If you often get confused when comparing different IVs in Pokémon GO, you’re not alone. This guide explains IVs in the simplest way possible—what they mean, how they affect your Pokémon, and how to pick the best IVs for raids, PvP, and shadow Pokémon.
📌 What Are IVs in Pokémon GO?
IVs (Individual Values) are hidden numbers that determine how strong a Pokémon can become. Every Pokémon you catch has its own unique IVs.
Each Pokémon has three IV stats:
- Attack IV (0–15)
- Defense IV (0–15)
- HP/Stamina IV (0–15)
🔎 What does 0–15 mean?
Every IV stat ranges from 0 (lowest) to 15 (highest). Higher IVs mean a stronger version of that Pokémon.
| IV Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | Lowest possible stat |
| 15 | Best possible stat |
Example:
- 15 Attack IV = hits harder
- 15 Defense IV = takes less damage
- 15 HP IV = more total health
You can check your Pokémon’s IVs by tapping Appraise in the Pokémon menu.
📘 How IVs Affect Your Pokémon’s CP
IVs are added to a Pokémon’s base stats and influence the final CP (Combat Power). This is how the game calculates CP:
🔢 CP Formula
(Base Attack + Attack IV)
× (Base Defense + Defense IV)^0.5
× (Base Stamina + HP IV)^0.5
× (CP Multiplier)^2
÷ 10
🧠 Simple Explanation
You don’t need to memorize the formula. Here’s what actually matters:
- Attack IV affects CP the most.
- Defense IV and HP IV matter, but much less.
- CP Multiplier = Pokémon level.
📌 Why Attack IV Raises CP More
Attack is multiplied directly, while Defense and HP get square-rooted in the formula, so they have a smaller effect.
| IV Type | Impact on CP | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Attack IV | High impact | Main multiplier |
| Defense IV | Small impact | Square-root reduced |
| HP / Stamina IV | Small impact | Square-root reduced |
In short: High Attack IV boosts CP the most.
⚔ Raid Pokémon: Best IVs to Look For
For raid attackers (like Mewtwo, Dragonite, Garchomp, etc.) you want the highest damage possible.
⭐ Priority for Raids: Attack > HP/Defense
15 Attack IV is the most important stat for raid attackers because:
- You defeat raid bosses faster.
- You use fewer potions and revives.
- You get more damage contribution for bonus balls.
Defense and HP IV matter much less since raid bosses deal huge damage anyway.
🔍 Quick Search Filter for Raid IVs
3*&4attack
This shows all 3-star Pokémon with 15 Attack IV.
💡 Lucky Pokémon Are Amazing for Raids
- Lucky Pokémon cost 50% less Stardust to power up.
- They have guaranteed 12/12/12 minimum IVs.
If you have a Lucky Pokémon with 13–14 Attack IV, it may be a better choice than a normal 15-attack one due to stardust savings.
🏆 PvP IVs: The Beginner-Friendly Rule
PvP IVs work the opposite of raid IVs. Instead of wanting high Attack, PvP players usually want the lowest possible Attack so the Pokémon stays under the CP cap while reaching a higher level, which gives more overall bulk.
⭐ PvP Priority: Low Attack, High Defense, High HP
This IV style helps your Pokémon survive longer and win more charge move battles.
- Low Attack = keeps CP lower
- Lower CP = you can level the Pokémon higher
- Higher Pokémon level = more total bulk
📊 Good Example PvP Pokémon (Recommended)
Here are several popular PvP Pokémon and the kind of IV spread they benefit from.
| Pokémon | Recommended PvP IV Style | Best League |
|---|---|---|
| Medicham | Low Attack / High Defense / High HP | Great League |
| Azumarill | Low Attack / High Defense / High HP | Great League |
| Venusaur | Low Attack / High Defense / High HP | Great League |
| Galarian Stunfisk | Low Attack / High Defense / High HP | Great League |
| Umbreon | High Defense / High HP | Ultra League |
| Trevenant | Low Attack / High Bulk | Great League |
| Walrein | Low Attack / High Bulk | Ultra League |
| Swampert | Low Attack / High Defense / High HP | Great & Ultra League |
🔍 Quick PvP IV Search Filter
0-1attack&3-4defense&3-4hp
This search helps you quickly identify Pokémon with low Attack and high bulk—perfect for PvP.
🌐 Use PvPIVs.com to Check the Best IV Ranks
For the exact best IV spread of each Pokémon, you can check rankings on:
This website shows:
- The best IV combination for every league
- Your Pokémon’s exact IV rank
- Stat product (bulk rating)
- Matchup performance differences
It’s the easiest way to confirm if your Pokémon has strong PvP potential.
📌 Master League Exception
Master League has no CP cap, so you want the best IVs possible—a perfect “Hundo.”
💥 Understanding CMP (Charge Move Priority)
When two Pokémon use a charge move at the same time, the one with the higher Attack stat goes first.
This is important in mirror matchups, but not something beginners need to worry about.
👥 Shadow Pokémon: What IVs Should You Keep?
Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage but also take 20% more damage. This bonus does not affect their IVs.
⭐ Best IV Rules for Shadows
- Raid Shadows: High Attack is best.
- PvP Shadows: Low Attack, high bulk.
🔥 Be Lenient with Shadows
Good IV shadows are rare, and even average IV shadows can be extremely strong. Examples worth building even with average IVs:
- Shadow Metagross
- Shadow Dragonite
- Shadow Mamoswine
💰 Save Your Stardust
Stardust is one of the most valuable resources in Pokémon GO. Avoid powering up random Pokémon as soon as you catch them.
✔ Smart Strategy
- Pick your raid attackers.
- Pick your PvP teams.
- Invest in Pokémon that will be useful long-term.
One strong level 50 Pokémon is better than ten weak ones.
🎉 Final Thoughts
IVs don’t need to be confusing. Just remember:
- Raids → High Attack IV
- PvP → Low Attack IV + High bulk
Follow these simple rules and you’ll always know which Pokémon to power up. Have questions? Drop them in the comments!