Decoding the DNA of Your Digital Monsters: What is an IV Pokémon?

An IV Pokémon refers to a creature in the Pokémon universe (primarily in the mobile game Pokémon GO, but also relevant to main series games) whose stats are partially determined by Individual Values (IVs). These IVs are hidden numerical values that range from 0 to 31 for each of a Pokémon’s six base stats: HP (Hit Points), Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. Think of them as a Pokémon’s genetic potential, influencing how strong it can become. A Pokémon with high IVs generally has the potential to reach higher stats than a Pokémon of the same species with lower IVs, even at the same level and with the same moveset. These inherent strengths and weaknesses make each Pokémon unique.

Understanding IVs is crucial for trainers who want to maximize their Pokémon’s potential in battles, raids, and other competitive scenarios. While other factors like CP (Combat Power), movesets, and Pokémon level are important, IVs represent the unseen foundation upon which these factors build. A Pokémon with perfect IVs (often referred to as a “hundo”) has 31 in each stat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About IV Pokémon

Here are some of the most common questions asked about IVs, designed to help you become a true Pokémon master!

What is the difference between IVs and EVs in Pokémon?

IVs, as explained above, are innate and unchangeable stats assigned when a Pokémon is encountered or hatched. EVs (Effort Values), on the other hand, are bonus stats that a Pokémon earns through battling other Pokémon. The more Pokémon of a particular type you battle, the more EVs you gain that improve specific stats. EVs can be manipulated and controlled through specific training strategies, while IVs cannot be altered (except in very limited ways in the main series games, such as through Hyper Training).

Is a Pokémon with higher IVs always better?

Yes, absolutely. If you’re choosing between two Pokémon of the same species with similar CP and movesets, the one with higher IVs will always perform better in the long run, especially when battling in Gyms, Raids, or PvP combat. The difference might seem negligible at lower levels, but it becomes increasingly significant as the Pokémon levels up.

What are the different IV ratings represented by stars in Pokémon GO?

In Pokémon GO, the appraisal system visually represents a Pokémon’s IV range using stars:

• 0*: Low IVs (typically below 50%)
• 1*: Moderate IVs (around 50-65%)
• 2*: Good IVs (around 66-80%)
• 3*: Very good IVs (around 82-98%)
• 4*: Perfect IVs (100%) – also indicated by a red background behind the stars.

What is a “hundo” Pokémon?

A “hundo” is a term used by Pokémon GO players to describe a Pokémon with perfect IVs, meaning it has an IV of 15 in Attack, 15 in Defense, and 15 in HP (the maximum possible value for each stat in Pokémon GO). A hundo Pokemon is also equivalent to the 4* rating. They are highly sought after due to their potential for maximum stats.

What is a “nundo” Pokémon, and is it rare?

A “nundo” is the opposite of a hundo; it’s a Pokémon with zero IVs in all stats (0 Attack, 0 Defense, 0 HP). While not as strategically valuable as a hundo, nundos are extremely rare and are often collected as novelty items. Their rarity stems from the fact that IVs are often guaranteed to be higher in certain situations (e.g., raids, research encounters), so encountering a truly “nundo” Pokémon is quite the statistical anomaly.

Should I keep 0-star Pokémon?

Generally, no. Unless you’re a collector specifically seeking nundos for their rarity, 0-star Pokémon are best transferred to Professor Willow. They have limited battle potential, and the resources (Stardust and Candy) required to power them up would be better spent on Pokémon with higher IVs.

How do CP, IVs, and Level work together?

CP (Combat Power) is a derived statistic that estimates a Pokémon’s strength in battle. It’s calculated using a formula that takes into account the Pokémon’s base stats, IVs, and level. A Pokémon’s level determines how high its stats can be raised. IVs provide the underlying potential, level determines how much of that potential is realized, and CP provides a single number that reflects that.

What is the highest IV value in Pokémon?

In Pokémon GO, the highest possible IV value for each stat (Attack, Defense, and HP) is 15. In the main series Pokémon games, the highest possible IV value for each of the six stats is 31.

What do perfect IVs look like in Pokémon GO?

In Pokémon GO, a Pokémon with perfect IVs will display three red stars (4*) when appraised. The appraisal system will also typically state that the Pokémon’s best attribute is its Attack, Defense, and HP and that these stats are “the best I’ve ever seen!”

Does Hyper Training affect IVs in Pokémon?

Hyper Training does not actually change a Pokémon’s underlying IVs. Instead, it maxes out the stats as if they had perfect IVs for the purposes of battle calculation. The original IVs are retained for breeding purposes. Hyper Training is available in some of the main series Pokémon games, but not in Pokémon GO.

Should I keep low IV Pokémon for certain situations?

While high IVs are generally desirable, there are niche situations where a low Attack IV might be preferable, especially in PvP (Player vs Player) combat. In leagues with CP limits (like the Great League or Ultra League), a Pokémon with a lower Attack IV might reach a higher overall level while staying under the CP cap, potentially gaining an advantage due to its higher overall stats. The impact of the lower attack stat is compensated by the pokemon being at a higher overall level. This is because of how CP is calculated.

Is a 0 IV Pokémon good?

Generally, no. A 0 IV Pokemon indicates that the pokemon has the lowest potential of its species. There are very very niche cases where it can be desirable like a “nundo” Pokemon being more rare to acquire. In all cases, a 0 IV pokemon should not be used for battling.

Is it worth purifying Shadow Pokémon?

Whether it’s worth purifying a Shadow Pokémon is a complex question. Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage but also take 20% more damage, making them powerful but fragile attackers. Purifying them removes this damage bonus but also reduces the Stardust and Candy cost to power them up. Purifying also increases their IVs by +2 to each stat. Ultimately, the decision depends on your play style, resource availability, and the specific Pokémon in question.

How does IV affect evolution in Pokémon?

The IVs of a Pokémon are retained when it evolves. So, a Pokémon with high IVs will maintain those high IVs after evolution.

Why are IVs important for game-based learning?

Understanding IVs, EVs, and CP in Pokémon is a perfect example of game-based learning in action. Players naturally learn about complex statistical concepts, resource management, and strategic decision-making through the act of playing and optimizing their Pokémon teams. This can lead to improved analytical skills and a greater appreciation for the math and science behind game mechanics. To learn more about the intersection of games and education, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.