Pokemon GO, the augmented reality sensation, continues to captivate players worldwide. A core aspect of the game is, naturally, collecting and battling with Pokemon. But simply catching Pokemon isn’t enough; you need strong Pokemon to truly conquer gyms, raid battles, and PvP encounters. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to acquire powerful Pokemon in Pokemon GO, covering everything from catching strategies to evolution techniques and beyond.
Understanding Pokemon Stats and IVs
Before diving into methods for obtaining strong Pokemon, it’s crucial to understand the underlying mechanics that determine a Pokemon’s strength. The key factors are Individual Values (IVs), Combat Power (CP), and movesets.
Individual Values (IVs): The Hidden Potential
IVs are hidden stats that each Pokemon possesses. They are randomly assigned at the moment the Pokemon is generated (caught, hatched, or received in a trade). There are three IV stats: Attack, Defense, and HP (Hit Points). Each IV stat ranges from 0 to 15.
These IVs directly contribute to a Pokemon’s overall stats. A Pokemon with higher IVs will have significantly greater potential than a Pokemon with lower IVs, even if they are the same species and have the same CP. Think of IVs as a Pokemon’s “genetic potential.”
Checking IVs: You can check a Pokemon’s IVs using the in-game Appraisal system. Tap on a Pokemon, then tap the menu button (three horizontal lines), and select “Appraise.” Your Team Leader will provide hints about the Pokemon’s best stats. While these hints aren’t precise numbers, they give a good indication of the Pokemon’s overall IV quality. Third-party apps and websites can also calculate IVs precisely based on CP, HP, and Stardust cost to power up, but remember that using such tools may violate the game’s terms of service.
Combat Power (CP): A Quick Indicator of Strength
CP is a combined metric derived from a Pokemon’s base stats, IVs, and level. It’s a quick way to gauge a Pokemon’s overall strength, but it’s not the complete picture. A Pokemon with high CP isn’t necessarily better than one with slightly lower CP, especially if the lower CP Pokemon has superior IVs.
CP is important because it heavily influences how well a Pokemon performs in battle. Higher CP generally translates to higher damage output and better survivability. However, type matchups and movesets also play significant roles.
Movesets: The Key to Battle Prowess
A Pokemon’s moveset consists of a Fast Attack and a Charged Attack. Each attack has different properties: damage output, energy generation, and duration. The specific moves a Pokemon has can drastically affect its effectiveness in battle.
Types and effectiveness: Pokemon GO implements a type-based combat system. Each Pokemon has one or two types (e.g., Fire, Water, Grass). Each type is strong against some types and weak against others. A Pokemon using a move of the same type as itself receives a damage bonus (Same-Type Attack Bonus, or STAB). For example, a Fire-type Pokemon using a Fire-type move will deal more damage than a Water-type Pokemon using the same move.
Choosing the right moves: Some movesets are simply better than others for specific purposes. For example, a Pokemon intended for attacking Gyms will benefit from high-damage moves, while a Pokemon intended for defending Gyms might benefit from moves that are difficult to dodge. Researching optimal movesets for your Pokemon is crucial for maximizing their potential. Websites and apps provide resources for finding the best movesets for different Pokemon and different battle scenarios. You can change moves using TMs (Technical Machines), which are obtained through raids and research tasks.
Catching Powerful Pokemon
The most basic way to obtain Pokemon is, of course, catching them in the wild. But some strategies maximize your chances of encountering strong Pokemon.
Weather Boosts: Taking Advantage of the Elements
Certain weather conditions in the game boost the spawn rates and CP of specific Pokemon types. For example, rainy weather boosts Water, Electric, and Bug-type Pokemon. Sunny/Clear weather boosts Grass, Ground, and Fire-type Pokemon. Observing the weather and targeting Pokemon that benefit from the current conditions can greatly increase your chances of finding powerful specimens.
Weather Boost CP Advantage: Pokemon caught in weather-boosted conditions will have a higher level than those caught in normal weather. This translates to higher CP and a head start on powering up. They also receive a Stardust bonus upon capture, making them even more valuable.
