In Pokemon Go, the thrill of catching a rare Pokemon is infectious, but the joy can quickly fade when you see that dreaded zero-star appraisal. These Pokemon represent the lowest potential in terms of battle stats, thanks to their weak Individual Values (IVs). Think of them as the Magikarp of the appraisal system – they might not win any beauty contests, but there could be hidden potential beneath the surface.
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PostsHardcore trainers focused on maximizing their battle teams may scoff at these, but zero-star Pokemon aren't entirely without value. We'll start out by explaining the Appraisal System and dive deeper and explore the reasons you might choose to keep or release a zero-star Pokemon.
Updated June 27, 2024 by Allyson Cochran: We've fully updated this guide to provide a fresh overview of the Appraisal System and valuable information to help you decide if those zero-star Pokemon are worth keeping.
Appraisal System, Explained
Pokemon Go's appraisal system helps you assess a Pokemon's hidden potential for battle, indicated by its Individual Values (IVs). Here's a breakdown:
How To Access The Appraisal
- Select a Pokemon in your collection.
- Tap the menu button (indicated by three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner.
- Choose "Appraise."
What Do The Stars Mean?
Your Team Leader will provide a star rating (from zero to three stars) reflecting the Pokemon's overall IVs. More stars signify higher potential:
Stars
Meaning
0
Low IVs, generally not recommended for serious battling.
1-2
Mediocre IVs, usable but might be outperformed by higher-star Pokemon.
3
High IVs, have the potential to become strong battlers.
The specific IV values aren't directly shown, but the Team Leader's comments and the star rating give you a good idea of a Pokemon's overall battle potential.
Should You Keep Zero-Star Pokemon?
Why To Transfer Zero-Star Pokemon
On one hand, zero-star star Pokemon have a clear disadvantage. Their lower potential stats translate to weaker performance in raids and Gyms. They'll deal less damage to raid bosses and get knocked out faster during Gym battles. Additionally, powering them up requires Stardust and Candy, resources that could be better invested in stronger Pokemon. This makes them a burden for trainers aiming to optimize their battle teams.
Why To Keep Zero-Star Pokemon
There are situations, however, where a zero-star Pokemon can be useful.
Even a zero-star Shiny Pokemon is a rare treasure. With their unique coloration, Shiny Pokemon are highly coveted by collectors, so you might want to hold onto that sparkly zero-star if you plan to trade it or simply keep it for yourself.
Additionally, if you're building your Pokedex and haven't encountered a stronger version yet, a zero can serve as a temporary placeholder until you catch a Pokemon with better stats. This way, you'll still get the satisfaction of completing your collection.
For players with a lot of storage space, zero Pokemon can also function as 'gym fodder.' While not the best defenders, they can be strategically placed in Gyms to collect some PokeCoins before being defeated. However, if storage is a concern, it's wiser to prioritize keeping higher CP Pokemon for Gym defense.
Lastly, Shadow Pokemon present a unique case. Even at zero stars, they often boast a higher attack stat compared to their regular counterparts after being purified. This can make them valuable offensive options.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision to keep or transfer a zero-star Pokemon depends on your individual goals and resource limitations. If you're a casual player with limited storage, it might be best to let them go. But for collectors or trainers needing temporary solutions, these low-stat Pokemon can still hold value. Remember, you can always expand your storage if your collection grows.
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