Individual Values (IVs)

Learn how to understand and utilize Individual Values (IVs) in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Boost your Pokémon's stats for competitive play!

Hey there! So, you're diving into Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and want to get a handle on Individual Values, or IVs? Don't sweat it if this sounds complicated – it's not something you need to worry about for the main story at all. Think of it like Natures; they're there, but they don't really impact your journey until you're ready to get serious about optimizing your team.

Basically, IVs are like hidden potential for each of your Pokémon's stats. At Level 100, the difference between a stat with a 0 IV and a 31 IV is a whopping 31 points! That's a pretty big deal when you're aiming for the top in competitive battles. At lower levels, the impact is smaller, but it's still there. Unlike Effort Values (EVs), which you can train up, IVs are set when you get your Pokémon. But here's the cool part: in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, you can actually use something called Hyper Training to max out your IVs, though it's only for Level 100 Pokémon. For those looking to get naturally high IVs, breeding is your best bet.

How to Check Your Pokémon's IVs

Unfortunately, the most accurate way to see your Pokémon's exact IVs is by using an online IV calculator. Just make sure it's compatible with Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, as some Pokémon stats can differ between game versions. The higher the level of your Pokémon, the more accurate the calculator's readings will be. Trying to figure out IVs on a Level 1 Pokémon is pretty much a lost cause – you'll get way too many possibilities!

Don't worry, though! The game itself has a way to help you out. Once you reach the Battle Tree on Poni Island (you'll need to beat the game and become Champion first), you can unlock the IV Judge. To get him to show up, you'll also need to hatch at least 20 eggs. Once he's ready, he'll add a new feature to your PC called the Judge button. When you use it, instead of the usual summary screen, you'll see a cool stat hexagon. Each stat will have a description like “No Good” or “Fantastic,” and there's an overall statement at the bottom, like “Outstanding potential!” This is the game's way of telling you your Pokémon's IVs, though it's a bit roundabout.

If you're breeding Pokémon, you'll mainly care about three specific IV values: 0, 30, or 31. Getting a 31 IV is perfect for most stats. However, a 0 IV is super useful for Pokémon used in Trick Room teams (you want them to be slow!) or for specially-based attackers to minimize damage taken from hitting themselves in confusion. A 30 IV is often used to manipulate the type of Hidden Power while keeping the IV as high as possible. So, this in-game judge can actually give you all the info you need!

IV Statements and Ranges

Here's a breakdown of what the IV Judge will tell you:

And here's what the overall statement below the hexagon means, based on the total sum of all six IVs: