Pokémon Evolution: When Bigger Isn’t Always Better
The world of Pokémon is filled with creatures that grow, change, and become stronger through evolution. However, there are a few unusual instances where a Pokémon’s total stats actually decrease upon evolution. The most notable example is Nincada evolving into Ninjask and Shedinja. While Ninjask is significantly stronger than Nincada, Shedinja’s unique mechanics and drastically reduced stats make it arguably weaker overall in a traditional sense.
Understanding Pokémon Evolution and Stats
The General Trend of Evolution
Typically, Pokémon evolution is a one-way ticket to increased stats, new abilities, and a generally more powerful form. This is what makes training and evolving Pokémon so rewarding. We expect our Pokémon to grow stronger as they level up and evolve. This process usually involves an increase in their base stats, which include:
- HP (Hit Points): The amount of damage a Pokémon can withstand.
- Attack: The power of physical attacks.
- Defense: Resistance to physical attacks.
- Special Attack: The power of special attacks.
- Special Defense: Resistance to special attacks.
- Speed: Determines which Pokémon attacks first.
The Nincada Exception
Nincada’s evolution breaks this mold. When Nincada reaches level 20, it evolves into Ninjask. If the player has an open slot in their party and at least one Poké Ball in their bag, a second Pokémon, Shedinja, will also appear.
- Ninjask is a fast and powerful Bug/Flying-type Pokémon.
- Shedinja is a Bug/Ghost-type Pokémon with a unique ability called Wonder Guard, which makes it immune to any attack that isn’t super effective. However, Shedinja only has 1 HP.
While Ninjask sees a significant boost in its stats, particularly Speed, Shedinja’s overall stat total is dramatically lower than Nincada’s. It’s a fascinating example of how evolution can lead to a unique, but potentially weaker, outcome.
Why Shedinja Isn’t Necessarily “Weaker”
While Shedinja’s 1 HP and low overall stats might make it seem like the weakest Pokémon of all time, its Wonder Guard ability gives it a unique advantage. Against an opponent that only knows moves it’s immune to, Shedinja is invincible. This niche usage makes it a strategic choice in certain battles, even if its stats don’t reflect raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pokémon Evolution
1. Are Pokémon weaker if they evolve later?
No. Waiting to evolve a Pokémon does not negatively impact its stats. When you finally do evolve it, its stats will be the same, regardless of how long you waited.
2. What is the weakest fully evolved Pokémon?
This is a matter of perspective, but based on base stat totals, Shedinja is often considered the weakest fully evolved Pokémon due to its incredibly low HP (only 1) and low overall stat total. Kricketune is also in the discussion with stats not much higher than Shedinja.
3. Should I prevent a Pokémon from evolving?
Sometimes! Some Pokémon might learn specific moves earlier in their unevolved form, or you might simply prefer their design. Scyther, for example, is a popular choice to keep unevolved due to its Speed and unique movepool. Ultimately, it depends on your play style and preferences.
4. Should I remove Frustration before evolving a Shadow Pokémon?
Yes, absolutely. If you want your Shadow Pokémon to learn a special Community Day move upon evolution, you must TM away Frustration during a special event. Otherwise, you’ll have to waste an Elite Charged TM later.
5. Should I purify a Pokémon before evolving it?
Purifying a Pokémon gives it a boost in Combat Power (CP) and reduces the cost of evolution. So, purifying before evolving can be beneficial. You can check out research from places like the Games Learning Society to learn more about the strategies others have used.
6. What is the number one weakest Pokémon overall?
Magikarp is widely considered the weakest Pokémon overall due to its limited movepool and reliance on evolving into the powerful Gyarados. Other contenders include Geodude, Smeargle and Wimpod.
7. Is Magikarp the weakest Pokémon?
Yes, Magikarp is a prime candidate for the title of weakest Pokémon. However, its evolution into Gyarados makes it a worthwhile investment of time and resources.
8. Should you evolve a 3-star Pokémon?
Generally, yes. A 3-star Pokémon has high IVs (Individual Values), meaning it has good potential for strong stats. Evolving a 3-star Pokémon is usually a solid investment.
9. Should you evolve a 4-star Pokémon?
Yes, absolutely! A 4-star Pokémon has perfect IVs, meaning it will reach its maximum potential stats when fully powered up. Evolving a 4-star Pokémon is highly recommended.
10. Is it worth delaying evolution for a specific move?
It can be! Some evolved Pokémon learn specific moves later, or not at all, compared to their pre-evolved forms. If a particular move is crucial to your strategy, it might be worth delaying evolution.
11. Is Magikarp worth 500 Pokédollars?
No! The Magikarp salesman is a scam. While 500 Pokédollars seems cheap, Magikarp is very common and easily caught in the wild.
12. Is Gyarados the atrocious Pokémon?
Yes, Gyarados is known as the Atrocious Pokémon due to its violent temper and destructive tendencies.
13. What is a perfect Magikarp’s CP?
A perfect Magikarp (15/15/15 IVs) has a CP of 235 at level 30 and 255 when weather-boosted at level 35.
14. Which Pokémon has zero weaknesses?
The Eelektross line (Tynamo, Eelektrik, and Eelektross) has no weaknesses because they are pure Electric-type with the Levitate ability, which makes them immune to Ground-type moves.
15. Is a shiny Magikarp rare?
Yes, a Shiny Magikarp is quite rare. Catching one is a matter of luck and persistence, checking every Magikarp you encounter in the hopes of finding the golden variant.
While most Pokémon become stronger through evolution, Nincada and its evolutions serve as a reminder that there can be exceptions. Shedinja’s unique attributes demonstrate that “weakness” is relative, and that even Pokémon with low stats can find strategic value in battle. Understanding these nuances is what makes the world of Pokémon so fascinating. Further research on game design and mechanics can be found at sites like GamesLearningSociety.org.