Should You Keep XXL Pokemon in Pokemon GO? A Comprehensive Guide

▶

Yes, absolutely keep your XXL Pokemon in Pokemon GO! While size might seem purely cosmetic, these supersized creatures are more than just visual novelties. They represent a confluence of rarity, bragging rights, and, in some cases, potential future gameplay implications. While their size currently doesn’t affect combat stats, their rarity and the unique celebratory messages the game now offers make them a valuable and fun addition to any trainer’s collection. Think of them as trophies of your dedication!

Unpacking the XXL Phenomenon

For a long time in Pokemon GO, size was largely irrelevant. Your Team Leader might offer a passing comment during the appraisal process, but height and weight had no bearing on a Pokemon’s performance in battle. However, with the introduction of the XXS and XXL tags, size has gained a new layer of meaning. While the fundamental impact on stats remains unchanged, the rarity associated with these extreme sizes makes them desirable for many players.

Rarity: A Key Factor

XXL Pokemon are exceptionally rare. The article indicates that the odds of encountering one are approximately 1 in 31,500, requiring a Pokemon to deviate four standard deviations from the average height for its species. This makes them rarer than even some coveted 10k egg hatches. This inherent scarcity makes acquiring an XXL Pokemon a notable achievement, a testament to your dedication and persistence as a trainer.

Beyond Aesthetics: The Sentimental Value

While XXL Pokemon don’t boast any inherent combat advantages, they offer something arguably more valuable: bragging rights and personal enjoyment. Setting an XXL Pokemon as your buddy provides a visual spectacle as the Pokemon will appear significantly larger on the screen, turning it into a walking, talking, (or floating) monument to your training prowess. Furthermore, the game now provides celebratory messages when you set new records for the largest Pokemon you’ve caught, adding a touch of personalized recognition to your accomplishments. These Pokemon add some unique fun to the game!

Future Potential

While currently size is primarily a cosmetic feature, the Pokemon GO development team has a history of evolving gameplay mechanics. It’s entirely possible that in the future, XXL Pokemon could gain unique advantages or roles in specific game modes. Holding onto them now could position you for success if and when such changes are implemented.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about XXL Pokemon, designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role and value in Pokemon GO:

1. Do XXL Pokemon have higher CP?

   No, XXL Pokemon do not inherently have higher CP (Combat Power). CP is primarily determined by a Pokemon’s base stats, level, and Individual Values (IVs). Size, whether XXL or XXS, does not directly influence these factors. A high CP will be found on pokemon with a mix of high IVs, pokemon breed, and trainer level.

2. Can XXL Pokemon be strong in battle?

   Absolutely! While their size doesn’t directly affect their strength, an XXL Pokemon can be powerful if it possesses high IVs and is powered up to a high level. Focus on training and investing in Pokemon with strong stats, regardless of their size.

3. Does size affect evolution?

   No, a Pokemon’s size does not influence its evolution in any way. Height and weight are reset upon evolution, and the resulting size is randomized. Therefore, evolving an XXL Pokemon does not guarantee that its evolved form will also be XXL.

4. Is it better to evolve XL/XXL Pokemon?

   The decision to evolve an XL or XXL Pokemon should not be based on its size. Instead, prioritize Pokemon with favorable IVs and potentially beneficial movesets. Size is purely cosmetic in this regard. The decision should be based on pokemon with favorable IVs and potentially beneficial movesets.

5. Do XXL Pokemon stay XXL when evolved?

   Unfortunately, no. Upon evolution, a Pokemon’s height and weight are randomized again, so the XXL status is not preserved. The evolved form may be larger or smaller than the pre-evolution.

6. Did Pokemon GO remove XL XS?

   The recent update made some changes to the XL/XS system. Previously, weight could determine XL/XS status. Now, the XL/XS tag only pertains to height, and these height variations are much rarer.

7. Should I purify Shadow XXL Pokemon?

   This is a strategic choice. Shadow Pokemon have a 20% attack boost, making them deal significantly more damage. Purifying will increase their IVs but remove the Shadow bonus, which will ultimately weaken the Pokemon. So it’s best to keep them unpurified.

8. Can Legendaries be XXL Pokemon GO?

   Yes, Legendaries, along with Ultra Beasts, Shinies, and Mythicals, can be XXL. These extremely rare Pokemon are the same tier as these legendary Pokemon, so if you find one, count yourself as lucky!

9. Are shiny XXL Pokemon stronger?

   No, Shininess does not affect a Pokemon’s stats. A shiny XXL Pokemon is simply a visually unique version with the standard stats for its species, level, and IVs.

10. Should I keep event XXL Pokémon?

    Absolutely! Event Pokemon, especially those that are also XXL, are incredibly valuable. They’re often unavailable outside of specific events, making them rare and sought after by collectors.

11. Should I keep 0 star XXL Pokemon?

    Even with zero stars, the rarity of an XXL Pokemon still makes it worth keeping, particularly if you value collecting unique specimens. You can always trade it later for something more desirable or use it for bragging rights.

12. Why do people put low CP XXL Pokemon in gyms?

    While not specifically because they’re XXL, trainers often place lower CP Pokemon in gyms to make them slightly more annoying to remove. A user must battle them 3 times to get them out of the gym.

13. Should I keep low IV XXL Pokemon?

    Despite the low IVs, consider keeping the XXL Pokemon for its unique status and potential future value. Its size does not make it weaker than other normal pokemon.

14. What are the odds of getting an XXL Pokémon?

    The estimated odds are around 1 in 31,500, making them extremely rare and a noteworthy achievement to obtain. The odds are very low, it may take several years.

15. What is the benefit of XXL Pokemon?

    The primary benefits are visual enjoyment (they appear larger on screen), bragging rights, and the potential for future gameplay applications. The game also offers celebratory messages when you set a new size record for a specific species.

Final Verdict: Keep Those Giants!

While XXL Pokemon may not provide a direct competitive advantage, their rarity, visual appeal, and potential future value make them a worthwhile addition to any Pokemon GO collection. They’re a unique and fun aspect of the game, reflecting the dedication and passion of the trainer who caught them. So, the next time you encounter a sparkling XXL Pokemon, be sure to catch it and cherish its supersized glory! Don’t forget to engage with the vibrant community at the Games Learning Society for more insights and discussions on all things gaming! You can visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.