IVs & EVs
Complete guide to Individual Values (IVs) and Effort Values (EVs) in Polished Crystal. Learn about the hybrid Gen II/modern mechanics, Hyper Training, EV training spots, Power Items, and the Stats Judge.
Introduction
Individual Values (IVs) and Effort Values (EVs) are hidden stats that determine your Pokémon's final stats. Polished Crystal uses a hybrid system combining Gen II mechanics with modern improvements from Gen III onward.
Important Note: In Polished Crystal documentation, IVs are often called "DVs" (Determinant Values) due to their historical Gen I/II naming. Similarly, "Stat EXP" (the Gen I/II EV system) has been replaced with modern EVs.
Understanding IVs and EVs is essential for competitive battling and optimizing your team, but it's not necessary for a regular playthrough. The game includes several quality-of-life features like Hyper Training and adjustable EV gain options to make stat optimization more accessible.
Individual Values (IVs)
IV Basics
IVs are permanent stats unique to each Pokémon that determine their potential. In Polished Crystal:
- IVs range from 0 to 15 for each of the six stats (HP, Attack, Defense, Sp.Atk, Sp.Def, Speed)
- Each Pokémon has six separate IV values (unlike Gen I/II which only had four)
- Higher IVs mean higher final stats at level 100
- Perfect IVs (15/15/15/15/15/15) are often called "6IV" or "perfect DVs"
IV Independence
Unlike vanilla Gen II, IVs in Polished Crystal are independent from other factors:
- Shininess: IVs don't affect whether a Pokémon is Shiny (as in Gen III+)
- Gender: IVs don't determine gender
- Forms: IVs don't affect which form a Pokémon has
Hidden Power
IVs determine the type of Hidden Power using the parity (odd/even) of all six IV values, matching Gen III+ mechanics:
- Each IV's parity contributes to determining the Hidden Power type
- Regular version only: Fairy-type Hidden Power is available
- Different IV combinations result in different Hidden Power types
Obtaining High IVs
- Breeding: Use Destiny Knot to pass 5 IVs from parents
- Mr. PKMN's Ditto: Trade your Red Scale for a perfect-IV (6IV) Shiny Ditto
- Power Items: Guarantee specific IV inheritance during breeding
- Wild Pokémon: Random IVs (0-15 for each stat)
Hyper Training
Hyper Training is a Gen VII+ feature that allows you to maximize a Pokémon's effective IVs without changing the actual values. This is perfect for Pokémon you've already trained or legendary Pokémon that can't be bred.
How Hyper Training Works
- Visit Mr. Hyper at the Celadon Hotel in Celadon City
- Give him a Bottle Cap to Hyper Train one stat
- The stat will be treated as if it has the maximum IV (15)
- The actual IV value remains unchanged (still affects Hidden Power type, breeding, etc.)
- Hyper Training effects are permanent and cannot be undone
Level Requirements
Unlike main series games that require Level 100, Polished Crystal has relaxed requirements:
- If total EVs = 510: Only requires Level 50+
- If total EVs < 510: The specific stat must have 252 EVs
- This makes Hyper Training much more accessible than in main series games
Obtaining Bottle Caps
- Use the Super Rod to fish for Bottle Caps
- Bottle Caps are grindable, making Hyper Training a viable option for multiple Pokémon
- Consider which stats you need to maximize before using Bottle Caps
When to Use Hyper Training
- Legendary Pokémon that can't be bred
- Shiny Pokémon with poor IVs
- Pokémon you've already trained and don't want to replace
- Event or gift Pokémon with sentimental value
- When you need specific Hidden Power types (which requires imperfect IVs)
Effort Values (EVs)
EV Basics
EVs are points your Pokémon gains from defeating other Pokémon. They directly increase your Pokémon's stats:
- Each stat can have a maximum of 252 EVs
- Every 4 EVs in a stat equals +1 to that stat at level 100
- Each Pokémon species gives specific EVs when defeated (called "EV yield")
- The Pokédex shows EV yield with 1-3 dots per stat
EV Distribution Strategies
Common competitive EV spreads:
252 / 252 / 4: Max two stats, put remaining 4 in a third stat
- Example: 252 Attack / 252 Speed / 4 HP (physical sweeper)
252 / 128 / 128: Max one stat, split remaining between two stats
252 / 252 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0: Maximize two key stats (510 total)
Custom Spreads: Fine-tune EVs for specific speed tiers or bulk thresholds
Gaining EVs
- Wild Battles: Defeat Pokémon that give the EVs you want
- Trainer Battles: Each Pokémon defeated gives EVs
- Power Items: Give +8 extra EVs in a specific stat (see below)
- Exp. Share: Pokémon holding Exp. Share gain EVs even without battling
Removing EVs
Use EV-reducing Berries found at Cherrygrove Bay:
- Pomeg Berry - Reduces HP EVs by 10
- Kelpsy Berry - Reduces Attack EVs by 10
- Qualot Berry - Reduces Defense EVs by 10
- Hondew Berry - Reduces Sp.Atk EVs by 10
- Grepa Berry - Reduces Sp.Def EVs by 10
- Tamato Berry - Reduces Speed EVs by 10
Pro Tip: Purchase Mulch at the Goldenrod Flower Shop (as in HG/SS) to increase Berry harvest speed and quantity!