Events: A Treasure Trove of Opportunities
Pokemon GO regularly features events that significantly alter gameplay. These events often include increased spawn rates for specific Pokemon, boosted shiny rates, and special research tasks that reward powerful Pokemon. Paying attention to the in-game news and planning your gameplay around these events is an excellent way to expand your collection of strong Pokemon.
Community Days are particularly noteworthy. They feature one specific Pokemon with an increased spawn rate, boosted shiny rate, and an exclusive move that can only be learned during the event window. Community Day Pokemon are often among the strongest available for their type.
Using Berries and Balls Wisely
When encountering a Pokemon in the wild, use Berries to increase your chances of catching it. Razz Berries increase the catch rate, Nanab Berries make the Pokemon less erratic, and Pinap Berries increase the amount of Candy you receive upon capture. Great Balls and Ultra Balls offer significantly better catch rates than standard Poke Balls, and should be used on Pokemon with high CP or low catch rates.
Curveball throws also increase the catch rate. Practicing your curveball technique is essential for consistently catching difficult Pokemon.
Hatching Eggs: A Chance at High IV Pokemon
Hatching Eggs is another excellent way to obtain strong Pokemon. Pokemon hatched from Eggs tend to have higher IVs than those caught in the wild.
Egg Types and Pokemon Pools
Pokemon Eggs come in several varieties: 2km, 5km, 7km, 10km, and 12km. Each egg type has a different pool of Pokemon that can hatch from it. Rarer eggs (like 10km and 12km eggs) typically contain rarer and more powerful Pokemon.
The Pokemon available in each egg pool change periodically, so it’s important to stay updated on the current egg pool rotations. Websites and apps dedicated to Pokemon GO provide detailed information about which Pokemon can be hatched from each egg type.
Incubators and Egg-Hatching Strategies
Use Incubators to hatch Eggs. You receive one free Incubator that can be used an unlimited number of times. You can also purchase additional Incubators from the in-game shop. Super Incubators hatch Eggs faster than standard Incubators.
To maximize your egg-hatching efficiency, incubate multiple eggs simultaneously. Focus on hatching higher-kilometer eggs for the best chance of obtaining rare and powerful Pokemon.
Raids: Team Up for Powerful Rewards
Raids are challenging battles against powerful Raid Boss Pokemon at Gyms. Defeating a Raid Boss rewards you with the opportunity to catch it. Raid Boss Pokemon often have high CP and excellent IVs.
Raid Levels and Difficulty
Raids come in several levels, ranging from 1-star to 5-star. Higher-level raids feature more powerful Raid Bosses that require more players to defeat. Legendary Pokemon are typically found in 5-star raids.
Participating in raids requires a Raid Pass, which can be obtained for free once per day by spinning a Gym’s Photo Disc. Premium Raid Passes can be purchased from the in-game shop. Remote Raid Passes allow you to participate in raids remotely from anywhere in the world.
Teamwork and Raid Strategies
Raids are most effectively tackled with a team of players. Communicate with your team to coordinate your Pokemon choices and attack strategies. Selecting Pokemon that are super effective against the Raid Boss’s type is crucial for maximizing your damage output.
Websites and apps provide detailed information about Raid Boss weaknesses and recommended counters. Utilizing this information can significantly increase your team’s chances of success.
Trading: Swapping for Stronger Pokemon
Trading Pokemon with friends is another avenue for obtaining strong Pokemon. While traded Pokemon have their IVs re-rolled, trading can still be beneficial for several reasons.
Lucky Pokemon: A Path to High IVs
When you trade Pokemon with a friend, there’s a chance that they will become Lucky Pokemon. Lucky Pokemon require significantly less Stardust to power up, making them more economical to use. Lucky Pokemon also tend to have higher IVs than average.
The longer two players have been friends, the higher the chance of triggering a Lucky Trade. Trading older Pokemon (Pokemon caught years ago) also significantly increases the chance of a Lucky Trade.
Distance Trading and Special Trades
You can only trade Pokemon with players who are nearby. However, the distance required for trading is often increased during special events. Certain Pokemon, such as Legendary Pokemon and Shiny Pokemon, require a Special Trade, which can only be done once per day.
Trading can also be a way to acquire Pokemon that are regional exclusives, meaning they only spawn in specific parts of the world. If you have friends in other regions, trading can be a way to add these rare Pokemon to your collection.
