Is Heavier Always Better? Exploring Weight in Pokémon GO
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In the grand scheme of Pokémon GO, does hefting a heavier Pokémon grant you an edge? The straightforward answer is: not directly. While the weight stat exists for each Pokémon, it doesn’t influence core battle mechanics like attack damage, speed, or even catch difficulty. However, the presence of XXL and XXS Pokémon and size-related mechanics introduce nuances that we need to dive into. Let’s unpack this topic, exploring the role of weight and size in Pokémon GO and addressing common questions.
The Truth About Pokémon Weight in Pokémon GO
For the longest time, the weight and height of Pokémon were largely cosmetic. These stats served primarily to provide a sense of immersion and mimic the Pokédex entries from the main series games. Seeing a Magikarp towering over your trainer or a tiny Rattata scurrying across the screen added to the Augmented Reality experience. However, this information was primarily used for medal collection.
The Youngster and Fisherman Medals
The original purpose of weight in Pokémon GO was linked to two medals: the Youngster Medal for catching tiny Rattata and the Fisherman Medal for catching large Magikarp. These medals were a fun, secondary goal for players, encouraging them to catch a wide variety of Pokémon. While satisfying, these medals had no impact on gameplay mechanics.
The XL and XS Sizes: A New Dimension
The introduction of XL (Extra Large) and XS (Extra Small) sizes added another layer to the weight and size equation. Initially, these sizes were largely cosmetic variants. The primary reason for the sizes was to encourage the collection of larger or smaller Pokémon, regardless of their weight, but that has changed.
The Impact of XXL and XXS
The later addition of XXL and XXS sizes introduced additional medal opportunities, and the potential to catch Pokémon of either extreme. These sizes are rarer, and thus, the Pokemon are seen as more of a prize. Also, catching an XXL Pokemon unlocks new, celebratory messages.
XL Pokemon and PvP
Pokemon with a height of XL can give a higher HP than normal and XS Pokemon. This can be helpful for PvP, where battles are determined by the HP, attack damage, and fast moves.
Is Weight Truly Irrelevant?
While weight itself doesn’t directly affect battle stats, the system’s nuances are worth considering:
- Visual Appeal: Catching unusually large or small Pokémon can be a fun collector’s goal.
- Trading: Some players might value rare-sized Pokémon, making them desirable for trading.
- Future Updates: Game mechanics can always change. Niantic could introduce features where weight impacts gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify the role of weight and size in Pokémon GO:
1. Does a Pokémon’s weight affect its CP (Combat Power)?
No. Weight alone does not influence a Pokémon’s CP. CP is determined by a Pokémon’s base stats (Attack, Defense, Stamina), Individual Values (IVs), and level.
2. Do heavier Pokémon do more damage in battle?
No. Damage output in Pokémon GO is determined by a Pokémon’s Attack stat, the move’s power, and type effectiveness. Weight plays no role.
3. Are heavier Pokémon harder to catch?
No. Catch difficulty is primarily influenced by the Pokémon’s species, level, and the type of Poké Ball and berries you use.
4. Does weight affect a Pokémon’s speed in battle?
No. Speed is not a directly visible stat in Pokémon GO battles. The mechanics prioritize move timing and energy generation.
5. Should I evolve the heaviest Pokémon I have?
Evolving a Pokémon does not guarantee a specific size or weight. The evolved form will have a randomly determined size and weight, independent of its pre-evolution.
6. What is the point of the weight stat in Pokémon GO?
The primary purpose is for flavor and immersion, mirroring the Pokédex information from the main series games. Weight contributes to the augmented reality experience, allowing for more realistic comparisons between Pokémon. The presence of XL and XS sizes gives the metric further influence on the value of the Pokemon.
7. Are XL Pokémon better than XS Pokémon?
The XL Pokémon’s height typically grants more HP than a normal or XS version. While XL height can have an edge in HP, the difference is often marginal. XS Pokemon do not have any clear advantages.
8. Are XXS and XXL Pokémon rarer than XL and XS Pokémon?
Yes. Pokémon with XXL and XXS sizes are much rarer than XL and XS Pokémon.
9. Does weight affect a Pokémon’s IVs (Individual Values)?
No. IVs are randomly generated when a Pokémon is encountered and are not influenced by its weight or size.
10. Should I keep 0-star Pokémon?
Typically, it’s best to release 0-star Pokémon to free up storage space. However, you might keep a 0-star Pokémon if it’s a rare species or you’re a collector.
11. Is CP or star rating more important?
Star ratings (IVs) indicate potential, while CP represents the current strength. A higher star rating means the Pokémon can achieve a higher CP when powered up to the same level as a lower-rated Pokémon.
12. Why do people put low CP Pokémon in gyms?
Placing low CP Pokémon in gyms can encourage quicker defeats, allowing you to earn coins more rapidly. Also, feeding berries to Pokemon in gyms has a small chance to provide candy for that specific Pokemon.
13. Are shiny Pokémon stronger?
No. Shiny Pokémon are purely cosmetic variants. They have the same stats and potential as their non-shiny counterparts.
14. What makes a Pokémon good in Pokémon GO?
A strong Pokémon needs high base stats, good IVs, and a favorable moveset. HP and Defense are crucial for withstanding attacks, while a high Attack stat and powerful Fast Move contribute to damage output.
15. How can I get more than 50 PokéCoins a day?
The daily limit for earning PokéCoins by defending gyms is 50. You cannot earn more than that in a single day, regardless of how many Pokémon you have in gyms.
Conclusion: Weight as a Curiosity
While a Pokémon’s weight in Pokémon GO doesn’t have a direct impact on battle mechanics, it does contribute to the overall experience. The existence of XL, XS, XXL, and XXS sizes adds an element of collection and rarity to the game. Ultimately, focus on training Pokémon with high IVs, favorable movesets, and good type matchups to truly dominate in battles. The weight of your Pokémon is more of a fun fact than a determining factor in its overall strength. And for those interested in the learning aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society studies how games, simulations, and virtual environments can be designed and used to promote learning and engagement.