Speed Demons: A Trainer’s Guide to Farming Speed EVs in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
So, you’re looking to outpace the competition in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet? Excellent choice! Speed is often the name of the game, and strategically training your Pokémon to maximize their Speed stat is crucial for victory. Let’s cut to the chase: which Pokémon offer those sweet, sweet Speed Effort Values (EVs) in the Paldea region?
The most efficient Pokémon to farm for Speed EVs in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet include:
- Fletchling/Rookidee: These early-game birds are fantastic due to their widespread availability and the fact that they each grant 1 Speed EV upon defeat.
- Buizel: Found near water sources, Buizel also gives 1 Speed EV.
- Pikachu: This iconic electric mouse yields 2 Speed EVs. While less common than Fletchling, it’s still a viable option.
- Tandemaus: Surprisingly, this tiny mouse family grants 1 Speed EV.
While these are the most common and accessible, remember that any Pokémon giving Speed EVs will do, it’s just a matter of efficiency. But how do you maximize your gains? Let’s dive into that and many other related questions!
Maximizing Your Speed EV Training
The key to efficient Speed EV training lies in understanding how EVs work and utilizing specific items and strategies to accelerate the process.
The Power Anklet: Your Best Friend
The Power Anklet is an invaluable tool for any trainer serious about EV training. This item, when held by a Pokémon, grants an additional 8 EVs of the corresponding stat (in this case, Speed) per battle. This bonus is added to the base EVs that the defeated Pokémon provides.
For example, if you defeat a Fletchling (1 Speed EV) while your Pokémon is holding the Power Anklet, you’ll receive a total of 9 Speed EVs! This significantly reduces the number of battles required to fully train your Pokémon.
Location, Location, Location
Choosing the right location is crucial for efficient farming. Look for areas where your target Pokémon are abundant and easy to defeat. The early routes of Paldea are perfect for Fletchling and Rookidee, while coastal areas are ideal for finding Buizel.
The Importance of Natures and IVs
While this article focuses on EVs, it’s essential to remember that Natures and Individual Values (IVs) also play a significant role in determining your Pokémon’s stats. A Pokémon with a Speed-boosting Nature (e.g., Timid, Jolly) will have a higher Speed stat than one with a neutral or Speed-reducing Nature. Similarly, Pokémon with high Speed IVs will naturally be faster.
Speed EV Training FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Speed EV training in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet:
1. What are EVs, and why are they important?
Effort Values (EVs) are hidden stat bonuses that Pokémon gain through battling. Each Pokémon can accumulate a maximum of 510 EVs in total, with a maximum of 252 EVs in a single stat. EVs directly impact a Pokémon’s stats at Level 100, making them vital for competitive battling.
2. How do I check my Pokémon’s EVs?
In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, you can check your Pokémon’s EVs through the stat screen in your party menu. Press L on the stat screen of your Pokémon, and it will show the EVs in a chart. Sparkles appear around the chart when a stat has reached the maximum 252 EVs.
3. Where can I buy the Power Anklet?
You can purchase the Power Anklet and other Power Items at the Delibird Presents shop in Mesagoza. You’ll need to progress through the game and earn League Points (LP) to unlock these items.
4. Can I EV train a Level 100 Pokémon?
Absolutely! EVs can be earned at any level, so even a Level 100 Pokémon can benefit from EV training.
5. How many battles does it take to max out a Pokémon’s Speed EVs using the Power Anklet?
To reach the maximum 252 Speed EVs with the Power Anklet, you’ll need to defeat approximately 28 Pokémon that give 1 base Speed EV (like Fletchling or Rookidee). (252/9 = 28)
6. Are there any berries that can reduce EVs?
Yes! Certain berries, such as Pomeg Berry, Kelpsy Berry, Qualot Berry, Hondew Berry, Grepa Berry, and Tamato Berry, can reduce a Pokémon’s EVs in specific stats. These are useful for correcting mistakes or re-allocating EVs.
7. What is the best Nature for a Pokémon focused on Speed?
Common Speed-boosting Natures include Timid (Speed up, Attack down) for Special Attackers and Jolly (Speed up, Special Attack down) for Physical Attackers.
8. Do Pokémon with higher base Speed stats benefit more from Speed EVs?
Yes, absolutely. EVs provide a flat stat bonus, so Pokémon with higher base Speed stats will see a more significant impact from Speed EVs.
9. Can I use vitamins (e.g., Carbos) to increase Speed EVs?
Yes! Vitamins like Carbos can be used to raise a Pokémon’s EVs in a specific stat. Each vitamin grants 10 EVs, but they can only be used until a stat reaches 100 EVs.
10. What is the difference between EVs and IVs?
EVs (Effort Values) are earned through battling and training, while IVs (Individual Values) are inherent stats determined at the moment a Pokémon is generated. IVs cannot be changed through training (without Hyper Training), whereas EVs can be manipulated.
11. How does Hyper Training affect Speed?
Hyper Training, which becomes available later in the game, allows you to maximize a Pokémon’s IVs in a specific stat. While it doesn’t actually change the underlying IV, it treats the stat as if it were perfect, providing the maximum possible stat value at Level 100.
12. What are some strategies for combining Speed EVs with stat-boosting moves?
Combining Speed EVs with moves like Agility or abilities like Speed Boost can create incredibly fast and powerful Pokémon. This can allow you to outspeed even the fastest opponents.
13. How do held items affect Speed EV training?
Besides the Power Anklet, no other held item directly influences the gaining of Speed EVs. However, the Choice Scarf is an excellent item to increase speed in battle. The item boosts the Pokémon’s Speed by 50%, but only allows the use of the first move selected.
14. Is there a way to automatically EV train my Pokémon?
In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, the closest thing to automatic EV training is to use the Let’s Go! feature. While auto-battling, Pokémon still gain EVs from the Pokémon they defeat, without gaining XP, so it’s an efficient way to train at any level.
15. What is the importance of Speed in competitive Pokémon battles?
Speed is often considered the most important stat in competitive Pokémon battles. Outspeeding your opponent allows you to strike first, potentially knocking out their Pokémon before it can even move. This can create a significant advantage and swing the battle in your favor.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Need for Speed!
Mastering the art of Speed EV training in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet is a rewarding endeavor that can significantly improve your competitive performance. By understanding the mechanics of EVs, utilizing the Power Anklet, and carefully planning your training strategy, you can create a team of lightning-fast Pokémon that will leave your opponents in the dust.
Remember to also consider your Pokémon’s Nature and IVs for optimal results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies and team compositions to find what works best for you. Good luck, and may your Pokémon always strike first! To discover more about learning through gaming, check out Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.