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Unlocking Perfection: Maximizing IVs in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

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The maximum Individual Value (IV) for any single stat in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is 31. Each of a Pokémon’s six stats (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed) can have an IV ranging from 0 to 31. A Pokémon with all six stats at 31 IVs is considered to have perfect IVs, and is highly sought after for competitive battling and min-maxing. This article will explain IVs, how to get them, and the mechanics behind maximizing your Pokémon’s potential in the Paldea region.

Understanding Individual Values (IVs)

Think of IVs as a Pokémon’s genetic potential. They are hidden stats, determined when a Pokémon is generated (either when you encounter it in the wild, hatch it from an egg, or receive it as a gift). These values are permanent and contribute to the overall stats of your Pokémon. The higher the IV, the higher that stat will be at any given level.

The Impact of IVs on Stats

IVs directly influence a Pokémon’s base stats. For each stat, an IV of 31 adds 31 points to that stat at level 100. While this may not seem like much at lower levels, it becomes significant as your Pokémon levels up, and it can be the deciding factor in close battles.

Checking Your Pokémon’s IVs

You can check your Pokémon’s IVs in-game using the Judge function. This function is unlocked after completing certain post-game activities, specifically defeating enough Pokémon during the Academy Ace Tournament. Once unlocked, simply open your Pokémon’s stat screen in the box, and press the “+” button. This will display a rating of each stat:

No Good: IV of 0
Pretty Bad: IVs between 1-15
Decent: IVs between 16-24
Very Good: IVs between 25-29
Fantastic: IV of 30
Best: IV of 31

Achieving Perfect IVs: Methods and Strategies

While you can’t directly increase a Pokémon’s IVs before Hyper Training, there are ways to obtain Pokémon with better IVs to start. The two primary methods are catching Pokémon from high-star Tera Raid battles and breeding.

Tera Raid Battles

Tera Raid Battles are a fantastic source of Pokémon with high IVs. Six-star Tera Raids are particularly lucrative, guaranteeing Pokémon with five perfect IVs. The sixth IV will be random (between 0 and 31). Participating in these raids requires unlocking them in the post-game, so be prepared to tackle the main story first.

Breeding for IVs

Breeding is a more controlled method for obtaining Pokémon with desirable IVs. Here’s the basic process:

Obtain a Ditto: Ditto can breed with almost any breedable Pokémon, making it an invaluable breeding tool.
Use Destiny Knot: Giving one of the parent Pokémon a Destiny Knot to hold ensures that the offspring inherits 5 IVs from the parents. This greatly increases the chances of passing down high IVs.
Breed Repeatedly: Keep breeding until you get a Pokémon with the desired IVs and nature. It can be a grind, but the results are worth it!
Consider Everstone: If you have a preferred nature, equip one of the parents with an Everstone to guarantee that nature is passed down to the offspring.
6 IV Ditto: Having a 6 IV Ditto greatly increases the odds that you will breed a Pokémon with 5 or 6 perfect IVs.

Hyper Training

Hyper Training is a mechanic that allows you to artificially maximize a Pokémon’s IVs to 31. It’s performed by talking to an NPC in Montenevera. Here’s what you need to know:

Level Requirement: Your Pokémon must be level 50 or higher to undergo Hyper Training.
Items Required: Hyper Training requires Bottle Caps. A single Bottle Cap boosts one stat to its maximum, while a Golden Bottle Cap maximizes all stats.
Artificial Boost: Keep in mind that Hyper Training does not change the actual IV of the Pokémon; it merely treats it as if it were 31 for the purpose of stat calculation. This means that Hyper Trained IVs will not be passed down during breeding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 common questions about IVs in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, along with comprehensive answers:

Can you get perfect IVs in the wild? While it’s extremely rare, wild Pokémon can have perfect IVs. However, relying on this is not a practical strategy. Breeding and Tera Raids are much more efficient.
Do IVs matter in the main story? For the main story, IVs are less critical. You can complete the game without worrying too much about them. However, for challenging post-game content and competitive battles, they become essential.
Are EVs (Effort Values) the same as IVs? No, they are different. EVs are earned by battling Pokémon and can be strategically trained to boost specific stats. IVs are inherent and cannot be changed directly.
How do I unlock 6-star Tera Raids? To unlock 6-star Tera Raids, you must complete the main story, the Academy Ace Tournament, and then participate in and complete a certain number of 5-star raids.
Can you change a Pokémon’s nature? Yes, you can change a Pokémon’s nature using Nature Mints, which can be purchased at Chansey Supply shops after progressing through the game.
Is it possible to breed a shiny Pokémon with perfect IVs? Yes, it is possible, but it requires patience and luck. Combining the Masuda method (breeding with a foreign Pokémon) with the Destiny Knot can significantly increase your chances.
What is the Masuda method? The Masuda method involves breeding two Pokémon from different language regions (e.g., a Pokémon caught in an English version of the game with a Pokémon caught in a Japanese version). This greatly increases the odds of hatching a shiny Pokémon.
Do Pokémon from Tera Raids always have good natures? No, Pokémon from Tera Raids have random natures. You can use Nature Mints to change their natures to your preference.
Can Ditto breed with legendary Pokémon? No, Ditto cannot breed with most legendary or mythical Pokémon. There are only a few exceptions.
How many Bottle Caps do I need for a Golden Bottle Cap? You cannot craft Golden Bottle Caps from regular Bottle Caps in Scarlet and Violet. Golden Bottle Caps are obtained as rare drops from Tera Raids or as rewards from certain events.
Does Hyper Training affect Hidden Power? Hidden Power is not in the Gen 9 Pokémon games.
What Pokémon are good for EV training? Certain Pokémon offer specific EVs when defeated. You can find lists online detailing which Pokémon give which EV yields. Power items can also be held by your Pokémon to greatly increase EV gain in specific stats.
Are there any items that help with IV breeding besides Destiny Knot and Everstone? No, the Destiny Knot and Everstone are the primary items that assist with IV breeding and nature inheritance, respectively.
Can you breed a Pokémon with perfect IVs from parents with Hyper Trained stats? No, Hyper Trained IVs are not passed down during breeding. The offspring will inherit the original, unchanged IVs of the parents.
Where can I learn more about the mechanics in Pokemon games? You can learn more by visiting and researching on the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Conclusion

Maximizing IVs in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet requires understanding the mechanics of IVs, utilizing breeding techniques, participating in Tera Raids, and employing Hyper Training strategically. While it takes time and effort, the results are worthwhile for trainers looking to optimize their team for competitive battling and challenging in-game content. With dedication and the right approach, you can assemble a team of Pokémon with perfect IVs, ready to conquer any challenge Paldea throws your way.