Can You EV Train Pokémon at Level 100? The Definitive Guide
Yes, absolutely! You can EV train a Pokémon at level 100. The process is slightly different than training at lower levels, but it’s entirely possible to max out those vital Effort Values and optimize your Pokémon for competitive battling or just personal satisfaction. This article will delve into the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of EV training at max level and answer all your burning questions.
Understanding Effort Values (EVs)
Before we dive into the specifics of level 100 training, let’s recap what Effort Values are and why they’re so important. EVs are hidden stats that Pokémon gain through battling or utilizing specific items. These stats contribute to a Pokémon’s overall power and influence how high their stats will be. Each Pokémon can have a maximum of 510 EVs in total, with a limit of 252 EVs in any single stat.
Essentially, EV training is the process of strategically battling specific Pokémon or using items to maximize your Pokémon’s potential in key areas like Attack, Special Attack, Speed, HP, Defense, and Special Defense.
EV Training a Level 100 Pokémon: The Methods
So, how do you actually EV train a Pokémon that’s already reached level 100? Here are the primary methods:
1. Vitamin Power
Vitamins are your best friend when EV training a level 100 Pokémon. These items directly increase a Pokémon’s EVs in a specific stat. Examples include:
- Protein: Increases Attack EVs
- Calcium: Increases Special Attack EVs
- Iron: Increases Defense EVs
- Zinc: Increases Special Defense EVs
- HP Up: Increases HP EVs
- Carbos: Increases Speed EVs
You can use Vitamins until a stat reaches 100 EVs. After that, you’ll need to use other methods to reach the 252 EV limit.
2. Battling with Held Items
While level 100 Pokémon don’t level up, they still gain EVs from battling wild Pokémon or trainers. To speed up this process, use held items that boost EV gains, such as the Power Weight, Power Bracer, Power Belt, Power Lens, Power Band, and Power Anklet. Each of these items increases the EVs gained in a specific stat after each battle. The Macho Brace also works, though it halves your Pokémon’s speed in battle. Remember, auto-battling often does not contribute to EV gains, so you’ll need to battle manually!
3. Poké Jobs
Certain Pokémon games, like Sword and Shield, feature Poké Jobs, which are tasks you can send your Pokémon on to earn EVs passively. This can be a convenient way to supplement your training efforts, especially if you’re targeting specific stats. This method is a bit slower but requires less active input.
4. Berries for EV Reduction
What if you made a mistake and want to reduce EVs? EV-reducing Berries like the Pomeg Berry (HP), Kelpsy Berry (Attack), Qualot Berry (Defense), Hondew Berry (Special Attack), Grepa Berry (Special Defense), and Tamato Berry (Speed) can lower EVs in their respective stats. These are essential for correcting any errors in your EV spread or for completely resetting a Pokémon’s EVs. These berries lower the EVs by 10 per use until you hit 0.
Why EV Train at Level 100?
You might wonder why someone would bother EV training a Pokémon at level 100. Here are a few reasons:
- Late Bloomers: Maybe you didn’t realize the importance of EVs until your Pokémon was already maxed out.
- Competitive Adjustments: The competitive meta changes constantly. You might need to adjust a Pokémon’s EVs to better counter new threats.
- Re-Specing: Perhaps you want to repurpose a Pokémon for a different role on your team.
- Perfectionism: Some players simply want to optimize every aspect of their Pokémon’s stats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions on the topic of EV Training:
1. Can a Pokémon have 6 max EVs?
No, a Pokémon cannot have 252 EVs in all six stats. The total EV limit is 510, and the maximum per stat is 252.
2. How do EVs change on level 100 Pokémon?
Level 100 Pokémon do not gain EVs through leveling up. EVs are gained from battles and from using vitamins, which then adjust the stat accordingly.
3. Can you change EV after level 100?
Yes, you can. Use EV-reducing Berries to decrease EVs.
4. Is it OK to EV train from Level 1?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to EV train from level 1.
5. Is there a max EV for a Pokemon?
Yes, the maximum is 510 EVs total, with a limit of 252 EVs in any single stat.
6. What is the max EV in EV training?
The max EV per stat is 252.
7. Can you EV train a level 100 Pokemon Reddit?
Yes, you can. The Reddit community often discusses various strategies. The important aspect to remember is using items like vitamins and power items or EV-reducing berries.
8. Can level 100 Pokemon gain EVs Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, you can EV train level 100 Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet by using vitamins and held items during battles.
9. Can you EV train a level 100 Pokemon Brilliant Diamond?
Yes. You can EV train a Pokémon at level 100 with the use of vitamins.
10. What are perfect EVs?
“Perfect EVs” generally refers to a strategic allocation of 510 EVs across different stats, with no more than 252 EVs in any single stat, tailored to maximize a Pokémon’s strengths and cover its weaknesses.
11. What does 252 EV mean?
252 EV means that a Pokémon has reached the maximum possible EV investment in a particular stat, providing the highest stat boost achievable through EV training.
12. Can you have 252 EVs on all stats?
No. Each stat that each individual Pokémon has starts at 0 EVs in it and can have a maximum of 255 EVs (or 252 EVs starting with X & Y). The total number of EVs across all six of the Pokémon’s stats cannot exceed 510.
13. How do you get perfect EVs?
To achieve “perfect EVs”, plan the stats you want to maximize for your Pokémon. Use Vitamins to get to 100, then battle wild Pokémon that grant EVs in those specific stats while holding items like the Power Bracer or Power Anklet to boost your gains.
14. How many EVs is maxed?
The maximum number of EVs a Pokemon can have in total is 510, spread across all stats.
15. How do you know if EVs are maxed out?
Checking your Pokémon’s EVs by opening their summary menu and pressing the L trigger on their stat screen. The solid colored shape will show the EVs. Stats with maxed-out EVs will sparkle. The game provides visual cues to indicate when a stat has reached its 252 EV limit and when the overall EV total has reached 510.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! EV training a level 100 Pokémon is entirely possible and can be a crucial step in perfecting your team for any challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned competitive battler or just a dedicated fan, understanding and utilizing EV training techniques can significantly enhance your Pokémon experience. If you are interested in learning more about games and learning, check out the GamesLearningSociety.org for resources.
Good luck and happy training!