EV Training: Level 1 or Level 100? Unraveling the Mystery
No, you absolutely do not have to EV train before level 100 in modern Pokémon games. You can begin EV training at any level, from the moment your Pokémon hatches to the instant before its final level-up. The important thing is that the EVs are earned; the stat benefits will accrue regardless of your Pokémon’s current level. In fact, the core of EV training revolves around strategically boosting specific stats to optimize your Pokémon’s performance in battle, whether against in-game opponents or other players. So, while you can start at level 1, it’s all about understanding how EVs work and making informed choices.
EV Training Demystified
Before diving deeper, let’s clarify what EV training actually is. EVs (Effort Values) are hidden stat bonuses that your Pokémon gains by battling and defeating other Pokémon. Every Pokémon you defeat yields specific EVs in one or more stats. Unlike IVs (Individual Values), which are fixed at birth or encounter and contribute to a Pokémon’s inherent potential, EVs are malleable and controllable. A Pokémon can accumulate a maximum of 510 EVs, with a cap of 252 EVs in any single stat. Every 4 EVs in a stat translates to a single point increase in that stat when the Pokémon reaches level 100. This is where strategic planning comes into play: you want to invest those 510 EVs wisely, typically focusing on two stats that complement your Pokémon’s role in battle.
The Leveling Myth: Busted!
A common misconception is that EVs only take effect at level 100. This was true in older generations of the game (specifically Generation III and IV), where stat recalculations only occurred upon leveling up. However, since Generation V (Black and White), this changed. Now, stat boosts from EVs are applied immediately after a battle, regardless of your Pokémon’s level. This means that even if your Pokémon is level 5, those EVs it’s earning are contributing to its current stats, albeit on a smaller scale than at level 100.
Why Start Early, or Why Not?
The decision to start EV training at a low level hinges on personal preference and the specific context of your gameplay.
Advantages of Early EV Training:
- Complete Control: Starting early allows you to micromanage your Pokémon’s EVs from the very beginning, preventing any unwanted or accidental EV gains.
- Strategic Long-Term Planning: If you have a precise build in mind for a competitive team, early EV training ensures you stay on track and don’t waste any EVs on incorrect stats.
- Gradual Progression: The gradual stat increases from EVs can make your Pokémon more effective throughout the main storyline of the game.
Disadvantages of Early EV Training:
- Tedious and Time-Consuming: Tracking and controlling EVs at low levels can be a repetitive and somewhat tedious process, especially if you’re aiming for perfect optimization.
- Less Impact at Lower Levels: The stat boost from EVs is proportionally smaller at lower levels, meaning the effort might not be as noticeable in the early game.
- Potential for Errors: It’s easier to accidentally miscalculate or make mistakes when tracking EVs at low levels, potentially requiring you to use stat-resetting berries.
The Level 100 Paradigm
While you can EV train at any level, reaching level 100 holds significance in the context of competitive battling. This is because at level 100, the full impact of both EVs and IVs is realized. Every 4 EVs contribute a full stat point, and a perfect IV (31) in a stat provides the maximum possible boost. It’s worth noting that Hyper Training can bring a stat to its maximum potential as well.
Tools of the Trade: Modern EV Training
Modern Pokémon games offer a plethora of tools and techniques to streamline the EV training process:
- Power Items: These held items, such as the Power Bracer or Power Anklet, grant additional EVs in a specific stat after each battle.
- Vitamins: Items like Protein (Attack), Iron (Defense), and Calcium (Special Attack) provide an immediate +10 EV boost to their respective stats.
- Berries: Certain berries, like Pomeg Berry (HP) and Kelpsy Berry (Attack), reduce the EVs in a specific stat, allowing you to correct any errors.
- Pokerus: This beneficial “virus” doubles the EVs earned from battles, significantly accelerating the training process.
- Poke Jobs: In games like Sword and Shield, you can send your Pokémon on Poke Jobs to earn EVs passively while you’re not actively playing.
FAQs: Your EV Training Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions related to EV training:
1. Can I EV train a Pokémon after it reaches level 100?
Absolutely! You can EV train a Pokémon at any level, including level 100. Vitamins will work, and battling Pokémon will still award EVs.
2. Do EVs affect stats at low levels?
Yes, they do. While the full effect of EVs is seen at level 100, EVs contribute to stat increases at all levels. The lower the level, the less pronounced the effect, but the EVs are still working.
3. What’s the maximum number of EVs a Pokémon can have?
A Pokémon can have a maximum of 510 EVs in total.
4. What’s the maximum number of EVs I can put into one stat?
You can invest a maximum of 252 EVs into any single stat.
5. How many EVs do I need for a one-point stat increase at level 100?
Every 4 EVs translates to a one-point stat increase at level 100.
6. Is EV training necessary for completing the main story?
No, EV training is not necessary for completing the main storyline of most Pokémon games. However, it can make battles easier, particularly towards the end of the game.
7. Is EV training important for competitive battling?
EV training is crucial for competitive battling. It allows you to optimize your Pokémon’s stats and create specialized builds that excel in specific roles.
8. What are the best methods for EV training?
The best methods involve using Power Items, Vitamins, Pokerus, and strategically battling Pokémon that yield the desired EVs.
9. Can I reset a Pokémon’s EVs?
Yes, you can. Certain berries, like Pomeg Berry, Kelpsy Berry, Qualot Berry, Hondew Berry, Grepa Berry, and Tamato Berry, reduce EVs in specific stats. Using these berries allows you to correct any mistakes or reallocate EVs.
10. How do I check my Pokémon’s EVs?
In modern Pokémon games, you can check your Pokémon’s EVs by opening its summary screen and looking for the stat graph. Maxed-out EVs in a stat will often be indicated by a visual cue, such as sparkling effect.
11. Can I hyper train a Pokémon before EV training?
Yes, you can Hyper Train before EV training. However, generally, you would Hyper Train IVs and then EV Train, as Hyper Training requires a Pokemon to be Level 100. Hyper Training is functionally different, boosting a Pokémon’s IVs (Individual Values) to the maximum of 31 in each stat, if the Pokémon is at Level 100.
12. What’s the difference between EVs and IVs?
EVs (Effort Values) are earned through battling and can be controlled by the player. IVs (Individual Values) are randomly generated at birth or encounter and are fixed. Both EVs and IVs contribute to a Pokémon’s stats.
13. Do Pokémon receive EVs if they didn’t participate in the battle?
No, Pokémon that do not participate in the battle will not receive EVs. Only Pokémon that actively battle and gain experience will earn EVs.
14. Can I max out all of a Pokémon’s stats with EVs?
No, you cannot. A Pokémon can only gain a total of 510 EVs, and only a maximum of 252 EVs can be allocated to a single stat.
15. Where can I find more resources and learn about game-based learning?
You can find more resources about game-based learning and the intersection of games and education at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society is a great resource for exploring the educational potential of games.
Final Thoughts: EV Training Your Way
Ultimately, the decision of when to start EV training is a matter of personal preference and playstyle. There’s no right or wrong answer. Whether you prefer to meticulously control your Pokémon’s stats from level 1 or focus on EV training later in the game, the important thing is to understand how EVs work and make informed choices that align with your goals. With the right tools and strategies, EV training can be a rewarding and engaging aspect of the Pokémon experience, empowering you to create powerful and competitive teams. So experiment, have fun, and find what works best for you.