What is EV training, and how is it helpful in battles? Well, EV training gives a certain advantage in battling, which you will learn more about here. For example, an EV trained, level 50 Raticate can possibly likely beat an untrained, level 100 Dialga. How is that possible? Read on to find out.

For your convenience, you can skip to the other sections for easier and quicker reading using the links below.

Introduction

EV's, which stand for Effort Values, are very useful mechanics added to the Pokémon games during the Gameboy Advance generation. Instead of leveling up with the same amount of stat boosts, Pokémon can gain a different amount of boosts each time they gain a level. For example, if I were to EV train a Steelix in Defense, it could gain +10 DEF every level up instead of the +2 or +3 DEF it usually gains.

 
Since 255 isn't divisible by 4, most people put +252 EVs in two stats, then put +6 EVs extra in another stat. Usually you don't train in more than two areas. This is why you always see EV trained Pokémon around in boards that are for trade with statements like, "+252 Defense!" This means that the Pokémon has been EV trained with +252 EV into Defense, giving it +63 more points in Defense than a Pokémon that is non-EV trained.

However, if you gain 252 EV points before leveling up, and then level up, you most likely will not receive the +63 stat increase you'd expect. This is because the EVs a Pokémon earns only really shows at level 100.

Remember that the most a Pokémon can get is 510 EVs, which is the maximum. What this means is that after gaining 510 EVs, the EVs will not be counted any more. So if Dialga already gained 510 EVs, and battled 1000 more Pokémon, it will not receive any more EVs. However, Dialga will still increase in stats, just not with the boost from EV points.
 

How do you find out if a Pokémon has reached its maximum EVs? One way to find out for Pokémon RSE is to visit the Slateport Market, and talk to the lady next to the Energy Guru. If you maxed out on EVs, then she will give you an Effort Ribbon. For Pokémon DPPt, visit the lady in the Sunyshore Market where Seals are sold and she'll give you an Effort Ribbon. In Pokémon HGSS talk to the Ribbon Lady in Blackthorn City.

 
Because of this limit, its best to start EV training as early as possible. Most people EV train Pokémon hatched from eggs, because they specifically create an egg that, when hatched, contains a Pokémon with a specific nature that aids in EV training. For more information about natures, please click here. If you messed up in EV training, there are some special berries that can erase the amount of EVs that you've earned. Visit the Helpful Items section for more info!

Pokémon that are level 100 can still be EV trained! Now you may ask, how can you get a Pokémon to level 100 without battling? Well, it's possible, since you can also use the Daycare or Rare Candies. But since the Pokémon is level 100, it can't gain any more levels, so how does it gain in stats? Well, by using vitamins and battling Pokémon, EV points can still be gained. After using the item or battling, deposit the level 100 Pokémon in the PC. Every time a Pokémon is put into the PC, its stats get recalculated, so you can EV train at any level!

How to EV Train Back to Top

Now that you've got the basics down, how exactly do you train? Well, it's pretty simple. Battle the same Pokémon over and over again until you've maxed out the EVs for that particular stat, and you're done! Since this is a tedious process, there are some items that can help. Check out Helpful Items for a list.
 

 
In Pokémon RSE, you are able to mix records with someone and receive their secret base. In their base, you can find their current team at the time of mixing. This way you can battle their 6 Latios and earn 18 EVs!

Helpful Items Back to Top

There are a couple of items that can aid you when EV training for a certain stat, or EV training as a whole. Below is a list of those items and where to get them in Pokémon DPPt and HGSS. Please note that some items can also be found using the Pickup ability found on some Pokémon such as Zigzagoon and Meowth.
 
The Dowsing Machine app, also known as the Itemfinder, is found on the Pokétch in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, and is App #7. You can also use the key item Itemfinder in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
 
Note that the first line gives the location(s) of the items in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, and the second lines gives it for HeartGold and SoulSilver.
 

Each individual Pokémon gives out a different amount of Effort Points once defeated in battle. This depends on where they are in the evolution chain, and if they are legendary.
 
For example, since an Alakazam is higher up in the chain, it gives more Special Attack EVs than an Abra does. A Dialga will give way more Effort Points than a Rattata. For details such as which Pokémon gives how many EV points, visit any one of the online Pokédexes.