Power Items
Power Items are held items that boost EV gains. In Polished Crystal, they work differently than in main series games due to code implementation.
Power Item Locations
Power Items are given by guest trainers at specific locations. Three are available pre-Elite Four, and three are post-game:
| Item | Stat | Guest Trainer | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Weight | HP | Cheryl | Murky Swamp | Pre-E4 |
| Power Bracer | Attack | Riley | Dim Cave | Pre-E4 |
| Power Belt | Defense | Buck | Cinnabar Volcano | Pre-E4 |
| Power Lens | Sp.Atk | Mira | Scary Cave | Post-E4 |
| Power Band | Sp.Def | Anabel | Battle Tower Outside | Post-E4 |
| Power Anklet | Speed | Marley | Quiet Cave | Post-E4 |
How Power Items Work
Important: Power Items work differently in Polished Crystal than in main series games:
- When the Pokémon holding the Power Item gains EXP and EVs in battle, it gets +8 extra EVs in the corresponding stat
- All other Pokémon that gain EVs (via Exp. Share or participation) also receive the +8 bonus from the Power Item
- Optimal Strategy: Give the Power Item to your party lead and Exp. Share to the rest of your party
- This allows you to EV train multiple Pokémon simultaneously very efficiently
Power Item Training Strategy
Example: Training Attack EVs
- Give Power Bracer to your lead Pokémon
- Give Exp. Share to Pokémon you want to EV train
- Battle Pokémon that give Attack EVs (e.g., Goldeen gives +1 Attack)
- Your lead gets +1 base + 8 from Power Bracer = 9 Attack EVs
- Pokémon with Exp. Share also get 9 Attack EVs each
- Reach 252 Attack EVs in just 28 battles (252 ÷ 9 = 28)
Post-Game Power Item Rematches
Guest trainers who gave you Power Items appear on Battle Tower 2F for post-game rematches. They feature teams specialized in the corresponding stat:
- Cheryl: +17 HP EVs per battle
- Riley: +18 Attack EVs per battle
- Buck: +14 Defense EVs per battle
- Mira: +18 Sp.Atk EVs per battle
- Anabel: +2 HP, +14 Sp.Def EVs per battle
- Marley: +2 Attack, +13 Speed EVs per battle
EV Training Spots
Specific locations where you can encounter only Pokémon that give EVs in a particular stat. Perfect for targeted EV training!
Pre-Elite Four Training Spots
HP Training
- Location: Surf in the water behind the counter at Cliff Edge Gate
- Pokémon: Wooper and Quagsire only
- EVs: +1 HP per Wooper, +2 HP per Quagsire
Attack Training
- Location: Surf at Route 42
- Pokémon: Goldeen and Seaking only
- EVs: +1 Attack per Goldeen, +2 Attack per Seaking
Defense Training
- Location: Grass on Route 45 at night
- Pokémon: Geodude, Gligar, and Graveler only
- EVs: +1 Defense per Geodude, +2 Defense per Graveler
Special Attack Training
- Location: Surf at Ilex Forest, Route 35, or Goldenrod Harbor
- Pokémon: Psyduck and Golduck only
- EVs: +1 Sp.Atk per Psyduck, +2 Sp.Atk per Golduck
Special Defense Training
- Location: Surf at New Bark Town, Cherrygrove City, or Olivine Port
- Pokémon: Tentacool and Tentacruel only
- EVs: +1 Sp.Def per Tentacool, +2 Sp.Def per Tentacruel
Speed Training
- Location: Surf at Blackthorn City OR use Old/Good Rod at most towns
- Pokémon: Magikarp only (Surfing) or Magikarp and Poliwag (Fishing)
- EVs: +1 Speed per Magikarp, +1 Speed per Poliwag
Post-Game Training (Battle Tower 2F)
After beating the Elite Four, rematch guest trainers on Battle Tower 2F for concentrated EV training (see Power Items section above for specific values).