Evolution: Unleashing Potential
Evolving Pokemon is a fundamental aspect of strengthening your team. Evolving a Pokemon increases its CP, stats, and often changes its moveset.
Candy and Evolution Items
Evolving Pokemon requires Candy, which is obtained by catching Pokemon, hatching Eggs, transferring Pokemon to the Professor, and completing research tasks. The amount of Candy required for evolution varies depending on the Pokemon.
Some Pokemon also require special Evolution Items, such as a King’s Rock or a Metal Coat, in addition to Candy. These items can be obtained by spinning PokeStops and Gyms.
Mega Evolution: Temporary Power Boost
Some Pokemon can undergo Mega Evolution, a temporary transformation that significantly increases their CP and stats. Mega Evolution requires Mega Energy, which is obtained by defeating Mega-Evolved Pokemon in Mega Raids.
Mega Evolution is a powerful tool for tackling challenging battles, but it’s important to note that Mega Evolution is only temporary. After a certain amount of time, the Pokemon will revert to its normal form.
Powering Up Pokemon: Maximizing Potential
Once you have a Pokemon with good IVs and a desirable moveset, you can power it up to increase its CP. Powering up Pokemon requires Stardust and Candy.
Stardust Management: A Crucial Skill
Stardust is a valuable resource in Pokemon GO, and it’s essential to manage it wisely. Focus on powering up Pokemon that have high IVs and are useful for battling. Avoid wasting Stardust on Pokemon with low IVs or movesets that aren’t optimal.
Participating in events that reward bonus Stardust is an excellent way to replenish your Stardust reserves.
Level Caps and Optimization
A Pokemon can be powered up to a maximum level that is determined by your Trainer Level. As you increase your Trainer Level, you’ll be able to power up your Pokemon to higher levels.
Optimizing your Pokemon’s CP requires careful consideration of Stardust costs and battle effectiveness. It’s often more efficient to focus on powering up a few key Pokemon to their maximum potential rather than spreading your Stardust thinly across a larger number of Pokemon.
By understanding the nuances of Pokemon stats, employing effective catching strategies, and mastering the art of evolution and power-ups, you can assemble a team of powerful Pokemon that will dominate in battles and help you achieve your goals in Pokemon GO.
What are the best strategies for finding rare Pokemon in Pokemon GO?
Finding rare Pokémon in Pokémon GO often involves a combination of luck and strategic gameplay. Utilize incense and lures in areas with high Pokémon spawn rates, such as parks and public squares, to increase the chances of rare Pokémon appearing. Regularly check online community resources and social media groups for reported rare spawns in your local area. Participating in Community Days and special in-game events, which often feature increased spawns of specific Pokémon, can also significantly improve your odds of encountering a rare species.
Beyond location and items, timing can be crucial. Pay attention to in-game weather conditions, as certain Pokémon are more likely to spawn during specific weather types. For example, water-type Pokémon spawn more frequently during rainy weather. Leverage this knowledge to target specific Pokémon by playing during their preferred weather conditions. Finally, be persistent. Rare Pokémon are, by definition, uncommon, so consistent effort and strategic planning are essential for successful encounters.
How does weather boost impact the power of Pokemon in Pokemon GO?
Weather boost is a mechanic in Pokémon GO that enhances certain Pokémon types based on the prevailing in-game weather conditions. When a Pokémon spawns during its weather-boosted condition, it will appear with a swirling weather icon next to its name. This boost translates to increased CP and IVs (Individual Values), making the Pokémon stronger and potentially more powerful in battle. Additionally, weather boost provides a 20% bonus to Stardust earned from catching these boosted Pokémon.
The types of weather that boost certain Pokémon are as follows: Sunny/Clear boosts Grass, Fire, and Ground types; Rainy boosts Water, Electric, and Bug types; Windy boosts Dragon, Flying, and Psychic types; Snow boosts Ice and Steel types; Fog boosts Dark and Ghost types; and Cloudy boosts Fighting, Poison, and Fairy types. Understanding and utilizing weather boost can be a significant advantage in powering up your Pokémon team and maximizing Stardust gains.
What are the benefits of participating in Raids for obtaining powerful Pokemon?
