A brief guide on understanding IVs in Pokémon Go.
The newest update to Pokémon Go makes understanding your Pokémon’s IVs far easier. Long-time Pokémon fans are likely already familiar with the concept of IVs and EVs. Less competitive or newer fans may have less experience. Or perhaps many don’t know the difference between the standard games’ IV system versus the system in Pokémon Go.
I’m going to define EVs here briefly. They are not in Pokémon Go and thus not worth going into detail in this case. EVs are Effort Values corresponding to each stat (speed, health, special defense, defense, attack, and special attack). You can control your Pokémon’s EVs through training, either via X and Y’s Special Training feature (which made it much easier), with items, or by battling opponents that drop the desired Effort Values upon defeat. These are the values that you are training when you raise a Pokémon. (Pro tip: Get your Pokémon to contract Pokérus, and it will gain EVs faster).
Now that we’ve covered that, we can move onto IVs.
What are IVs?
IVs are Individual Values. Unlike EVs, IVs are not in the trainer’s control. They are random, although in the main game, can be improved through careful breeding. These are the base stats each Pokémon has for their health, speed, defense, special defense, attack, and special attack. With the addition of natures and personality traits, the IVs differ slightly. It becomes a complex web of numbers and mathematics.
Don’t worry, IVs in Pokémon Go are much easier. There are only three IVs: Health, Attack, and Defense. And no natures to memorize.
A Pokémon’s IVs are determined partially at random, but Bulbapedia suggests that the way the Pokémon is caught will give them a minimum value at least. For example, catching a Pokémon with a weather boost will yield an improved IV sum versus one that is caught without a weather boost.
I mean, it’s known that Pokémon are stronger when you hatch them or get them in raids instead of finding them on the street. That strength comes from the IVs.
Before the newest update, the appraisal feature would provide you with the sum of your Pokémon’s IVs in some cryptic, coded message from your team leader. With the newest update, appraising a Pokémon will show you the IVs directly. It’s not exact, but it can give you a far better understanding of the feature. It’s worth noting that while there are only three stars if your Pokémon has perfect IVs, that stamp will turn red (as shown in Polygon’s article on the topic).
Here is the video that Niantic posted that shows the new system, at least a little.
Trainers, two feature revamps are coming to Pokémon GO! We are rolling out an updated appraisal system to give you more detailed information on your Pokémon’s stats, and will soon be updating the Charged Attack mechanic in Trainer Battles. Watch for a preview! pic.twitter.com/0MaIjrxx8f
— Niantic Support (@NianticHelp) July 15, 2019
“Perfect IVs?”
If you remember Joey and his Rattata that’s in the top ten percent of all Rattata, that’s what you’re looking for. Perfect IVs are when all of the IVs are at their max. This is the best Pokémon you can obtain.
Okay, I get the idea, but I want to know my Pokémon’s IVs exactly.
Man, I studied English. I’m not able to whip out a whiteboard and walk you through the entire formula. That said, the methods do exist and can be found online. Bulbapedia has them readily available. Alternatively, if you’re like me, there are many calculators online or on mobile for you to use.
In the end, Pokémon Go’s IV system is relatively straightforward in comparison to the main games’. And with the newest update, understanding your Pokémon’s IVs is much easier. Competitive trainers will find it easier to decide which Pokémon to train and which to send to the Professor. Happy Training, Trainers.
