Why Do IVs Go Down When You Trade Pokémon?
Trading Pokémon can be an exciting and thrilling experience, especially when you get to add new Pokémon to your collection. However, many Pokémon enthusiasts have observed that the IVs of their traded Pokémon seem to decrease, leaving them puzzled and curious about this phenomenon. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this change in IVs and provide answers to some frequently asked questions related to trading and IVs.
Why Do IVs Go Down When You Trade Pokémon?
Pokémon IVs (Individual Values) are randomly assigned to each Pokémon when it is born. They can range from 0 to 31 for each of the six stats: HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. The IVs play a significant role in determining the stats of a Pokémon and affect its overall performance.
So, why do IVs go down when you trade Pokémon? The short answer is that the game calculates the IVs anew based on the IV range the Pokémon has when you catch it. When you catch a Pokémon, it can have any IV value from 0 to 31 for each stat. This range is known as the "IV range". When you trade a Pokémon, the game recalculates the IVs using a new random selection within the IV range. This recalculation results in new IV values that might be different from the original values.
What is the IV Range?
The IV range is the set of possible IV values a Pokémon can have. Each stat has a unique range, and the total possible IV range is a combination of these individual stat ranges. The IV range can be calculated using the formula:
IV Range = Min (IV Value) + (Max (IV Value) – Min (IV Value) + 1)
For example, the IV range for the stat HP is 0-31, so the possible IV values are 0, 1, 2,…, 31. The IV range for HP is 31 possible values.
What Affects the IVs of a Traded Pokémon?
Several factors affect the IVs of a traded Pokémon:
• Catch Method: The way you catch a Pokémon affects the IV range. When you catch a Pokémon in the wild, it will have a random IV range assigned to it. This IV range is determined by the game’s algorithm and cannot be influenced by any player actions.
• Location: The location where you catch a Pokémon also plays a role in determining its IV range. Certain areas or regions might have unique IV ranges, so even if you catch a Pokémon in the same spot twice, its IVs could differ.
• Genetics: The parents’ IVs can influence the IVs of their offspring. This means that the IVs of a traded Pokémon can be affected by its parents’ IVs.
• Game Version: The game version can also impact the IV range of a traded Pokémon. For example, the IV ranges might differ between the US and European versions of a game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IVs of a traded Pokémon go down because the game recalculates the IVs using a new random selection within the IV range. This recalculation is determined by the catch method, location, genetics, and game version. Understanding the IV range and the factors that affect it can help Pokémon enthusiasts make informed decisions about trading and IV management.