Pokémon GO IV Guide: How to Check IVs, Find Hundo Pokémon & Choose the Best Pokémon

In Pokémon GO, IVs (Individual Values) are hidden stats that determine a Pokémon's potential strength. They are important when powering up Pokémon for Raids, PvP, Gyms, and long-term investments, but they are not the only factor that decides whether a Pokémon is strong.

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▍What Are IVs in Pokémon GO?

Every Pokémon has three hidden Individual Values:

The total IV score ranges from 0 to 45.

The IV percentage formula is:

(Attack + Defense + HP) ÷ 45 × 100

Common terms:

IVs are added on top of a Pokémon's existing stats. A strong species with average IVs can often outperform a weak species with perfect IVs.

▍How Important Are IVs in Pokémon GO?

The importance of IVs depends on what you are doing. A common mistake is transferring a useful Pokémon because it is not perfect.

1. PvE

For PvE content:

• Attack IV is the most valuable stat.
• 15 Attack is ideal for damage-focused Pokémon.
• A strong Pokémon with 90% IVs can still perform extremely well.

Recommended priority:

Species + Moveset > Level > IVs

For example, a strong Raid attacker with 14/14/14 IVs is usually not significantly weaker than a perfect Hundo.

2. PvP

PvP works differently because of CP limits.

For:

• Great League (1500 CP limit)
• Ultra League (2500 CP limit)

Lower Attack with higher Defense and HP is often preferred.

Common PvP IV spreads:

• 0/15/15
• 0/14/15
• 1/15/15

The reason is that Attack increases CP faster, meaning lower Attack allows a Pokémon to reach a higher level while staying under the CP limit. A lower IV Pokémon can sometimes outperform a Hundo in PvP.

3. Master League

Master League has no CP limit.

The ideal choice is usually:

15/15/15

Perfect IV Legendary Pokémon are especially valuable here.

▍How to Check IVs in Pokémon GO?

The easiest way to check IVs is through the in-game Appraisal feature.

Steps:

1. Open your Pokémon storage.
2. Select a Pokémon.
3. Tap the menu button.
4. Choose Appraise.

The appraisal screen shows:

• Attack IV
• Defense IV
• HP IV
• Overall star rating

Pokémon GO IV Rating Chart

A full glowing stat bar means that IV is 15.

Useful IV Search Filters

The Pokémon search system makes sorting easier.

Useful filters include:

These filters are especially useful after Community Days or large catching events.

▍Hundo Pokémon and Perfect IV Hunting

A Hundo is a Pokémon with:

15 Attack + 15 Defense + 15 HP

They are valuable because they represent the maximum possible IV combination. However, hunting only Hundos is not always efficient.

Good reasons to keep a Hundo:

• Legendary Pokémon
• Mega Evolution Pokémon
• Raid attackers
• Master League Pokémon
• Rare Pokémon

Do not ignore strong 90%+ Pokémon just because they are not perfect.

▍IV Odds From Different Sources

Different Pokémon sources have different IV minimums.

Lucky Pokémon are especially useful because they have better IV floors and require less Stardust to power up.

▍Shadow Pokémon and IV Decisions

Shadow Pokémon are different from normal Pokémon.

Shadow bonus:

• +20% Attack
• Takes around 20% more damage

Because of the damage bonus, strong Shadow Pokémon are often among the best Raid attackers.

Keep:

• High Attack Shadow Pokémon
• Meta-relevant Shadow Pokémon
• Rare Shadow Pokémon

Think carefully before Purifying because purification:

• Adds +2 to every IV
• Reduces upgrade costs
• Removes the Shadow damage bonus

A 13/13/13 Shadow Pokémon can become a Hundo after purification, but keeping the Shadow version may provide better battle performance.

▍Can IVs Be Changed in Pokémon GO?

Most IV changes are limited.

Trading is the main way IVs can change naturally. Lucky Trades are especially valuable because they guarantee higher minimum IVs.

▍Best Pokémon to Keep or Transfer

Instead of keeping everything, use these rules:

Storage management becomes important during events, so knowing what to keep saves a lot of space. Trainers who need more PokéCoins can use TOPUPlive Pokémon GO top up, with discounts of up to 63%.

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▍Common IV Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

• Transferring Pokémon only because they are not 4★.
• Spending Stardust on random perfect Pokémon.
• Ignoring PvP IV spreads.
• Purifying every Shadow Pokémon.
• Maxing Pokémon before checking their battle value.

A perfect IV Pokémon is exciting, but it does not automatically become the strongest choice.

▍FAQs About Pokémon GO IVs

1. What is the best IV Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

The best IV Pokémon depends on the purpose. For Master League and many PvE attackers, 15/15/15 is ideal. For Great League and Ultra League, lower Attack with high Defense and HP is often better.

2. Are IVs more important than CP?

No. CP, species stats, moveset, and level usually matter more. IVs become more important when investing heavily.

3. Should I keep every 3★ Pokémon?

Not necessarily. Keep useful species, strong attackers, PvP candidates, and rare Pokémon. A random 3★ Pokémon may still have little value.

4. Are Shadow Pokémon better than perfect Pokémon?

Many Shadow Pokémon are stronger attackers because of the Shadow damage bonus. A good Shadow Pokémon can outperform a perfect normal Pokémon.

5. Should I spend Stardust on a Hundo?

Only if the Pokémon is useful. A Hundo of a weak Pokémon is usually less valuable than a strong meta Pokémon with lower IVs.

6. How do I find Hundo Pokémon faster?

Catch more Pokémon, complete Raids and Research, trade with friends, and check Pokémon with higher IV floors such as Eggs, Raids, and Lucky Trades.

▍Conclusion

IVs are an important part of Pokémon GO progression, but they should not control every decision. The strongest players understand when IVs matter and when other factors are more important. Focus on building strong teams, saving Stardust, choosing the right Pokémon to invest in, and using IV checks before expensive upgrades.

Stay tuned to TOPUPlive for more Pokémon GO guides, event updates, and practical tips.