A Detailed Guide on How to EV Train Pixelmon

Effort Value (EV) training is crucial for maximizing your Pixelmon’s potential, whether you’re aiming for a tank, a speedy attacker, or simply want to optimize your favorite Pokémon. EV training allows you to fine-tune your Pokémon’s stats, turning challenging battles into easy victories. This guide will provide a comprehensive walkthrough on EV training your Pixelmon, covering everything from the basics to advanced techniques.

Why EV Train Your Pixelmon?

EV training unlocks the full potential of your Pixelmon. A Pokémon with properly trained EVs will see a significant boost in its stats, making it far more effective in battles against both trainers and wild Pokémon. Imagine turning a seemingly weak Pokémon into a powerhouse capable of defeating even the toughest opponents. That’s the power of EV training. For example, a Pokémon like Gastly can go from struggling against powerful opponents like Giovanni’s Mewtwo to one-shotting it with a well-placed Shadow Ball after proper EV training. This is because EVs dramatically increase a Pokemon’s stats.

Understanding EVs: The Basics

EVs, or Effort Values, are hidden stats that determine how much a Pokémon’s stats increase as it levels up. You can earn EVs by defeating wild Pokémon, battling trainers, or using vitamins. Every 4 EVs in a specific stat will increase that stat by 1 point at level 100.

• Maximum EVs: A Pokémon can have a maximum of 510 EVs distributed across all its stats.
• Single Stat Limit: The maximum number of EVs you can allocate to a single stat is 252. This means that at level 100, a stat with 252 EVs will be increased by 63 points (252 / 4 = 63).
• Strategic Allocation: Choose which stats to focus on based on your Pokémon’s strengths and your battle strategy.

Modifying EVs: Berries and Vitamins

You have several tools at your disposal to manipulate EVs:

• EV-Reducing Berries: These berries reduce the EVs in a specific stat by 10. They are essential for correcting mistakes or resetting a Pokémon’s EVs. You can find these berries in various locations, including Viridian Maze and Safari EV Zones.

  • Pomeg Berry: Reduces HP EVs.
  • Qualot Berry: Reduces Defense EVs.
  • Kelpsy Berry: Reduces Attack EVs.
  • Grepa Berry: Reduces Special Defense EVs.
  • Hondew Berry: Reduces Special Attack EVs.
  • Tamato Berry: Reduces Speed EVs.

• Vitamins: These items increase a specific stat’s EVs by 10, but only if the stat has 99 or fewer EVs. You can purchase vitamins at department stores.

  • HP Up: Increases HP EVs.
  • Protein: Increases Attack EVs.
  • Iron: Increases Defense EVs.
  • Zinc: Increases Special Defense EVs.
  • Calcium: Increases Special Attack EVs.
  • Carbos: Increases Speed EVs.

Step-by-Step Guide to EV Training

1. Choose Your Pixelmon Wisely:

   Not all Pixelmon are created equal. Consider your team composition and the roles you need filled when selecting a Pixelmon for EV training. Ideally, focus on Pokémon that will be valuable in boss battles, player-versus-player (PvP) combat, or other competitive scenarios. Avoid investing time and resources into Pokémon you won’t use frequently.

2. Initial Stat Boost with Vitamins (Optional):

   If your Pixelmon has fewer than 100 EVs in the stats you want to train, use vitamins to quickly boost those stats. This can save you time by reducing the number of wild Pokémon you need to battle.

3. Strategic Pokémon Battles:

   Wild Pokémon each grant a specific number of EVs in one or more stats upon defeat. Consult resources like Bulbapedia to identify which Pokémon give the EVs you need. For example, if you want to train Speed EVs, focus on battling Pokémon like Golbat, which provides 2 Speed EVs per encounter.

   Example EV Training Location: Cerulean Cave

   • Golbat: 2 Speed EVs
   • Golduck: 2 Special Attack EVs

   Avoid battling Pokémon that grant unwanted EVs, as this can disrupt your training plan.

4. Correcting Mistakes:

   If you accidentally train unwanted EVs, use EV-reducing berries to lower those stats. This will ensure your Pixelmon’s EVs are allocated correctly. Berries can be found in EV Wald in Fuchsia Safari or inside the Viridian Maze

5. Optimal EV Training Locations:

   • EV Zones: These zones, located in specific routes across different regions, offer free EV training opportunities. While they may require some travel, they are a cost-effective option for trainers on a budget.
   • Safari EV Wald (Fuchsia City): For a faster training experience, consider the Safari EV Wald. This paid area offers a variety of Pokémon that grant specific EVs, allowing you to quickly train your Pixelmon.

6. Maximize Efficiency with Macho Brace:

   The Macho Brace is an invaluable tool for EV training. When held by a Pokémon, it doubles the EVs gained from each battle. You can obtain a Macho Brace by trading a Drowzee for a Machop holding the item in Goldenrod City. The Motorbiker NPC will give you the Macho Brace.

7. Final Touches:

   Once your Pixelmon has reached its desired EV spread (e.g., 252 in Speed, 252 in Special Attack, and 6 in Attack), it is ready for battle. Remember to level it up to 100 to fully realize the benefits of your EV training efforts.

Tips for Faster EV Training

• Disable Battle Animations: Turning off battle animations can save you valuable time during training sessions.

• Maximize Text Speed: Increasing the text speed in the game settings will reduce the amount of time spent waiting for dialogue to appear.

Conclusion

EV training is a fundamental aspect of competitive Pixelmon gameplay. By understanding the mechanics of EVs and utilizing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can optimize your Pokémon’s stats and achieve victory in battles. Remember to choose your Pokémon wisely, plan your training route, and utilize helpful tools like vitamins and the Macho Brace to maximize efficiency. With dedication and a strategic approach, you can transform your Pixelmon into formidable opponents.