Understanding Stats & IVs
Maximize your Pokémon's potential through stat optimization
Lose speed ties to trainers running the same species and level as you? Hidden layers like IVs, EV spreads, and natures decide those outcomes long before the battle starts.
This guide unpacks how each stat component stacks together, then hands you training blueprints and sample spreads so every Pokémon hits the benchmarks your game plan demands.
Move through the sections sequentially—or jump straight to the calculators and templates once you know which stat needs the boost.
What Are Pokémon Stats?
Every Pokémon has six core stats that determine their performance in battle. Understanding these stats and how they work is essential for building competitive teams and maximizing your Pokémon's potential.
Base Stats vs Final Stats
🏗️ Base Stats
Base stats are the foundation values that every member of a Pokémon species shares. For example, every Charizard has base stats of 78 HP, 84 Attack, 78 Defense, etc.
Example: Charizard's base stats are 78/84/78/109/85/100, meaning it naturally excels in Special Attack and Speed.
📈 Final Stats
Final stats are what your Pokémon actually has in battle. These are calculated from:
- • Base Stats - The species foundation
- • Individual Values (IVs) - Hidden genetic potential
- • Effort Values (EVs) - Training gained through battles
- • Nature - Personality that affects growth
- • Level - Current experience level
Individual Values (IVs) Explained
🧬 What Are IVs?
Individual Values are hidden numbers between 0-31 for each stat that represent your Pokémon's genetic potential. Think of them as natural talent - some Pokémon are just naturally gifted in certain areas.
Maximum potential in all stats
Minimum potential in all stats
📊 IV Impact on Stats
At level 100, each IV point adds exactly 1 point to that stat. At level 50, each IV point adds about 0.5 points. Here's how much perfect IVs matter:
Optimizing Your Pokémon
🎯 Competitive Priorities
Focus on Key Stats
Physical attackers need Attack IVs, special attackers need Special Attack IVs. Speed is almost always important.
Consider Your Role
Tanks want HP and defensive IVs, sweepers want offensive and speed IVs, support Pokémon may prioritize specific utility stats.
Don't Neglect Hidden Power
In some games, specific IV combinations determine Hidden Power type, adding strategic depth to IV optimization.
⚖️ When IVs Don't Matter
Perfect IVs aren't always necessary:
- • Casual Play: Base stats and strategy matter more than perfect IVs
- • Trick Room Teams: May want 0 Speed IVs to move first
- • Physical Attackers: Don't need Special Attack IVs
- • Special Attackers: Don't need Attack IVs (can reduce Foul Play damage)
Practical Examples
🔥 Offensive Charizard
Attack can be 0 to reduce confusion and Foul Play damage
🛡️ Defensive Blissey
Defense also important despite naturally high Special Defense
Next Steps
Now that you understand stats and IVs, you can make informed decisions about training and optimizing your Pokémon. Consider exploring these related topics:
Optimization Recap
Breeding spreads, EV routes, and nature tuning are now in your toolkit, so every hour of training pushes a purpose-built build instead of random stat gains.
Lean on PokeVerse calculators and tracking sheets as you train—we surface IV benchmarks, candy routes, and ladder-ready spreads to keep your roster progression focused without feeling grindy.