To Keep or Not to Keep: Getting the Most Value from Non-Perfect Pokémon
The quick answer to "Is it worth keeping non 3-star Pokémon?" is "Yes, but selectively." With the right strategy, some Pokémon don‘t need perfect IVs to contribute value. But invest carefully.
Hundos (4-star 100% IV Pokémon) are the ultimate prize, with IV spreads determining a Pokémon‘s potential. However, even 0-stars can fill important niches. This guide covers maximizing non-perfect Pokémon.
Understanding IVs – It‘s All About Potential
IVs (Individual Values) are bonus points added to the base stats of attack, defense, and HP. Each stat‘s IV can range from 0 to 15. The total IV percentage gives a Pokémon‘s "stars."
The above chart shows the probabilities of wild Pokémon having different IV spreads. Perfect hundos are very rare at around 1 in 4,000! Settle for 80%+ when possible.
Higher IVs increase the max CP a Pokémon can reach when fully powered up. Check out the differences for a Level 40 Mewtwo:
| IV% | Attack IV | Defense IV | HP IV | Max CP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 15 | 15 | 15 | 4178 |
| 91% | 13 | 15 | 13 | 4144 |
| 67% | 10 | 10 | 10 | 4004 |
| 0% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3691 |
As you can see, a perfect Mewtwo has nearly 500 more max CP than a 0% one! Damage output also scales with Attack IV. Definitely aim for high IV Pokémon when possible. But don‘t disregard the low ones just yet…
When Are Low IV Pokémon Still Worth Investing In?
Here are some cases where it can be worth powering up and using Pokémon with less than ideal IVs:
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You have limited quantity of a useful species. Maybe you only have one Metagross or Salamence. Use it regardless of IVs.
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It has legacy or otherwise rare/ideal moves. Movesets matter along with IVs. Don‘t discard Pokémon with great moves.
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It helps round out your battle teams. If you lack proper counters to an enemy, use what you have.
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Trading can improve its IVs later. Low IV Pokémon are great trade fodder. Rerolling IVs may produce better ones.
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High CP can make up for poorer IVs. Big CP Pokémon can work well for gym defense or raids.
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It‘s a trophy shiny. Shinies are always keepers even if their IVs are bad. Flex them at gyms!
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Niche PvP usage. In some limited cups, low attack IVs are preferred. And 0% IVs maximize CP cap.
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It‘s your favorite. Your personal favorites deserve powering up – IVs be damned!
Squeeze Value From Non-Perfect Pokémon with the Right Strategy
Here are tips to strategically utilize Pokémon that miss the hundo mark:
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Save them as trade fodder first. Trading rerolls IVs – you may score a lucky!
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Only invest minimal stardust/candy at first. Power up low IV ones just enough to be usable, in case you get a better one later.
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PurifyShadow Pokémon to boost IVs. The +2 IV boost from purification can turn a 0-star into a 3-star!
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Use them as gym defenders. Non-perfect Pokémon are great for placing in gyms rather than your main raid/gym attack lineups.
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Fill specific gaps when needed. Use otherwise weak Pokémon selectively when you need to counter a specific raidboss.
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Min/max IVs for PvP. Low attack IVs are preferred for Great & Ultra Leagues.
According to veteran GO trainers, "Don‘t throw away low IV Pokémon that fill a niche in your roster. But focus stardust on building up the high IV ones first."
Powering Up Cost Comparison
To illustrate the candy/dust investment difference, let‘s compare powering up two Dratini to Level 30 Dragonite:
| DratinIV% | Candy to Evolve | Dust to Level 30 | Total Candy | Total Stardust |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 125 | 75,000 | 173 | 78,125 |
| 64% | 125 | 82,500 | 173 | 85,625 |
As you can see, powering up the low IV Dragonite costs over 7,500 additional stardust. Those costs add up quickly across multiple Pokémon.
Try to hold out for high IV specimens when possible. But don‘t drive yourself crazy obsessing over hundos only. A stable of strong attackers is more important than a few perfect ones.
Non-Perfect Pokémon FAQ
Q: Should I transfer low IV Pokémon?
A: Keep any useful, rare, or special ones. But transfer junk duplicates like low IV Pidgeys.
Q: Is a 0% IV hundo as good as a perfect?
A: No. Except in niche PvP cases, hundos are superior. But a 0% hundo still has novelty value.
Q: When should I evolve non-perfect Pokémon?
A: Only if they are useful right now. Otherwise, wait until you get a better one.
Q: What‘s the minimum IVs to power up?
A: 80% is a good cutoff, but it depends on the species and your needs.
Conclusion
Perfectionist trainers may only want hundo Pokémon, but serviceable battle teams require some compromises. While chasing the elusive 4-star, don‘t disregard the 0-stars. With the right approach, less-than-perfect Pokémon can prove their worth. Just don‘t over-invest!
What unconventional Pokémon have been all-stars on your roster despite poor IVs? Share your stories and strategies in the comments!