Happy National Walking Day! 
Effort Values, commonly referred to as EVs, are a crucial yet often misunderstood aspect of Pokémon training. Once the domain of breeders and competitive players, EV training has become increasingly recognized for its role in optimizing a Pokémon’s stats and performance. This guide will explain EVs in detail, providing you with all the tools you need to master this hidden mechanic.
What Are Effort Values (EVs)?
EVs are hidden points that influence how a Pokémon’s stats grow as it levels up. By battling specific Pokémon, trainers can allocate EVs to particular stats, such as Speed or Special Attack. This allows you to tailor a Pokémon’s strengths to suit your strategy, giving you an edge in battles.
For example:
- To boost a Raikou’s Speed, you’d battle Pokémon like Zubat, which grants Speed EVs.
- To enhance Tyranitar’s Special Attack, you’d target Pokémon like Spinda that grant Special Attack EVs.
EV training lets you customize your Pokémon’s stat growth, making it an invaluable tool for competitive battles or even casual play.
How Do EVs Work?
Gaining EVs
- Every Pokémon defeated in battle grants EVs based on its species. For example:
- Zubat gives 1 Speed EV.
- Geodude gives 1 Defense EV.
- Venusaur gives 2 Special Attack EVs and 1 Special Defense EV.
- Only battles that grant EXP provide EVs, so battles in the Battle Tower or Link Battles do not contribute to EV training.
EV to Stat Conversion
- For every 4 EVs in a stat, your Pokémon gains 1 extra point in that stat at Level 100.
- Example: Defeating 4 Zubats grants 4 Speed EVs, which translates to +1 Speed.
- The effect of EVs is proportional to your Pokémon’s level. At lower levels, the bonus is smaller but scales up as the Pokémon levels up.
Limits to EVs
- Per Stat Limit: Each stat can hold a maximum of 255 EVs. However, only multiples of 4 contribute to stat increases, so the practical cap is 252 EVs per stat.
- Total EV Limit: A Pokémon can have a total of 510 EVs across all stats.
This means you can fully max out two stats (252 EVs each) and allocate the remaining 6 EVs elsewhere for a small bonus.
EV Training: How to Get Started
1. Choosing the Right Pokémon to Battle
To EV train effectively, you must battle Pokémon that give EVs for the stat you want to boost. Here are some examples:
| Stat | Recommended Pokémon | Location |
|---|---|---|
| HP | Whismur | Cave on Route 106 |
| Attack | Carvanha | Route 119 (Super Rod) |
| Defense | Sandshrew/Skarmory | Route 113 |
| Special Attack | Spinda | Route 113 |
| Special Defense | Tentacool | Surf almost anywhere |
| Speed | Zubat/Golbat | Cave of Origin |
2. Boosting EV Gains
EV training can be tedious, but there are ways to speed up the process:
Vitamins
- Items like Protein, Carbos, and Calcium grant 10 EVs to their respective stat.
- Example: Using a Carbos gives 10 Speed EVs.
- Each stat can only receive 100 EVs from vitamins, so they are most effective for initial EV allocation.
Macho Brace
- Found in a house north of Mauville City, the Macho Brace doubles the EVs gained from battles.
- Example: Defeating a Zubat (1 Speed EV) while holding the Macho Brace grants 2 Speed EVs.
Pokérus
- The rare Pokérus virus also doubles EV gains. Combined with the Macho Brace, EV gains quadruple.
- Example: Defeating a Spinda (1 Special Attack EV) with Pokérus and the Macho Brace grants 4 Special Attack EVs.
3. Tracking EVs
- EVs are hidden in the game, so you’ll need to manually track them or use external tools.
- A simple way to track EVs is by using a chart with columns for each stat and tallying points as you train.
Effort Ribbon
Once a Pokémon has reached the maximum of 510 EVs, visit the woman in Slateport City’s market. She’ll reward your Pokémon with the Effort Ribbon as proof of its full EV training.
Best Practices for EV Training
1. Start Early
- Begin EV training as soon as you acquire a Pokémon. This ensures every battle contributes toward desired stats.
2. Use the EXP Share
- The EXP Share divides EXP and EVs between Pokémon. A Pokémon holding the EXP Share gains the same EVs as the Pokémon actively battling.
3. Remove Unwanted EVs
- Use berries to reset EVs if you make a mistake:
- Pomeg Berry: Lowers HP EVs.
- Kelpsy Berry: Lowers Attack EVs.
- Qualot Berry: Lowers Defense EVs.
- Hondew Berry: Lowers Special Attack EVs.
- Grepa Berry: Lowers Special Defense EVs.
- Tamato Berry: Lowers Speed EVs.
4. Rare Candies
- Rare Candies can safely be used after EV training. EVs are applied retroactively to stats upon leveling up.
Conclusion
Effort Values are an essential part of advanced Pokémon training, allowing you to tailor your team for battle. By strategically battling specific Pokémon and using tools like vitamins, the Macho Brace, and Pokérus, you can efficiently train your Pokémon to excel in the stats you care about most. With EV training, your Pokémon can reach their full potential and gain a competitive edge in battle.
