Do EVs Work With Exp Share? A Comprehensive Guide to Effort Values and Experience Sharing
Absolutely! EVs (Effort Values) work seamlessly with Exp Share across most modern Pokémon games. In fact, since Generation V, any Pokémon that is eligible to gain experience, even if they are at level 100, also gains the EVs awarded from a battle. This means that the Exp Share mechanic distributes EVs to your entire party whenever your Pokémon defeat opponents in battle, making EV training more efficient than ever before.
This article will delve into the intricacies of how EVs and Exp Share interact, covering different generations, practical training tips, and answering frequently asked questions to clarify any confusion. Get ready to master EV training like a pro!
Understanding Effort Values (EVs)
What Are EVs?
Effort Values (EVs) are hidden stat modifiers that Pokémon gain from battling. Each Pokémon defeated grants a specific number of EVs in one or more stats (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed). These EVs contribute to a Pokémon’s overall stats, making them stronger in particular areas. A Pokémon can accumulate a maximum of 510 EVs in total, with a maximum of 252 EVs in any single stat.
The Impact of EVs on Stats
The effect of EVs on stats is most noticeable at higher levels. While the difference might seem subtle early on, the cumulative effect of a well-planned EV spread can significantly impact a Pokémon’s performance in battle.
To see the full effect of EVs you need to be level 100, but you can EV train fully at any level. This simply means that you don’t have to wait for your team to get to level 100 to start EV training them.
How to Check Your Pokémon’s EVs
Modern Pokémon games provide convenient ways to check your Pokémon’s EVs. In games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you can open a Pokémon’s summary screen and press the L button on their stat screen. A graph will display the current EV distribution, and any stat with the maximum of 252 EVs will sparkle. It’s crucial to monitor your EVs during training to ensure you’re allocating them as intended.
Exp Share and EV Training: A Perfect Match
How Exp Share Distributes EVs
Since Generation V, the Exp Share has become a staple feature, distributing experience points to all Pokémon in your party, regardless of whether they participated in the battle. Critically, EVs are also shared in the same manner. This means that if your lead Pokémon defeats a Pokémon that yields 2 Attack EVs, every Pokémon in your party that is eligible to gain experience will also gain those 2 Attack EVs. This mechanic significantly streamlines the EV training process.
Generations III and IV: A Note on Leveling
In Generations III and IV, the effect of EVs wasn’t applied until the Pokémon leveled up. So if you wanted to see what stats are being applied, you would have to wait until your team levels up to level 100. But from Generation V onward, that is no longer the case, any Pokémon eligible to gain experience, even if they are level 100, gains all EVs awarded from that battle.
Auto-Battling and EVs
In games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the “Let’s Go!” feature allows your Pokémon to auto-battle wild Pokémon. However, it’s important to note that Pokémon do not gain EVs from auto-battling. You need to actively engage in battles to properly EV train your team.
Streamlining the Training Process
With the Exp Share, you no longer need to switch Pokémon in and out of battle to ensure they all receive EVs. Simply focus on defeating the desired Pokémon with one or two strong team members, and the rest of your party will benefit passively. This makes EV training significantly faster and more convenient.
Tips and Tricks for Efficient EV Training
Power Items
Power Items, such as the Power Anklet (for Speed), Power Bracer (for Attack), Power Belt (for Defense), Power Lens (for Special Attack), Power Band (for Special Defense), and Power Weight (for HP), are essential tools for EV training. These items, when held by a Pokémon, grant an additional 8 EVs of the corresponding stat after each battle (in addition to the EVs gained from the defeated Pokémon).
For instance, if you defeat a Pokémon that yields 1 Speed EV while holding a Power Anklet, your Pokémon will gain a total of 9 Speed EVs.
Using Vitamins
Vitamins, such as Protein (Attack), Iron (Defense), Calcium (Special Attack), Zinc (Special Defense), HP Up (HP), and Speed (Speed), provide a quick boost to a Pokémon’s EVs. Each Vitamin grants 10 EVs in the corresponding stat, but they can only be used until the Pokémon has 100 EVs in that stat.
