Do You Need More Than One of Each Pokémon?
Catching ’em all, the ultimate goal for any Pokémon trainer. With so many different species, it can be overwhelming to determine what you need for your team. In this article, we’ll answer the question: Do you need more than one of each Pokémon?
Yes, You Need More than One of Each Pokémon – Why?
There are several reasons why you would want to catch multiple instances of the same Pokémon.
• Evolution: As you progress through your journey, you’ll learn that many Pokémon can evolve into more powerful forms when given the right items. Some Pokémon require more than one of the same species to evolve, for example, to get Cosmog, you’ll need two Cosmogs with the right IVs and moves.
• Better IVs: Capturing multiple Pokémon of the same species can increase the chances of getting better individual values (IVs) for that Pokémon. Theoretically, the average IVs of a particular Pokémon species can be higher if you have a large sample size. For example, if you want a Pokémon with good Defense IVs, it might be better to capture 10 Pokémon and sort through them for the best individual Defense value.
• G gender: Some Pokémon come in different genders. Capturing multiple Pokémon can guarantee having the gender you want for your team. Gender-based breeding is crucial to producing certain species.
• Stats: Certain Pokémon are designed to be more interesting with multiple copies. Examples include Zigzagoon’s high Attack, which is boosted if you have multiple instances of the same species in battle.
Keep All Your Pokémon? A Hard Decision
While we highlighted the importance of keeping multiple instances of some Pokémon, this can become impractical as your collection grows. A significant challenge arises when it’s hard to decide which ones to keep. This decision is mainly driven by the Pokémon’s use in battle, personal sentimental value, and practical storage.
The Reality Check
Not all Pokémon need multiple copies. We identified specific reasons why more than one of each is needed, but for many Pokémon, one per species is sufficient.
Here’s a table that can help you decide if you need multiple copies:
| Reason | Do You Need? |
|---|---|
| Evolution | (yes) |
| Better IVs | Possibly (depends on individual needs) |
| Gender | Only for gender-specific breeding |
For other reasons, there are alternative methods to meet the need:
| Alternative | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Alternate moves | High |
| Items and equipment | Moderate |
| Training and buffs | Low |
Best Practice for Pokémon Collection and Team-Building
To be more efficient with your catching, we recommend:
- Keeping multiple copies of specific Pokémon required for evolution, IV selection, or gendered breeding.
- Assessing individual Pokémon quality, including IVs and move sets, to form the best team.
- Considering storage space constraints, and prioritize essential Pokémon.
- Maintaining a system to keep track of each Pokémon, including its information and potential uses.
When answering the question "Do you need more than one of each Pokémon?", yes, in specific scenarios. While it is challenging to keep all Pokémon, recognizing when you need multiple instances and managing your collection are essential skills for any true Pokémon master.