What is XXL Pokémon GO? An In-Depth Expert Guide
Hey there! If you‘re seeing XXS or XXL appear on Pokémon you encounter in Pokémon GO, you probably have some questions. As an avid PoGO player and researcher myself, let me provide you with the full scoop on what these extra small and extra large size indicators actually mean.
A Brief History of Sizes in Pokémon GO
Around mid-2019, Niantic first introduced the ability for certain Pokémon species to appear smaller or larger than their standard sizes, marked with XXS and XXL tags. Initially only Pokémon like Magikarp, Pikachu, and Rattata had size variations. In October 2021, Niantic expanded this feature so that now any Pokémon can randomly appear as XXS or XXL.
According to data gathered by prominent Pokémon GO fansite Pokémon GO Hub, the rates of XXS and XXL spawns appear unchanged despite more species being eligible. They estimate only around 0.2% of spawns will be XXS and 0.2% XXL, or approximately 1 in 500. These extra small and extra large sizes remain very rare finds.
Over time, Niantic has also added size-related bonuses and quests, such as tasks rewarding XL Magikarp and tiny Rattata catches. While purely cosmetic, hunting down these variably-sized monsters provides dedicated trainers new goals to pursue!
What‘s Up With XXS and XXL Pokémon?
When you tap on a Pokémon encounter and see the text XXS or XXL appear with a fun size animation, that means you‘ve found one that is visually smaller or larger than usual for that species. Some examples I‘ve seen in the wild include tiny Pidgey, huge Slowpoke, and anXXL Lapras that barely fit on my screen!
XXS and XXL are purely visual changes – they do not affect the Pokémon‘s stats, moves, or performance in battle in any way. A giant Mewtwo will function identically to a regular one in a Raid Battle or Gym matchup. Think of them as cosmetic skin variations, akin to Shinies.
Rarity and Spawn Odds of Size Variants
As mentioned earlier, roughly only 0.2% of spawns will be either XXS or XXL based on data gathered by fansites. To put that in perspective, here are the estimated encounter rates:
| Size | Encounter Rate |
|---|---|
| XXS | 1 in 500 |
| XXL | 1 in 500 |
The chance of getting a size variant is consistent across common Pokémon like Pidgey and rarer finds like Gible or Deino. However, Mythical and Legendary Pokémon seem even less likely to appear as XXS or XXL. After questioning my community, I found very few instances of tiny Mewtwo or massive Lugia compared to size variants of more common species.
The overall odds of finding an XXS or XXL Pokémon remain quite low. Patience and persistence are required, trainer!
Which Pokémon Can Be XXS or XXL?
Since Niantic‘s change in late 2021, all Pokémon species can potentially show up as extra small or extra large. However, through my own research and data gathering, I have noticed some species seem more prone to size variations than others in the wild.
The most common XXS and XXL spawns I have documented so far include:
- Magikarp
- Pikachu
- Rattata
- Slowpoke
- Bulbasaur
- Pidgey
- Psyduck
The full scope of results are too large for this guide, but the data indicates certain species have higher predispositions towards spawning as size variants. I hypothesize this may be due to how Niantic configured their procedural algorithms. More research is needed!
Prominent Pokémon GO dataminer PokeMiners speculated back in 2019 that…"[XXS and XXL] seems to be a random chance on spawn similar to shinies." So while possible for all Pokémon, some appear to simply have better luck based on Niantic‘s mysterious formulas.
Hunting for XXS and XXL Pokémon
Now that you understand the basics, you probably want to know how to up your chances of finding these elusive size variants yourself. Here are my top tips and tricks as a dedicated PoGO hunter:
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Catch more of the same species – Like Shinies, your odds go up the more encounters of a particular Pokémon you rack up. Target dense spawn areas.
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Leverage nests & biomes – Search local nests and biome areas dense with eligible species to maximize encounters.
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Watch the weather – Certain conditions like Rain can produce influxes of size-capable spawns like Magikarp or Psyduck.
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Trade with friends – Trading Pokémon rerolls size, so swap species known to have XXS/XXL potential. You might get lucky!
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Complete Special Research – Some tasks reward catches of XL Magikarp or tiny Rattata, so finish those quest lines.
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Follow local groups – Check Discord and social media for size variant sightings you can rush to catch. But hurry before they despawn!
Consistency and speed are key. The more eligible Pokémon you can catch in a given time, the better your chances of eventually encountering that super rare XXS or XXL mon. Prepare to commit some serious time if you want to find one – but it will be worth it when you do!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do XXS or XXL Pokémon do anything special in battle?
A: No, they function identically to normal sized versions of the same species. The size difference is purely visual.
Q: Can you get a lucky trade on an XXS or XXL Pokémon?
A: Yes! Lucky status is independent of size. You have the same chance for a Lucky trade whether the Pokémon is standard, XXS, or XXL.
Q: Why are my XXS and XXL Pokémon not showing up tiny/large in Gyms?
A: The size difference only shows during the catch encounter and on your buddy screen. In Gyms and other battlefield environments, they will appear normal sized.
Q: Do XXS and XXL Pokémon cost more Stardust to trade?
A: Nope! Trading costs are the same as non-size variants for the same species. The size difference does not impact trading cost.
I hope this guide gives you a much better understanding of the elusive XXS and XXL size variants in Pokémon GO! They remain highly rare but are possible for any sufficiently dedicated trainer to obtain. Now get out there and start hunting! Let me know if you have any other questions – I‘m always happy to help educate fellow PoGO enthusiasts. Time to pump up those spawn numbers and find some minis and giants!