How to increase max stats EVs in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, enhancing your Pokémon’s stats goes beyond simply leveling up. One of the most impactful ways to boost your Pokémon’s performance is by increasing their Effort Values (EVs). EVs are hidden stats that improve a Pokémon's attributes such as Attack, Speed, Special Attack, Defense, and others. This guide will walk you through the best methods for increasing your EVs and ultimately maximizing your Pokémon’s stats in the Paldea region.

What Are EVs?

Effort Values (EVs) are points that determine the growth of a Pokémon’s stats. For every 4 EV points a Pokémon earns in a particular stat, that stat increases by 1 point. However, Pokémon can only earn up to a total of 510 EV points, with a maximum of 252 EV points in any one stat.

There are several ways to increase EVs in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, such as battling specific Pokémon, using Vitamins, utilizing Feathers, and participating in special events like Tera Raid Battles. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how you can effectively increase EVs and maximize your Pokémon’s stats.


Methods for Increasing EVs in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

1. Battling Specific Pokémon for EV Gains

One of the most straightforward ways to increase a stat is by battling certain wild Pokémon that give specific EVs upon defeat. When your Pokémon defeats a Pokémon in battle, it earns EVs corresponding to that Pokémon’s base stats.

For example, if you want to boost your Pokémon's Attack stat, you’ll need to battle wild Pokémon that reward Attack EVs. Here are some examples:

Best Pokémon to Boost Attack EVs in Paldea:

  • Growlithe (+1 Attack EV)
  • Shinx (+1 Attack EV)
  • Yungoos (+1 Attack EV)

These Pokémon can be found in South Province Area 3 of Paldea. They are common, relatively easy to defeat, and ideal for increasing your Pokémon’s Attack EVs quickly.

2. Using Vitamins to Boost EVs

Vitamins are an excellent and straightforward way to boost your Pokémon’s EVs. Each vitamin gives your Pokémon a set amount of EVs in a specific stat. While expensive, they are a quick method to reach higher EV values.

Here’s a breakdown of which vitamins boost which stats:

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

Vitamins are sold at Chansey Supply in the game for 10,000 Pokédollars each. If you're specifically targeting the Attack stat, you'll want to purchase Protein, which boosts Attack EVs.

3. Feathers for EV Boosting

Another handy tool for boosting EVs are Feathers, which are items you can use to increase a Pokémon’s EVs in a specific stat by one point. You can obtain Feathers by participating in Tera Raid Battles, a popular cooperative battle event in the game.

Here are some examples of feathers and which stats they boost:

  • Muscle Feather: Boosts Attack EVs.
  • Swift Feather: Boosts Speed EVs.
  • Resplendent Feather: Boosts Special Attack EVs.

Feathers are a great supplement to battles, especially if you're looking to fine-tune your EV distribution without having to defeat large amounts of Pokémon. You can find a variety of these feathers after completing Tera Raids, which are also an excellent way to gain other rewards such as Tera Shards.

4. Using the Macho Brace for Increased EV Gain

The Macho Brace is an item that increases the EVs a Pokémon earns from battle. When a Pokémon holds the Macho Brace, it will receive twice the number of EV points after defeating an opponent. This can significantly speed up the process of maxing out a Pokémon’s stats.

The Macho Brace doubles the EVs gained from battle, making it an essential tool if you want to maximize your EVs quickly. Simply equip it to your Pokémon and start battling the appropriate Pokémon for the stat you want to increase.

You can obtain the Macho Brace in Mesagoza, the large city in the game, where it’s sold by a shopkeeper.

5. Tera Raid Battles for EV Boosts

Tera Raid Battles are cooperative multiplayer battles where players team up to fight powerful Tera Pokémon. Completing these raids rewards you with various items, including Feathers that increase EVs.

Tera Raid Battles offer a significant advantage when you're looking to gain Feathers to boost specific EV stats. Participating in high-level Tera Raids allows you to gather a lot of feathers in a short period, which you can then use to increase your Pokémon’s stats.


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Maximizing EVs for Your Pokémon’s Optimal Build

Each Pokémon has four primary stats that can be boosted using EVs: Attack, Special Attack, Defense, and Speed. Below are some general strategies for maximizing EVs for specific builds:

1. Physical Attack Build (Physical Sweeper)

  • EV Focus: Attack and Speed
  • Key Pokémon: Machamp, Gyarados, Arcanine
  • Recommended Method: Focus on battling Pokémon like Growlithe, Shinx, and Yungoos for Attack EVs, and use Swift Feathers for Speed.

2. Special Attack Build (Special Sweeper)

  • EV Focus: Special Attack and Speed
  • Key Pokémon: Gardevoir, Dragapult, Sylveon
  • Recommended Method: Battle Pokémon like Tentacool (Special Attack EV) and use Resplendent Feathers to enhance Special Attack further.

3. Tank Build (Defensive Pokémon)

  • EV Focus: Defense and HP
  • Key Pokémon: Toxapex, Quagsire, Skarmory
  • Recommended Method: Focus on Iron and HP Up vitamins, and battle defensive Pokémon like Lechonk for Defense EVs.

4. Speed Build (Fast Attacker)

  • EV Focus: Speed and Attack
  • Key Pokémon: Scyther, Jolteon, Meowth
  • Recommended Method: Utilize Swift Feathers and fight Pokémon like Shinx for Speed EVs.

Tracking and Resetting EVs

If you’ve made a mistake in your EV training or want to change the direction of your Pokémon's build, you can reset EVs using Berries like Pomeg Berry (to reset HP EVs), Kelpsy Berry (to reset Attack EVs), and others. These berries can be used to lower a Pokémon’s EVs in a specific stat, which allows you to reassign the EV points.

Additionally, you can always check your Pokémon’s current EVs using the EV Checker at any Pokémon Center to see how close your Pokémon is to the EV maximums.


Conclusion

Maximizing EVs in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet requires careful planning and strategic battling. Whether you are looking to boost your Pokémon’s Attack, Speed, Special Attack, or any other stat, the Paldea region offers plenty of opportunities to train your Pokémon to perfection. Utilize methods like battling specific wild Pokémon, using vitamins, and participating in Tera Raid Battles to quickly and efficiently increase your EVs. Remember that patience is key, but with the right approach, your Pokémon will reach its full potential, ready to dominate in battles!

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