much effort. Keep an eye out for events that boost Fighting-type spawns for the best chance to encounter a Machop.
2. Is Shiny Machop rare in Pokémon GO?
Yes, the Shiny Machop is significantly rarer than the standard Machop in Pokémon GO. Shiny Pokémon, in general, have a much lower spawn rate. While the exact odds vary, it’s often estimated to be around 1 in 500 encounters. During a Shiny Machop Community Day, the shiny rate is significantly boosted, making it much easier to find.
3. How good is Machop in Pokémon GO?
Machop itself isn’t a powerhouse, but its evolved forms, Machoke and especially Machamp, are excellent choices for battling Team GO Rocket Grunts, Gyms, and Raids. Machamp is a top-tier Fighting-type attacker, effective against a variety of opponents. Investing in a strong Machop (with good IVs) can lead to a very useful Pokémon down the line.
4. What are the best moves for Machamp in Pokémon GO?
The best moveset for Machamp in Pokémon GO typically includes Counter as the Fast Move and Dynamic Punch as the Charged Move. This combination provides high damage output and energy generation, making Machamp a formidable opponent in battles.
5. Is a 100% IV Machop rare?
Yes, a Machop with perfect IVs (15/15/15) is rare. In Pokémon GO, each Pokémon has hidden Individual Values (IVs) that contribute to its overall stats. Finding a Pokémon with perfect IVs requires luck and diligent searching. Community Days often provide increased spawn rates and boosted IV floors, improving your chances of finding a perfect Machop.
6. What is the CP of a perfect Machop in Pokémon GO?
At Level 30 (the maximum level for wild spawns), a 100% IV Machop has a CP of 1096. This CP can be higher if the Machop is weather-boosted. Remember that evolving it into Machoke and then Machamp will significantly increase its CP.
7. Is Machoke a rare Pokémon?
In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the card labelled Pokemon – Machoke – 64/145 is marked as Uncommon. In the video games, Machoke is not considered rare, and spawns after evolving a Machop with 25 candy.
8. What are Machop’s weaknesses?
As a Fighting-type Pokémon, Machop is weak to Psychic-, Fairy-, and Flying-type moves. When facing Machop or its evolutions in battle, using Pokémon with these move types will give you a significant advantage.
9. Which Pokémon can defeat Machop?
The best Pokémon to use against Machop are those with Psychic-, Fairy-, or Flying-type moves. Some effective counters include Alakazam, Espeon, Blaziken (with Flying-type moves), Togekiss, and Mewtwo.
10. How does Machop evolve?
Machop evolves into Machoke starting at level 28 in the core games. In Pokémon GO, Machop evolves into Machoke using 25 Candy. Machoke then evolves into Machamp through trading in the core games, or by using 100 Candy in Pokémon GO.
11. Is Machamp stronger than Gengar?
In some situations, Machamp can be stronger than Gengar, especially in battles where Fighting-type moves are effective. However, Gengar has its own strengths and weaknesses. In Pokémon GO, a level 30 Gengar with 2467 CP can be defeated by a level 30 Machamp with 19707 CP in a battle simulation. The specific outcome depends on the movesets and IVs of each Pokémon.
12. How rare is a Machamp Pokémon card?
The original Base Set Machamp card is not rare. It was printed in massive quantities and distributed widely, making it one of the most common Base Set rares. However, other Machamp cards from different sets may have varying levels of rarity.
13. What kind of animal is Machop based on?
While Machop is a fictional creature, its design seems to be inspired by a humanoid figure with a muscular physique. There’s not a specific animal that directly corresponds to Machop, but its appearance emphasizes strength and physical prowess.
14. What are the odds of finding a shiny Pokémon?
On average, the odds of finding a shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO are around 1 in 500. However, some events and special encounters can increase these odds significantly. Certain Pokémon also have permanently boosted shiny rates. For example, some raids or research encounters may have higher odds of producing a shiny.
15. Can Machop learn any non-Fighting-type moves?
Yes, Machop can learn a variety of non-Fighting-type moves through TM’s, HMs, or level-up in the core games. In Pokémon GO, Machop can learn moves like Rock Slide, making it a more versatile fighter against different types of opponents.
Conclusion: Machop’s Availability and Enduring Appeal
While Machop itself is not rare, its shiny version and perfect IV specimens are highly sought after. Machop’s evolutions, particularly Machamp, are valuable assets in many Pokémon GO battles, making it a Pokémon worth catching and investing in. Understanding the nuances of rarity and the value of different stats can greatly enhance your Pokémon catching experience.
Learning about Pokemon isn’t just for fun; it promotes critical thinking, strategy, and understanding of complex systems. Just like many other games! Learn more about games and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.