Should I keep high CP low IV Pokemon?

Should I Keep High CP Low IV Pokémon?

When it comes to Pokémon Go, deciding which Pokémon to keep can be a daunting task, especially when you have low IV Pokémon with high CP. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of IVs and CP in Pokémon Go and help you make an informed decision about whether to keep those high CP low IV Pokémon.

What are IVs and CP in Pokémon Go?

Before we dive into the main question, let’s quickly brief you on what IVs and CP are in Pokémon Go.

• IVs (Individual Values): IVs are numerical values that determine a Pokémon’s stats, such as Attack, Defense, and HP. They range from 0 to 15, with 15 being the highest. IVs are unique to each Pokémon and cannot be changed or modified.
• CP (Combat Power): CP is a measure of a Pokémon’s combat potential. It’s calculated by combining the Pokémon’s IVs, level, and species. CP is directly affected by IVs, with higher IVs leading to higher CP.

Why are IVs more important than CP?

While CP is an essential factor in determining a Pokémon’s strength, IVs are more crucial in the long run. Here are a few reasons why:

• IVs directly affect CP: As mentioned earlier, IVs contribute to a Pokémon’s CP. This means that higher IVs will always lead to higher CP, even if the Pokémon is level 1.
• IVs determine a Pokémon’s potential: IVs are a measure of a Pokémon’s inherent potential, whereas CP is a snapshot of its current strength. IVs can affect how well a Pokémon performs over time, making them more important for long-term battling and training.
• IVs are harder to change: While you can power up a Pokémon to increase its CP, you cannot change its IVs. This means that any low IV Pokémon you get will remain low IV even after powering up.

Why keep high CP low IV Pokémon?

If IVs are more important than CP, why bother keeping high CP low IV Pokémon? Here are a few reasons:

• High CP can still lead to victories: Even with low IVs, high CP Pokémon can still defeat lower-level opponents. They may not be as powerful in the long run, but they can still win battles.
• Evolving and leveling can improve IVs: Some Pokémon, especially those that evolve, can have their IVs improved through evolution. Leveling up can also increase a Pokémon’s stats, including its IVs.
• Trading or breeding can improve IVs: If you’re looking to improve a Pokémon’s IVs, trading or breeding can be a great way to do so.

When to keep high CP low IV Pokémon

While IVs are generally more important than CP, there are situations where keeping high CP low IV Pokémon might be a good idea:

• For competitive battling: If you’re participating in competitive battling or PvP, high CP low IV Pokémon can still perform well, especially if their species is strong.
• For early-game battling: In the early stages of the game, high CP low IV Pokémon can help you defeat lower-level opponents and progress through the storyline.
• For future potential: If you see potential in a low IV Pokémon, keeping it may be worth it, even if its IVs need to be improved.

When to release high CP low IV Pokémon

There are also situations where releasing high CP low IV Pokémon might be the best decision:

• If you can’t improve IVs: If you’ve tried every method to improve a low IV Pokémon’s IVs and still can’t achieve the desired results, releasing it might be the best option.
• If you have better options: If you have a high IV Pokémon with similar species or stats, releasing the low IV Pokémon might be necessary to make room for better options.
• For resources: If you have limited resources, such as candies or incubators, releasing low IV Pokémon to free up resources might be a good idea.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while IVs are generally more important than CP, there are situations where keeping high CP low IV Pokémon might be a good idea. By understanding the significance of IVs and CP in Pokémon Go, you can make informed decisions about which Pokémon to keep and which to release. Remember, IVs are a long-term investment, and sometimes it’s better to prioritize them over CP. Happy battling!