Unleash Lightning Speed: Maximizing Speed EVs in Pokémon
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you want to build a blazing-fast Pokémon team that leaves opponents eating dust? Excellent! The cornerstone of a speedy team is, of course, maximizing Speed Effort Values (EVs). The short answer is, the Pokemon that provide the most speed EVs will depend on the game you’re playing. Knocking out a Dugtrio provides 2 speed EVs. However, using Power Items doubles the speed EVs gained. This paired with Pokerus can help you max out your speed EV’s. A Carbos also gives +10 speed EV.
Let’s dive deep into the world of Speed EV training, covering everything from optimal strategies to hidden tricks for creating Pokémon that are as swift as they are powerful.
Understanding Effort Values and Speed
Effort Values are essentially hidden stat bonuses your Pokémon accumulate through battling. They are the secret sauce to competitive battling, turning a Pokémon with decent stats into a true powerhouse. Each stat (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed) can be influenced by EVs. For Speed, every 4 EVs translates to a single extra point in that stat at level 100. However, you can only allocate a maximum of 252 EVs to any single stat, and the total across all stats can’t exceed 510 EVs. This means careful planning is essential!
The Optimal Path to Maximum Speed
There are several routes you can take to maximize your speed EVs.
- Targeted Battling: Hunt down specific Pokémon that grant Speed EVs upon defeat. This is the classic, most direct method.
- Vitamin Power-Up: Use Carbos (the vitamin for speed) to instantly boost Speed EVs by 10 points per use.
- Power Items and Pokerus: Combine Power Items (like the Power Anklet, which significantly increases EVs earned) with Pokerus, a rare but beneficial virus that doubles EV gains.
- Poke Jobs (Sword and Shield): Send your Pokémon on specific Poke Jobs to earn EVs passively over time.
Let’s explore these in greater detail:
1. Targeted Battling: Knowing Your Prey
The core of EV training lies in battling Pokémon known to yield Speed EVs. In many games, early routes are packed with Pokémon suitable for this purpose.
- Early-Game Options: Look for common Pokémon like Magikarp (1 Speed EV) on waterways or Wingull (1 Speed EV) near coastal areas. These are great for a consistent but slower pace.
- Mid-Game Powerhouses: As you progress, seek out Pokémon like Electrode (2 Speed EVs) or Crobat (2 Speed EVs).
- Late-Game Grinding: For maximum efficiency, focus on locations with Pokémon that give higher Speed EV yields, especially when combined with Power Items.
2. Vitamin Boost: The Power of Carbos
Carbos are your best friends for quick boosts. Each Carbos you give your Pokémon raises its Speed EVs by 10 points. However, vitamins only work until a stat reaches 100 EVs. After that, you’ll have to rely on battling.
3. The Power Item and Pokerus Combo
- Power Items: Holding a Power Anklet (or similar item) adds an additional eight EVs of the associated stat when you defeat a Pokemon.
- Pokerus: This rare virus doubles the EVs your Pokémon earns in battle. Combine Pokerus with a Power Item, and you’ll be swimming in EVs! Although not always desired, the virus has a chance of spreading to other members of your party, maximizing your efficiency even further.
4. Poke Jobs (Sword and Shield)
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, you can send your Pokémon on Poke Jobs to earn EVs passively. Choose jobs related to Speed training, and your Pokémon will return with boosted stats after a set amount of time.
EV Training Location Examples
Here are some effective Speed EV training locations based on specific games:
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: South of Levincia and south of the player’s house. Look for Pawmi which give 1 Speed EV.
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl: Route 205 (North) using the Vs. Seeker to battle Fisherman Andrew and his Magikarp.
- Pokémon Sword & Shield: Wild Area. Look for Pokémon giving speed EVs paired with a power item.
Remember to always check your game’s specific locations and Pokémon data for the most accurate information.
Pro Tips for Efficient EV Training
- Nature Matters: Choose a Pokémon with a Speed-boosting nature to further enhance its potential. Natures like Timid or Jolly can make a significant difference.
- Keep Track: Use a notebook or an app to keep track of your Pokémon’s EV progress. This will help you avoid overtraining and wasting valuable EVs in unwanted stats.
- Berries for Correction: If you accidentally train the wrong EVs, use berries like Pomeg Berries (HP), Kelpsy Berries (Attack), Qualot Berries (Defense), Hondew Berries (Sp. Atk), Grepa Berries (Sp. Def), and Tamato Berries (Speed) to reduce existing EVs by 10 points each.
- Efficiency is Key: Always prioritize the method that allows you to gain the most Speed EVs in the shortest amount of time. This may involve combining multiple strategies.
- Consider Hyper Training: In later games, if you are not concerned about breeding perfect Pokemon you can use Hyper Training to max out their IVs in combination with EV training to make a dominant Pokemon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Speed EVs
1. Does Magikarp give speed EVs?
Yes, Magikarp is a classic early-game source of 1 Speed EV per defeated Pokémon.
2. What gives the most attack EVs?
While we’re focused on Speed here, for Attack EVs, you’d want to target Pokémon like Shinx and equip your Pokémon with the Power Bracer.
3. Can you reset EVs at level 100?
Yes, modern Pokémon games offer ways to reset EVs at any level, including level 100. Look for items like Reset Bags or use specific berries to reduce EVs in individual stats.
4. Do EVs affect level 100 Pokemon?
Absolutely! The impact of EVs is most noticeable at level 100. Every 4 EVs contribute to a stat point.
5. Are Pokémon caught with 0 EVs?
Yes, newly caught Pokémon always start with 0 EVs in every stat.
6. What berries boost speed?
A Tamato Berry reduces HP EVs, while a Salac Berry will raise the holder’s Speed by one stage if it’s HP drops to ¼ or below.
7. What is the best item for speed in Pokémon?
The Choice Scarf is a popular item that boosts Speed by 50%, but it locks the user into only using one move. The Power Anklet increases the Speed EVs gained in battle.
8. What is the max EV in Pokémon?
The maximum total EVs a Pokémon can have is 510, with a limit of 252 in any single stat.
9. How many EVs do vitamins give?
Vitamins, such as Carbos for Speed, grant 10 EVs to the corresponding stat per use, up to a maximum of 100 EVs through vitamins.
10. Do Exp Candies affect EVs?
No, Exp Candies only increase a Pokémon’s level and do not affect EV gains. EVs are earned separately through battling specific Pokémon or using vitamins.
11. What does maxed out EVs look like?
In the stat screen, a stat with maxed-out EVs will often have a noticeable sparkle effect to indicate it has reached the limit.
12. Do EVs matter after level 100?
Yes, EVs still matter at level 100. As explained above, the effect is that you will be able to obtain additional stats. It is the same as leveling any other time.
13. Is it better to EV train from Level 1?
It doesn’t technically matter when you EV train, but training from Level 1 ensures that you have full control over your Pokémon’s EV distribution.
14. Can a Pokémon have 0 EVs?
Yes, a Pokémon can absolutely have 0 EVs in all stats. This is typically the case for newly caught Pokémon before any training.
15. What is the best way to get Pokerus?
Pokerus is randomly encountered and has a low spawn rate. The most reliable way to get it is through trading with other players who already have a Pokémon infected with the virus. However, you can also come across it when engaging in battles.
Conclusion: Speed is the Name of the Game
Mastering Speed EV training is a crucial step in building a competitive Pokémon team. By understanding the mechanics, targeting the right Pokémon, and utilizing items like Carbos and Power Items, you can create Pokémon that outspeed and outmaneuver their opponents. Good luck, and may your Pokémon be ever swift!
Want to learn more about the science behind gaming? Visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.