Current Stat: 0
EVs needed for +1: 4
Want to build the ultimate competitive team or simply make your favorite Pokémon stronger? Understanding Effort Values (EVs) is crucial, whether you’re playing classic titles like Pokémon FireRed or mobile games like Pokémon GO. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about EV training, including how to use an EV calculator effectively.
Understanding EVs: The Hidden Stat Boosters
EVs are bonus points your Pokémon earns through:
✔ Defeating specific Pokémon
✔ Using Vitamins (Protein, Iron, etc.)
✔ Equipping Power Items or Wings
Key EV Rules:
- Each Pokémon can have 510 EVs total
- Maximum of 252 EVs per stat
- 4 EVs = +1 stat point at Level 100
The EV Formula
A Pokémon’s stat is calculated using:Final Stat=(Base Stat×2+IV+EV4)×Nature ModifierFinal Stat=(Base Stat×2+IV+4EV)×Nature Modifier
This is why checking your Pokémon’s IVs first is important—tools like a Pokémon FireRed IV calculator or Pokémon GO IV calculator can help determine your starting point.
How to Use an EV Calculator
Popular tools like Pokémon Showdown’s Team Builder let you:
- Select your Pokémon species
- Input its level, nature, and current stats
- See exactly how many EVs are invested
- Plan the remaining EVs needed
Example:
A Timid Alakazam with:
- Special Attack = 220
- Speed = 250
- IVs = 31 (perfect)
The calculator will show:
✅ Current EVs in Sp. Atk & Speed
✅ How many more EVs you need to max them (252 each)
Best EV Training Methods
| Stat | FireRed/LeafGreen (Best Pokémon to Battle) | Modern Games (Optimal Training) | EVs Gained |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | Chansey (Safari Zone) | Whiscash (Lake) | +2 HP EV |
| Attack | Machop (Rock Tunnel) | Rookidee (Route 1) | +1 Atk EV |
| Speed | Magikarp (Route 4) | Diglett (Cave) | +1 Speed EV |
| Sp. Atk | Gastly (Pokémon Tower) | Psyduck (Lake) | +1 Sp. Atk EV |
Pro Training Tips:
- Power Items (e.g., Power Bracer) give +8 EVs per battle
- Pokerus infection doubles EV gains (stack for +16 EVs per KO!)
- In Pokémon GO, focus on IVs first using a Pokémon GO IV calculator before powering up
Common EV Mistakes & Fixes
❌ Training the wrong stats (e.g., Attack EVs on a Special Attacker)
✅ Solution: Use an IV checker first to determine strengths
❌ Not resetting EVs before retraining
✅ Solution: Use Berries (e.g., Kelpsy Berry reduces Attack EVs)
❌ Wasting EVs beyond 252 in one stat
✅ Solution: Spread remaining EVs (e.g., 252 Atk / 252 Speed / 4 HP)
Top EV Calculator Tools
- Pokémon Showdown Team Builder (Best for competitive planning)
- Serebii’s Calculator (Great for older games like FireRed)
- Pokémon GO IV Calculators (Like PokeGenie or Calcy IV for mobile optimization)
For more advanced strategies, check out Smogon’s EV training guide, a trusted resource for competitive players.
FAQs
1. Do EVs matter in Pokémon GO?
While Pokémon GO prioritizes IVs, understanding EVs (called “Stat Points”) helps in Master League. Always check IVs first with a Pokémon GO IV calculator.
2. Can I max all stats?
No—you can only max 2 stats (252 each) + 6 leftover EVs.
3. How do I check EVs in older games?
In FireRed, you must track manually. Newer games (Scarlet/Violet) show a yellow stat graph when maxed.