Unlocking Basculin’s Potential: EV Training and More
Basculin, the aggressive Water-type Pokémon, is a familiar sight to trainers across various regions. But beyond its feisty nature, Basculin plays a role in EV (Effort Value) training. So, the core question remains: What type of EV does Basculin give?
The answer is simple: Basculin provides 1 Speed EV upon being defeated.
EV training is a crucial aspect of competitive Pokémon battling, allowing trainers to fine-tune their Pokémon’s stats to maximize their effectiveness. Understanding which Pokémon yield specific EVs is key to creating a well-rounded and powerful team. Let’s delve deeper into the world of Basculin and its significance in EV training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Basculin
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Basculin, covering various aspects of its stats, forms, evolution, and competitive usage. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of this often-overlooked Pokémon.
1. How can I maximize the Speed EVs I get from Basculin?
To maximize the Speed EVs gained from battling Basculin, consider these methods:
- Power Anklet: This held item multiplies the Speed EVs gained by 8. So, defeating a Basculin while holding a Power Anklet will yield a total of 9 Speed EVs (1 base + 8 from the Anklet).
- Pokerus: This beneficial virus doubles all EVs earned in battle. If your Pokémon has Pokerus and is holding a Power Anklet, defeating a Basculin will grant an impressive 18 Speed EVs (9 doubled).
- Combination: Use the Power Anklet to get 9 Speed EVs. If you happen to have Pokerus as well, that’s 18 Speed EVs in one battle!
2. Where is the best location to farm Speed EVs using Basculin?
The best location depends on the specific game, but generally, areas with a high encounter rate of Basculin are ideal. For lower-level Basculin (levels 5–15), Route 1 or Route 3 are your best bet. Other locations include Pinwheel Forest (levels 5–20), Dragonspiral Tower’s exterior (levels 15–35), and Village Bridge (levels 25–55). In newer titles, check your Pokedex for locations with high Basculin spawn rates.
3. Are there any other Pokémon that give Speed EVs in the same areas as Basculin?
Yes, in many of the locations where Basculin appears, you can also find other Pokémon that yield Speed EVs. These include:
- Buizel, Wingull, Magikarp, and Arrokuda. Each of these Pokémon yields one Speed EV, which is bumped up to nine per knockout with the Power Anklet. Defeating 28 will max out a Pokemon’s Speed stat.
- Cyclizar: Cyclizar offers two Speed EVs, which become 10 when combined with a Power Anklet. Cyclizar is a relatively rare spawn
4. What are the stat differences between Red-Striped and Blue-Striped Basculin?
The main stat difference between the two forms is in their Attack and Special Attack stats. Male has base 112 attack and base 80 special attack, and Female has base 92 attack and base 100 special attack. They are otherwise the same in every other way.
5. Is Basculin primarily a physical or special attacker?
Basculin functions primarily as a physical wallbreaker by slowly breaking down physically bulky Pokemon over time. Due to its poor bulk, Basculin should never be switched into any attacking move unless it absolutely has to, in order to preserve its longevity.
6. What are the visual differences between Red-Striped and Blue-Striped Basculin?
- Red-Striped Basculin have fins with jagged edges.
- Blue-Striped Basculin have fins with smooth edges and narrower blue eyes.
7. Does either form of Basculin have a higher chance of holding a specific item?
Yes, Red-Striped Basculin in the wild have a 5% chance of holding a DeepSeaTooth. This item boosts the Special Attack of Clamperl and its evolutions when held.
8. Can Red and Blue-Striped Basculin breed, and does the form of the offspring matter?
Yes, Red and Blue-Striped Basculin can breed, but the form of the offspring is entirely dependent on the Mother’s form. So, if you breed a Red-Striped Basculin with a Blue-Striped Basculin, the offspring will be the same form as the mother.
9. Can Red and Blue-Striped Basculin evolve into Basculegion?
No, only White-Striped Basculin can evolve into Basculegion. Any Red or Blue-Striped Basculin transferred from other games will not be able to evolve.
10. How does Basculin evolve into Basculegion?
To evolve Basculin into Basculegion, it must take 294 points of cumulative recoil damage from its own moves without fainting, and then level up. You can heal Basculin between battles, but it cannot faint, or the progress will reset.
11. Where can I find White-Striped Basculin?
White-Striped Basculin are found in the Hisui region, specifically in the Timeless Woods lake on the western edge of the Kitakami area, or in Pokémon HOME.
12. Which moves are best for dealing recoil damage to evolve Basculin?
When it comes to moves with recoil, your best choices are between Wave Crash, which Basculin learns at Level 34, or Double Edge, which becomes available from Level 43.
13. What happens if Basculin faints while trying to evolve?
If Basculin faints while accumulating recoil damage, your progress will be reset to zero. This is why it’s crucial to heal and use weaker opponents to safely rack up the necessary recoil damage.
14. Is White-Striped Basculin considered a Hisuian form?
Yes, according to the Hisui Pokedex, Basculin White-Stripe is a regional form. However, this form does not share typical traits with other regional forms, such as a change in type.
15. Why won’t my White-Striped Basculin evolve?
There are two main reasons why your White-Striped Basculin might not be evolving:
- Insufficient Recoil Damage: Ensure that your Basculin has taken at least 294 points of recoil damage without fainting.
- Failure to Level Up: After reaching the required recoil damage, you must level up Basculin to trigger the evolution.
Conclusion: Mastering Basculin for EV Training
Basculin, while seemingly simple, plays a valuable role in Speed EV training. By understanding its mechanics, locations, and the tools to maximize EV gains, trainers can effectively boost their Pokémon’s Speed stat. Furthermore, understanding the nuances of Basculin’s forms and evolution adds another layer of depth to your Pokémon training strategy. So next time you encounter a Basculin, remember its potential beyond just a simple battle!
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