Barely. In raids, gyms and Max Battles, a hundo has only about 1 to 2% more attack than the lowest IVs a raid or research Pokémon can have. Levelling a raid Pokémon from level 20 to 50 boosts its attack by about 41%, so level matters far more than IVs.
The short answer
I see so many comments from people who got a 2-star legendary and don’t want to invest in it. But IVs make almost no difference to how hard a Pokémon hits in raids, gyms and Max Battles. Its level does. So if you catch a 2-star legendary, don’t be upset about it, and definitely don’t transfer it. Power it up.
The numbers
Raid and research Pokémon always have at least 10 in each IV, so the worst you can get is 10/10/10. Here’s how that compares with a hundo, using each Pokémon’s attack stat at level 50:
- Keldeo: 226.88 attack at 10/10/10, 231.08 as a hundo. That’s a 1.85% difference.
- Eternatus: 242.01 against 246.21, a 1.74% difference.
- Mega Rayquaza: 325.2 against 329.4, a 1.29% difference.
Compare CP and you’ll see the same story: the gap between the lowest IVs and a hundo is under 5%, and you won’t notice it in a raid.
Level is what matters
Now look at what happens when you power that same low IV Pokémon up:
- From level 20 (where raid Pokémon are caught) to level 50, its attack goes up by about 41%.
- From level 15 (where research Pokémon are caught) to level 50, it goes up by about 62%.
A 2% boost from perfect IVs, or a 40% to 60% boost from levelling. The only way your Pokémon is “trash” is if it stays at the level you caught it.
Matt's takeIVs are just a badge. A low IV Pokémon you've levelled up will always beat a hundo sitting at level 20.
When IVs are worth caring about
- Completing the Pokédex. The 100% Pokédex entry needs a hundo, which is the main reason to use IV-maxing items on rare Pokémon.
- Your favourites. If getting a hundo is what pushes you to finally invest in a Pokémon you love, that’s a great reason too.
- Choosing between duplicates. When you have several of the same Pokémon at the same level, picking the higher IV one costs nothing.
For hundo CPs on current raids, eggs and research, check the live hundo list.
FAQ
Do IVs matter in Pokémon GO?
Not much for raids, gyms and Max Battles. A hundo has only about 1 to 2% more attack than the lowest IV version of the same Pokémon from a raid or research. Its level makes a much bigger difference.
Is a 2-star legendary worth powering up?
Yes. The lowest IVs a raid or research Pokémon can have are 10/10/10, and at level 50 that's within 2% of a hundo's attack. Don't transfer it just because of its appraisal.
How much does levelling up help compared to IVs?
Levelling from level 20 (raids) to level 50 raises attack by about 41%, and from level 15 (research) by about 62%. A perfect IV only adds about 1 to 2%.
When are IVs worth caring about?
Mostly for completing the 100% Pokédex entry on rare Pokémon, or if a hundo pushes you to invest in a favourite. For battling, focus on levels and moves.
Get Matt's full take
The extended write-up on Patreon has Matt’s commentary, what to prioritise and Matt’s own plan.