Should You Evolve a 0-Star Shiny Pokémon? A Comprehensive Guide

The burning question: should you evolve that elusive 0-star shiny Pokémon you just caught? The short answer is: it depends. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as personal preference, collection goals, and battling aspirations all play a part. A 0-star shiny Pokemon, sometimes called a “Nundo,” can be evolved under the right circumstances. Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you make the best decision for your Pokémon GO journey.

Evaluating Your 0-Star Shiny: A Multifaceted Approach

Evolving any Pokémon, especially a shiny, requires careful consideration. With a 0-star shiny, the stakes feel even higher. Here’s a structured way to approach the decision:

1. The Rarity Factor: A Collector’s Perspective

Shinies are rare, and 0-star Pokémon are also rare. A 0-star shiny combines both, making it an unusual trophy. Evolving it means you’ll have a uniquely underpowered shiny evolution, but one that others are unlikely to have. Consider if you value collecting and the novelty of owning a rare and weak shiny variant. It is important to note that while a 0-star Pokemon is a rare find, you need to consider if the evolution will have a good shiny variant.

2. Aesthetic Appeal: Does the Evolution Look Cool?

Let’s be honest: aesthetics matter! Some shiny evolutions are simply stunning, while others are… less so. Does the evolved form of your shiny Pokémon retain the appeal of its original shiny coloring? If you’re evolving purely for aesthetic reasons, prioritize forms that you find visually pleasing, regardless of IVs. The article mentions, “Shiny Pokémon have unique coloration compared to their non-shiny counterparts. If you appreciate the look of the shiny form and prefer it over the regular form, evolving your shiny Pokémon can be a way to enjoy its unique appearance.”

3. Battle Prowess: Can it Contribute to Raids or PvP?

A 0-star Pokémon is inherently weak. It will never be a top-tier contender in raids or PvP battles. However, a shiny is primarily about aesthetics and collectability, so the value might not be how well it performs. The article states, “Cp is determined by base stats of a pokemon, the pokémon’s level, and its ivs. Because evolving a pokemon only changes the base stats not the level or ivs, it doesn’t matter if you power up a pokemon before evolving or after the cp it gets to won’t change.”

4. Future Trading Potential: A Valuable Bargaining Chip?

Shiny Pokémon, regardless of their IVs, hold trading value. Another player may want it for their collection. An evolved shiny, especially one with a sought-after shiny form, can potentially net you a valuable trade. A lucky trade is a possible benefit that could change the IV of the evolved form. The original article mentioned, “One reason not to is to save them for lucky trades with someone who has the same shiny. Then you can get a lucky shiny, and perhaps with better IVs.”

5. Candy and Stardust Costs: An Investment Analysis

Evolving and powering up Pokémon requires Candy and Stardust, sometimes in substantial amounts. Evolving a 0-star shiny means investing in a Pokémon that will always be weaker than others of the same species. Make sure the evolution is worth the resources. If you’re low on resources, hold off on evolving until you’re sure.

6. Is it Shadow or Purified? Shadow Pokemon vs. Purified Pokemon

The game also features Shadow Pokemon, which are often more powerful than regular Pokémon. This article suggests keeping them “unpurified” because they can be more powerful.

7. Duplicates: Waiting for a Better Shiny

If you only have one of the shiny Pokemon, you may want to wait until you have multiples before evolving. It is suggested in the article that you “tend to keep them as base forms just in case you get a second shiny of the same species with better stats”.

Making the Decision: A Personal Choice

Ultimately, the decision to evolve your 0-star shiny is a personal one. Consider these questions:

• Do you prioritize aesthetic appeal or battle effectiveness?
• Are you a dedicated collector who values rare and unusual Pokémon?
• Do you have other Pokémon of the same species with better IVs?
• Are you willing to invest Candy and Stardust in a Pokémon that will never be a powerhouse?
• Are you planning to trade the shiny in the future?

Answering these questions will help you determine whether evolving that 0-star shiny is the right move for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Evolving Shiny Pokémon

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about evolving shiny Pokémon, offering additional insights and considerations.

