If you’re looking to become a true master in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, one of the most important aspects of your journey will be optimizing your Pokémon’s stats. EV (Effort Value) and IV (Individual Value) training are crucial for improving your Pokémon’s performance, and understanding these mechanics can take your gameplay to the next level. In this guide, we’ll explain how EV and IV training work in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and give you tips for maximizing your Pokémon’s potential.
What are EVs and IVs?
Before diving into how to train your Pokémon’s stats, it’s important to understand what EVs and IVs are and how they affect your Pokémon’s abilities.
- EV (Effort Value): EVs are hidden stats that influence how your Pokémon’s stats (such as Attack, Defense, Speed, etc.) grow as they level up. Every time your Pokémon defeats a wild Pokémon, it gains EVs in specific stats depending on the defeated Pokémon. For example, defeating a Zubat would increase your Pokémon’s Speed EVs. A Pokémon can gain a maximum of 510 EV points, with a cap of 252 EVs in any single stat. The more EVs you invest in a stat, the higher that stat will grow as your Pokémon levels up.
- IV (Individual Value): IVs are inherent stats that your Pokémon are born with. These stats determine a Pokémon’s potential in each of its abilities and cannot be changed through regular gameplay. IVs are randomized when you catch or breed a Pokémon, and they range from 0 to 31 for each stat. Higher IVs will give your Pokémon a better potential in battle, especially in competitive play.
How to Train EVs in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
EV training allows you to customize your Pokémon’s stats, making it an essential part of competitive play. Here’s how you can optimize your EV training in Pokémon Legends: Z-A:
- Battle Pokémon for EVs: The easiest way to train EVs is by battling wild Pokémon or completing specific in-game tasks that reward EVs. Each Pokémon you defeat provides a certain number of EV points in one or more stats. For example, a Pidgey might give you 1 EV point in Speed, while a Machop could give 1 EV point in Attack.
- Use Items to Boost EV Gains: Items like the Macho Brace or Power Items (such as Power Weight, Power Bracer, etc.) can help you gain EVs faster. These items can double the EVs you earn from battles, speeding up your training significantly.
- Use Vitamins: Items like Carbos, Calcium, and Proteins can directly increase your EVs in a specific stat. While they are costly, they are a quick and easy way to boost your EVs without needing to battle.
- Maximize the EV Cap: Keep in mind that your Pokémon can only accumulate a total of 510 EV points. If you want to focus on a particular stat, you can invest up to 252 EV points in that stat. For example, if you want to build a fast attacker, you might put 252 EVs into Speed and the remaining 258 EVs into other stats like Attack or HP.
- Use EV Reducing Items: If you make a mistake and want to redistribute your EVs, you can use berries like Pomeg Berry or Kelpsy Berry to lower EVs in specific stats.
How to Improve IVs in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Unlike EVs, IVs are set when a Pokémon is caught or bred. However, there are a few ways to improve your Pokémon’s IVs:
- Breeding for Better IVs: The most common way to improve IVs is through breeding. By breeding two Pokémon with high IVs, there is a chance that the offspring will inherit some of those good IVs. Breeding in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a great way to ensure that your Pokémon have the best potential for competitive play.
- Use the Destiny Knot: When breeding, the Destiny Knot is an essential item. It allows five of the parents’ IVs to be passed down to the offspring, increasing the likelihood of obtaining a Pokémon with high IVs.
- Hyper Training: In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, you can use Hyper Training to maximize the IVs of a Pokémon that has reached level 100. This allows you to fully optimize your Pokémon’s stats without needing to catch another one.
- IV Judge: The IV Judge is a useful feature that allows you to assess the IVs of your Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. You can access this feature in the Battle Tower, and it will tell you which stats have perfect IVs and which need improvement.
How to Buy Shiny and Alpha Pokémon
If you’re looking for rare and powerful Pokémon to add to your team, you can buy shiny Pokémon or buy Legends ZA Pokémon at U4GM. Shiny Pokémon are rare variants with an alternate color palette, and Alpha Pokémon are larger and stronger versions of regular Pokémon. These special Pokémon can be a game-changer in both casual and competitive play, so if you’re looking for a leg-up, acquiring them can be a good option.
U4GM offers a wide selection of Pokémon for purchase, including shiny and Alpha Pokémon. Whether you’re looking for a specific shiny variant or want to round out your team with strong Alpha Pokémon, U4GM is a reliable source.
Training EVs and IVs in Pokémon Legends: Z-A can be a rewarding but time-consuming process. By understanding the mechanics behind EV and IV training, you can give your Pokémon the best chance to succeed in battle. Whether you’re looking to optimize your stats for competitive play or just improve your Pokémon’s performance in-game, mastering these concepts is key to becoming a true Pokémon master.
And remember, if you’re looking for rare and powerful Pokémon, you can always buy shiny Pokémon or buy Legends ZA Pokémon at U4GM to further enhance your collection. Happy training, and good luck on your adventure!
