Effort values

**Base points**, commonly referred to by fans as **effort values** and abbreviated as **EVs**, are values that contribute to an individual Pokémon's stats. They are primarily obtained by defeating Pokémon in battle, based on the Pokémon that was defeated. EVs are also referred as **base stats** (distinct from what fans refer to as base stats, which are instead the stat-affecting values intrinsic to the Pokémon's species).

Due to effort values, trained Pokémon are usually stronger than wild Pokémon, even those of the same level.

## System

Effort points are completely separate values from base stats. Defeated Pokémon give out 1, 2 or 3 **effort points** to a particular stat, depending on species (see list of Pokémon by effort value yield). At level 100, a Pokémon's stats will be one stat point higher in a specific stat for every four effort points gained in that stat.

Pokémon are limited to 510 effort points in total. Because stats are calculated by dividing effort by 4 and disregarding the remainder, 252 effort points are required to maximize a stat. As a result, the maximum amount of additional stat points that can be acquired by EV-training for a given stat is 63 when the Pokémon is level 100, in comparison to an otherwise identical Pokémon that is uninvested in EVs (and ignoring natures).

Pokémon can gain effort values from battling even at Level 100, and stats are recalculated at the end of every battle instead of only after leveling up. When a Pokémon is defeated, EVs are added before Experience, so if the victorious Pokémon gains enough Experience to level up, its new stats when displayed in battle include the new EVs.

The Pokérus is a rare virus which doubles the effort points gained in battle.

If a Pokémon holds an Exp. Share, it will receive effort points even if the battling Pokémon has maxed out its effort points. If the Pokémon with the Exp. Share has Pokérus, the amount of effort points received is doubled.

Catching a wild Pokémon will give EVs for that Pokémon as if it were defeated.

If a Pokémon has alternate forms that change its stats (e.g. Giratina), any effort points acquired will be applied to its stats when the form is changed, allowing the player to boost their Pokémon's stats without having to level it up. Additionally, all Pokémon have stats recalculated to include EVs when placed into the box, also allowing to boost stats without requiring a level up.

### Vitamins

Vitamins add 10 effort points. The list of Vitamins include:

The Macho Brace doubles the effort points gained in battle. In combination with the Pokérus, a Pokémon can gain four times the normal effort points. However, the effects of the item do not transfer to a Pokémon holding an Exp. Share.

### Berries

Certain Berries can decrease certain effort values by 10 effort points, while increasing the friendship of the Pokémon they were used on. The game will tell the player if the Pokémon's friendship cannot increase or if the stat does not decrease. These Berries are:

### Power items

A series of items exist which give an additional eight effort points per Pokémon defeated. Each applies the bonus to a different stat, in addition to the normal effort points gained. The bonus effort points are also doubled by the Pokérus. The effects of these items do not transfer over to a Pokémon holding an Exp. Share.

### Feathers

A series of items called Feathers, which are similar to Vitamins, but only give 1 effort point when consumed, exist. There are 7 types of Feathers in total, but only 6 Feathers contribute to a specific stat: the Pretty Feather does nothing at all. Feathers can be collected in Route 4.

## Measuring EVs

Checking a Pokémon's summary screen will display a its effort values.

### Fully Trained Pokémon

A Fully Trained Pokémon is a Pokémon that has reached 510 EVs overall, the maximum a Pokémon can achieve. An NPC that will give an Effort Ribbon to Fully Trained Pokémon in Nimbasa City. This Ribbon will remain on the Pokémon even if its EVs are lowered such that it does not have 510 effort points.