Do Caught Pokémon Have 0 EVs? A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to Pokémon, training is a crucial aspect that requires a deep understanding of its mechanics. One aspect of training that can make a significant difference in battle performance is Effort Value (EV) training. However, a common query that many trainers have is: do caught Pokémon have 0 EVs?
The Simple Answer: No
To expand on this, no fresh catches have EVs at all. Every single wild Pokémon that you capture is EV-free. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t change their EVs. The journey to maxing out those EVs begins during battles, where your Pokémon earn EVs from defeated foes.
How Catching Pokémon Affects EVs
When you encounter a wild Pokémon, its stats are already set and can’t be changed except for EVs. Every Pokémon has a maximum limit of 510 EVs, which can be used to boost its stats further. When you catch it, the EVs the Pokémon has are retained, and you have the opportunity to increase those values.
The Importance of EV Training
EVs are crucial in Pokémon battle because they determine the bonus or penalty applied to certain stats. By training EVs, you can max out your Pokémon’s abilities and make them more powerful in battle. The impact of EVs can range from a 1/8th to a whole percentage point increase in stats. While it may seem minute, these small changes can lead to significant advantages when paired with other training techniques.
The Process of EV Training
To level up your Pokémon’s stats through EV training, focusing on specific aspects of a Pokémon’s performance requires patience and dedication. Typically, trainers focus on particular areas, such as setting the EVs to align with the Pokémon’s ability. Here’s a rundown of the process:
- Capture a wild Pokémon of your desired species.
- Venture out into the wild with a team of Pokémon already set up for EVs (if needed).
- **Defeat battle-capable wild Pokémon** to earn new EVs for your main catch.
- Focus on the desired aspects, such as increasing accuracy, speed, or attacks, by strategically defeating opponent species.
Rerolling EVs without Catching New Pokémon
Before the release of Sun and Moon, rerolling EVs required repeated battling and catching new species to accumulate more EVs. However, SOM and subsequent games brought changes that make rebalancing EVs faster and more efficient.
Today, you can directly rebalance EVs by using vitamins as many times as needed for the desired stats. Prior to using vitamins, remove all vitamins and make one vitamin per stat. Consume the vitamin, making the desired stat rise while not affecting others. This method ensures fast, targeted EV training. Consult the table below:
| Vitamin | Stat Boosts |
|---|---|
| Protein | Attack Defense |
| Iron | Defense |
| Calories | HP |
Rare Candy Leveling and EV Impact
A common concern from new trainers is the effectiveness of leveling up with Rare Candy. Can using Rare Candy directly affect EVs in an adverse way?
Fortunately, Rare Candi does not reduce the current EVs associated with your Pokémon. Raising your Pokémon’s stats with Rare Candy is absolutely fine, and it is compatible with EV training techniques.
Conclusion
Whether caught or hatched, your Pokémon’s EV values begin at zero. Trainers can strategically focus EVs to maximize their catches and make them more combat-ready. Understanding EV mechanics allows you to fine-tune your team and enjoy more successful battles. Use vitamins to rebalance stats quickly, and remember – with patience and dedication – your Pokémon can flourish as powerful warriors under your guidance.