Should You Transfer Extra Pokémon? A Pokémon GO Masterclass
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Yes, absolutely, you should transfer extra Pokémon in Pokémon GO! It’s a crucial part of managing your resources, optimizing your team, and progressing in the game. However, the art of transferring isn’t as simple as blindly sending away everything you catch more than once. There’s a strategy involved, and this guide will help you master it. Learn how to efficiently handle your Pokémon and enhance your gaming experience, and see how gaming connects to broader educational topics at the Games Learning Society.
The Transfer Tango: Knowing When to Say Goodbye
The core reason to transfer Pokémon is to free up storage. Your Pokémon storage isn’t infinite, and constantly catching Pokémon is fundamental to the game. Therefore, choosing which Pokémon to keep and which to send to Professor Willow is a critical skill. You receive Candy for transferring Pokémon. Candy is required to evolve and power up your Pokémon, and you’ll want as much of this vital resource as possible.
Deciding Which Pokémon to Keep
Before you start transferring with reckless abandon, consider these factors. This will enable you to make informed choices about which Pokémon you need and which ones you can afford to send off.
IVs and Appraisal
Individual Values (IVs) are hidden stats that determine a Pokémon’s potential. Appraisal tools, or in-game appraisals provided by team leaders, give you an idea of how good a Pokémon’s IVs are. Generally, you want to keep Pokémon with high IVs (3-star or 4-star). The higher the stats of your Pokémon, the more efficient it will be for use in battles!
Combat Power (CP)
CP indicates a Pokémon’s strength in battle. While a high CP doesn’t guarantee a Pokémon is good (IVs matter more in the long run), it’s a useful quick indicator.
Evolution Potential
If you’re close to having enough Candy to evolve a Pokémon, that might be a reason to keep it, especially if it’s a rare or powerful evolution.
Shiny Pokémon
Never transfer a Shiny Pokémon, unless you have duplicates and are absolutely sure. They’re incredibly rare and highly valued in trades. Shiny Pokémon are very important, and you would be sorry to transfer them!
Shadow and Purified Pokémon
Shadow Pokémon have a damage boost but are more fragile. Purified Pokémon have improved stats. Consider their specific roles before transferring.
Event Pokémon
Pokémon caught during specific events may have unique moves or costumes. Check if they have any special value before transferring.
Living Pokedex
Some trainers like to keep at least one of every Pokémon for their “living Pokedex.” Decide if this is important to you.
Gym Defenders and Attackers
Consider whether a Pokémon is useful as a Gym Defender (high HP and Defense) or an Attacker (high Attack). You may want to keep multiple Pokémon for both roles.
PvP Viability
Some Pokémon are particularly good in Player vs. Player (PvP) battles, even if their CP is lower than ideal for raids or Gyms. Check PvP rankings before transferring.
FAQs: Mastering the Art of Transferring
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions to further refine your Pokémon transferring skills:
1. Should I transfer all my duplicate Pokemon?
Transfer Pokémon with lower CP and IVs. Prioritize keeping the ones with the best stats for battles and evolutions. Always make sure your Pokémon have good stats before you start investing in it, or you will waste resources.
2. Should I transfer all my low CP Pokemon?
Not necessarily. Low CP Pokémon can still evolve into powerful forms. Check their IVs first. A low CP Pokémon with high IVs might be worth investing in.
3. Should I keep multiple of the same Pokemon in Pokemon go?
Yes! Keep multiples of Pokémon with good IVs for different purposes, such as attacking, defending, or trading.
4. What should I do with my duplicate Pokémon?
Transfer the weaker ones and focus on powering up the Pokémon with the highest CP and best IVs. Candy is essential, so use your duplicates to obtain it.
5. Should I keep more than one Pokémon?
Yes, you need multiples to evolve Pokémon into stronger forms. Also, having diverse teams is important for battles.
6. Should I transfer all of my 0 star Pokemon?
Generally, yes. 0-star Pokémon have low IVs, making them less effective in battles. However, some players keep them for rarity.
7. Why do people leave low CP Pokemon in gyms?
Sometimes, it’s for fun. Others believe weaker Pokémon can be annoying to battle. Also, trainers may be trying to help lower-level players.
8. Should I evolve a 3 star Pokemon with low CP?
It’s usually better to evolve a 3-star Pokémon, even with low CP. You can always power it up later.
9. Should I transfer bad Shinies?
This is a tough one. Generally, no. Shiny Pokémon are rare, and even a “bad” Shiny has trade value. Only transfer if you have multiple and need storage desperately.
10. Should I transfer all my Shadow Pokemon?
Shadow Pokémon deal more damage, so it’s generally better to keep them unpurified. Their attack stat is significantly boosted.
11. Do XXS and XXL Pokémon matter?
Not statistically, but they’re fun! They appear differently as buddies and in AR. Catching them updates your records.
12. When should I keep or transfer Pokémon?
Always check IVs before transferring. Clear out storage before Community Days, special events, or big raid days.
13. Is it better to evolve a low CP Pokemon?
It’s recommended to evolve Pokémon with higher CP or better appraisals. But a 0-star Pokémon with very high CP might be worth evolving.
14. Why do people put magikarp in gyms?
For fun and to help other trainers get candy! Feeding Magikarp in gyms gives a small chance of extra candy.
15. Should you only evolve 3 star Pokemon?
Not always. If a 0-star Pokémon has very high CP, it might be a better choice, but a 3-star is generally preferable if CP is similar.
Maximizing Efficiency and Enjoyment
Transferring Pokémon is a crucial part of managing your resources in Pokémon GO. By understanding IVs, CP, evolution potential, and the value of different types of Pokémon, you can make informed decisions about which Pokémon to keep and which to send to Professor Willow. Remember, Candy is essential for evolution and powering up your Pokémon, so use your duplicates wisely. Remember that gaming and other technologies can play a role in education, for example, as explored on GamesLearningSociety.org.
With these tips and FAQs, you’ll become a master of the transfer tango and maximize your enjoyment of Pokémon GO!