Max Level Before Evolving? The Pokémon GO Trainer’s Dilemma
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The age-old question for any budding Pokémon GO trainer: Should you power up your Pokémon to its maximum level before evolving it? The short answer is, it doesn’t really matter for the final CP outcome. Evolving a Pokémon only alters its base stats, not its underlying level or Individual Values (IVs). The final Combat Power (CP) of your evolved Pokémon will be the same whether you powered it up before or after evolution. However, there are strategic considerations that can influence your decision.
The Nitty-Gritty of CP and Evolution
To truly understand why the order of powering up and evolving is generally irrelevant for final CP, let’s break down the key elements that determine a Pokémon’s strength in Pokémon GO:
- Base Stats: These are inherent to each Pokémon species. Some species simply have higher base Attack, Defense, and Stamina (HP) than others. Evolution changes these base stats.
- Individual Values (IVs): These are like a Pokémon’s genes. Each Pokémon has a set of IVs ranging from 0 to 15 for Attack, Defense, and Stamina. These are fixed at the time of encounter and are not affected by evolution.
- Pokémon Level: This is a hidden value, usually tied to the Trainer Level. Powering up increases the Pokémon’s level (indicated by the arc above the Pokemon) and consequently increases the CP.
- Combat Power (CP): This is a single number derived from the Pokemon level, its stats, and IVs. CP represents the Pokemon’s overall strength in battle.
Since evolution modifies only the base stats (the foundation upon which CP is calculated) and leaves the level and IVs unchanged, the ultimate CP ceiling remains the same regardless of when you choose to evolve.
Strategic Considerations: Movesets and Stardust
While the final CP remains consistent, there are important reasons why trainers often choose to evolve before heavily investing in power-ups:
- Move Sets: This is the most compelling reason. Pokémon GO move sets are randomly generated upon evolution. You might evolve a Pokémon with fantastic IVs only to be saddled with a terrible move combination that makes it virtually useless in battle. Evolving first allows you to assess the move set before spending valuable Stardust and Candies. If the moves are undesirable, you can avoid wasting resources.
- Stardust Efficiency: Powering up costs Stardust and Candies. If you evolve a Pokémon and find its move set unacceptable, you’ve only spent Candies on the evolution. By evolving first, you safeguard your Stardust, saving it for Pokémon with optimal movesets.
FAQs: Evolution and Powering Up in Pokémon GO
Let’s delve into some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of evolution and powering up in Pokémon GO.
1. Is it better to evolve Pokémon before level 30?
It’s a matter of personal preference and resource management. Wild Pokémon CP caps at Trainer Level 30 (and weather-boosted wild Pokémon can reach higher levels). The Pokémon you catch at level 30+ will have the same max potential. Some people prefer to wait until they are a higher trainer level to evolve.
2. Is it better to purify Shadow Pokémon before evolving?
Yes and no. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon increases its IVs (two points towards each stat, attack, defense and HP) and lowers the candy cost of evolving and powering up. However, it removes the 20% damage buff that Shadow Pokémon receive.
3. Is it better to keep Shadow Pokémon or purify?
Keep your Shadow Pokémon unpurified. Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage than normal or purified Pokémon, making them superior attackers. Purifying increases IVs but removes the damage buff.
4. When should you not evolve Pokémon?
If you want a specific move that only the unevolved form can learn at a certain level. Or if you simply prefer the look of the unevolved Pokemon!
5. Should you evolve a 3-star Pokémon?
Generally, yes! A 3-star Pokémon (80-100% IVs) has the highest potential. However, consider the Pokémon’s current CP and your resources. If a 0-star Pokémon has significantly higher CP, it might be temporarily more useful, but the 3-star Pokémon will surpass it with investment.
6. Does CP increase with evolution?
Yes, usually. Pokémon that require more Candy to evolve typically show greater gains in CP. Evolved Pokémon generally have higher CP and HP.
7. Does CP level matter when evolving?
The CP that the Pokemon has when you evolve it doesn’t matter as much as the IVs.
8. Do Pokémon level up slower after evolving?
No. Evolved Pokémon just seem to level up slower because they are already at a higher level than their unevolved counterparts. The amount of stardust and candies required to level up any pokemon increases with level, no matter if the Pokemon is evolved or not.
9. Should you evolve shiny Pokémon?
Purely aesthetic. If you prefer the shiny evolved form, go for it! Shiny Pokémon have unique coloration.
10. Which Pokémon are worth evolving?
Pokémon with good base stats for their evolved forms, those who you have a lot of candies for, and ones that are powerful raid attackers or PVP fighters.
11. Why did CP go down after evolving?
Some Pokémon experience a temporary CP decrease upon evolution. This is rare and usually due to a shift in stat distribution. The overall power and potential usually increase, even if the immediate CP number drops.
12. Is it worth keeping 0-star Pokémon?
Usually, no. 0-star Pokémon have the lowest potential. However, there can be very specific PVP scenarios where a 0-star is necessary, usually for Great League or Ultra League where you want to maximize a Pokemon’s level to CP ratio.
13. Is CP or stars more important?
Stars (IVs) represent potential. CP represents the current state. Long-term, stars are more important. A 3-star Pokémon will always outperform a 0-star Pokémon of the same species at the same level.
14. Which Pokémon should you prevent from evolving?
This is a matter of personal preference. Sometimes players prefer the looks or movesets of the unevolved form.
15. Should you always purify Pokémon?
No. In most cases, keeping Shadow Pokémon is preferable due to their 20% damage bonus. However, purify them if you want a purified dex entry, need a specific research task completed, or are trying to perfect hundos.
The Verdict: Evolve First, Then Power Up
While max leveling before evolving doesn’t impact the final CP of your Pokémon, it’s a gamble that offers no strategic advantage. Prioritize evolving first to assess the move set, then invest your Stardust and Candies wisely. With this knowledge, you will make your Pokemon team one of the most powerful teams around!
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