Whether you’re a seasoned Pokémon Go player or just starting, managing your resources effectively is crucial for success. One way to optimize your gameplay is by understanding how a Pokémon Go Evolution Calculator works. This tool helps you estimate the Combat Power (CP) of a Pokémon after it evolves, which is essential for trainers aiming to build strong battle teams and maximize the efficiency of their evolutions.
In this guide, we’ll delve into what an evolution calculator is, how it works, why you need it, and how you can use it strategically in your Pokémon Go journey. We’ll also explore some of the best calculators available and advanced tips to enhance your gameplay.
What is a Pokémon Go Evolution Calculator?
A Pokémon Go Evolution Calculator is a tool designed to predict the future Combat Power (CP) of a Pokémon after it evolves. CP is a measure of a Pokémon’s strength in the game, determined by its stats: Attack, Defense, and Stamina. Knowing the approximate CP of a Pokémon post-evolution helps players make better decisions about which Pokémon to evolve and when to do so.
For instance, if you have a low CP Pokémon, evolving it might still result in a high CP evolved form, saving you the resources needed to power it up. The CP gained from evolution is based on several factors, including the Pokémon’s current CP, Individual Values (IVs), and level.
How Does a Pokémon Go Evolution Calculator Work?
Using an evolution calculator is straightforward and typically involves the following steps:
- Select Your Pokémon:
Most calculators offer a dropdown menu or search bar where you can choose the specific Pokémon you wish to evolve. For example, if you have an Eevee and you want to evolve it into an Umbreon, you would select “Eevee” from the list. - Enter Your Pokémon’s Current CP:
The next step is to input the current CP of your Pokémon. You can find this value in the game when viewing your Pokémon’s stats. Let’s say you have a 600 CP Eevee, and you’re curious about what its CP would be after evolving into Umbreon. You would enter “600” into the CP field. - CP Calculation:
Once you enter the Pokémon’s current CP, the calculator will provide a range of possible CP values for the evolved form. In our Eevee example, evolving into Umbreon might yield a CP range of 1,205 to 1,282. The precise value will depend on factors like your Pokémon’s level and IVs. - Consider IVs and Level:
Some advanced calculators allow you to input additional data, such as your Pokémon’s IVs (Individual Values). IVs represent the Pokémon’s inherent potential for Attack, Defense, and Stamina. A Pokémon with high IVs will generally perform better than one with lower IVs, and this also affects the post-evolution CP. Additionally, the level of the Pokémon—ranging from 1 to 50—will impact the final CP.
Why Use an Evolution Calculator?
Optimize PvP and Go Battle League
One of the key reasons to use an evolution calculator is to ensure that your Pokémon fits into specific PvP leagues. In Pokémon Go Battle League (GBL), certain leagues have CP limits, such as the Great League, which has a maximum CP of 1,500. If you’re planning to evolve a Pokémon for the Great League, you need to ensure that its CP doesn’t exceed this limit post-evolution.
For example, if your Eevee evolves into an Umbreon with a CP of 1,247, that Pokémon is perfect for the Great League. However, if its evolved form exceeds 1,500 CP, it will become ineligible. This is where an evolution calculator is particularly useful, as it helps you avoid wasting resources on Pokémon that can’t compete in the desired PvP league.
Save Resources
In Pokémon Go, evolving and powering up Pokémon requires Stardust and Candies. These are finite resources, so it’s essential to manage them wisely. Using an evolution calculator allows you to predict the CP of a Pokémon before committing these resources. If you know that evolving a certain Pokémon will give you a high CP version, you can save your Stardust for powering up other Pokémon
Plan for Raids and Gyms
High-CP Pokémon are also crucial for raids and gym battles. By using an evolution calculator, you can plan your evolutions strategically to ensure that your team has powerful Pokémon for these battles. Knowing the post-evolution CP ahead of time allows you to prioritize which Pokémon to evolve based on their potential for raid and gym performance.
Types of Pokémon Go Calculators
There are various types of calculators available for Pokémon Go, each offering specific functionalities:
1. Basic Evolution Calculators
These calculators provide a simple prediction of the post-evolution CP based on the current CP. They’re ideal for quick estimates when you want to evolve a Pokémon without delving into too much detail. Tools like GameInfo’s Evolution Calculator and Calculator Online’s Tool fall into this category.
2. CP Range Calculators
Some calculators, like the one on GamePress, offer a range of possible CP values. This range accounts for slight variations due to factors like level and IVs. For example, evolving a 600 CP Eevee into Umbreon might give you a CP range of 1,205 to 1,282. The range helps you understand the possible outcomes of your evolution.
3. IV Calculators
IV calculators are more advanced tools that account for a Pokémon’s Individual Values. These values, unique to each Pokémon, affect its stats and overall performance in battle. By inputting your Pokémon’s IVs into an IV calculator, you can get a more accurate prediction of its post-evolution CP. This is especially useful for competitive players who want to maximize their Pokémon’s potential.
4. Purification Calculators
Purification calculators help you predict the CP of Shadow Pokémon after purification. Purified Pokémon have improved stats compared to their Shadow counterparts, gaining two points in each IV stat and becoming level 25. Using a CP calculator with these modifications can give you an accurate prediction of your purified Pokémon’s CP.
Best Pokémon Go Evolution Calculators
Here are some of the top calculators available for Pokémon Go:
1. GameInfo’s Evolution Calculator
This tool offers a straightforward interface where you select your Pokémon, input the current CP, and get a prediction for its post-evolution CP. It’s perfect for players looking for quick estimates without much complexity.
2. GamePress Evolution/CP Calculator
This calculator offers more detailed predictions, including a CP range and additional stats like HP and Power-up Costs. It’s ideal for players who want more information before making decisions.
3. Calculator Online Evolution Tool
This is a simple and fast calculator, great for quick CP predictions. It’s particularly user-friendly and is often favored by beginners or those who want instant results.
4. Pocket Tactics CP and Evolution Guide
While this isn’t a dedicated calculator, Pocket Tactics offers a comprehensive guide that helps you understand CP calculations and how to use the available tools effectively.
Advanced Tips for Using Evolution Calculators
1. Use Calculators for PvP Optimization
When building teams for Go Battle League, it’s important to ensure that your evolved Pokémon stay within the CP limits of the desired league. For example, in the Great League, the CP cap is 1,500. An evolution calculator can help you determine if a Pokémon is worth evolving or if its evolved form will exceed the CP limit.
2. Consider IVs for Competitive Play
IVs can have a significant impact on a Pokémon’s performance in PvP battles. Use an IV calculator to ensure that your Pokémon has the right stats for optimal performance. For example, a Pokémon with a high Defense IV might be better suited for Ultra League battles, where stamina and survivability are crucial
3. Plan for Raids and Gym Battles
For high-level raids and gym battles, prioritize Pokémon with high CP and good IVs. An evolution calculator can help you identify which Pokémon to evolve for maximum raid performance. For instance, evolving a high-CP Larvitar into Tyranitar can give you a powerful Pokémon ideal for Legendary Raids
4. Use Purification Calculators for Shadow Pokémon
Shadow Pokémon become stronger when purified. Use a purification calculator to understand how much your Pokémon’s CP will increase after purification. This is especially useful for Pokémon like Shadow Machamp, which are popular in raids
Conclusion
A Pokémon Go Evolution Calculator is an invaluable tool for players who want to optimize their gameplay. Whether you’re trying to build a strong team for