Unlocking the Secrets of EV Training: When Do Pokémon Stop Gaining Effort Values?

Let’s cut right to the chase: Pokémon do NOT stop earning EVs at any specific level. Whether your Pokémon is fresh out of its Poké Ball at level 5, or a seasoned veteran at level 100, it can still accumulate Effort Values (EVs). The real limitation isn’t the level of your Pokémon, but rather the total amount of EVs it can accumulate and the maximum EVs per stat. So, while a level 100 Pokémon can still gain EVs, there are still caps that affect how you can train it. This is fundamental for anyone aiming to build a competitively viable team.

Diving Deep into Effort Values: A Comprehensive Guide

EVs, alongside Individual Values (IVs) and Natures, are one of the key components that determine a Pokémon’s stats. Understanding how EVs work is crucial for optimizing your Pokémon’s performance in battle. Think of EVs as bonus points that you strategically distribute to boost specific stats like Attack, Defense, Speed, Special Attack, and Special Defense.

• The EV Cap: A Pokémon can only accumulate a maximum of 510 EVs in total.
• Stat-Specific Limit: Each individual stat can have a maximum of 252 EVs invested in it.
• The Magic Number: 4: Every 4 EVs invested in a stat translates to 1 stat point at level 100.

This means you can effectively max out two stats (252 + 252 = 504 EVs) and put the remaining 6 EVs into a third stat for a 252/252/4 EV spread. This is the most common EV spread used in competitive battling.

How Do Pokémon Earn EVs?

Pokémon earn EVs primarily through battling and defeating other Pokémon. Each Pokémon yields specific EVs when defeated, typically corresponding to their base stats. For instance, defeating a Pokémon with high Attack stats will grant your Pokémon Attack EVs.

However, battling isn’t the only way. You can also use Vitamins (like Protein, Iron, Calcium, etc.) to boost EVs. Each Vitamin adds 10 EVs to the corresponding stat. Vitamins can be used even at level 100, but they will not increase EVs beyond the 252 cap per stat.

Another method is Training Items, such as the Power Bracer and Power Anklet, which increase the amount of EVs gained after a battle. These items grant additional EVs to a specific stat each battle.

EVs and Leveling: A Common Misconception

The confusion often stems from the fact that you see the full effect of EVs at level 100. A Pokémon at level 50, for example, will experience smaller stat boosts from EVs compared to a level 100 counterpart. However, the EVs are still there, contributing proportionally to the Pokémon’s stats at that level. The important thing to note is that at level 50 the first 4 EVs you put into a stat will increase that stat by 1 (Assuming you have an odd IV in that stat. IVs will be covered in another article). After that, the stat will increase by 1 for every 8 EVs until 252.

Experience Candies do not grant EVs. While they boost your Pokémon’s level, they do not affect the EV training process. EVs are gained through specific battles, Vitamins, or training items, regardless of how the Pokémon reaches a certain level. This understanding is particularly important for educators and students interested in using Pokemon as a teaching tool, which is an area explored by the Games Learning Society. See more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Checking Your Pokémon’s EV Progress

Thankfully, the modern Pokémon games make it easier than ever to track your EV progress. Simply open your Pokémon’s summary and check their stat screen. Many games display the EV distribution visually, with a colored graph indicating how many EVs are invested in each stat. Maxed-out stats are often indicated by sparkles around the stat name. This gives you a quick visual confirmation of your EV training progress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About EVs

Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you understand EVs in Pokémon:

1. Can a level 100 Pokémon still gain EVs?

Yes, a level 100 Pokémon can absolutely still gain EVs through battling, using Vitamins, or utilizing Training Items. The level is irrelevant to the EV accumulation process, as long as the caps have not been reached.

2. Do EVs only matter at level 100?

EVs matter at all levels, but their effects are most noticeable at level 100. At lower levels, the stat boosts gained from EVs will be smaller, but they still contribute to the Pokémon’s overall stats.

3. Are EVs capped by level?

No, EVs are not capped by level. The caps are on the total number of EVs a Pokémon can have (510) and the maximum number of EVs that can be invested in a single stat (252).

4. How do I know if my Pokémon’s EVs are maxed?

Check your Pokémon’s stat screen. Many games will visually indicate maxed-out stats with sparkles or a filled-out graph. A solid colored shape will show the EVs. Stats with maxed-out EVs will sparkle.

5. How do EVs work at level 50?

The important thing to note is that at level 50 the first 4 EVs you put into a stat will increase that stat by 1 (Assuming you have an odd IV in that stat. IVs will be covered in another article). After that, the stat will increase by 1 for every 8 EVs until 252.

6. Can you max every EV in Pokémon?

No, you cannot max out every EV. A Pokémon can only have a total of 510 EVs spread throughout all six stats, with a maximum of 252 EVs in any one stat.

7. Can you max out 2 EVs?

Legally, your Pokémon can only have 510 effort values maximum in total, and 252 EVs in a certain stat. Almost all of the time, maximising two out of six stats are optimal.

8. How many perfect EVs can you have?

Every Pokémon can attain up to 510 EVs, with a max of 252 in any one stat. You’ll want to decide what the two most important stats are for your Pokémon and train in those.

9. Do Exp Candies affect EVs?

No, Experience Candies only increase a Pokémon’s level. They do not affect EV gains. EVs are earned through battles, Vitamins, and Training Items.

10. Why aren’t my EVs increasing?

EVs do not provide significant stat boosts at low levels. It takes time and consistent EV training to see noticeable results. Ensure you’re battling Pokémon that yield the EVs you desire and that you haven’t reached the EV caps.

11. Is it better to EV train from Level 1?

It doesn’t matter what level you start EV training. The important thing is to strategically train your Pokémon to gain the desired EVs. Starting early can help avoid accidentally training the wrong EVs later on.

12. What do maxed-out EVs look like?

A maxed out stat will have sparkles around its name. When a Pokémon has 510 EVs in total, the graph will turn cyan.

13. How many stats can you fully EV train?

You can effectively fully EV train two stats (252 EVs each), with a small investment of the remaining EVs (typically 4-6 EVs) in a third stat.

14. What is the max IV and EVs?

Max IV is 31. Max EV in a single stat is 252 (since Generation 7). Total EVs must be less than 510. 255 EVs (prior to Generation 7)

15. How many EV bottles can a Pokemon have?

The max EVs a Pokemon can have total in all stats is 510.

Mastering the Art of EV Training

EV training can seem daunting at first, but with a little knowledge and planning, you can create a powerful and competitive Pokémon team. Remember the key principles: understand the EV caps, strategically choose the stats to focus on, and utilize the various methods available for gaining EVs. Whether you’re battling in the online arena or simply aiming to create a strong team for the main storyline, EV training is an essential skill for any serious Pokémon trainer.