Get an Extra +3 Guide - Pokémon Platinum Walkthrough

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Getting an Extra +3 in Pokémon Platinum

Hey there, trainer! So you're looking to give your Pokémon a little extra edge, huh? Smart move! In Pokémon Platinum, you can actually boost your Pokémon's stats even further than usual. It's not a super complicated mechanic, but it's definitely worth knowing about.

What's This About +3?

Basically, when your Pokémon levels up, its stats increase. This increase is determined by a few things, including its base stats, Effort Values (EVs), and Individual Values (IVs). The mechanic we're talking about here is related to how EVs are distributed and how they affect your Pokémon's stats. While the game doesn't explicitly show a '+3' stat boost in a visible way like a special item, it refers to the maximum benefit you can get from Effort Values when training your Pokémon efficiently.

How to Maximize Your Stat Gains (The "+3" Effect)

The key to getting the most out of your Pokémon's stat growth lies in Effort Values, or EVs. Every Pokémon you defeat in battle awards EVs to your Pokémon. Different Pokémon give different EVs. For example, defeating a Bidoof might give you 1 Attack EV, while a Shinx might give 1 Speed EV.

Here's the breakdown:

EV Limit: Each Pokémon has a total of 510 EVs it can gain across all its stats.
Stat Cap: A single stat can only have a maximum of 252 EVs.
The "+3" Connection: For every 4 EVs you invest in a particular stat, that stat gets a 1-point increase at level 100. So, investing 252 EVs in a stat means you're getting the maximum possible bonus from EVs in that stat. This is often referred to as the "+3" effect because it's the most efficient way to boost a stat, leading to the biggest possible gains.

Training Your Pokémon for Maximum EVs

To achieve this "+3" effect, you'll want to strategically battle Pokémon that give the EVs you want to boost.

Here's a general strategy:

Identify Your Goal: Decide which stats you want to maximize for your Pokémon. For example, a fast attacker might need maximum Speed and Attack EVs.
Target Specific Pokémon: Find areas in Sinnoh where the Pokémon you want to battle are common. For instance, if you want Attack EVs, you might look for Pokémon that give Attack EVs.
Use Items to Help:
- Macho Brace: If you hold this item, your Pokémon will gain double the EVs from battles, but its Speed will be halved during battle. Make sure to switch it to the Pokémon you're training!
- Vitamins: Items like HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and Carbos each give 10 EVs to a specific stat. You can use these to quickly boost EVs, but remember that a Pokémon can only hold 100 EVs per stat (or 252 total) before vitamins stop working for that stat. You can buy these at the Veilstone Department Store for $9,800 each.
- Wings: Found in various locations, these also give EVs (e.g., Health Wing gives HP EVs).
Battling Wisely:
- Focus your battles: Try to battle Pokémon that give the EVs you want. If you're aiming for Attack EVs, and you defeat a Pokémon that gives HP EVs, you're not being efficient.
- Use the Pokégear's map: Sometimes, you can see which Pokémon are common in an area.

Important Notes & Pitfalls

EVs are permanent: Once you gain EVs, they don't go away unless you use specific berries (like Pomeg Berry for HP EVs, etc.) which lower EVs.
Don't spread too thin: Remember, you only have 510 EVs total. Trying to max out every stat is impossible. Focus on the most important ones for your Pokémon's role.
Level 100 is key: The stat increases from EVs are most noticeable at Level 100. You'll still benefit from them at lower levels, but the full effect is seen at the max level.
Super Training (Not in Platinum): Newer games have a feature called Super Training to easily manage EVs. Pokémon Platinum doesn't have this, so manual battling and vitamins are your main tools.

By understanding and applying EV training, you'll be well on your way to getting that optimal stat boost for your team. Happy training!