How to iv train pokemon

Overview

IV training, short for Individual Values training, is a complex but rewarding aspect of competitive Pokémon battling and dedicated gameplay. It revolves around optimizing a Pokémon's hidden stats, known as IVs, which significantly influence their overall strength and performance in battles. Unlike Effort Values (EVs) which can be trained through battling specific Pokémon, IVs are predetermined when a Pokémon is encountered or hatched and cannot be changed by traditional means, except through specific late-game mechanics. Understanding and manipulating IVs is crucial for players aiming to create the most powerful and effective teams.

What are Individual Values (IVs)?

Individual Values (IVs) are a set of six hidden numbers, one for each stat (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed), that range from 0 to 31. These values are assigned to a Pokémon when it is generated, whether it's encountered in the wild, received as a gift, or hatched from an egg. A higher IV in a particular stat means that the Pokémon will have a higher base value for that stat at any given level compared to a Pokémon with the same base stats but lower IVs. A perfect IV score of 31 in a stat contributes an additional 31 points to that stat at level 100.

Why is IV Training Important?

For casual players, IVs might not seem like a significant factor. However, in competitive battling scenarios, even small stat differences can determine the outcome of a match. A Pokémon with perfect IVs across the board will generally outperform a Pokémon with lower or average IVs, especially at higher levels. This is because the stat boosts provided by IVs are additive and become more pronounced as the Pokémon levels up. Competitive players strive for perfect IVs to ensure their Pokémon have the absolute best stats possible for their roles, whether it's a fast sweeper, a bulky defender, or a mixed attacker.

Methods of IV Training

Since IVs are fixed upon generation, IV training primarily focuses on obtaining Pokémon with desired IVs and then raising them. The main methods include:

1. Breeding

Breeding is the most common and effective method for IV training. By pairing two compatible Pokémon in the Day Care or Nursery, players can obtain Eggs that hatch into offspring. The IVs of the offspring are influenced by the IVs of the parent Pokémon. Several mechanics and items play a role here:

• IV Inheritance: By default, a certain number of IVs from the parents are passed down.
• Destiny Knot: This held item, when given to one of the breeding parents, guarantees that 5 of the 12 total IVs (6 from each parent) will be passed down to the offspring. This is a cornerstone of modern IV breeding.
• Everstone: If one parent holds an Everstone, the offspring will inherit the Nature of that parent. While not directly related to IVs, it's often used in conjunction with IV breeding to ensure the correct Nature is passed down.
• Power Items: Items like the Power Bracer (Attack), Power Belt (Defense), etc., when held by a parent, will guarantee that the specific IV corresponding to the item is passed down to the offspring. This is useful for targeting specific IVs when not using the Destiny Knot.

The process typically involves breeding many Pokémon, checking their IVs using the in-game IV checker (unlocked after a certain point in the game), and keeping the ones with the best IV spreads until the desired Pokémon is obtained. This can be a time-consuming process requiring patience.

2. Catching Pokémon with Good IVs

While less controlled than breeding, players can sometimes find wild Pokémon with naturally good IVs. In some games, certain Pokémon might have guaranteed IVs, or specific methods like SOS chaining (in Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon) or Max Raid Battles (in Sword/Shield) can yield Pokémon with higher IVs.

3. Hyper Training

Introduced in Generation VII (Sun and Moon), Hyper Training is a feature that allows players to maximize a Pokémon's IVs to 31 (referred to as 'Bottle Caps' or 'Gold Bottle Caps' in later games) if the Pokémon is at level 100. This feature is particularly useful for event Pokémon, shiny Pokémon, or Pokémon obtained through trade that might not have ideal IVs, as it bypasses the need for traditional breeding. However, it's important to note that Hyper Training only boosts the stats in-game; the underlying IV value remains unchanged, which can matter for certain niche strategies or abilities.

4. IV Checkers and Calculators

To effectively IV train, players need a way to determine a Pokémon's IVs. Most modern Pokémon games feature an in-game IV checker, often unlocked after completing the main story or reaching a certain point in the post-game. This checker provides a general assessment of a Pokémon's IVs (e.g., 'Best', 'Fantastic', 'Decent'). For more precise information, players often resort to external websites or apps that act as IV calculators. By inputting the Pokémon's stats, level, nature, and EVs, these calculators can deduce the exact IV values.

Tips for Efficient IV Training

• Start with a Good Parent: Begin with Pokémon that have good IVs in the stats you want to pass down.
• Utilize the Destiny Knot: This item is essential for efficient breeding, guaranteeing 5 IVs are passed down.
• Understand Stat Priority: Not all stats are equally important for every Pokémon. Focus on the stats that are most crucial for its role (e.g., Speed and Attack for an offensive Pokémon).
• Use the IV Checker Wisely: Learn to interpret the IV checker's feedback and use calculators for precise analysis.
• Be Patient: IV breeding can take many attempts. Don't get discouraged if you don't get the perfect Pokémon right away.

In conclusion, IV training is a deep mechanic that allows dedicated trainers to fine-tune their Pokémon for optimal performance. While it requires an investment of time and effort, mastering IV training can provide a significant edge in battles and enhance the overall Pokémon experience.