Quick IV Question

[bluechu]

i wasnt exactly sure what board this would go on, so i thought i would post it here, just to be safe! ;)

ok, so the question:

are IVs just random numbers unique to each pokemon?

(i know it might be a dumb question, but i still dont totally understand them..)

clarification please!

 

[Iceman3k]

The IVs determine how high your Pokemon's Stats will be in the long run.
The lower the IV, the worse the stat. They range from 0-31.

 

[bluechu]

so my pikachus 28-30ish special attack is really good right? and the 0-3 defense is really bad? (i used the IV checker on serebii to find them out!)

 

[Improfane]

Yup.

You have to take in account the base stats of your Pokemon aswell. Pikachu naturally has a very low defence anyway, base 30.

https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pikachu_(Pokémon)#Base_stats

it wouldn't hurt to have it high up since your Raichu won't be able to take much of a beating with such a low defence anyway

 

[bluechu]

well, yesterday i started my first attempt at EV training, using my pikachu. it is now at lv. 30 with a defense in the 40s thanks to the training. i am now working on its HP and Special Defense! then maybe even speed.... i want it to be a super pikachu! ^-^

 

[Alter Ego]

well, yesterday i started my first attempt at EV training, using my pikachu. it is now at lv. 30 with a defense in the 40s thanks to the training. i am now working on its HP and Special Defense! then maybe even speed.... i want it to be a super pikachu! ^-^

Hate to say it, but if that's what you're aiming for then it's gotten a terrible start. EVs usually aren't meant to patch up the weakpoints of your pokémon; they're meant to enhance their strengths. A pokémon can only have a maximum 510 EV points (that's maximized bonus for two stats and one with a single point of extra if you spread them right, two EVs being redundant since only every fourth point raises the stat) so you should prioritize the stats that give the highest benefit to your pokémon. Pikachu's defensive abilities are worthless, so EV training HP and defenses is wasting its potential, especially with that low Defense IV (Since no matter how many defensive EVs you pump into it, it will still get OHKOed by basically everything). However, it has good Special Attack and Speed, so focus on those and get yourself a Light Ball to make a sweeping Pikachu. That's pretty much as good as it gets. :3

 

[airconditioning]

There are exceptions to that "enhance strengths" rule. For example, if a Pokemon's strength (in any stat) is already extremely high, that you may want to shift EVs onto other stats. Why else would we make Bold Max Defense Blisseys?

 

[Alter Ego]

There are exceptions to that "enhance strengths" rule. For example, if a Pokemon's strength (in any stat) is already extremely high, that you may want to shift EVs onto other stats. Why else would we make Bold Max Defense Blisseys?

That's why I said 'usually'. (and incidentally: I said 'highest benefit', not 'highest stat'; Blissey gets plenty of benefits from defense) With the exception of Blissey (where every defense point counts because of its absurd stat spread) most such things are done for specific metagame calls. (basically, countering the counter) I really see no need to bring that up in a case as obvious as Pikachu, though. xP

 

[bluechu]

like i said, this was my first attempt! im not much of an avid battler, i just wanted to try out EV training and try to get the hang of it, and power up my pikachu in the process! ^-^ but i do think now i will focus on its speed.