Can Pokémon Gain EVs After Level 100?

Yes, Pokémon can absolutely gain Effort Values (EVs) after reaching level 100. While it’s true that they no longer gain EVs from battling at the max level, there are other methods that allow you to continue EV training even after hitting level 100. This means that if you’ve maxed out your Pokémon’s level, you aren’t locked out of further stat optimization. You just need to approach it differently! This is great news for those who want to fine-tune their team for competitive battling or simply maximize their favorite Pokémon’s potential.

Understanding Effort Values (EVs)

Before we delve deeper, let’s clarify what EVs are. Effort Values are hidden stat bonuses that Pokémon earn through various activities, such as battling and consuming specific items. These bonuses directly impact your Pokémon’s stats, increasing their effectiveness in battle. Every Pokémon can accumulate a total of 510 EVs, with a maximum of 252 EVs allowed in any single stat. This allows for a focused approach to training, typically maxing out two stats and having a small amount invested in a third.

How Do EVs Typically Work?

Usually, EVs are gained through defeating Pokémon in battles. Each Pokémon you defeat grants EVs in specific stats. For example, defeating a Pikachu usually grants Speed EVs. This mechanic encourages trainers to battle strategically to raise specific stats. This has been a core mechanic since the beginning of the series, allowing trainers to customize their Pokémon to suit their battle styles.

Level 100 and EV Gain through Battle

Here’s the key point: Level 100 Pokémon do not gain EVs from battles. At that point, battles will not influence their hidden stat bonuses, so traditional EV training becomes ineffective. This makes it seem like you can’t optimize a level 100 Pokémon, but that is not the case. You will need to use other methods, namely items, to reach the desired effect.

EV Training Level 100 Pokémon: The Alternative

So, if battling is no longer an option for level 100 Pokémon, how can you gain EVs? The answer lies in vitamins and special berries.

Vitamins

Vitamins are items that directly add EVs to a specific stat. For instance, a Protein will increase the Attack stat, and a Calcium will increase the Special Attack stat. Each vitamin will add 10 EVs to the associated stat. This is the most efficient way to train EVs once you have reached level 100. This is because, unlike battling, you don’t need to search and defeat the right Pokémon for the stat you are training.

Important note: Vitamins are limited to a maximum of 100 EVs per stat; you cannot use 26 of them to max out a stat. To fully train, you will need to rely on some battling at lower levels or use other methods.

Berries

There are special berries that reduce EVs in specific stats. These berries are crucial for correcting mistakes or adjusting training if you change your mind about a Pokémon’s specific build. Using these berries will allow you to clear the EVs and start again at any level, making it useful for fixing errors on a Pokémon that is level 100. They can also be helpful for lowering certain stats in competitive formats, creating a more specialized build for certain situations.

How to Check Your Pokémon’s EVs

You can check your Pokémon’s current EV spread within their summary screen. Look for the stat screen and press the appropriate button (usually L). A solid colored shape will show your EVs, and stats that have reached maximum EVs will sparkle. This allows you to track your progress, ensuring that you are reaching your desired EV count efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 commonly asked questions to provide a more comprehensive view on EV training, especially at level 100:

1. Can I still get the Effort Ribbon with a level 100 Pokémon?

Yes, you can absolutely get the Effort Ribbon for a level 100 Pokémon. You simply need to apply vitamins across all stats to achieve a full EV spread. This demonstrates your Pokémon’s well-rounded training, even at max level.

2. Do EVs apply immediately at level 100?

Yes, EVs from vitamins and berries are applied instantly and directly affect your Pokémon’s stats. There is no delay, and you will see the changes right away. This ensures that trainers can make real-time adjustments to their strategies.

3. Are there any other ways to get EVs for a level 100 Pokémon?

No, vitamins and berries are the primary ways to adjust EVs at level 100. There are no other methods that affect a Pokémon’s EV, and you can’t use traditional battling techniques.

4. What is the maximum number of EVs I can get?

The maximum total EVs you can obtain for a single Pokémon is 510, with no more than 252 in any one stat. This balances the game, ensuring that each Pokémon is customized to its unique strengths.

5. Do EVs matter if I only play the story mode?

While EV training is not crucial for completing the main story, it can still enhance your Pokémon’s performance, even in casual gameplay. You will notice the difference that it makes in the strength of your Pokémon. For those looking for an added edge, it can be beneficial.

6. How many vitamins do I need to max out an EV stat?

You will need 26 vitamins to max out a stat. This is only possible if you use battles to help increase the stat beyond the 100 EV max on the vitamins.

7. Can I overtrain EVs in any stat?

You cannot overtrain an EV stat. Once you hit the cap of 252 EVs in a stat, further gains are blocked.

8. What is the individual cap for EVs in a single stat?

The individual cap is 252 EVs for a single stat.

9. Do EVs scale at lower levels?

Yes, the effects of EVs scale relative to your Pokémon’s level. They will always provide their full effect, making training beneficial at any level. It is not something you can delay until a higher level.

10. Can I remove EVs?

Yes, you can use certain berries to lower EVs in a specific stat. This is useful for correcting training mistakes or experimenting with different builds.

11. Are EVs more important than Individual Values (IVs)?

While both are important, EVs can be easier to control and manipulate. IVs are a static, randomly determined stat, meaning they will be different on each Pokémon. This makes EV training much more valuable since it provides greater opportunities for customization.

12. Can I hyper train after EV training?

Yes, Hyper Training and EV training are completely independent. You can do them in any order or do not do one at all, and it will not influence the other. Hyper training boosts your individual values, and EV training is for effort values.

13. What level do Pokémon stop getting EVs from battling?

Pokémon stop gaining EVs from battling once they reach level 100.

14. Does EXP share distribute EVs?

Yes, Pokémon in your party that use Exp. Share will still gain EVs from battles. This makes it easier to train your team simultaneously.

15. Can I change my Pokémon’s EV spread after reaching 510?

Yes, you can always use special berries to decrease EVs in certain stats, allowing you to redistribute them as needed. This makes it possible to always change your Pokémon if you want to change it from a physical attacker to a special attacker.

Conclusion

In summary, reaching level 100 doesn’t mean the end of EV training. By utilizing vitamins and berries, you can continue to fine-tune your Pokémon’s stats to maximize their potential. This knowledge is invaluable for anyone looking to compete at a high level or simply optimize their Pokémon for any kind of battle. Don’t hesitate to use these methods to create the best possible version of your favorite Pokémon!