Is There a Benefit to Not Evolving Pokémon GO?
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In Pokémon GO, the drive to evolve is almost instinctual. We hoard candies, waiting for that moment when our beloved Pokémon transforms into a more powerful version. But, is there always a benefit to evolving? The short answer is: sometimes, but it’s nuanced. The biggest advantage to not evolving in Pokemon GO is for the Little Cup. By preventing evolution you can obtain Pokemon with lower CP (Combat Power). Allowing you to use them in leagues with CP limitations.
The traditional benefits of evolution, like a boost in CP, access to potentially better movesets, and completing your Pokédex, are undeniable. However, there are specific circumstances where holding off on evolution, or even choosing not to evolve at all, can be strategically advantageous. Let’s dive into the details.
The Strategic Advantage of Unevolved Pokémon
Little Cup Supremacy
One of the most compelling reasons to keep a Pokémon unevolved is to dominate in the Little Cup. This limited-time format within Pokémon GO’s GO Battle League restricts Pokémon eligibility based on CP, typically favoring Pokémon that haven’t fully evolved. For example, a well-IV Charmander would fare much better in battle than a fully evolved Charizard because of CP limitations.
Unevolved forms can be surprisingly competitive. Some unevolved Pokémon possess strong movesets and favorable typings that make them formidable opponents in these restricted formats. They often have lower CP than their evolved counterparts, allowing them to stay within the CP limit while still packing a punch.
Shadow Pokémon Considerations
Shadow Pokémon provide an entirely different element to consider in your decision of whether to evolve them or not. Remember, Shadow Pokémon receive a significant attack boost but a corresponding defense penalty. Because of this, Shadow Pokemon are ideal for damage output. If you’re deciding whether to evolve a Shadow Pokemon, you need to consider whether evolving will help or hurt your Shadow Pokemon’s current battle strategy.
IVs and CP: A Matter of Priority
IVs (Individual Values) and CP are both critical factors to consider when deciding whether to evolve Pokémon. CP, or Combat Power, is a measure of how strong a Pokémon is in battle. IVs, on the other hand, are hidden stats that range from 0 to 15 in Attack, Defense, and HP. These stats are fixed and can’t be changed. This means that it’s better to evolve a Pokemon with high IVs as you can boost its CP with Stardust.
Cost and Resource Management
Evolving Pokémon requires Candies, and sometimes Evolution Items. While Candies are generally plentiful, Evolution Items can be rarer. Purifying a Shadow Pokemon can reduce the amount of Stardust and Candies required to Power Up, Evolve, or learn a new attack. Purifying a Shadow Pokemon also gives them a boost in Combat Power. The cost of evolving is another thing to consider when making the evolution decision.
The Aesthetic and Sentimental Value
Beyond pure strategy, there’s also the aesthetic and sentimental value of keeping a Pokémon unevolved. Some trainers simply prefer the look of certain unevolved forms. Aesthetics are a valid reason to not evolve. It is also common that some players will not evolve Shiny Pokemon if they prefer the Shiny form of an unevolved Pokemon to the evolved form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I always evolve my Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
No. While evolving generally makes a Pokémon stronger, there are strategic and personal reasons to hold off. Consider the Little Cup, IVs, aesthetic preferences, and the potential for specific movesets.
2. Is it better to fully level up before evolving a Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
In Pokemon Go, there’s no need to fully level up your Pokemon before evolving, as you can continue leveling them up after they’ve evolved. What’s more important is to evolve first and confirm the moveset is what you want to avoid wasting stardust.
3. Should I evolve a 3-star Pokémon?
Generally, yes. A 3-star Pokémon has perfect IVs (Individual Values), meaning its stats will grow optimally as it powers up and evolves. This makes it a great candidate for evolution.
4. Should I purify my Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will improve their appraisal and give them a boost in Combat Power (CP). If you want the Shadow Pokemon for damage, it is better to leave it unpurified for future battles.
5. Is there a downside to not evolving a Pokémon?
The main downside is that unevolved Pokémon generally have lower stats than their evolved forms. They may struggle to keep up in battles against evolved Pokémon, requiring more training to reach comparable levels.
6. Is it better to evolve higher CP or higher IV Pokémon?
Higher IVs always have priority over high CP. CP can be changed by powering up the Pokémon, but IVs are fixed. A Pokémon with high IVs will naturally have a higher CP once fully evolved and powered up.
7. Is it better to purify Pokémon before evolving?
Purifying a Pokémon gives it a significant increase in Combat Power and reduces the candy needed to evolve. Purify before evolving to take advantage of the candy reduction.
8. What Pokémon can never evolve?
Some Pokémon are inherently unable to evolve. Examples include:
- Unown
- Mew
- Celebi
- Jirachi
- Deoxys
- Phione
- Manaphy
9. Is there a benefit to not evolving Charmander?
The main benefit of keeping Charmander unevolved is to learn certain moves earlier than its evolved forms. If Charmander is strong enough to handle the battles, and you want Flamethrower early, there’s no immediate need to evolve.
10. Is there a benefit to not evolving Pikachu?
Pikachu may benefit from certain item-based evolutions that have moves only available before evolving. There are no ‘growth rates’ in any Pokemon game, as stats are based on the Pokemon’s level.
11. Should I evolve my high CP or low CP Pokémon?
Generally, you want to evolve higher CP Pokémon over lower CP Pokémon, as this signifies that it will be a stronger Pokemon. Keep in mind that there are tons more factors to consider.
12. Is CP or stars more important?
Rating stars represent the potential (IVs), and CP represents the current state. A Pokémon with 3 stars (perfect IVs) will have more CP when powered up to the same level as a 0-star Pokémon. Therefore, 3 stars is a better candidate to focus on powering up.
13. What is considered a good IV in Pokémon GO?
- 3 stars with a red stamp: 100% perfect IVs
- 3 stars with an orange stamp: Around 80-99% perfect IVs
- 2 stars: 66-80% IVs
- 1 star: 50-65% IVs
14. Do any Pokémon get worse when they evolve?
In some cases, a Pokemon may be better to keep as their unevolved form due to changes in typing, stats, or what items can be used. These Pokemon are viable for competitive purposes.
15. Are shiny Pokémon stronger? Should you always evolve shiny Pokémon?
Shiny Pokémon are not stronger than their normal counterparts. Whether to evolve a shiny Pokémon is purely a matter of personal preference. If you prefer the look of the shiny evolved form, then evolve it!
Conclusion: A Tailored Approach
Ultimately, the decision to evolve or not evolve in Pokémon GO is a personal one, guided by strategic considerations and aesthetic preferences. Consider the following: the Pokemon’s CP and IVs, whether you prefer the unevolved form, and how you plan to use the Pokemon. There is no right or wrong answer, the best strategy is the one that works for you.
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