Unlock the Full Potential of Your Pokémon: Guide to Checking IVs in Pokémon Go

In the world of Pokémon Go, your Pokémon's strength goes beyond just their Combat Power (CP). Each of your captured companions has a set of hidden base stats known as Individual Values (IVs) that determine their true potential. Understanding and optimizing these IVs can give you a significant edge in battles, raids, and the Go Battle League.

What Are IVs in Pokémon Go?

IVs are the underlying statistics that define a Pokémon's maximum possible strength. They consist of three key attributes: Attack, Defense, and Stamina (HP). Each of these IVs can range from 0 to 15, with 15 being the perfect score. A Pokémon with 15/15/15 IVs is considered to have 100% perfect IVs and will be able to reach the highest possible CP and performance levels.

While IVs may not matter much for casual players simply looking to catch 'em all, they become increasingly important for those who want to excel in high-level content like soloing or duo-ing raids, or dominating the Go Battle League. Every stat point can make a difference, so it's crucial to know the IVs of your Pokémon before investing valuable resources like Candy and Stardust.

How to Check Pokémon IVs in Pokémon Go

Checking a Pokémon's IVs in Pokémon Go is a straightforward process:

1. Tap on the Pokémon you want to appraise.

2. Tap the menu icon in the lower right corner.

3. Select "Appraise" to have your team leader evaluate your Pokémon's IVs.

Your team leader will provide a detailed breakdown of your Pokémon's IVs, including a rating from 0 to 4 stars based on the overall strength of the IVs. Here's what the ratings mean:

· 0 stars: 0-50% IVs

· 1star: 51-65% IVs

· 2 stars: 66-80% IVs

· 3 stars: 81-99% IVs

· 4 stars: 100% IVs (15/15/15)

The team leader will also indicate which of the three IVs (Attack, Defense, or Stamina) is the highest. This information can help you determine which Pokémon are worth investing in and which ones might be better off as Candy.

Using IV Calculators for More Precise Readings

While the in-game appraisal system provides a good general idea of your Pokémon's IVs, you can get a more precise reading by using external IV calculators. Apps like PokeGenie (for iOS and Android) allow you to simply take a screenshot of your Pokémon and get a detailed breakdown of their IVs, including the exact percentages.

These calculators can be especially useful when you have multiple Pokémon with similar appraisal results, as they can help you identify the true IV champion.

Optimizing IVs for PvP and Pokémon Home

When it comes to PvP in the Go Battle League, the ideal IV spread can vary depending on the Pokémon and the specific league. Generally, you'll want Pokémon with higher HP and defensive IVs, as they'll be able to withstand more damage. Websites like IV4U can provide guidance on the best IV combinations for different Pokémon and league formats.

If you plan to transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon Home, it's important to note that the IVs will be recalculated when they're moved. The new IVs will be based on the original Pokémon Go IVs, with some adjustments to account for the different stat systems between the two games.

By understanding and optimizing your Pokémon's IVs, you can unlock their full potential and dominate the world of Pokémon Go. Happy hunting, Trainers!