Is It Bad to Evolve Shinies? A Comprehensive Guide for Pokémon Enthusiasts
Evolving a Shiny Pokémon is a decision that weighs heavily on the minds of many trainers. The short answer is: it depends on your personal goals and priorities within the game. There’s no universally “bad” decision, but there are definitely factors to consider. Are you a collector focused on completing your shiny Pokédex? Do you prioritize battling and competitive play? Or are you simply aiming to have the most aesthetically pleasing team possible? Your answers will determine whether or not you should evolve that rare, differently-colored creature.
Evolving can grant access to a more powerful Pokémon, potentially boosting your competitive edge. However, it also permanently alters the Pokémon’s appearance, and some trainers simply prefer the look of the base form or find a particular evolved shiny more appealing. Carefully weigh the pros and cons before committing to an evolution.
The Dilemma of Evolving Shinies
Aesthetics and Personal Preference
For many players, the allure of Shiny Pokémon lies purely in their unique appearance. A trainer might adore the vibrant color palette of a base-form shiny but dislike the color scheme of its evolved form. In such cases, evolving would diminish the enjoyment derived from the Pokémon. Prioritizing your aesthetic preferences is perfectly valid; after all, a large part of Pokémon is about enjoying the experience.
Competitive Battling and IVs
If your primary goal is competitive battling, then the decision becomes more strategic. IVs (Individual Values) play a crucial role in determining a Pokémon’s stats. A shiny with poor IVs might not be worth evolving, especially if the evolved form is meant for competitive use. Conversely, a shiny with excellent IVs could be a valuable asset to your team. Furthermore, remember that in some games like Pokémon GO, you can re-roll IVs through trading, potentially turning a less-than-ideal shiny into a competitive powerhouse.
Shiny Dex Completion
For dedicated collectors aiming to complete their shiny Pokédex, evolving is often a necessity. To fill all the available spots, you will need to acquire each stage of a Pokémon’s evolution line. This is a key consideration if you are working toward complete collecting!
Trade Value and Rarity
Shiny Pokémon are inherently valuable due to their rarity. However, the trade value can fluctuate depending on the Pokémon, its IVs, and its evolved form. Some players actively seek out specific shiny evolutions, while others prefer the unevolved forms. Understanding the current trade market can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to evolve.
Double Shiny Encounters
Consider holding onto a base form if you are uncertain about evolution. If luck strikes and you encounter a second shiny of the same species with better stats or a more desirable nature, you’ll have the flexibility to evolve that one instead, keeping the original for its aesthetic appeal or potential trade value.
FAQs: Evolving Shinies – Your Burning Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the evolution of Shiny Pokémon.
1. Should I evolve all Shiny Pokémon?
Not necessarily. Consider your personal preferences, the Pokémon’s IVs, and its potential use in battle or trade. If you love the base form’s shiny color or prefer it aesthetically, there’s no need to evolve it.
2. Should you evolve bad IV Shinies?
This depends. If you want the shiny Dex entry, yes, evolving it is worthwhile. However, if you plan to use it competitively, a bad IV shiny might be better off remaining in its base form or traded.
3. Is there a benefit to keeping Shiny Pokémon?
Absolutely! Shiny Pokémon are rare and highly sought after. Even if you don’t want a particular shiny, someone else might, making it a valuable trade asset.
4. Does evolving a Shiny count towards my Shiny counter?
Yes, in games with a shiny counter, evolving a shiny will typically register the evolved forms as well. It’s a great way to increase your total seen count.
5. Should I transfer bad Shinies?
Never transfer a Shiny Pokémon! They are extremely rare, and even with poor IVs, they hold significant trade value. There’s always someone willing to trade for a shiny, regardless of its stats.
6. Can I re-roll IVs through trade if I want to evolve it?
Yes, in games like Pokémon GO, trading can re-roll IVs. However, the outcome is random, so it’s not a guaranteed way to improve a shiny’s stats.
7. Do Shinies stay shiny after evolving?
Yes! When you evolve a shiny Pokémon, it retains its shininess. The evolved form will also be shiny. So, do not fear, you will not lose your shiny!
8. Why do people want shiny Pokémon?
Mainly due to their rarity and unique aesthetics. Finding a shiny is exciting, and collecting them provides a sense of accomplishment. Many people are excited about the way they look!
9. How rare is a perfect IV shiny Pokémon?
The odds of finding a perfect IV shiny in the wild are incredibly low, around 1 in 4,096 in many games, but Weather Boosted encounters can improve those odds in some games.
10. Can Shinies become Lucky?
Yes, in Pokémon GO, a Pokémon can be both Shiny and Lucky, further increasing its value and potential for competitive use.
11. Are Shiny Pokémon weaker?
No, Shiny Pokémon are not inherently weaker than their normal counterparts. Their stats are determined by their IVs, EVs, and nature, just like any other Pokémon.
12. Is a shiny rarer than a Legendary?
In most cases, yes. While Legendaries are often limited to specific encounters, Shiny Pokémon have a low encounter rate in general, making them typically rarer.
13. Is it worth it to not purify Shadow Pokemon for a shiny?
The trade-off is between the 20% damage bonus that Shadow Pokémon get against the improved stats you would get from purification. Some Pokemon benefit highly from staying Shadow while others do not.
14. How do I tell if Shinies are hacked?
Be cautious of shinies with perfect IVs or unusual origins, as they might be hacked. Red flags include impossible combinations (e.g., a shiny Legendary that’s never been released as shiny) or being obtained from suspicious sources.
15. What Shiny Pokémon are illegal?
Some Legendary and Mythical Pokémon have never been released as shiny, making any shiny versions of them illegitimate. Knowing which Pokémon cannot be shiny is crucial for identifying hacked Pokémon.
The Art of Shiny Hunting and Community
The pursuit of Shiny Pokémon is a significant aspect of the Pokémon community. It drives engagement with the games, fosters trading and collaboration, and provides a continuous source of excitement and challenge. Understanding the mechanics, rarity, and potential of these differently colored creatures can significantly enhance your overall Pokémon experience.
Furthermore, exploring the educational aspects of gaming, such as the strategic decision-making involved in evolving shinies, can be beneficial. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explore the intersection of games and learning, highlighting the cognitive and social benefits of engaging with games like Pokémon.
Ultimately, the decision to evolve a Shiny Pokémon is a personal one. By considering the factors discussed in this guide, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and preferences, ensuring maximum enjoyment of your rare and valuable collection.