Mastering Effort Values: How Long Does It Take to Fully EV Train Your Pokémon?

So, you want to become a Pokémon master, huh? Beyond breeding perfect IVs and choosing the right nature, Effort Value (EV) training is a crucial step to maximizing your Pokémon’s potential, especially in competitive battling. But how long does it actually take to fully EV train a Pokémon?

The short answer: it depends. With optimized strategies and tools, you can fully EV train a Pokémon in as little as 15-30 minutes. However, without those advantages, expect it to take considerably longer, possibly an hour or more per Pokémon. Let’s dive into the factors influencing that timeline and how you can speed up the process.

Factors Affecting EV Training Time

Several factors play a role in determining the total time it takes to fully EV train a Pokémon. Knowing these factors will allow you to effectively EV train your team.

• Game Version: Modern Pokémon games (Sword, Shield, Scarlet, Violet) offer significantly more efficient methods than older titles. Older games may require manually tracking and battling, which can be tedious and time-consuming.
• Available Resources: Access to Power Items (Power Anklet, Power Bracer, etc.), Pokerus, and vitamins (Protein, Calcium, etc.) drastically reduces training time. These resources require in-game currency and can be purchased.
• Target Pokémon: Knowing which Pokémon to battle for specific EVs streamlines the process. Using incorrect Pokémon will increase the time required for your team.
• Training Location: Knowing which location to train for specific EVs will optimize training and reduce time. Using the correct location will allow for optimal EVs.
• Method Efficiency: Manual battling is the slowest method. Utilizing Poke Jobs or automated battle systems (if available) accelerates the process.
• Starting Point: If your Pokémon already has some EVs, you’ll need to reduce them using berries before starting from scratch.

Speeding Up the Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a breakdown of how to EV train efficiently, minimizing the time investment:

1. Preparation is Key:
   • Acquire Power Items: These items, held by your Pokémon during battle, add extra EVs for each defeated opponent. For instance, the Power Bracer grants +8 Attack EVs per battle.
   • Check for Pokerus: Pokerus doubles the EVs gained from each battle. It’s a rare but highly beneficial “virus” that can spread throughout your party. If you do not have this naturally, trading with another user is recommended.
   • Stock Up on Vitamins: Vitamins (Protein, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Carbos, HP Up) provide 10 EVs to a specific stat each. They’re expensive but offer a quick initial boost, especially if you are already rich in the game.
2. EV Reduction (If Necessary): If your Pokémon has unwanted EVs, use EV-reducing berries like Pomeg, Kelpsy, Qualot, Hondew, Grepa, and Tamato berries to reset those stats.
3. Strategic Battling:
   • Identify Target Pokémon: Research which Pokémon give the EVs you need for your desired build. For example, Pikachu often provides Speed EVs.
   • Find Efficient Training Spots: Locations with a high density of the target Pokémon are ideal. In older games, this requires more research than newer games.
   • Chain Battles (Where Applicable): Some games offer chaining mechanics (like SOS chaining in Sun/Moon or outbreaks in Scarlet/Violet) that increase the frequency of encounters.
4. Automated Training (If Available):
   • Poke Jobs (Sword/Shield): Send your Pokémon on Poke Jobs to Hammerlocke University to passively gain EVs. While not as fast as targeted battles, it’s a convenient option, especially while doing other things.
5. Monitoring Progress:
   • Check EV Spread: Use the in-game EV checker (usually found in the Pokémon’s stat screen) to monitor your progress. The screen will indicate when a stat is maxed out (252 EVs) and when the overall EV total (510) is reached.

Example Scenario: EV Training in Pokémon Scarlet/Violet

Let’s say you want to max out the Attack and Speed EVs of a newly hatched Scorbunny in Pokémon Scarlet.

1. Equip: Give Scorbunny the Power Bracer (for Attack) and later the Power Anklet (for Speed).
2. Attack Training: Travel to an area with a high concentration of Pokémon that give Attack EVs.
3. Speed Training: After Attack is maxed, change the location to where pokemon giving speed EVs are and keep the Power Anklet attached.
4. Monitor: Regularly check Scorbunny’s stats screen to track progress.