1. Do shiny Pokémon get stronger when they evolve?

Evolving a shiny Pokémon does not inherently make it stronger. Evolution changes a Pokémon’s base stats, but the Pokémon’s individual values (IVs) remain the same. So, a 0-star shiny will remain a 0-star after evolving, just with different base stats.

2. Is it a waste to evolve a shiny Pokémon with low IVs?

Not necessarily. If you value the evolved shiny form’s appearance or simply want to add it to your collection, it’s not a waste. However, if you’re focused on battling, investing resources in a low-IV shiny might not be the most efficient strategy.

3. Does evolving a shiny Pokémon affect its rarity?

Evolving a shiny Pokémon doesn’t change its underlying rarity. You still have a shiny Pokémon, just in its evolved form. The rarity is inherent in the shiny status itself.

4. Should I wait for a better shiny before evolving?

This depends on your patience and goals. If you’re solely focused on having the most powerful Pokémon, waiting for a shiny with better IVs is advisable. However, if you love the evolved shiny form and don’t want to wait, go for it!

5. Can I evolve a shiny Pokémon and then trade it?

Yes, you can evolve a shiny Pokémon and then trade it. The recipient will receive the evolved shiny form. Note that IVs are rerolled during a trade, so the other player won’t necessarily get the same stats.

6. Are some shiny evolutions more desirable than others?

Absolutely. Some shiny evolutions have striking color changes that make them highly sought after. For example, shiny Charizard (black) is much more popular than regular Charizard. Research the shiny evolutions of your Pokémon to see which ones are most desirable.

7. How do lucky trades affect shiny Pokémon?

Lucky trades can improve a shiny Pokémon’s IVs. If you trade a shiny Pokémon and it becomes lucky, both players receive a lucky Pokémon with guaranteed high IVs. This is a great way to potentially improve a shiny Pokémon’s battle performance.

8. What’s the best way to use a 0-star shiny Pokémon?

A 0-star shiny Pokémon is best used for aesthetic purposes and collection value. It won’t be a powerhouse in battles, but it can be a unique and eye-catching addition to your roster. Flex it in gyms for others to see!

9. Does purifying a shiny Shadow Pokémon remove its shiny status?

No, purifying a shiny Shadow Pokémon does not remove its shiny status. It will remain a shiny Pokémon, but its type will change.

10. Is it better to have a shiny or a perfect (4-star) Pokémon?

This is entirely subjective. Shiny Pokémon are rare and visually distinct, while perfect Pokémon have the highest possible battle potential. The “better” choice depends on your priorities.

11. Can I use a shiny Pokémon in PvP battles?

Yes, you can use shiny Pokémon in PvP battles. However, remember that their performance will depend on their IVs and moveset, not just their shiny status. The article indicates that “it doesn’t really matter unless you care about PVP.”

12. How does evolving a shiny Pokémon impact its CP?

Evolving a shiny Pokémon increases its CP, but the increase is the same as evolving a non-shiny Pokémon of the same species. The CP increase depends on the Pokémon’s base stats and level.

13. What should I do if I accidentally transfer a shiny Pokémon?

Unfortunately, if you accidentally transfer a shiny Pokémon, it’s gone. There’s no way to retrieve it. This highlights the importance of being extra careful when managing your Pokémon storage.

14. Are there any disadvantages to evolving a shiny Pokémon?

The main disadvantage is that you can’t un-evolve it. If you later obtain a shiny of the same species with better IVs, you might regret evolving the first one.

15. Does the Games Learning Society have any tips for maximizing my Pokémon GO experience?

The Games Learning Society researches how games can impact how people learn. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is dedicated to exploring the educational aspects of games and their positive impacts on society. While they may not have explicit Pokémon GO tips, understanding game mechanics and strategic thinking can enhance your gameplay experience.

We hope this comprehensive guide helps you make informed decisions about evolving your 0-star shiny Pokémon. Remember to consider your own preferences and goals, and have fun on your Pokémon GO adventure!