Should I Evolve Based on Stars or CP in Pokémon GO? A Comprehensive Guide

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The burning question for every Pokémon GO player: Should you prioritize a Pokémon’s star rating (IVs) or its CP (Combat Power) when deciding whether to evolve it? The short answer is, stars (IVs) are generally more important than CP when deciding which Pokémon to evolve. While CP is a quick indicator of a Pokémon’s current battle prowess, IVs represent its potential for future growth. Think of it this way: CP is like current grades, and IVs are potential aptitude. A Pokémon with high IVs will ultimately reach a much higher CP when fully powered up than a Pokémon with low IVs, even if the low IV Pokémon initially has a higher CP.

Understanding CP and IVs

Before diving deeper, let’s clarify what CP and IVs actually mean:

• CP (Combat Power): This is a numerical representation of a Pokémon’s overall strength in battle. It’s influenced by the Pokémon’s base stats, level, and Individual Values (IVs). A higher CP generally means a Pokémon will perform better in battles. However, it’s important to remember that CP can be increased by powering up a Pokémon, using Stardust and Candy.

• IVs (Individual Values): These are hidden stats that determine a Pokémon’s potential. There are three IVs: Attack, Defense, and HP (Hit Points), each ranging from 0 to 15. A Pokémon with perfect IVs (15/15/15) is considered a “4-star” or “perfect” Pokémon. IVs cannot be changed (except through purification of Shadow Pokémon, which slightly increases them).

Why IVs Matter More for Evolution

Here’s a breakdown of why prioritizing IVs is generally the smarter long-term strategy:

• Potential Max CP: IVs directly impact the maximum CP a Pokémon can reach when fully powered up. A Pokémon with high IVs will always have a higher maximum CP than a Pokémon of the same species with low IVs, even if the latter starts with a higher CP.

• Irreplaceable Advantage: You can always increase a Pokémon’s CP using Stardust and Candy. However, you can’t change its IVs. This means that a high-IV Pokémon will always retain its inherent advantage.

• Long-Term Investment: Pokémon GO is a game of long-term investment. Evolving and powering up Pokémon requires significant resources. It’s more efficient to invest those resources in Pokémon with high IVs, ensuring they reach their full potential.

When CP Might Matter More

While IVs are generally more important, there are specific situations where CP might take precedence:

• Immediate Need: If you urgently need a strong Pokémon for an upcoming raid or battle, a Pokémon with a high CP might be more useful in the short term, even if its IVs are mediocre. However, this is only a temporary solution.

• Limited Resources: If you’re severely lacking Stardust and Candy, evolving a high-CP Pokémon might be more practical than investing in powering up a low-CP, high-IV Pokémon. However, this is again a short-term fix.

• Early Game: When you are first starting out, using high CP pokemon can help progress in the game, until you are able to find pokemon with better appraisals.

The Appraisal System Explained

The Pokémon GO Appraisal System helps you assess a Pokémon’s IVs. Team Leaders (Candela, Blanche, and Spark) provide feedback on a Pokémon’s strengths, indicated by stars.

• 0 Stars: IVs are generally low. These Pokemon are generally best transferred unless they are shiny or rare.

• 1 Star: IVs are below average.

• 2 Stars: IVs are decent.

• 3 Stars: IVs are good.

• 4 Stars (Red): IVs are perfect (15/15/15). The best of the best.

The Team Leader’s comments also offer insight into which IV is the strongest.

A Note About Shiny Pokemon

Shiny Pokémon are rare, color-variant versions of standard Pokémon. Even with low IVs, many players choose to keep them for their rarity. While not ideal for competitive battling, they are valuable collector’s items.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it better to upgrade CP then evolve in Pokémon GO?

No, it doesn’t matter if you power up a Pokémon before or after evolving it. The final CP will be the same, assuming the IVs and level remain constant. It’s generally recommended to evolve first to see what moveset the evolved form learns before investing Stardust and Candy to power it up.

2. Is it worth keeping 0-star Pokémon?

Generally, no. Unless it’s a Shiny, a Shadow Pokémon with potentially good attacks, or a rare spawn, 0-star Pokémon are best transferred to free up storage space.

3. Does CP or IVs matter more in Pokémon GO?

IVs matter more in the long run. While CP provides an immediate advantage, IVs determine the maximum potential of a Pokémon.

4. Should I prioritize CP or IVs in Pokémon GO?

Prioritize IVs over CP. A Pokémon with high IVs will eventually surpass a Pokémon with low IVs, given enough investment.

5. Can a 2-star Pokémon become a 3-star Pokémon GO?

Yes, a Shadow Pokémon can gain IVs upon purification, potentially increasing its star rating.

6. Should I only evolve 3-star or 4-star Pokémon?

Evolving 3-star and 4-star Pokémon is generally the most efficient use of resources. However, a 2-star Pokémon with a desirable moveset might also be worth evolving if you lack better options.

7. Should I evolve my 4-star Pokémon GO?

Absolutely! Evolving a 4-star Pokémon is almost always a good idea, as it represents the highest potential for that species.

8. Should I keep all 3-star Pokémon?

Keeping all 3-star Pokémon is recommended as they are the highest IV rating that is easily obtainable.

9. What Pokémon gains the most CP when evolving?

According to the initial article, here are some of the Pokemon that gain the most CP:

• Feebas to Milotic: +2,731
• Vigoroth to Slaking: +2,463
• Kirlia to Gardevoir/Gallade: +2,127
• Eevee to Espeon: +2101
• Gabite to Garchomp: +2,088
• Metang to Metagross: +2,070

10. Is it better to evolve bigger Pokémon (XL)?

Height and weight don’t generally impact the Pokemon. However, a Pokemon being XL can have impacts in the PvP game.

11. Should you keep 0-star shiny Pokémon?

Yes! Shiny Pokémon are rare and valuable collectibles, regardless of their IVs.

12. How rare is a 0% IV Pokémon GO?

A 0% IV Pokémon is extremely rare, even rarer than a 100% IV Pokémon.

13. Should I keep 0-star Shadow Pokémon?

If a 0-star Shadow Pokémon has decent Attacks and CP, it might be worth keeping unpurified for the Shadow Bonus, which increases attack power.

14. Is it better to evolve Pokémon with stars?

Yes, evolving Pokemon with higher IVs will result in stronger pokemon.

15. Should I purify Shadow Pokémon?

Shadow Pokémon that are Purified will sometimes have their Appraisal increased. Shadow Pokémon gain a significant attack bonus that they lose if purified. If a Shadow Pokémon is 0-stars but has decent Attacks and CP, it’s better to leave it unpurified for future battles.

Conclusion: Prioritize IVs for Long-Term Success

While CP offers an immediate advantage, IVs are crucial for maximizing a Pokémon’s potential in Pokémon GO. By prioritizing IVs when deciding which Pokémon to evolve, you’ll invest your resources wisely and build a stronger, more competitive team in the long run. Always appraise your Pokémon carefully, and remember to consider factors like rarity (Shiny Pokémon) and Shadow bonuses.

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