Participating in raids offers a direct pathway to obtaining powerful Pokémon, often including rare or Legendary species that are unavailable through regular wild encounters. Raids require teamwork and strategy, providing a rewarding cooperative experience with other players. Successfully completing a raid grants the opportunity to catch the raid boss, which typically has high CP and potentially excellent IVs, making it a valuable addition to your battle team.
Beyond the chance to catch powerful Pokémon, raids provide valuable rewards such as Rare Candies, Technical Machines (TMs), and Stardust. These items are essential for powering up Pokémon, teaching them new moves, and increasing your overall trainer level. Higher-level raids offer even greater rewards and the chance to encounter even more powerful Pokémon, making raid participation a crucial aspect of mastering Pokémon GO.
How can I effectively use Stardust and Candy to power up my Pokemon?
Stardust and Candy are the primary resources for powering up your Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Stardust is a universal resource earned through various activities, including catching Pokémon, hatching eggs, and completing research tasks. Candy is specific to each Pokémon species and is obtained by catching, hatching, transferring, and walking with your buddy Pokémon. Prioritize powering up Pokémon with high IVs and movesets that are effective in battles, focusing on those that will significantly improve your performance in Gyms, Raids, and Trainer Battles.
Before investing heavily in powering up a Pokémon, consider its level and potential CP. Use appraisal tools or apps to assess its IVs and ensure you are investing in a Pokémon with high potential. Also, be mindful of the cost of powering up, as it increases with each level. Strategically manage your Stardust and Candy to avoid depleting your resources on Pokémon that are not optimal for your needs, and focus on building a well-rounded team of powerful battlers.
What are the best ways to hatch eggs and obtain rare Pokemon?
Hatching eggs is a valuable method for obtaining rare Pokémon, often species that are difficult to find in the wild. Incubate eggs strategically, prioritizing higher-kilometer eggs (7km, 10km, 12km) as they have a greater chance of containing rarer and more powerful Pokémon. Utilize Super Incubators to hatch eggs faster, especially during events that offer reduced hatching distances, maximizing your efficiency and potential for rare encounters.
To optimize your egg hatching strategy, take advantage of events that feature increased egg drops or specific Pokémon available in certain egg types. Gift Eggs (7km eggs) obtained from friends can contain region-exclusive Pokémon or special event species, adding another layer of strategy to egg hatching. Remember to keep your egg inventory clear to avoid receiving unwanted eggs and focus on obtaining the types that offer the best chance for acquiring rare and desirable Pokémon.
How do IVs and movesets impact a Pokemon’s performance in battle?
Individual Values (IVs) and movesets are critical factors determining a Pokémon’s performance in battle. IVs are hidden stats that determine a Pokémon’s potential in Attack, Defense, and HP, each ranging from 0 to 15. A Pokémon with higher IVs will generally have higher CP and perform better in battles than a Pokémon with lower IVs, even if they are the same species. Evaluating IVs before investing resources in powering up a Pokémon is crucial for optimizing your team.
Movesets also play a significant role in battle effectiveness. Each Pokémon has a Fast Move and a Charged Move, each with varying power, energy generation, and damage per second (DPS). A Pokémon with a strong moveset, particularly one that aligns with its type and weaknesses of opposing Pokémon, will be more effective in battles. Utilize online resources and battle simulators to determine the best movesets for your Pokémon to maximize their damage output and overall performance in Gyms, Raids, and Trainer Battles.
What role does buddy Pokemon play in strengthening my team?
Your buddy Pokémon provides several benefits that can strengthen your team. Walking with your buddy earns Candy specific to that Pokémon, allowing you to evolve or power up that species more easily. This is particularly useful for rare Pokémon or those that require a significant amount of Candy to evolve. Additionally, some Pokémon, such as Eevee, have specific evolution requirements that involve walking with them as your buddy, making this feature essential for completing your Pokédex.
Beyond Candy, your buddy Pokémon can also earn exciting rewards and provide helpful assistance. At higher buddy levels, your Pokémon can find useful items like Potions, Berries, and even Gifts to send to friends. A Best Buddy Pokémon gains a CP boost in battle, making it even stronger and more effective in Gyms, Raids, and Trainer Battles. Building a strong bond with your buddy is a valuable way to enhance your gameplay experience and improve your Pokémon team’s overall strength.