Unlocking Lightning Speed: A Comprehensive Guide to Pokémon That Boost Your Velocity
Which Pokémon increase Speed? The answer lies in understanding Effort Values (EVs). Specific Pokémon, when defeated in battle, award Speed EVs, which, in turn, boost a Pokémon’s Speed stat. Some notable examples include Wingull, Starly, Murkrow, and Wattrel. Keep reading to learn more about how to maximize your Pokémon’s Speed!
Mastering Speed in the Pokémon World
Speed is a crucial stat in Pokémon battles. A faster Pokémon often attacks first, potentially delivering a knockout blow or setting up strategic advantages. Understanding how to manipulate and maximize Speed can be the difference between victory and defeat. Several factors influence a Pokémon’s Speed, including its base Speed stat, held items, moves, and the EVs it has accumulated.
Understanding Effort Values (EVs) and Speed
Effort Values (EVs) are hidden stat bonuses awarded to your Pokémon after battling and defeating other Pokémon. Each Pokémon yields specific EVs; some give Attack EVs, others Defense, and some grant the coveted Speed EVs.
Defeating Pokémon that yield Speed EVs is a targeted method to increase your Pokémon’s Speed stat. Remember, you can only accumulate a maximum of 510 EVs in total, with a cap of 252 EVs per stat. Smart training involves carefully selecting which Pokémon to battle to optimize your desired stat distribution.
Pokémon That Grant Speed EVs: Key Examples
- Wingull, Pelipper: These Flying/Water-types are readily available in many games and provide Speed EVs.
- Starly, Staravia, Staraptor: Common Flying-types offer a reliable source of Speed EVs, especially early in the game.
- Murkrow, Honchkrow: These Dark/Flying-types are great for slightly later in the game.
- Wattrel, Kilowattrel: These Flying/Electric types are some of the newest Speed EV trainers!
Items That Amplify Speed
Several held items can significantly impact a Pokémon’s Speed.
- Choice Scarf: A popular item that increases Speed by 50%, but locks the user into only using the first move it selects. This item is a staple on many competitive teams.
- Power Anklet: When held by a Pokémon, this item increases the Speed EVs gained from each battle. This significantly speeds up the EV training process.
- Quick Claw: This item has a chance to allow the holder to move first in its priority bracket, regardless of Speed. This item has a small chance of activating and only works on Pokémon with moves of the same priority.
- Agility, Rock Polish: These are moves that drastically increase the Speed stat of the user.
Moves That Influence Speed
Some moves directly alter a Pokémon’s Speed stat, either positively or negatively.
- Agility: Sharply raises the user’s Speed stat.
- Rock Polish: Drastically raises the user’s Speed stat.
- String Shot: Lowers the target’s Speed stat.
- Icy Wind: Lowers the target’s Speed stat.
- Electroweb: Lowers the target’s Speed stat.
These moves can be valuable for strategic Speed control, either boosting your own Pokémon’s Speed or hindering your opponent’s. These moves are referred to as “Speed control”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Speed in Pokémon
1. What is the fastest Pokémon overall?
The Pokémon with the highest base Speed stat is Deoxys-Speed, boasting an impressive 180.
2. How many Speed EVs can a Pokémon have?
A Pokémon can accumulate a maximum of 252 Speed EVs. Remember, the total EV limit across all stats is 510.
3. What does the “Nature” affect in Pokémon, and how does it relate to Speed?
A Pokémon’s Nature affects its stat growth. Some Natures increase Speed while decreasing another stat, and vice versa. For example, a Timid Nature increases Speed and decreases Attack.
4. Can I reduce Speed EVs?
Yes, certain berries, like the Pomeg Berry, can reduce EVs in a specific stat, allowing for corrections in your EV training strategy.
5. What is the best location for Speed EV training?
The “best” location varies depending on the game, but areas with a high encounter rate of Speed EV-yielding Pokémon, such as routes abundant with Wingull or Starly, are generally ideal.
6. Does Magikarp give Speed EVs?
Yes, Magikarp yields 1 Speed EV per battle.
7. What is the role of Speed in Trick Room teams?
Trick Room reverses the turn order, making slower Pokémon move first. Therefore, Trick Room teams often utilize Pokémon with very low Speed stats.
8. What does it mean for a Pokémon to have 0 Speed IVs?
Individual Values (IVs) are inherent stats that contribute to a Pokémon’s overall stats. A Pokémon with 0 Speed IVs has the lowest possible Speed potential and is desired for Trick Room teams.
9. Is Choice Scarf always the best item for increasing Speed?
Not necessarily. While Choice Scarf offers a substantial Speed boost, the move-locking effect can be restrictive. Other items, like Life Orb or Focus Sash, might be more suitable depending on the Pokémon’s role and the team’s strategy.
10. Do Speed EVs affect a Pokémon’s Speed immediately after a battle?
No, the effect of EVs on a Pokémon’s stats is not immediately apparent after each battle. The increase becomes noticeable after the Pokémon levels up.
11. What is Speed control in Pokémon battles?
“Speed control” refers to strategies and moves used to manipulate the turn order, such as using moves that lower the opponent’s Speed or increase your own.
12. Are there any Pokémon with no weaknesses?
The Eelektross line (Tynamo, Eelektrik, and Eelektross) are Electric-type Pokémon with the Levitate ability, making them immune to Ground-type moves and therefore having no type weaknesses.
13. How does paralysis affect Speed?
Paralysis typically reduces a Pokémon’s Speed by 50% (the exact percentage may vary slightly between generations).
14. How do tailwind and other weather condition impact speed?
Tailwind Doubles the Speed stat. Several weather conditions can indirectly impact Speed. For example, Rain boosts Water-type moves, which might encourage the use of Water-type Pokémon with high Speed.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon strategy and game mechanics?
You can explore resources like GamesLearningSociety.org to delve deeper into game-based learning and the strategic aspects of Pokémon. The Games Learning Society has an amazing collection of resources on games as well as on how to use games as a learning tool.
Ultimately, understanding how to manipulate Speed is a key element to becoming a successful Pokémon trainer. By targeting specific Pokémon for EV training, utilizing items strategically, and employing Speed-altering moves, you can build a team capable of outspeeding and overwhelming your opponents.