Unlocking Luck: A Comprehensive Guide to Lucky Pokémon in Pokémon GO

A Lucky Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a special Pokémon that requires 50% less Stardust to power up. They also have a guaranteed minimum IV floor of 12/12/12, making them statistically more potent than most wild-caught Pokémon. Plus, they have a distinctive shimmery effect in your Pokédex and on their summary page, showing off your good fortune! Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about these desirable creatures.

Why Lucky Pokémon Matter

The allure of Lucky Pokémon lies in their practical advantages. Stardust is a crucial resource in Pokémon GO, vital for powering up your Pokémon to make them battle-ready for raids, Gym battles, and Trainer Battles. By halving the Stardust cost, Lucky Pokémon enable you to maximize your resources and build powerful teams more efficiently. The guaranteed high IVs further enhance their battle prowess, making them valuable assets for any serious trainer.

The Stardust Advantage

Imagine wanting to power up a legendary Pokémon for an upcoming raid. The Stardust cost can be astronomical, potentially setting you back tens or even hundreds of thousands of Stardust. A Lucky version of that same Pokémon would only require half the Stardust, letting you invest those saved resources into other Pokémon or even purchasing other in-game items. It is a game changer.

IVs: The Hidden Potential

Individual Values (IVs) are hidden stats that determine a Pokémon’s potential. These values range from 0 to 15 for Attack, Defense, and HP (Hit Points). A Pokémon with perfect IVs (15/15/15) has the highest possible stats for its species. While you can’t see the exact IVs without using an appraisal system or a third-party tool, Lucky Pokémon give you a guaranteed base level. With a minimum of 12 in each stat, you’re already starting with a Pokémon in the top 20% in terms of IVs!

How to Acquire Lucky Pokémon

The primary method of obtaining Lucky Pokémon is through trading with friends. When you trade a Pokémon, there’s a chance both traded Pokémon will become Lucky. The base chance for a Pokémon to become Lucky is about 5%, but it is not always that low. Several factors influence the likelihood of a Lucky Trade:

• Age of Pokémon: The older the Pokémon being traded, the higher the chance of a Lucky Trade. Pokémon that have been in your storage for a long time (think months or even years) have a significantly increased chance of becoming Lucky.
• Lucky Friend Status: Becoming Lucky Friends with someone guarantees that your next trade will result in both Pokémon becoming Lucky. You can become Lucky Friends by interacting with your Best Friends (e.g., sending gifts, battling together) and hoping for a bit of luck! However, once you do a Lucky Trade, you will lose your lucky friend status.

The Mechanics of Trading

Trading requires that you be physically near another player, so be sure that you will both benefit from the trade before meeting up. Both players must be at least Trainer Level 10 to trade, and there are Stardust costs associated with trading, which vary depending on the Friendship level and the type of Pokémon being traded (e.g., Legendary or Shiny Pokémon cost more).

Maximizing Your Lucky Pokémon Strategy

• Prioritize Rare Pokémon: Focus on trading rare or powerful Pokémon, like Legendaries, Mythicals, or Pokémon with high Attack stats. A Lucky Mewtwo or Rayquaza is far more valuable than a Lucky Pidgey.
• Utilize Old Pokémon: Don’t be afraid to trade away older Pokémon that you’ve been hoarding. They may not be useful on their own, but they greatly increase your chances of a Lucky Trade.
• Become Lucky Friends: Actively work towards becoming Lucky Friends with your regular trading partners. Consistent interaction increases your chances of getting that guaranteed Lucky Trade.
• Appraise Before Trading: While the IV floor is high for Lucky Pokémon, it’s still worth appraising the Pokémon you’re trading away to ensure you aren’t giving away a potential hundo.

FAQs: Your Burning Lucky Pokémon Questions Answered

1. Should you keep Lucky Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

Absolutely! The reduced Stardust cost and guaranteed high IVs make them valuable assets for battles and raids. They are worth the investment!

2. How rare is a Lucky Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

The base chance is around 5%, but the odds increase significantly based on how long the Pokémon has been in your storage.

3. Should you evolve a Lucky Pokémon?

Yes! Evolving a Lucky Pokémon will result in an evolved Lucky Pokémon. You won’t lose the “Lucky” status.

4. Are Lucky Pokémon always 3 stars?

Not necessarily. The IV floor of 12/12/12 guarantees a minimum percentage that will show up as at least 2 stars in the appraisal system, and most often 3. A perfect 3-star Pokémon will have 100% perfect IVs, which is still possible with Lucky Pokémon!

5. Are Lucky Pokémon more rare than shiny Pokémon?

Rarity can be subjective. Shiny Pokémon have a fixed encounter rate, while the odds of a Lucky Pokémon depend on factors like the age of the Pokémon and your friendship level. For some players, finding a Shiny Pokémon might be easier than getting a specific Lucky Pokémon.

6. What Pokémon are best to get lucky?

Legendary Pokémon like Mewtwo, Rayquaza, and Kyogre are excellent choices. Strong attackers like Metagross and Lucario are also highly sought-after.

7. Is Lucky Pokémon permanent?

The “Lucky” status itself is permanent once a Pokémon becomes Lucky. However, the Lucky Friend bonus is a one-time use. Once you trade with a Lucky Friend, the bonus is consumed, and you’ll need to work to become Lucky Friends again.

8. Can shiny Pokémon be lucky?

Yes! A Pokémon can be both Shiny and Lucky, making it an incredibly rare and desirable find.

9. What is the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf, the Lake Guardians, are considered among the rarest due to their regional availability and infrequent spawns.

10. What are the pros of Lucky Pokémon?

Reduced Stardust cost, guaranteed high IVs, and a distinctive visual effect.

11. Is it okay to transfer Lucky Pokémon?

It’s generally not recommended to transfer Lucky Pokémon unless you have duplicates and are confident you won’t need them. Their reduced Stardust cost makes them valuable for powering up.

12. Can I trade back a Lucky Pokémon?

No. Pokémon GO does not allow trading back Pokémon or trading a traded Pokémon more than once.

13. Is there a limit on how many times you can become Lucky Friends in Pokémon GO?

You can become Lucky Friends with a Best Friend more than once, but not more than once per day.

14. What is a rare Lucky Pokémon?

A rare Lucky Pokémon would be a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon with high IVs, especially if it’s also a Shiny.

15. How do you get Ditto in Pokémon GO?

Ditto disguises itself as common Pokémon. You’ll need to catch various common Pokémon and hope that one transforms into Ditto after you catch it.

In Conclusion: Embrace the Luck

Lucky Pokémon are a fantastic feature of Pokémon GO, offering tangible benefits and adding an element of chance to trading. By understanding the mechanics of Lucky Trades and prioritizing valuable Pokémon, you can significantly enhance your team and conserve precious resources. So, get out there, trade with your friends, and embrace the luck! For more information on games and learning, be sure to check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website. Good luck, trainers!