Decoding the Shundo: The Ultimate Pokémon GO Trophy
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A Shundo in Pokémon GO represents the holy grail for collectors and competitive players alike. It’s a portmanteau of “Shiny” and “Hundo,” signifying a Shiny Pokémon with perfect IVs (Individual Values) – 15/15/15 in Attack, Defense, and HP. Obtaining a Shundo is a testament to dedication, luck, and often, sheer persistence. It represents the rarest combination of desirable traits a Pokémon can possess, making it both a visually appealing trophy and a potentially formidable battler.
Unpacking the Rarity: Why Shundos are So Coveted
The allure of the Shundo stems from the confluence of two independent probabilities: finding a Shiny Pokémon and finding a Pokémon with perfect IVs.
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Shiny Pokémon: These are Pokémon with alternate color palettes, and their appearance is determined by a fixed Shiny Rate. This rate varies, usually 1 in 500 for wild encounters. However, it can be boosted during Community Days, special events, or for specific species. Some species are also Permaboosted, meaning they have a higher rate for a permanent amount of time.
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Hundo (Perfect IVs): A “Hundo” boasts a maximum possible Individual Values (IVs) in each stat, indicating the pinnacle of its species’ potential. The standard odds of encountering a Hundo in the wild are 1 in 4096. But, these odds can change based on factors such as whether the Pokémon is weather-boosted or obtained from a trade or research task.
Since shininess and IVs are determined independently, the probability of finding a Shundo is the product of the individual probabilities. This results in incredibly low odds.
The Elusive ShaShundo: Shadow Shiny Hundos
An even rarer variant exists, the ShaShundo: a Shadow Pokémon that is both Shiny and has perfect IVs. These are extremely rare, as the standard Shiny rate for Shadow Pokémon is approximately 1 in 64.
Shundo FAQs: Your Comprehensive Guide
Here are some of the most common questions players have about Shundos in Pokémon GO, along with comprehensive answers to help you on your quest:
1. What exactly is a Shundo?
A Shundo is a Pokémon in Pokémon GO that is both Shiny (has a different color variation) and a Hundo (has perfect IVs, meaning all its Attack, Defense, and HP stats are at 15/15/15).
2. How rare are Shundos in Pokémon GO?
The rarity of a Shundo depends on the specific Pokémon and how you encounter it. For example, a Shiny legendary has a rate of around 1/20-1/25, and a perfect IV has a rate of 1/4096. When you multiply that together, you see that you have to get extremely lucky in order to find a shundo.
3. What is the Shiny rate in Pokémon GO?
The Shiny Rate varies depending on the encounter. Standard wild encounters have a rate of around 1 in 500. Certain Pokémon have permanently boosted rates of around 1 in 64. Event Pokémon will often have a better shiny rate, such as 1 in 25.
4. What is an IV, and why is it important?
IV stands for Individual Values. Every Pokémon has three stats (Attack, Defense, and HP), each with a value between 0 and 15. These stats are added to the base stats of the Pokémon to determine its final strength. Higher IVs mean a stronger Pokémon overall.
5. How do I check a Pokémon’s IVs?
You can check a Pokémon’s IVs using the in-game appraisal feature. The Team Leader will give you an overview of the Pokémon’s strongest stats and tell you if they are maximized, indicating the Pokémon is a “Hundo”. You can also use external IV checker apps (like PokeGenie or Calcy IV) for more precise readings.
6. How do Community Days affect Shundo chances?
Community Days typically feature a significantly increased Shiny rate for the featured Pokémon, usually around 1 in 25. While this doesn’t affect the IV distribution, the increased Shiny rate drastically improves your odds of finding a Shundo.
7. What’s the best way to hunt for Shundos?
The best strategy is to focus on events that boost Shiny rates, such as Community Days, Raid Days, and Safari Zones. Prioritize encounters that offer better IV floors, such as Raids, Eggs, and Research Tasks, which guarantee a minimum IV of 10 for each stat.
8. Are Shadow Shundos (ShaShundos) rarer than regular Shundos?
Yes, Shadow Shundos (ShaShundos) are significantly rarer than regular Shundos. The combination of being a Shadow Pokémon (which has a separate Shiny rate), being Shiny, and having perfect IVs makes them one of the most elusive finds in the game.
9. How do trades affect the chance of getting a Shundo?
Trading can influence your chances of getting a Hundo, but it doesn’t directly affect the Shiny status of a Pokémon. Friend level affects the IV floor, increasing the odds of higher IVs. Lucky Friends trades guarantee excellent IVs, giving you an increased chance of receiving a Hundo. Remember that you can’t trade Mythical Pokémon.
10. Are there any Pokémon that cannot be Shiny?
Yes, some Pokémon cannot be Shiny. Certain Mythical Pokémon (like Mew and Celebi) are often Shiny-locked in their initial encounters. Some regionals and event exclusive Pokémon may also not be available in their Shiny forms.
11. Is it possible to get a Shundo from a Nundo?
It is not possible to evolve or purify a Nundo into a Shundo. The Pokémon would have to be a Shiny and have perfect IVs to be considered a Shundo.
12. What is the point of having a Shundo?
Shundos are highly valued in the game for a variety of reasons. They are a rare trophy to show off. They are also perfect in battle, meaning they will be able to do the most possible damage and withstand the most possible damage.
13. Are some shinies considered more rare than others?
Yes, some shinies are more rare than others due to how they are found, such as being a permaboosted species, or an uncommon wild spawn.
14. How do I participate in a Shiny Shadow Lugia Raid?
Shiny Shadow Lugia is currently not available. However, when it is, it will be possible to be encountered by partaking in Shadow Raids, which require in person raiding. The chance of encountering a shiny is 1/20.
15. What is IV floor?
An IV floor is a minimum stat given to a pokemon. For instance, the IV floor of a raid pokemon will be higher than a pokemon found in the wild. Some IV floors are even higher, such as Lucky Pokémon.
Final Thoughts: The Shundo Dream
Hunting for Shundos in Pokémon GO is a journey of patience and dedication. While the odds are stacked against you, the thrill of finally encountering that perfect, shimmering creature is a reward unlike any other. Remember to focus on events, leverage trading, and stay informed about Shiny rates to maximize your chances. Good luck, trainer, and may the Shundo gods smile upon you! For more information on games and learning, explore the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.