Summary
NumerousPokemon GOplayers are debating how a simple change in the IV of Pokemon acquired through Special Research would improve these events. Although these Pokemon already have a floor IV that is moderately above average,Pokemon GOplayers who acquire a shiny mythical within these standard values feel as frustrated as if they hadn’t acquired the Pokemon at all.
IV inPokemon GOstands for Individual Valuesand are numbers ranging from 0 to 15 that define the stats of a Pokemon. These values are distributed among Attack, Defense, and HP and determine the progression of a Pokemon’s strength as it evolves. The higher the IV value, the higher the Pokemon’s stats and combat power as they are powered up via Stardust and Candies. The discussion here is that players are complaining that they paid and received a mediocre mythical Pokemon instead of a perfect or near-perfect one, while they believe it should be otherwise.
The debate began on Reddit when user CombProfessional434 complained that even after paying for a shiny Pokemon and going through the entire process to acquire it, they still got a “bad IV Pokemon.” They recommend increasing the IV floor of mythical Pokemon obtained through Special Research, which presently guarantees that at least every mythical comes with an IV value of 10. Others joined the discussion, offering alternatives such as implementing an IV training mechanic. In contrast, some players said such features would only equalize and ensure that every trainer’s lineup would eventually be composed of Pokemons with top IVs, demotivating the process of repeatedly capturing them.
Pokemon GO Players Want Mythicals With Higher IVs
Some players point out a dangerous caveat if the developer ofPokemon GO, Niantic, chooses to heed the feedback of these players and ensure a high floor IV for Pokemon acquired through Special Research. Paying for more benefits in a game can lead to infamous pay-to-win practices. Although some research is free, there is somepaid Special Research inPokemon GOthat only a fraction of players buy. If Niantic releases an update guaranteeing high IV for mythical Pokemon found in Special Research, this could be considered an aggressive monetization practice that favors those willing to spend real money on the game.
On the other hand, players are arguing that an extremely high IV is not necessarily favorable in PVP, which would invalidate the pay-to-win argument. All in all, only time will tell how Niantic will respond to this feedback, as many may feel discouraged from continuing to buy Special Researches if their mythical Pokemon captured are naturally weak. Perhaps withthe game’snext mythical debut, the company will introduce new changes toPokemon GOin an attempt to please its player base.
