Which Pokémon Should You Transfer to the Professor?
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The burning question every Pokémon GO trainer eventually faces: which of my digital companions should I send packing to Professor Willow in exchange for precious Candy? It’s a tough decision, fraught with considerations of CP, IVs, rarity, and even sentiment. The short answer? Focus on transferring Pokémon that are redundant, have low stats (CP and IVs), and are not shiny. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s dive deeper into the strategic art of Pokémon transferring.
Understanding the Transfer Strategy
The core principle behind transferring Pokémon is to optimize your storage space and acquire Candy to power up and evolve your stronger Pokémon. Think of it as culling the herd to strengthen the champions. However, a hasty decision can leave you regretting the loss of a potentially useful Pokémon. So, let’s look at the key elements to consider when deciding which Pokémon should be transferred to the Professor.
Key Criteria for Transferring Pokémon
- Low CP (Combat Power): CP is a primary indicator of a Pokémon’s strength in battle. Generally, Pokémon with significantly lower CP compared to others of the same species are prime candidates for transfer.
- Low IVs (Individual Values): IVs are hidden stats that contribute to a Pokémon’s overall potential. Pokémon with poor IVs will never reach the same strength as those with high IVs, even with significant investment.
- Redundancy: If you have multiple Pokémon of the same species, focus on keeping only the ones with the best CP, IVs, and move sets. The rest can be transferred to free up space.
- Lack of Usefulness: Some Pokémon are simply less effective in battles or raids, regardless of their CP or IVs. These include Pokemon like Cosmog, and the 1 weakest Pokémon, Shedinja.
- Zero-Star Pokémon: As the article states, if you are looking to farm Candy then you may want to send zero-star Pokémon to the Professor for transfer.
- Consider Move Sets: Attack moves play an important role in battle. If you have two of the same Pokémon with similar CP, transfer the one with inferior attack moves.
The Shiny Exception
Shiny Pokémon are rare, differently colored versions of Pokémon. Even if a shiny Pokémon has low CP or IVs, many trainers choose to keep them for their novelty and rarity. Shiny Pokémon are also able to be re-rolled via trade. The article also explains that you should evolve bad IV Shinies, yes, if you want the shiny Dex entry. IVs don’t matter that much considering Altaria is a junk Pokemon.
Event Bonuses
Keep an eye out for special events that offer increased Candy for transferring Pokémon. These events are the perfect time to clear out your storage and maximize your Candy gains.
Evolving and Powering Up: A Balanced Approach
Before transferring a Pokémon, consider its potential. A low-CP Pokémon might be worth evolving if it has good IVs and a desirable evolution. Conversely, a high-CP Pokémon with poor IVs might be better off being transferred. The article suggests that if you have a 0-star Pokemon has 1000+ CP, it may be worth evolving instead. This is due in part to the Candy and Stardust cost to Power Up a Pokemon.
Purifying Shadow Pokémon?
Whether to purify Shadow Pokémon is a complex decision. While purifying improves IVs and reduces the cost of powering up, it also changes the Pokémon’s moveset. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will improve their appraisal and reduce the amount of Stardust and Candy required for them to Power Up, Evolve, or learn a new attack.
FAQs: Pokémon Transfer Edition
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the transfer process:
1. Should I transfer all my duplicate Pokémon?
Not necessarily. Keep the ones with the highest CP and best IVs. Transfer the rest.
2. Is it better to transfer a low-CP or a low-IV Pokémon?
It depends. If the CP is significantly lower, transfer it. However, if the CP is reasonable, but the IVs are terrible, consider transferring the low-IV one.
3. Should I transfer Pokémon with bad movesets?
Yes, especially if you have other Pokémon of the same species with better movesets.
4. Should I transfer a 0-star Pokémon with high CP?
If it has a high CP you may want to evolve this Pokémon.
5. What happens when I transfer a Pokémon?
You receive Candy specific to that Pokémon’s evolutionary line. You’ll also permanently remove a Pokémon from your inventory.
6. Can I get a Pokémon back after transferring it?
No, transferring is a permanent action. Choose wisely!
7. Do I get more Candy for transferring evolved Pokémon?
Yes, you typically receive more Candy for transferring evolved forms than for base-level Pokémon.
8. Should I keep Pokémon for trading?
Trading can be a good way to re-roll IVs, especially for Pokémon you intend to use in battle.
9. Should I transfer Pokémon if my storage isn’t full?
Yes, transferring unwanted Pokémon is a good way to accumulate Candy, even if your storage isn’t at capacity.
10. What’s the difference between transferring to Professor Willow and trading with a friend?
Transferring gives you Candy. Trading can improve IVs.
11. Should I evolve a Pokémon before transferring it?
If you need the evolution for your Pokédex, evolve it, then transfer.
12. How do I check a Pokémon’s IVs?
Use an IV calculator app or the in-game appraisal feature.
13. Is there a limit to how many Pokémon I can transfer at once?
Currently, there is no limit to how many Pokémon you can transfer at once.
14. Should I purify my Pokémon or not?
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will improve their appraisal and reduce the amount of Stardust and Candy required for them to Power Up, Evolve, or learn a new attack.
15. Which Pokemon are best to not evolve?
According to the article, some powerful Pokemon that don’t evolve into or from any other Pokemon are Druddigon, Mawile, Heracross, Wishiwashi, Ditto, Heatmor, Durant, and Duraludon.
Conclusion: Strategic Transferring for Success
Transferring Pokémon is an essential part of Pokémon GO strategy. By focusing on low-CP, low-IV, redundant, and unwanted Pokémon, you can effectively manage your storage, gather Candy, and strengthen your team for battles and raids. Remember to consider the shiny exception and keep an eye out for event bonuses. With a thoughtful approach, you can make informed decisions and optimize your Pokémon GO experience.
For more insights into the social and educational aspects of gaming, be sure to visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website to learn about the innovative work being done at the Games Learning Society. Happy catching and transferring!