The Enigmatic Allure of XXS and XXL Pokémon: More Than Just a Pretty Face?
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What is the actual benefit of nabbing those incredibly tiny (XXS) and absolutely massive (XXL) Pokémon in Pokémon GO? The core benefit, at its simplest, is the thrill of the hunt and the collection aspect. These extreme sizes add a layer of novelty and bragging rights to your Pokémon GO experience. Beyond that, catching XXS and XXL Pokémon updates your personal records, tracking the smallest, largest, lightest, and heaviest specimens of each species you’ve encountered. While these records may seem purely cosmetic, they fuel the collector’s spirit and provide unique in-game acknowledgements through celebratory messages. While size does not improve stats, there have been studies on how Games Learning Society enhance engagement.
Delving into the World of Extreme Pokémon Sizes
Pokémon GO, with its augmented reality and emphasis on real-world exploration, is all about discovery. The introduction of XXS and XXL sizes adds another dimension to that discovery. No longer are we simply catching Pokémon to fill our Pokédex or build formidable battle teams. Now, we’re also on the lookout for the outliers, the exceptionally small and unusually large members of each species.
The visual impact of these sizes is undeniable. Seeing a miniature Pikachu or a colossal Snorlax towering over your avatar injects a sense of wonder and whimsy into the game. When assigned as your buddy, the size difference is even more pronounced, making these extreme Pokémon a unique visual treat.
The Collector’s Drive
Humans are inherently collectors. We find satisfaction in gathering items, categorizing them, and showcasing our unique collections. Pokémon GO taps into this primal urge, and the addition of XXS and XXL sizes amplifies it. These size variations become coveted trophies, symbols of dedication and good fortune.
The game acknowledges these achievements with in-game messages celebrating new size records. This simple acknowledgment reinforces the collector’s behavior, encouraging players to continue their quest for the most extreme Pokémon.
A Touch of Whimsy
Beyond the collector’s aspect, XXS and XXL sizes inject a healthy dose of whimsy and humor into Pokémon GO. Seeing these oddly sized creatures brings a smile to players’ faces and reminds them that the game is, at its heart, about fun and lighthearted entertainment.
Unveiling the Mysteries: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here’s a compilation of frequently asked questions to further clarify the significance of XXS and XXL Pokémon in Pokémon GO:
1. Do XXS or XXL Pokémon have any combat advantages?
No. The size of a Pokémon (XXS, XS, normal, XL, XXL) has absolutely no impact on its combat stats in Pokémon GO. CP (Combat Power), HP (Hit Points), Attack, Defense, and Stamina are determined by Individual Values (IVs), species base stats, and level – none of which are affected by size.
2. Does size affect evolution?
No. Size is not preserved upon evolution. When a Pokémon evolves, its height and weight are randomly re-rolled. An XXL Charmander could very well evolve into a normal-sized Charmeleon.
3. How rare are XXS and XXL Pokémon?
XXS and XXL Pokémon are significantly rarer than average-sized Pokémon. The precise spawn rates are unknown, but anecdotal evidence suggests they are comparable in rarity to finding a shiny Pokémon. Be sure to explore the GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about spawn rates and the psychology behind rare encounters.
4. Do Team Leaders’ appraisals take size into account?
Yes. Team Leaders will sometimes comment on the size of a Pokémon during the appraisal process. However, these comments are purely descriptive and provide no indication of the Pokémon’s IVs or combat potential.
5. Can Legendary or Mythical Pokémon be XXS or XXL?
Yes! Legendary and Mythical Pokémon can be XXS or XXL. Finding an exceptionally sized Legendary or Mythical Pokémon is a rare and impressive feat.
6. Does purifying a Shadow Pokémon affect its size?
No. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon does not change its size. Purifying only affects IVs and the Pokémon’s moveset.
7. Should I prioritize catching XXS or XXL Pokémon over Pokémon with better IVs?
This depends on your priorities. If you are focused on building a strong battle team, prioritize Pokémon with high IVs, regardless of their size. However, if you enjoy collecting and showcasing unique Pokémon, catching XXS and XXL specimens might be more appealing.
8. Are there any medals or achievements related to catching XXS or XXL Pokémon?
Currently, there are no specific medals or achievements directly tied to catching XXS or XXL Pokémon. However, Niantic may introduce such rewards in future updates.
9. Can Pokémon change size?
No, outside of evolution, Pokemon size does not change. The size is determined when the Pokemon is first generated.
10. Are Shiny Pokemon more likely to be XXL or XXS?
No. Shiny status and size are independent of each other. The odds of a Shiny Pokémon being XXS or XXL are the same as any other Pokémon.
11. Do XXS Pokemon attack faster or XL have more HP?
This information is outdated. Currently, in Pokemon Go XXS and XXL do not have an impact on HP or speed of attacks for a Pokemon.
12. Should I power up before evolving?
The order in which you power up and evolve a Pokémon does not affect the final result. Whether you power up before or after evolving, the end result is the same in terms of CP and stats, but if you plan to power up over multiple days it is best to evolve first.
13. Will my XXS Pokemon stay XXS if I trade it?
Yes. If you trade for a XXS or XXL, it will remain that size. This can be fun to see.
14. Does XL candy matter for XXS or XXL?
XL Candy can be used to level up XXS or XXL. The candy is related to the species and not to size.
15. Do all Pokemon have the ability to shrink?
Within the context of the core Pokémon games and anime, all Pokémon are capable of shrinking to fit inside a Poké Ball. However, this is separate from the XXS and XXL size variations in Pokémon GO, which are inherent characteristics of individual Pokémon.
Conclusion: Embrace the Unique
While XXS and XXL Pokémon may not offer any competitive advantages, they add a significant layer of enjoyment and collectability to Pokémon GO. These unusual sizes offer a visual treat and cater to the completionist nature of many players. So, next time you encounter an unusually small or large Pokémon, don’t hesitate to add it to your collection. You might just be catching a piece of Pokémon GO history.