How to Get Your Pokémon to Level 100

Reaching Level 100 with your Pokémon is the ultimate goal for many trainers! It signifies the peak of their potential, unlocks maximum stats, and allows them to dominate battles. To get your Pokémon to Level 100, you need to accumulate a significant amount of experience points (EXP). The most effective methods include battling strong Pokémon, utilizing EXP-boosting items and effects, and strategically leveraging game mechanics like EXP Share. Consistency and strategic planning are key!

Understanding EXP Gain and Leveling

Before diving into the strategies, it’s crucial to understand the basics of EXP gain and leveling in Pokémon games. Each Pokémon has its own EXP curve, which dictates how much EXP is needed to reach each level. This curve varies depending on the species and can significantly impact the time it takes to reach Level 100. Some Pokémon level up faster than others.

Factors Influencing EXP Gain

Several factors influence the amount of EXP a Pokémon receives after a battle:

• Pokémon defeated: Stronger Pokémon, especially those with higher levels, typically yield more EXP.
• Battle performance: Participating actively in the battle, rather than switching out immediately, maximizes EXP gain.
• Holding an EXP-boosting item: Items like the Lucky Egg significantly increase the EXP earned.
• Using EXP Share: Distributes a portion of EXP to Pokémon in your party that didn’t participate in the battle.
• Affection/Friendship: High affection in some games can lead to bonus EXP.
• Trading Pokémon: Traded Pokémon receive a higher EXP multiplier.
• Meal Powers/O Powers/Rotom Powers: These temporary boosts grant EXP boosts to Pokémon in your party for a limited time.

Proven Strategies for Leveling Up

Several strategies can accelerate your Pokémon’s journey to Level 100:

1. Battle Elite Four/Champion Repeatedly

The Elite Four and Champion battles are typically the most reliable source of high-level Pokémon and abundant EXP. Re-battling them repeatedly is a classic leveling strategy. Make sure you are prepared with super-effective moves, high-level Pokémon, and healing items.

2. Utilize EXP Share Effectively

The EXP Share item is a game-changer. Distribute it wisely. You may want to give it to a low-level Pokémon you want to train, or to a Pokémon with a type advantage against the Elite Four.

3. Lucky Egg and EXP-Boosting Items

The Lucky Egg is an invaluable item that significantly boosts EXP gain. Obtain it as early as possible in the game. Other EXP-boosting items, such as EXP Candy (available in various sizes) or Herba Mystica, also aid in rapidly raising your Pokémon’s level. EXP Candy can often be obtained through Raid Battles.

4. Battle High-Level Wild Pokémon

Seek out areas with high-level wild Pokémon. In later games, post-game areas often have significantly stronger wild encounters. Utilizing sandwich buffs (like those found in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet) can increase encounter rates with specific types of Pokémon, allowing you to target Pokémon that offer high EXP.

5. Participate in Max Raid Battles/Tera Raid Battles

Raid Battles, particularly those of higher difficulty, offer significant EXP rewards. Defeating powerful raid bosses grants access to valuable resources, including EXP Candy, as well as a chance to catch powerful Pokémon.

6. Optimize Battle Strategies

• Type matchups: Exploit type weaknesses for quick victories and bonus EXP.
• Status conditions: Use status conditions like paralysis or burn to increase your chances of winning battles against tough opponents.
• Held items: Equipping items that boost specific move types or stats can give your Pokémon an edge.

7. Grinding with Auto-Battle Features

Recent Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, offer auto-battle features that allow your Pokémon to battle weaker Pokémon automatically, providing a steady stream of EXP without requiring constant player input. This is particularly useful for leveling Pokémon during downtime or when focusing on other tasks.

8. Leveling Services

Some players may find it convenient to use leveling services, where another player levels up their Pokémon for them. These services are often a last resort, but they can be a quick way to reach Level 100. Keep in mind that these services may violate the terms of service of certain games and that using them may lead to consequences.

9. SOS Chaining

In Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, SOS chaining can be a useful tool to farm EXP and rare Pokémon. It is a method of chaining battles by inducing wild Pokémon to call for allies during battle.

