Should I Transfer All My Low CP Pokémon? A Veteran Trainer’s Guide

The burning question that plagues every Pokémon GO trainer, especially in the early stages: Should I transfer all my low CP Pokémon? The short answer is: not necessarily, but probably, yes. It’s more nuanced than a simple yes or no, and the decision hinges on a few key factors, including your trainer level, your current goals in the game, and the specific Pokémon in question. Let’s break down when you should bid farewell to those lower Combat Power (CP) critters and when you might want to hold on to them.

Understanding CP and Its Limitations

First, it’s crucial to understand what CP actually represents. CP stands for Combat Power – the higher the CP, the stronger the Pokémon generally is in battle. However, CP is not the only indicator of a Pokémon’s potential. It’s a calculated value based on a Pokémon’s individual stats (Attack, Defense, Stamina), its Individual Values (IVs), and its current level. Therefore, a high CP Pokémon might not always be the best Pokémon.

The Early Game: CP is King (Mostly)

In the early levels of Pokémon GO, your primary goal is usually to level up as quickly as possible. This allows you to encounter Pokémon with higher potential CP in the wild. In this phase, transferring low CP Pokémon to Professor Willow for Candy is often the best course of action.

Think of it this way: those Pokémon below 200CP, and even those between 200 and 300CP, will quickly become obsolete as you level up. The Candy you receive from transferring them is far more valuable in powering up your stronger Pokémon, evolving Pokémon for experience points, or unlocking new moves. So, in this instance, throwing them “in the blender” makes sense.

Mid to Late Game: Considering IVs and Rarity

As you progress, you’ll start to understand the importance of Individual Values (IVs). IVs are hidden stats that influence a Pokémon’s maximum CP potential. A Pokémon with high IVs will ultimately be stronger than one with low IVs, even if they start at the same CP.

This is where the decision becomes more complex. A low CP Pokémon with near-perfect IVs might be worth keeping, especially if it’s a rare or desirable Pokémon. You can always power it up later when you have the resources.

Furthermore, certain Pokémon are rare or useful in specific situations, regardless of their initial CP. For instance, a Pokémon with a Legacy Move (a move that is no longer available) might be valuable, even if it has a low CP.

Stars and Potential

The in-game appraisal system, with its star ratings, is your friend here. A 0-star Pokémon generally isn’t worth keeping unless it’s a very rare spawn, or you have some other personal reason (a shiny, a sentimental attachment, etc.) A 1-star or 2-star Pokémon might have potential depending on the species and your resources. 3-star and 4-star Pokémon should almost always be kept, as they have the highest IV potential.

Situational Awareness: When to Keep the Underdog

There are a few specific scenarios where keeping a low CP Pokémon might be beneficial:

• Great League and Ultra League: These leagues in GO Battle League have CP caps (1500 and 2500, respectively). Sometimes, a lower-level Pokémon with optimal stats and moves can perform surprisingly well in these formats.

• Gym Defenders: Some Trainers like to use Pokémon with high Defense and HP, even if their CP is lower, to make them harder to defeat in gyms.

• Shiny Pokémon: Shiny Pokémon are rare, alternate-color versions of Pokémon. Many players collect them regardless of their CP or IVs.

• Collection Purposes: Some players simply like to collect one of every Pokémon, regardless of its stats. There’s no shame in being a completionist!

The Transfer Process: Be Mindful!

Before transferring any Pokémon, always double-check these factors:

• IVs: Use the in-game appraisal or a third-party IV checker app to assess its potential.

• Moveset: Does it have any Legacy Moves or a particularly useful combination of moves?

• Rarity: Is it a common Pokémon or a rare spawn?

• Shininess: Is it a shiny?

Once you’re sure you want to transfer a Pokémon, be careful! Transfers are permanent! You won’t be able to get the Pokémon back from Professor Willow.

The Path to Mastery: Learning Through Experience

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to transfer a low CP Pokémon comes down to your personal goals and play style. As you gain experience, you’ll develop a better understanding of which Pokémon are worth keeping and which are best sent to Professor Willow. Keep learning, experiment with different strategies, and enjoy the journey!

Remember that lifelong learning and applying knowledge in dynamic environments like Pokémon Go is a vital skill. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are committed to promoting education, innovation, and collaboration in the field of digital games and learning. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Pokémon management in Pokémon GO:

1. Why do people use low CP Pokémon in battle?

Some Trainers use Pokémon with lower Attack and higher Defense and HP to get more overall power at a lower CP, particularly in the Great League and Ultra League.

2. Should I get rid of low IV Pokémon?

Not necessarily. While high IVs are desirable, a Pokémon’s IV total doesn’t matter much at lower levels. Unless you’re powering up a Pokémon as much as possible, IVs won’t make a significant difference.

3. Should I keep all 3-star Pokémon?

Generally, yes. 3-star Pokémon have good IVs and the potential to become powerful. They are worth investing in if you like that specific Pokemon.

4. Should I keep 1 of every Pokémon?

That depends on your goal. If you’re a collector, keeping one of each Pokémon is a good idea. However, there’s no in-game reason to keep many of them if you are only playing to win battles.

5. Should I evolve a low CP Pokémon in Pokemon GO?

Evolving a low CP Pokémon is generally not recommended unless it has high IVs. Focus on evolving higher CP Pokémon to save resources.

6. Should I keep 0-star Pokémon?

0-star Pokémon are typically not worth keeping unless they are extremely rare or you have sentimental value attached to them.

7. Is a 6 IV Pokémon worth it?

6 IVs are truly only necessary on Pokémon that use both physical and special attacks. Most Pokémon are fine with 5, some are even very usable with 4.

8. Should I delete 0-star Pokémon?

If you don’t have another Pokémon of the same species, holding onto the 0-star until you can replace it with one with better Appraisal may be worth doing. A fully 0% IV Pokémon is extremely rare, and you might want to keep it for its rarity.

9. What CP is too low for Ultra League?

The Ultra League allows Pokémon with a CP no higher than 2,500. Anything below that range is technically eligible, but you’ll want Pokémon with CPs closer to the limit for competitive battles.

10. Does CP make Pokémon stronger?

High CP makes a big difference, especially for winning gym battles and raids. However, a Pokémon’s hidden stats and IVs also contribute to its overall strength.

11. Is a 0 IV Pokémon rare?

Yes, a fully 0% IV Pokémon is extremely rare, even when compared to their 4-star/Perfect IV counterparts.

12. Is it worth keeping 2-star Pokémon in Pokemon GO?

Some 2-star Pokémon might be worth keeping if they are rare or have special moves.

13. Are 4-star Pokémon the best?

Yes, 4-star Pokémon have perfect IVs and the highest potential.

14. Is CP or stars more important?

Rating stars represent the potential, and CP represents the current state. High stars combined with high CP is ideal.

15. Is it better to evolve higher CP or IV?

Higher IVs always have priority over high CP. The most ideal situation would be both, of course. Higher IVs will naturally give you a higher CP Pokémon once it’s fully evolved and powered up.