Do Hyper Trained IVs Pass On? Understanding Pokémon Breeding Mechanics
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The short answer is no, Hyper Trained IVs do not pass on during Pokémon breeding. While Hyper Training artificially maximizes a Pokémon’s stats to mimic perfect Individual Values (IVs) for battle purposes, it doesn’t fundamentally alter the Pokémon’s underlying genetic code. Therefore, the original, unaltered IVs are what get passed down to offspring. This means that a Ditto with Hyper Trained stats, while powerful in battle, won’t reliably produce Pokémon with perfect IVs through breeding. Let’s delve deeper into this important mechanic and address some frequently asked questions.
Understanding Hyper Training and IVs
Before we go further, it’s essential to understand what IVs and Hyper Training are. Individual Values (IVs) are essentially a Pokémon’s genes. They are inherent, hidden values ranging from 0 to 31 for each stat (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed). A higher IV in a stat translates to a higher potential for that stat as the Pokémon levels up. An IV of 31 is considered “perfect.”
Hyper Training, introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon, is a mechanic that allows players to maximize a Pokémon’s stats, effectively making them perform as if they had perfect IVs. However, and this is crucial, Hyper Training doesn’t actually change the IVs. It merely applies a modifier that the game recognizes during battles and stat calculations. Think of it as putting on a pair of glasses that make you see perfectly – your eyesight hasn’t changed, but you see better nonetheless.
The Implications for Breeding
The core reason Hyper Trained IVs don’t pass down lies in how the breeding mechanics are coded. The game looks at the Pokémon’s original IVs, not the modified values resulting from Hyper Training, when determining the offspring’s stats. This is because the mechanics prioritize passing down inherent genetic traits rather than temporary stat modifications. Using Destiny Knots to pass down specific IVs from parents can still yield great results!
Therefore, if you’re aiming for Pokémon with perfect IVs through breeding, you’ll still need to rely on traditional methods like using a Ditto with high natural IVs and a Destiny Knot to increase the chances of inheriting favorable stats. Hyper Training remains a valuable tool for quickly boosting the battle readiness of individual Pokémon, but it doesn’t replace the need for careful breeding when aiming for optimal genetics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Hyper Training, IVs, and how they impact Pokémon breeding:
1. What Exactly Does Hyper Training Do?
Hyper Training doesn’t alter the underlying IVs. Instead, it applies a modifier that tells the game to treat a specific stat as if it had an IV of 31. This means that the stat will reflect a change as if it had a perfect IV, but the original IV remains unchanged.
2. Does Hyper Training Affect Hidden Power?
Since Hyper Training doesn’t change the underlying IVs, it does not affect the type of Hidden Power a Pokémon has. Hidden Power type is determined by a specific formula based on the Pokémon’s original IVs.
3. Does Hyper Training Work on Legendaries?
Yes, Hyper Training can be used on any Pokémon, including Legendary Pokémon. This is particularly useful for Legendaries that are difficult or impossible to breed.
4. How Does Hyper Training Differ From Breeding for Perfect IVs?
Breeding for perfect IVs results in a Pokémon with naturally occurring high IVs. Hyper Training artificially maximizes stats, but the underlying IVs remain. Bred Pokémon with high IVs pass on their genetic potential, while Hyper Trained Pokémon do not.
5. Is Hyper Training Permanent?
Yes, Hyper Training is permanent. Once you use a Bottle Cap or Gold Bottle Cap on a Pokémon, the change cannot be reversed.
6. At What Level Can I Start Hyper Training?
You can only Hyper Train a Pokémon that has reached level 100.
7. What are Bottle Caps and Gold Bottle Caps?
Bottle Caps and Gold Bottle Caps are items used to perform Hyper Training. A Bottle Cap maxes out one stat, while a Gold Bottle Cap maxes out all six stats.
8. How do IVs Differ from EVs (Effort Values)?
IVs (Individual Values) are inherent, unchanging stats, while EVs (Effort Values) are earned through battling and can be manipulated. IVs contribute a fixed amount to a stat, while EVs contribute based on the amount invested (up to a maximum of 252 per stat).
9. Can I EV Train at Any Level?
Yes, you can EV train at any level. The effects of EV training will scale as the Pokémon levels up.
10. Do Mints Affect IVs?
Mints do not affect IVs. Mints change a Pokémon’s nature, which in turn affects stat growth, but they do not alter the Pokémon’s inherent IVs.
11. How Many IVs Do Parents Pass Down?
In most recent Pokémon games, parents pass down three IVs to their offspring. The specific stats inherited are random. A Destiny Knot held by either parent guarantees that five IVs will be passed down.
12. What Are Considered “Good” IVs?
IVs range from 0 to 31. An IV of 31 is considered “perfect.” Having multiple IVs of 31 is highly desirable, especially for competitive battling. Many websites like GamesLearningSociety.org offer a great platform to learn the math behind Pokemon stats.
13. Can I Max Out All Stats Through Hyper Training?
Yes, by using a Gold Bottle Cap, you can max out all six stats of a Pokémon through Hyper Training, effectively mimicking a Pokémon with 6 perfect IVs.
14. Does Hyper Training Affect Shiny Pokémon?
Hyper Training works on Shiny Pokémon in the same way as on non-Shiny Pokémon. It maxes out their stats without changing their underlying IVs or shiny status.
15. Why Bother Breeding if I Can Just Hyper Train?
While Hyper Training is a valuable shortcut, breeding is still crucial for several reasons. Firstly, breeding allows you to obtain Pokémon with desired abilities and natures. Secondly, breeding is necessary for acquiring Pokémon in specific Poké Balls, which is important for some collectors. And as discussed, breeding is the only way to guarantee Pokémon with excellent inherent IVs that can then be passed down to future generations. The two systems are therefore not competing.
Conclusion
While Hyper Training offers a convenient way to improve a Pokémon’s stats for battle, it’s essential to remember that Hyper Trained IVs are not inheritable. For breeders seeking to create the ultimate team with perfect genetic potential, traditional breeding methods remain indispensable. Understanding the interplay between IVs, EVs, natures, and Hyper Training is key to mastering the art of Pokémon training and competitive battling.