10. Using Mystery Gift Codes/Events

Sometimes Mystery Gift codes or in-game events will give you useful EXP-boosting items. Keep an eye out for these events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the fastest way to level up Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

The fastest way to level up in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is through a combination of battling Tera Raid Battles, using EXP Candy obtained from those raids, and creating sandwiches with EXP-boosting effects. Targeting areas with high-level wild Pokémon and using auto-battles is also effective.

2. How important is friendship/affection for leveling?

High friendship/affection can grant bonus EXP in certain games, but its impact is usually smaller compared to other methods like using Lucky Eggs or battling strong opponents. While it’s beneficial to raise your Pokémon’s friendship, it shouldn’t be your primary focus for leveling.

3. Does the Pokémon’s nature affect EXP gain?

No, a Pokémon’s nature does not directly affect EXP gain. Natures affect stat growth, but not the rate at which a Pokémon levels up.

4. Is it worth leveling a Pokémon to Level 100 if its IVs (Individual Values) are low?

While high IVs are desirable for competitive battling, leveling a Pokémon to Level 100 with low IVs can still be worthwhile for completing the game’s story, participating in casual battles, or simply enjoying the satisfaction of maxing out its level. Hyper Training can be used to maximize IVs in later games.

5. Can I revert a Pokémon back to a lower level after reaching Level 100?

No, once a Pokémon reaches Level 100, you cannot revert it to a lower level. Leveling is a one-way process.

6. What are the best items to use while leveling Pokémon?

The Lucky Egg is the single best item for increasing EXP gain. EXP Candy of various sizes also offer significant EXP boosts. Other helpful items include those that boost specific move types, like Charcoal for Fire-type moves or Mystic Water for Water-type moves.

7. Do traded Pokémon level up faster?

Yes, traded Pokémon typically receive a higher EXP multiplier, making them level up faster than Pokémon you caught yourself. This mechanic encourages trading and can be helpful for quickly leveling up newly acquired Pokémon.

8. How do I get a Lucky Egg?

The methods for obtaining a Lucky Egg vary between games. Typically, you can find them by completing specific in-game events, defeating certain trainers, or finding them hidden in the environment. Check specific game guides for detailed instructions.

9. What happens when a Pokémon reaches Level 100?

When a Pokémon reaches Level 100, it stops gaining EXP and cannot level up further. Its stats are maximized based on its IVs, EVs (Effort Values), and nature. It can still learn moves through TMs, HMs, or Move Tutors.

10. Are there any penalties for using EXP Share?

There are no penalties for using EXP Share. It distributes EXP efficiently, allowing you to level up your entire team without needing to actively battle with each Pokémon. It’s almost always beneficial to use EXP Share.

11. How important are EVs (Effort Values) when leveling to 100?

EVs are extremely important for competitive battling, as they significantly influence a Pokémon’s stats. While not strictly necessary for simply reaching Level 100, EV training can maximize your Pokémon’s potential in battles.

12. Can a Shiny Pokémon be leveled up to 100?

Yes, Shiny Pokémon can be leveled up to 100 just like any other Pokémon. Their appearance doesn’t affect their ability to gain EXP or reach maximum level.

13. Is it necessary to level all my Pokémon to Level 100?

No, it is not necessary to level all your Pokémon to Level 100. It depends on your goals. For completing the main storyline, it’s usually sufficient to have a team of Pokémon around Level 60-80. Level 100 is primarily for competitive battling and personal completion.

14. What is the best location for grinding levels in [Specific Pokémon Game Title]?

The best location for grinding levels varies depending on the specific game. Researching specific in-game locations that are often the best for battling high-level Pokémon. Pokemon Scarlet/Violet has Area Zero and various other high-level caves and areas.

15. Do Pokémon continue to evolve after level 100?

No, Pokémon do not evolve after reaching level 100. Evolution requirements must be met before reaching the maximum level. If a Pokémon evolves by level, it has to evolve before 100.