Pokemon GO Players Think One Change Would Make Special Research Better

Numerous Pokemon GO players 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 GO players who acquire a shiny mythical within these standard values feel as frustrated as if they hadn't acquired the Pokemon at all.

IV in Pokemon GO stands for Individual Values and 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.

Some players point out a dangerous caveat if the developer of Pokemon 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 some paid Special Research in Pokemon GOthat only a fraction