Deciphering Pokémon Appraisal Stars: A Comprehensive Guide
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In the world of Pokémon GO, understanding the appraisal system is crucial for optimizing your team. The star ratings, denoted as 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4*, offer a quick way to gauge a Pokémon’s potential based on its Individual Values (IVs). This article will delve into what these star ratings mean and provide helpful insights for trainers looking to build the best possible team.
In Pokémon GO, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4* represent the IV range of a Pokemon. These ratings help trainers assess the potential strength of their Pokémon. A 0* rating signifies a Pokémon with very low IVs, typically below 50% across all stats. A 1* rating represents a Pokémon with IVs between 51.1% and 64.4%. A 2* rating means the IVs range between 66.7% and 80%.
Understanding the Star Ratings
The appraisal system uses stars to give you a quick overview of a Pokémon’s potential in battle. Here’s a detailed look at what each star rating represents:
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0 Stars (0*): A Pokémon with this rating has IVs below 50%. These Pokémon are generally considered to have low potential and are often transferred unless you have a specific reason to keep them (e.g., collecting rare 0% IV Pokémon).
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1 Star (1*): This rating indicates that the Pokémon’s IVs fall between 51.1% and 64.4%. They are slightly better than 0-star Pokémon but still not ideal for competitive play.
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2 Stars (2*): A 2-star Pokémon boasts IVs ranging from 66.7% to 80%. These are decent Pokémon that can be useful in certain situations, especially if you lack better options.
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3 Stars (3*): 3-star Pokémon have IVs between 82.2% and 98%. These are strong contenders for powering up and using in battles. They are generally considered to be very good.
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4 Stars (4*): Also known as perfect IVs, a 4-star Pokémon has 100% IVs across all stats. These are the most sought-after Pokémon and should be prioritized for powering up and using in battles.
The Importance of IVs
Individual Values (IVs) are hidden stats that each Pokémon possesses, determining its potential in battle. There are three IVs: Attack, Defense, and HP. Each IV ranges from 0 to 15. A Pokémon with high IVs will generally perform better than one with low IVs, even if they have the same CP (Combat Power). It is important to check the star ratings so you know which Pokémon to keep and which Pokémon to transfer.
Deciding Which Pokémon to Keep
While 4-star Pokémon are always worth keeping and powering up, deciding whether to keep Pokémon with lower star ratings depends on several factors:
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Availability of better Pokémon: If you have multiple Pokémon of the same species, prioritize those with higher star ratings.
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Rarity of the Pokémon: If a Pokémon is rare or difficult to find, you might consider keeping one with lower star ratings until you find a better one.
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Usefulness in specific situations: Some Pokémon are useful in specific raids or battles, even with lower IVs.
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Shiny Pokémon: Shiny Pokémon are rare variants with different color schemes. Many players choose to keep shiny Pokémon regardless of their IVs due to their rarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Pokémon star ratings to help you better understand the appraisal system:
1. What does “IV” stand for?
IV stands for Individual Value. These are hidden stats that affect a Pokémon’s overall potential in battle.
2. How do I check a Pokémon’s star rating?
Use the in-game appraisal feature. Tap on a Pokémon, then tap the menu button in the bottom right corner and select “Appraise.” The team leader will give you an overview of the Pokémon’s stats and display its star rating.
3. Are 0-star Pokémon completely useless?
Not necessarily. While they have low IVs, they can still be useful early in the game or for specific tasks. Additionally, some collectors seek out 0% IV Pokémon due to their rarity.
4. Can I increase a Pokémon’s star rating?
No, you cannot. A Pokémon’s IVs and star rating are fixed when you catch or hatch it. You can, however, power up a Pokémon, but this will not improve the star rating.
5. Is a 3-star Pokémon always better than a 2-star Pokémon?
Generally, yes. However, consider the specific IVs of each Pokémon. A 2-star Pokémon with high Attack IV might be preferable to a 3-star Pokémon with low Attack IV in certain raid battles.
6. What are “perfect IVs”?
Perfect IVs mean a Pokémon has the maximum possible value (15) for Attack, Defense, and HP. These Pokémon receive a 4-star rating.
7. How rare is a 4-star Pokémon?
The odds of catching a wild Pokémon with perfect IVs are approximately 1 in 4,096. These odds improve when the Pokémon is weather-boosted or obtained through raids, eggs, or research tasks.
8. Should I evolve a 0-star Pokémon?
Generally, it’s better to wait for a Pokémon with higher IVs before evolving it. However, if the 0-star Pokemon has high CP, evolving it might make it worth it.
9. What is the significance of the stamp above the appraisal bars?
The stamp indicates the overall IV range of the Pokémon, similar to the original appraisal system. It provides a visual representation of the Pokémon’s potential.
10. How do IVs affect CP?
IVs contribute to a Pokémon’s CP (Combat Power), which is a measure of its overall strength. Higher IVs result in higher CP when the Pokémon is powered up.
11. Are shiny Pokémon always good Pokémon?
No, shiny Pokémon are simply rare variants with different colors. Their IVs can range from 0 stars to 4 stars, just like regular Pokémon.
12. What should I do with duplicate Pokémon?
Keep the ones with the highest star ratings and transfer the rest to Professor Willow for candy. Candy is used to power up and evolve Pokémon.
13. How does trading affect IVs?
Trading rerolls a Pokémon’s IVs. This can result in better or worse IVs. Therefore, trade with a friend and increase the odds of getting a strong Pokémon.
14. Are IVs important for all types of battles?
IVs are most important for raids, gym battles, and the GO Battle League. For casual play, they are less critical.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategies and gameplay?
There are many online resources available, including the Games Learning Society, which explores the educational aspects of gaming. This organization highlights the ways games can teach players strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
Conclusion
Understanding the Pokémon GO appraisal system is crucial for building a strong team. By knowing what the star ratings represent, you can make informed decisions about which Pokémon to keep, power up, and use in battle. So keep these tips in mind as you continue your Pokémon GO journey!