Pokémon Go tips, tricks and cheats guide - Part 3

Pokémon Go is just as complex as the main games, thanks to a hidden layer of stats

CP is one of the most important values for a Pokémon, but it hides a number of hidden stats that determine how effective a Pokémon can actually be. Just like the main games, fans have discovered there are a series of Individual Stats - or IVs - that act as an individual Pokémon's genes, dictating whether and how much a particular Pokémon's stats deviate from the norm of their Base values.

A combination of a Pokémon's hidden Base Stats, IVs, and Level (the white bar above the Pokémon) are what dictate its CP. While the higher the better, remember that your initially brilliant Vaporeon might only be strong because it's a high Level, and could get swept aside by more naturally strong, high-IV alternatives later on.

Our dedicated page explains more on how this works in more detail, and how to find and exploit these hidden values

You don't have to tap every item at a PokéStop

A surprisingly helpful time saver is knowing that you don't need to tap every single item that floats up the screen when you spin a PokéStop. If you tap the cross at the bottom of the screen, you'll be given every item automatically, which is particularly useful if you need to get back to the map to turn your attention to another PokéStop or Pokémon out in the world.

Use the 'L Throw' technique for perfect Curveballs

As well as throwing balls within a shrinking circle to get Nice, Great and Excellent catches - increasing your chances of success - you can also get a little extra XP on top with Curveballs, a sort of trick shot that sees balls curl towards their target.

To throw a Curveball, start by holding the Pokéball and rotating it round. When you throw, it'll then curve in the rotation you spun the ball - if it's clockwise, then it'll go to the right, and if anti-clockwise, to the left.

They're hard to pull off, but thankfully players recently discovered a technique that allows you to easily throw them with great success. After a spin, move the ball up the left-most side of the screen, and release at the same height as the Pokémon. Assuming the Pokéemon didn't move or attack, it should land and start the capture process.