With Pokerus and Power Items, you can typically max out a stat in 15-20 minutes through targeted battles.

Fully Trained EVs

A fully trained Pokémon will have 510 total EVs, with no more than 252 in any one stat. This can be optimized to 2 stats that will have 252 EVs and then the last remaining 6 EVs into a third stat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Tracking EVs: Failing to monitor your progress can lead to wasted battles and inefficient training.
• Ignoring EV Reduction: Starting with pre-existing EVs without resetting them can throw off your desired spread.
• Using Ineffective Training Locations: Battling Pokémon that don’t provide the EVs you need is a waste of time.
• Forgetting Power Items: Power Items are a must-have when EV training through battles.

Beyond the Numbers: Understanding the Impact

EV training is more than just a number-crunching exercise; it’s about tailoring your Pokémon’s strengths to fit your battle strategy. A well-EV-trained team can significantly outperform a team with the same Pokémon but without optimized EVs. It allows you to control where your team excels and create a well-oiled machine for victory.

Understanding the theory behind Pokémon can be challenging, but there are great resources online, such as Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to the study of all things gaming. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you fully EV train at level 1?

Yes, you can EV train at any level. The effects of EVs scale as you level up. Many competitive players start EV training immediately after hatching a Pokémon with good stats.

2. Do EVs only matter at level 100?

To see the full impact of EVs, you need to reach level 100. However, you can fully EV train at any level, and the benefits will be noticeable as the Pokémon levels up. The higher the level, the more impact from EVs.

3. What is the max EV level?

A Pokémon can gain a total of 510 EVs, with a maximum of 252 EVs per stat.

4. Can you over train EVs?

You cannot exceed the 510 total EV limit or the 252 EV limit per stat. Once you reach these limits, further battles won’t increase those stats.

5. Do feathers increase EVs?

Yes, feathers (also known as wings) grant 1 EV each to a specific stat. Vitamins provide 10 EVs each.

6. What Pokémon gives the most speed EVs?

Common Pokémon for farming Speed EVs include Pikachu, Meowth, Voltorb, and others. The best choice depends on the specific game and available locations.

7. Can a level 100 Pokémon EV train?

Yes, EV training at level 100 is no different than at any other level. You can use vitamins, battle wild Pokémon, or utilize Poke Jobs.

8. Is it better to EV train before evolving?

It doesn’t matter when you EV train. EVs recalculate stats even at level 100, so you can train before or after evolution.

9. What happens if you run out of Power Points (PP) in an EV?

If you run out of PP, you will need to use Ethers or Elixirs to replenish your Pokemon’s moves. This is a costly endeavor.

10. Can you push a dead EV?

You cannot push a dead EV. If you find yourself stranded with a dead EV battery, you really only have one option: Call a towing company to get you to a charging station.

11. Are EVs bad for road trips?

Yes, you can use an electric vehicle for long highway trips. Charging is more frequent than gasoline fill-ups. Many more DC fast chargers are needed.

12. Why can’t Tesla charge while driving?

Electric vehicles, however, lack an engine that can power an alternator, making it impossible to produce electricity while moving.

13. Does speed affect EV range?

Higher speeds require more energy, reducing your EV’s range. Try to stick to the speed limit and avoid unnecessary high-speed driving.

14. How many miles can an electric car last? Do electric cars lose range over time?

Under current estimates, most EV batteries will last between 15-20 years or 100,000 to 200,000 miles before they need to be replaced, it is more likely that the battery will outlast the car.

15. What is the average EV range in 2023?

The average distance a new electric car coming to the market for the first time in 2023 can travel on a single charge is almost 300 miles, new analysis suggests.

Conclusion

EV training, while potentially time-consuming, is a rewarding process that can significantly improve your Pokémon’s performance. By understanding the mechanics, utilizing available resources, and employing efficient training strategies, you can drastically reduce the time required to fully EV train your team and dominate the competition. Now, get out there and start maximizing those stats!