Every Pokemon you catch has hidden numbers that determine its real battle power. These are Individual Values (IVs) and Effort Values (EVs). Two Snorlax at level 100 can have drastically different HP totals based on these stats — and understanding them is the difference between casual play and competitive.
What Are IVs?
IVs are inherited from the parents (or randomly assigned on wild catches). They range from 0 to 31 in each of the six stats: HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. A Pokemon with all 31s is called a 6IV and is considered "perfect". IVs are permanent — they cannot be changed once the Pokemon is born, except through rare items like Bottle Caps.
What Are EVs?
EVs are earned through battle. Every Pokemon you defeat awards EV points to specific stats (defeating a Zubat gives +1 Speed EV, defeating a Machop gives +1 Attack EV, etc.). You can accumulate a maximum of 510 total EVs, with a cap of 252 per stat. Every 4 EVs translate to +1 stat point at level 100.
How to Check IVs
In the main games, visit the IV Judge NPC at the Pokemon Center. In Pokeworld, IVs are shown in the Pokemon detail page as a simple 0-31 number per stat, so you don\'t have to guess.
Efficient EV Training
Use EV-boosting items like Macho Brace (2x gains), Power Weight, Power Bracer, etc. Vitamins (Protein, Iron, Calcium) give instant EVs up to 252 per stat. Pokerus doubles all gains. Competitive players typically spread 252/252/6 across their two best stats.
Why Bother?
A properly IV and EV trained Pokemon hits roughly 15-20% harder and faster than an untrained one. In PvP, that difference decides every match.