Stats Judge
The Stats Judge is a tool that shows you the exact IVs and EVs of your Pokémon, removing the guesswork from stat optimization.
Unlocking the Stats Judge
- Visit the Goldenrod Pokémon Communication Center (PCC)
- The Judge program is on the machines at the right side of the floor
- Requirement: You must breed at least one Egg to unlock the Judge
- Gift Eggs (like the Togepi Egg) do NOT count
- You must produce an Egg yourself at the Day Care
- Hatching the Egg is not required, just breeding it
Using the Stats Judge
- Select a Pokémon from your party
- The machine displays a hexagon chart showing both IVs and EVs
- You can see the exact numerical values for all six stats
- Helpful for verifying breeding results, EV training progress, and Hyper Training effects
What the Judge Shows
- IVs: Values from 0-15 for each stat
- EVs: Values from 0-252 for each stat (depending on EV gain setting)
- Total EVs: Shows if you're at or near the 510 cap (if using that setting)
- Hyper Training: Indicates which stats have been Hyper Trained
Note: These machines were originally News Machines for paid online newsletters, mini-games, quizzes, and rankings in vanilla Gen II. In Alola (Gen VII), 21 Egg hatches were required to unlock the Judge function.
Gameplay Preferences
Polished Crystal includes several gameplay preferences that affect how IVs and EVs work, allowing you to customize your experience.
Color Variation (IV-Based)
- Enabled: IVs affect the coloration of all Pokémon (both Shiny and non-Shiny)
- Color variation is distinct from Shininess
- Shiny Pokémon still have their animation and star icon (as in FR/LG+)
- Uses complicated calculations so you can't easily predict IVs from colors
- Perfect-IV (15/15/15/15/15/15) Pokémon have their original coloration
- Inspired by Stadium's nickname-based color system
Perfect Stats
- Enabled: All Pokémon (yours and opponents') are treated as if fully Hyper-Trained
- Actual IV values are still stored for Hidden Power type, breeding, etc.
- Great for casual playthroughs where you don't want to worry about IVs
- Can be toggled on/off during gameplay
EV Gain Options
Choose how EVs work in your game:
510 (Standard Modern)
- Modern limit of 510 total EVs
- 252 max per stat
- Standard competitive format (e.g., 252/252/4)
All (Uncapped)
- No total EV limit
- Can have 252 EVs in all six stats
- Makes Pokémon significantly stronger
- Good for casual/easier playthroughs
No (EVs Disabled)
- EVs are ignored for all Pokémon (yours and opponents')
- EVs still accumulate in the background but don't affect stats
- Accumulated EVs still count for Hyper Training requirements
- Useful for testing or purist Gen I-style gameplay
Switching EV Gain Settings
You can change the EV gain option during gameplay:
- From "No" to another setting: All previously earned EVs are loaded and applied
- From "All" to "510": EVs are reduced evenly across all stats until total is under 510
- From "510" to "All": All EV caps are removed
Recommendations
- Casual Playthrough: Use "Perfect Stats" + "All" or "No" EVs
- Competitive/Battle Tower: Use standard settings (no Perfect Stats, 510 EV limit)
- Breeding Focus: Keep "Color Variation" off to avoid confusion with Shinies
- First Playthrough: Try "Perfect Stats" enabled to focus on strategy over stat grinding
Related Guides
-
Beginner's Guide to Pokémon Polished Crystal
- Customize EV and IV settings at game start for your playstyle
-
Complete List of Quality-of-Life Improvements
- Learn about EV/IV customization options and stat improvements
- How Difficulty Scaling Works - Understand stat mechanics and level scaling systems