Decoding the Protein Puzzle: Mastering Effort Values in Pokémon

A Protein in the Pokémon world provides a straightforward boost of 10 Effort Values (EVs) to a Pokémon’s Attack stat. These items are crucial for strategic training, allowing trainers to fine-tune their Pokémon’s potential. But the journey to EV mastery doesn’t end there! Let’s delve deeper into the world of EVs, Proteins, and maximizing your team’s strength.

Understanding Effort Values (EVs)

Effort Values, or EVs, are a hidden stat that determines how strong your Pokemon is. They can only gain a total of 510 EVs spread throughout all six stats, and only a max of 252 EVs can make it onto one stat. They can be earned through battling or catching Pokémon or by the usage of an item such as a Protein.

How Proteins Fit into the Picture

Proteins specifically target the Attack stat, offering a convenient and direct way to increase it. One Protein adds 10 EVs to the chosen Pokémon’s Attack stat. The main difference between Proteins and fighting is that Protein give a flat +10 EVs. If you mean +1 to the stat, at level 100, 4 EVs = +1 stat which means 1 protein is already +2 stats.

Strategic Use of Proteins

Proteins are most effective early in the EV training process, especially if your Pokémon has low or zero Attack EVs. However, the usage of Proteins is best if you use them on Pokémon that have not yet hit their maximum EV. In Pokemon, each stat can hold a maximum of 255 EVs. So a min-max build would be something like 252 Attack, 252 Speed, 4 HP, or something. Otherwise they can be spread out however you’d like.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Proteins and EVs

These questions and answers provide valuable information for trainers looking to master EV training using Proteins and other methods. Learning about how Proteins benefit your Pokémon, makes the game more engaging and allows you to build the best possible team! Learn more about the impact of games on education at GamesLearningSociety.org.

1. What is the maximum number of Proteins I can use on one Pokémon for the Attack stat?

You can use a Protein on a Pokémon until its Attack EV reaches 100. This means you can use a max of 10 Proteins on one Pokemon.

2. If I want to max out a Pokémon’s Attack EV to 252, how many Proteins do I need?

Since the maximum value of EVs a Pokemon can have is 252, you would need a total of 26 Proteins. However, keep in mind you can only use the first 10 Proteins and that you would need to switch to battling or other EV items once you have maximized the amount of Proteins you can use on your Pokémon.

3. What happens if I try to use a Protein on a Pokémon that already has 100 Attack EVs from other sources?

The Protein will have no effect. The game will likely indicate that the Pokémon’s Attack stat cannot be raised further using Proteins. Once the Pokémon is full, there is no need to continue using the Protein.

4. Besides Proteins, what other methods can I use to increase a Pokémon’s Attack EV?

Apart from Proteins, you can increase Attack EVs by:

• Battling specific Pokémon: Defeating certain Pokémon yields Attack EVs.
• Using other EV-enhancing items: Items like Power Items (e.g., Power Bracer) held during battle boost EV gains.
• Using Poke Jobs: Send your Pokemon to Hammerlocke University via Poke Jobs.

5. Do Proteins increase friendship or happiness in Pokémon games?

Yes, using Vitamins, like Protein, increases the Pokémon’s friendship a little. This is a beneficial side effect of using these items for EV training.

6. Can Proteins be used in battle?

No, Proteins cannot be used during battles. They are used from the Bag outside of battle to directly influence a Pokémon’s EV stats.

7. How do Effort Values (EVs) differ from Individual Values (IVs)?

EVs are trainable stats earned through gameplay, whereas IVs are inherent stats determined at the time a Pokémon is generated and cannot be changed (without special items in some later games). IVs act as a base stat modifier, while EVs provide additional bonuses.

8. Is there a limit to the total number of EVs a Pokémon can have?

Yes, a Pokemon can only gain a total of 510 EVs spread throughout all six stats, and only a max of 252 EVs can make it onto one stat. Once you’ve reached this limit, your Pokémon will no longer gain EVs from any source.

9. Can I remove EVs from a stat if I accidentally trained it incorrectly?

Yes, you can remove EVs using specific berries that lower EV such as feeding your Pokémon the following berries will lower the stat’s EV by 10 and increase your Pokémon’s happiness: Pomeg Berry: lowers HP and Kelpsy Berry: lowers attack.

10. At what level does EV training become effective?

EV training is effective at all levels, but the impact is most noticeable at higher levels. The higher the level, the more pronounced the stat boosts from EVs become.

11. Do Proteins work the same way in all Pokémon games?

The basic function of Proteins remains consistent across most Pokémon games – they add 10 EVs to the Attack stat. However, specific mechanics (like the maximum number usable or the total EV cap) might vary slightly between generations. In addition to Proteins, you can also use other EV-enhancing items: items like Power Items (e.g., Power Bracer) held during battle boost EV gains.

12. Can I use Proteins on a Pokémon that is already at level 100?

Yes, you can use Proteins on a level 100 Pokémon to increase its Attack EV, as long as the stat has not reached its maximum EV limit. Level 100 Pokemon don’t gain any EVs from battling. They can gain EVs from Vitamins though, and lose EVs with the special Berries, which will change the Pokemon’s actual stats on the fly.

13. What are some recommended Pokémon for EV training in Attack?

Some of the best places to find EVs are the following Pokémon:

• Machop/Machoke/Machamp: Common in many areas and reliably give Attack EVs.
• Heracross: Found in specific locations and provides a significant Attack EV boost.
• Other Fighting-type Pokémon: Often a good source of Attack EVs due to their stat focus.

14. How do I keep track of my Pokémon’s EV progress?

In modern Pokémon games, there are in-game features to check a Pokémon’s EV spread. Look for options in the Pokémon’s summary screen or use specific items that reveal EV distributions.

15. Can you max out 2 EVs?

Maxing out two is a perfectly viable strategy and actually recommended unless you have some specific numbers you want to hit. Even when you see an EV spread that doesn’t max out two stats, the explanation usually gives specific threats that usually maxed or uninvested. For instance, you can max out speed and attack.

Mastering EVs for Victory

Understanding and utilizing Proteins for EV training is a critical part of becoming a successful Pokémon trainer. By strategically employing these items and combining them with other EV training methods, you can optimize your Pokémon’s stats and build a formidable team ready for any challenge. Understanding these values allows you to master the art of battling. For more research and resources on game-based learning, visit the Games Learning Society website.