Decoding the Judge Function in Pokémon HOME: Your Guide to IVs

The Judge Function in Pokémon HOME is an invaluable tool for trainers seeking to understand the potential of their Pokémon. It allows you to assess the Individual Values (IVs), sometimes referred to as “stats”, of your Pokémon. These IVs are hidden numbers that determine how high a specific stat (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed) can potentially grow. In essence, the Judge Function reveals the genetic potential of your Pokémon, making it crucial for competitive battling and breeding.

Understanding Individual Values (IVs)

Before diving deeper into the specifics of the Judge Function, it’s essential to grasp the concept of IVs. Think of IVs as a Pokémon’s natural talent. Each stat has an IV, ranging from 0 to 31. A higher IV in a particular stat means that Pokémon will have a higher value for that stat at any given level, compared to another of the same species with a lower IV in that stat. Pokémon with higher IVs have a notable advantage in battles.

IVs, combined with Effort Values (EVs) and Natures, influence a Pokémon’s overall stats. However, unlike EVs which can be trained, IVs are fixed and cannot be changed directly, with the exception of Hyper Training after achieving Level 100 in certain Pokémon games. This is why the Judge Function is so important; it helps trainers identify Pokémon with naturally superior stats.

Accessing and Using the Judge Function

The Judge Function is readily accessible within Pokémon HOME. It’s available on both the Nintendo Switch and mobile versions of the app, making it convenient to check your Pokémon’s potential.

Nintendo Switch

1. Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch.
2. Select the Pokémon you wish to examine.
3. View your pokemon summary.
4. Press Y twice. This will display the IVs of the selected Pokémon on a stat chart.

Mobile Version

1. Launch Pokémon HOME on your mobile device.
2. Tap the Pokémon whose IVs you want to check.
3. View your pokemon summary.
4. Double-tap the Pokémon’s stat chart. The IVs will then be shown on the diagram.

Interpreting the Judge’s Feedback

Once you activate the Judge Function, the game will provide you with verbal cues to understand the stats. Instead of numbers, you’ll see descriptions such as:

• Best: Indicates an IV of 31 (perfect).
• Fantastic: Indicates an IV of 30.
• Very Good: Indicates an IV between 26 and 29.
• Pretty Good: Indicates an IV between 16 and 25.
• Decent: Indicates an IV between 1 and 15.
• No Good: Indicates an IV of 0.

A Pokémon with multiple “Best” ratings is highly desirable, especially for competitive battling. A Pokémon with “No Good” in Speed, for example, might be beneficial in a Trick Room team composition, where slower Pokémon move first.

Importance for Competitive Battling and Breeding

The Judge Function is instrumental in two primary areas of the Pokémon experience: competitive battling and breeding.

Competitive Battling

In competitive battles, even a slight stat advantage can make a significant difference. Knowing your Pokémon’s IVs allows you to fine-tune your team, ensuring that you are using Pokémon with the highest potential in crucial stats. By using the Judge Function, trainers can maximize their chances of victory.

Breeding

Breeding is another area where the Judge Function shines. When breeding Pokémon, the IVs of the parents influence the IVs of the offspring. By using the Judge Function to identify parents with high IVs, you can increase the likelihood of breeding Pokémon with desirable IVs. Using items such as the Destiny Knot during breeding further enhances the chances of passing down good IVs. Remember, a Destiny Knot when held by either parent passes down five IVs from either parent randomly to the offspring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Judge Function in Pokémon HOME

1. How do I unlock the Judge Function in Pokémon HOME?

The Judge Function is available by default in Pokémon HOME. There is no need to unlock it. As long as you have a Premium Plan, you have access to the Judge Function.

2. Does the Judge Function show the exact numerical value of IVs?

No, the Judge Function provides qualitative assessments like “Best,” “Fantastic,” “Very Good,” etc., rather than displaying the exact numerical value (0-31). However, “Best” always corresponds to a perfect IV of 31.

3. Can I use the Judge Function on Pokémon transferred from older generations?

Yes, the Judge Function can be used on Pokémon transferred from older generations, as long as they are stored within Pokémon HOME.

4. Is the Judge Function available in every Pokémon game?

No, the Judge Function is not available in every Pokémon game. It typically needs to be unlocked within each game separately. It’s a built-in feature in Pokémon HOME with a Premium Plan.

5. Does Hyper Training affect a Pokémon’s actual IVs?

No, Hyper Training does not change a Pokémon’s underlying IVs. It only maximizes the stats as if the IV were 31 for the purpose of battle calculations. The original IVs are still passed down during breeding. Hyper Training requires your Pokemon to be at least level 100.

6. What is a “6IV” Pokémon?

A “6IV” Pokémon is a Pokémon with perfect IVs in all six stats (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed). All its IVs are 31.

7. Is it necessary to have Pokémon with perfect IVs?

While not always strictly necessary, having Pokémon with high or perfect IVs gives a competitive edge in battles. It can be particularly important for Pokémon with specific roles on a team.

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

IVs are inherent, unchangeable (except with Hyper Training), and determined at the time of capture or hatching. EVs are earned through battling and training, and they can be strategically manipulated to enhance specific stats.

9. Can I breed Pokémon with perfect IVs?

Yes, you can breed Pokémon with high or perfect IVs by using parents with good IVs, along with items like the Destiny Knot to pass down IVs to the offspring.

10. What does a “0 IV” stat mean?

A “0 IV” stat indicates the lowest possible Individual Value for that stat. While generally undesirable, a 0 IV in Speed can be beneficial for Trick Room strategies.

11. Is the Judge Function available in the free version of Pokémon HOME?

No, the Judge Function is only available to users who have subscribed to the Premium Plan of Pokémon HOME.

12. How does the Judge Function relate to Pokémon Natures?

The Judge Function helps you identify a Pokémon’s potential through its IVs, while a Pokémon’s Nature affects which stats grow faster. Combining knowledge of both IVs and Nature allows for optimal stat optimization.

13. Can I see IVs in Pokémon GO?

While Pokémon GO doesn’t directly display numerical IVs, it uses an appraisal system with star ratings to give players an estimate of a Pokémon’s IV range.

14. What is the best way to get Pokémon with high IVs?

The best ways to obtain Pokémon with high IVs include:

• Breeding with parents that have good IVs.
• Participating in Raids, especially in later game generations.
• Catching Pokémon during special events that boost IVs.

15. Do IVs matter in casual gameplay?

While IVs are most crucial for competitive battling, they can still provide an advantage in casual gameplay, especially when tackling challenging content. It is not necessary to have good IVs, but it can provide an advantage in battles.

Conclusion

The Judge Function in Pokémon HOME is an essential tool for any trainer looking to delve deeper into the mechanics of Pokémon training and battling. By understanding and utilizing this function, you can optimize your team, improve your breeding strategies, and ultimately become a more formidable player. Understanding IVs leads to more calculated descisions in battle. Remember that the Games Learning Society explores innovative ways to use games for educational purposes, a concept that certainly applies to mastering the intricacies of Pokémon statistics. Explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.