Individual Values (IVs)

Learn how to determine and optimize Individual Values (IVs) in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Discover the stat judge, breeding strategies, and Hyper Training to boost your Pokémon's potential.

Individual Values (IVs) are a hidden stat that contributes to a Pokémon's overall stats at Level 100. While not essential for the main story, understanding IVs becomes crucial for high-level play and competitive battling. A difference between 0 IV and 31 IV in a stat can result in a 31 stat point difference at Level 100, significantly impacting performance. Unlike Effort Values (EVs), IVs are fixed upon obtaining a Pokémon but can be modified in Pokémon Sun and Moon through Hyper Training (for Level 100 Pokémon) or by acquiring Pokémon with naturally high IVs through breeding.

The most accurate way to determine a Pokémon's IVs is by using an online IV calculator compatible with Pokémon Sun and Moon. For more accurate readings, it's recommended to use the calculator on higher-level Pokémon, as low-level Pokémon can have a wide range of possible IVs.

In the postgame, you can unlock the stat judge feature on your PC. To do this, you must first reach the Battle Tree on Poni Island after becoming the Champion and then hatch at least 20 eggs. Once unlocked, the Judge feature displays IV estimates as statements like "No Good" (0 IVs) to "Fantastic" (30 IVs) and "Best" (31 IVs) next to each stat, and an overall potential statement below the stat hexagon.

For breeding purposes, focusing on IVs of 0, 30, or 31 is generally sufficient. 31 IVs represent a perfect stat. 0 IVs are useful for Pokémon designed for Trick Room (0 Speed IVs) or to minimize self-damage from confusion (0 Attack IVs). 30 IVs are often used to manipulate Hidden Power types while maintaining a high IV.

The in-game stat judge provides the following IV range interpretations:

Additionally, the total sum of a Pokémon's IVs is interpreted as follows: