'Pokémon Go' Adds IV Calculator In New Android 0.35, iOS 1.5 Update

This week’s new Pokémon Go update adds an in-game IV calculator. Find out how the changes will affect Pokémon Go players.

On Monday, Pokémon Go developers announced a new update for iOS (1.5.0) and Android (0.35.0) players this week, which should make those missing IV calculation tools like PokeAdvisor a little less disgruntled.

In a post on Facebook , Niantic revealed an update was in the works and would begin rolling out to players late Monday evening. While not a ton of details were shared about what the update would contain, it did reveal the addition of an in-app IV calculator for appraising your little collection. Per the post, the new update implements a Pokémon Appraisal system.

What Is An IV Calculator? How Pokémon Go Appraisal Tool Will Change Gameplay

So what exactly will the new appraisal system do for players? Basically, it’ll take gameplay to a much deeper level. If you haven’t heard of IV or Individual Values before, it basically means that not all Pokémon are created equal. So, even if you and I both have a Dragonite, for example, and have trained him to the same level, our Pokémon still won’t necessarily be equal. There are small variations in an individual Pokémon’s stats that make each one unique.

RELATED: How To Use Pokemon Go Appraise Tool And What Team Leader Comments Mean

Up until now, players have relied on tools made by other Pokémon Go enthusiasts online or have used third-party apps like the recently blacklisted PokeAdvisor. Pokémon Go’s creators, however, have frowned on the use of such tools – at least in the form of a third-party app – and have even permanently banned players from Pokémon Go if “cheating” was detected.

Adding an IV check feature for appraising Pokémon is definitely a smart move on the part of Niantic, if they want to keep their Pokémon Go audience engaged. The in-game tool will allow players of all kinds to deepen their strategic planning and maximize their Pokémon team's potential.

The new update began rolling out on Monday evening. Check your device’s app store for updates.