Location, Location, Location
Knowing where to find Pokémon that yield specific EVs is crucial for efficient training. For example, in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the waters around Casseroya Lake are filled with Buizel, Wingull, Magikarp, and Arrokuda, all of which yield 1 Speed EV. Combining this knowledge with Power Items can dramatically speed up the EV training process.
Tracking Your Progress
Keep a record of the number of Pokémon you’ve defeated and the EVs your Pokémon have gained. This will help you avoid overtraining and ensure you achieve your desired EV spread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can EVs be gained at level 100?
Yes, Level 100 Pokémon can gain EVs from battling, thanks to the mechanics introduced in Generation V. They can also gain EVs from Vitamins and lose EVs with special Berries.
2. Do Pokémon get EVs from leveling up?
No, Pokémon do not get EVs directly from leveling up. EVs are gained exclusively from battling specific Pokémon or using Vitamins.
3. Does Exp Share make the game easier?
Yes, the Exp Share can make the game easier by ensuring that all your Pokémon are at a comparable level. However, this is often seen as a positive change, as it streamlines team building and reduces grinding.
4. What happens if you use 2 Exp Shares? (Multiple Held Items)
This question is a bit of a misunderstanding. You can only have one Exp Share active in the modern games (Generations VI onwards). The mechanic is built into the game and affects the entire party. Older generations had a held item Exp Share, and the experience was split between the holder and the battling Pokémon. The percentage split depends on the generation, but the question is generally about experience splitting, not EV splitting.
5. What Pokémon levels up Speed EV?
Many Pokémon yield Speed EVs. Common examples include Buizel, Wingull, Magikarp, and Arrokuda, which all yield 1 Speed EV each.
6. Do EVs matter before level 100?
Yes, EVs matter at all levels. While the full impact of EVs is most noticeable at level 100, they provide a stat boost that scales with your Pokémon’s level.
7. Can you max out 2 EVs?
Yes, you can max out two EVs. This is a common and effective strategy, as you can allocate 252 EVs to each of two stats, maximizing their impact.
8. Do feathers increase EVs?
Yes, Wings (or feathers) increase EVs by 1 point per use. They are a convenient way to fine-tune your EV spread.
9. How do you know if an EV is maxed out in Pokémon Scarlet?
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you can check your Pokémon’s EV distribution on their summary screen. Stats with maxed-out EVs (252) will sparkle.
10. How many EVs does a Protein give?
A Protein gives 10 EVs to the Attack stat.
11. Does Exp. Share give less stats?
No, the Exp Share does not give less stats. Pokémon that gain experience through the Exp Share receive the same EVs as those that participate directly in battle.
12. How much XP does XP share give?
Any Pokémon in the battle gets 100% exp with EXP Share on. Everybody else gets 50%.
13. Why do people want to turn off Exp. Share?
Some players prefer to turn off the Exp Share to increase the game’s difficulty or to carefully control the EV gains of their team.
14. How many EVs is maxed?
A single stat can have a maximum of 252 EVs, and a Pokémon can have a total of 510 EVs spread across all stats.
15. What does maxed out EVs look like?
On the stat screen, a maxed out EV (252) will have sparkles near the stat name, the shape will touch the corner of the yellow interior representing their EV.
The Educational Side of Pokémon: GamesLearningSociety.org
Did you know that the mechanics of Pokémon, like EV training, can teach valuable skills in strategy, resource management, and data analysis? Exploring these aspects of gaming is something organizations like the Games Learning Society support. If you are interested in learning more, visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover the academic side of gaming and its potential for education and skill development.
Conclusion
In summary, EVs and Exp Share work harmoniously to enhance your Pokémon training experience. By understanding the mechanics and employing strategic techniques, you can build a powerful team ready to conquer any challenge. Happy training!