Should You Keep Heavy Pokémon? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: in most cases, the weight of your Pokémon in Pokémon GO doesn’t matter. Height and weight, displayed as “XL” or “XS”, are largely cosmetic. They don’t directly influence Combat Power (CP), Hit Points (HP), or Individual Values (IVs). However, with the introduction of XXL and XXS size tags, things get a little more interesting. Let’s dive deep into the specifics, debunking myths and revealing hidden nuances about Pokémon weight in the game.
The Truth About Weight and Height in Pokémon GO
For the longest time, size, meaning weight and height, had virtually zero impact on gameplay. It served only as flavor text, adding a touch of personality to each Pokémon. You might catch a Rattata described as “tiny,” or an Onix labeled “huge,” but these descriptions didn’t translate into any tangible advantage or disadvantage in battles, raids, or gym defense.
The Arrival of XXL and XXS
The game evolved (pun intended!) with the introduction of XXL (extra extra large) and XXS (extra extra small) tags. Suddenly, size seemed to matter… but how? These tags have been shown to contribute towards earning the medal for catching large or small Pokemon, but there doesn’t appear to be any other known benefit. So the short answer remains, Pokemon weight doesn’t matter.
Weight, Size, and Moves: A Brief Interlude
In the core Pokémon games on Nintendo consoles, certain moves, like Heavy Slam, did significant damage based on the user’s weight. A heavier Pokémon using Heavy Slam against a lighter opponent could deliver a devastating blow. However, Pokémon GO doesn’t implement these weight-based mechanics. So, regardless of how much your Snorlax weighs, it won’t affect the damage output of any move.
Diving Deeper: When Size Does… Sort of… Matter
While direct impact on stats is absent, there are some indirect considerations.
Medals and Collection
For completionists and medal hunters, collecting XXL and XXS Pokémon becomes a goal in itself. The “Tiny Rattata” and “Big Magikarp” medals reward players for catching Pokémon significantly smaller or larger than average. Seeking out these extreme sizes adds a layer of challenge and fun to the game.
Visual Novelty and Personal Preference
Let’s be honest: it’s just cool to have an enormous Pikachu or a minuscule Snorlax. These visual anomalies add to the game’s charm and allow players to collect Pokémon that feel unique and special, which can be tied into your preference!
Key Takeaways: Keeping it Simple
- Weight and height are primarily cosmetic.
- XXL and XXS tags are related to medal achievements.
- Weight does NOT affect move damage in Pokémon GO.
- Focus on CP, IVs, and movesets for battle effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are heavier Pokémon better in Pokémon GO?
No. Weight itself doesn’t confer any inherent advantage in terms of combat effectiveness, stat boosts, or special abilities. Focus on CP, IVs, and movesets instead.
2. Is it better to evolve heavier Pokémon?
No. Evolution is independent of weight. When evolving, prioritize Pokémon with higher CP and favorable IVs, as these attributes directly impact the evolved form’s strength.
3. Should I keep high CP Pokémon regardless of weight?
Yes. CP (Combat Power) is a crucial factor in determining a Pokémon’s strength in battles. High CP Pokémon are generally more desirable for raids, gym battles, and trainer battles.
4. Is it worth keeping 0-star Pokémon, even if they are heavy?
Generally, no, unless they are extremely rare or serve a specific niche purpose. IVs (Individual Values) are important, and 0-star Pokémon have the lowest possible IVs. However, a rare 0% IV specimen can be a collector’s item!
5. Size matters now with XXL and XXS tags – what do they actually do?
They primarily contribute to medal progress for catching extremely large or small Pokémon. Beyond that, they add visual variety to your collection.
6. Should I only evolve 3-star Pokémon if weight doesn’t matter?
Prioritize 3-star Pokémon (high IVs) whenever possible, as they have the greatest potential for reaching high CP and performing well in battles. However, if a 0-star Pokémon has significantly higher CP, consider its potential after evolution.
7. Should I get rid of 2-star Pokémon if weight isn’t important?
Not necessarily. Consider their CP, movesets, and whether they are shiny or rare. A 2-star shiny legendary Pokémon might be worth keeping, even if its IVs aren’t perfect.
8. Should I get rid of all my low CP Pokémon regardless of weight?
In general, yes. Low CP Pokémon are less effective in battles. Transferring them frees up storage space and provides Candy, which is used to power up or evolve your stronger Pokémon.
9. Is there any point in keeping low CP Pokémon if weight is irrelevant?
Low CP Pokémon can be useful in specific PvP (Player vs. Player) leagues with CP limits. Additionally, some players collect them for novelty or trade them with friends.
10. Should I max CP before evolving, even if weight is a non-factor?
No. It’s generally more efficient to evolve your Pokémon first and then power them up. This allows you to see the evolved form’s moveset and ensure it’s worth investing Stardust and Candy.
11. Which is better: high HP or high CP, considering weight is negligible?
CP is a more comprehensive measure of a Pokémon’s overall strength. While HP (Hit Points) is important, a higher CP generally indicates better stats across the board.
12. Are XXL Pokémon rare?
Yes, XXL Pokémon are relatively rare. Catching them contributes to the “Big Magikarp” medal and adds to the thrill of the hunt. The odds of encountering one, requiring a larger than usual height or weight, are low, making them sought-after by collectors.
13. Do XXL Pokémon stay XXL when evolved, since weight is just cosmetic?
No. Height and weight are randomized upon evolution. An XXL Pokémon might evolve into a normal-sized Pokémon, and vice-versa.
14. Why do people leave low CP Pokémon in gyms, despite weight having no impact?
Low CP Pokémon can sometimes be strategically placed in gyms. They can be annoying to battle multiple times and, due to CP decay, may last longer in the gym than higher CP Pokémon if you’re not actively monitoring and feeding them berries.
15. Are low CP Shadow Pokémon worth keeping, even if weight is unimportant?
Yes! Shadow Pokémon have a significant damage boost that makes them powerful attackers, even at low CP. Prioritize their attack IVs and don’t purify them unless you have a specific reason.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Game!
While weight and height are mostly cosmetic in Pokémon GO, they add a layer of charm and collectibility to the game. Don’t get too hung up on size when building your battle teams. Focus on CP, IVs, movesets, and strategic team composition. And remember, the most important thing is to have fun exploring the world and catching ’em all! For more educational content on gaming and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.