Pokémon Go, the augmented reality game that took the world by storm, has always provided players with useful tools to understand their Pokémon's power. One such tool is the appraisal system, which offers a quick, at-a-glance evaluation of a Pokémon's strength. But the question likely crosses every trainer's mind at some point: "Can you change the appraisal in Pokémon Go?"
The appraisal system is based on a Pokémon's Individual Values (IVs), a hidden parameter that determines the creature's base stats. These stats are firmly set at the moment of generation and cannot be changed through gameplay. However, while the appraisal itself is fixed, there are ways to make the most of it. Let's dive into understanding the appraisal system better and exploring the possibilities of "changing" it.
Understanding the Appraisal System
When you tap on a Pokémon's summary screen, you'll see a series of messages about that Pokémon's stats. These messages are the result of the appraisal system, which assesses your Pokémon's IVs against perfect stats (15 for each stat). The messages give a broad indication of where your Pokémon stands, from " Needs work" at the low end to "It's amazing!" for perfect stats.
The appraisal system also provides additional context with phrases like "It seems perfect" or "It's terrible". These phrases give more nuance to the appraisal, hinting at where exactly your Pokémon's IVs fall on the scale.
Perfect IV Pokémon
Jotting down "Legendary" or "Epic" when you catch a Pokémon is exciting, but that's not the end of the story. High-levelrainer strava
You'll want to know if that Pokémon's IVs are perfect (or near-perfect), as this will greatly impact its battle performance. Pokémon with perfect IVs have a significant edge in battles and, for competitive play, are absolutely essential.
With perfection in any stat comes great responsibility, and a slightly higher CP, so you might want to keep an eye out for those perfect IVs. However, perfection isn't everything. A Pokémon with excellent IVs in one or two key stats and slightly lower IVs in the others can still be an excellent addition to your team.
Appraising Pokémon for Use in Battles
When appraising Pokémon for use in battles, focus on specific battle situations. You may not need a perfect monster for every encounter. For instance, in gym battles, defense-oriented Pokémon with high Defense and HP IVs are critical, while attackers need high Attack and Stamina IVs.
Another crucial factor is a Pokémon's type. Some types are used to counter specific types, like how Water-type Pokémon counter Fire-type. When choosing Pokémon for battles, consider their type advantages and disadvantages for a well-rounded team.
Changing the Appraisal: Can It Be Done?
Unfortunately, there's no way to change a Pokémon's appraisal in Pokémon Go. The appraiser is simply evaluating the stats a Pokémon was born with, and those stats are set in stone.
However, you can "change" the appraisal in a way by transferring or powering up Pokémon based on the appraisal. Here's how:
Transferring Pokémon
If a Pokémon's appraisal is poor, it might not be worth keeping. You can transfer it to the professor, sacrificing it for candy. This candy can then be used to evolve or power up other Pokémon, effectively changing which Pokémon you're appraising.
On the other hand, if a Pokémon has an excellent appraisal, you might want to keep it. However, remember that transferring a Pokémon doesn't harm its appraisal, so it's still worth keeping if you like the Pokémon or its stats.
Powering Up Pokémon
Powering up a Pokémon raises its stats, including its CP. This increase is random, but generally, higher-level Pokémon have better stats. So, powering up a Pokémon can improve its appraisal.
However, there's a catch. Powering up a Pokémon uses stardust, which is limited and hard to come by. It's more cost-effective to evolve a lower-level Pokémon with great stats into a stronger form than to power up a weak one.
So, while you can't change the appraisal directly, understanding the appraisal system and using it wisely can improve your Pokémon and your game. Keep exploring, appraise wisely, and good luck on your Pokémon Go adventures!