Should I Evolve My 100 IV Pokémon? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, absolutely! If you have a 100 IV (also known as “hundo”) Pokémon in Pokémon GO, evolving it is almost always the right decision. The inherent rarity and potential of a perfect IV Pokémon make it an incredibly valuable asset. Evolving it allows you to unlock its full potential, turning it into a powerhouse for raids, gym battles, and even PvP combat. Holding onto a hundo and not evolving it is like keeping a Ferrari in the garage – it’s great to look at, but you’re missing out on its incredible performance.
Understanding IVs and Why They Matter
IVs, or Individual Values, are hidden stats in Pokémon GO that range from 0 to 15 in Attack, Defense, and HP. These stats contribute to a Pokémon’s overall Combat Power (CP) and battle performance. A 100 IV Pokémon has 15/15/15 in all three IV categories, representing the absolute peak of its species’ potential.
The Power of a Perfect Pokémon
While IVs are not the only factor determining a Pokémon’s strength, they represent a significant advantage, especially at higher levels. The difference between a 0 IV and a 100 IV Pokémon of the same species can be a few hundred CP at max level. This translates to increased damage output, higher survivability, and ultimately, a better overall performance in battle. A perfect Pokemon is especially important if you plan to use the Pokemon in PvP battles or as a raid attacker, where every bit of damage and survivability can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Why Evolving is Crucial
Evolving your 100 IV Pokémon unlocks its true potential. Evolution changes a Pokémon’s base stats, which have a much larger impact on CP than IVs. By evolving a hundo, you ensure that you’re maximizing the potential of those high IVs. You’re taking a Pokémon with perfect potential and turning it into a perfect performer.
Considerations Before Evolving
Before hitting that evolve button, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Moveset: Once evolved, a Pokémon’s moveset is randomized. While you can use Charged TMs and Fast TMs to change moves, it’s not guaranteed you’ll get the ideal moveset for your chosen battle style. Research the best movesets for the evolved form before evolving.
- Community Day Moves: Certain Pokémon receive special, powerful movesets during Community Day events. If your hundo is eligible for a Community Day move, it’s often worth waiting for that event to evolve it. These moves are usually more powerful than what you can get with a TM.
- Shiny Status: If your 100 IV Pokémon is also a shiny, you’ve struck gold! A “shundo” (shiny hundo) is one of the rarest and most coveted catches in the game. Treat it with extra care and definitely evolve it!
- Costumes: Consider whether the Pokemon is wearing a costume. If so, this might be one to keep as an interesting trophy, as it might be impossible to get a costumed hundo ever again.
The Evolving Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Evolving a Pokémon in Pokémon GO is straightforward:
- Select your Pokémon: Navigate to your Pokémon storage and choose the 100 IV Pokémon you want to evolve.
- Check the Evolution Requirements: Ensure you have enough Candy required for the evolution. Some Pokémon also require specific items, like a Sinnoh Stone or Unova Stone.
- Evolve: Press the “Evolve” button.
- Assess the Result: Once the evolution is complete, examine the new Pokémon’s moveset and CP. Use TMs if necessary to optimize the moves.
FAQs: Evolving Your Perfect Pokémon
1. Does evolution change the IVs of my Pokémon?
No, IVs do not change when you evolve a Pokémon. A 100 IV Pokémon will remain a 100 IV Pokémon after evolution.
2. Is it better to evolve a higher CP or higher IV Pokémon?
Higher IVs always take priority over high CP. CP can be increased by powering up the Pokémon, but IVs are fixed. A Pokémon with high IVs will ultimately achieve a higher CP at max level than a Pokémon with lower IVs.
3. What are the odds of finding a 100 IV Pokémon?
The base chance of finding a 100 IV Pokémon in the wild is 1 in 4096 (0.0244%). However, certain circumstances, such as weather boosts and lucky trades, can increase these odds.
4. Should I power up my Pokémon before or after evolving?
It doesn’t technically matter when you power up your Pokemon, because evolving changes the base stats, not level. However, it is generally better to evolve first so you can see the evolved moveset before investing your resources.
5. How rare is a “shundo” (shiny 100 IV Pokémon)?
A “shundo” is incredibly rare. Considering the shiny rate (usually around 1/500 to 1/64, depending on the Pokemon and event) and the hundo rate (1/4096), the odds of finding a shundo are astronomically low.
6. Are 100 IV Pokémon always the best attackers?
While 100 IV Pokémon are excellent, they aren’t always the absolute best. Some Pokémon have better movesets and base stats, making them more effective even with slightly lower IVs. However, a 100 IV Pokémon with a good moveset is a top-tier attacker.
7. Does purifying a Shadow Pokémon guarantee a hundo?
No, purifying a Shadow Pokémon adds +2 to each IV stat. If a Shadow Pokémon has 13/13/13 IVs or higher, purifying it will result in a hundo. But you need good IVs to begin with.
8. Should I keep a 0 IV Pokémon?
A 0 IV Pokémon is also very rare! Consider keeping it for the novelty, especially if you have a more powerful version of that Pokemon as well.
9. How do weather boosts affect IVs?
Weather boosts guarantee a minimum IV floor of 4/4/4. This increases your chances of finding higher IV Pokémon in the wild.
10. Are certain Pokémon better to have as 100 IVs than others?
Yes! Pokémon with high base stats, especially those that are meta-relevant in raids or PvP, are the best candidates for 100 IVs. Examples include Legendaries like Mewtwo, Rayquaza, and powerful attackers like Metagross.
11. Do Lucky Pokémon have better IV chances?
Yes, Lucky Pokémon have a minimum IV floor. Each stat will be at least 12/12/12.
12. Can I change the IVs of a Pokémon?
No, IVs are fixed when a Pokémon is generated and cannot be changed through any in-game mechanic. The only exception is through trading, where IVs are re-rolled.
13. Are there any benefits to having a 100 IV Pokémon in PvP?
Absolutely! While IVs have a complex relationship with CP in PvP, having high IVs (especially high Attack) can give you a crucial edge in mirror matches and overall performance.
14. How can I find 100 IV Pokémon?
Finding 100 IV Pokémon is mostly luck-based, but here are some strategies:
- Research Tasks: Some research tasks reward Pokémon encounters with higher IV floors.
- Raids: Raid bosses have a minimum IV floor of 10/10/10.
- Eggs: Pokémon hatched from eggs also have a minimum IV floor.
- Lucky Trades: Lucky trades guarantee a minimum IV floor, making them a great way to get high-IV Pokémon.
15. What are the risks of evolving a 100 IV Pokémon?
The primary risk is getting an undesirable moveset. Make sure you do your research beforehand and be prepared to use TMs if necessary.
Conclusion: Embrace the Hundo!
Evolving your 100 IV Pokémon is a strategic move that unlocks its full potential and transforms it into a valuable asset for your Pokémon GO team. Take the time to research movesets, consider Community Day moves, and carefully assess the situation before evolving. But don’t hesitate – a hundo is a treasure worth investing in!
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