Every Pokémon has six core stats: HP (Hit Points), Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. These stats determine a Pokémon's effectiveness in battle. In Pokémon Crystal, these stats are influenced by several factors:
- Base Stats: Each Pokémon species has inherent base stats that determine its natural strengths and weaknesses. For example, Blissey has high HP, while Alakazam has high Special Attack and Speed.
- Individual Values (IVs): These are hidden values (0-15 for each stat in Gen 2) that are randomly assigned to a Pokémon when it's generated (caught, hatched, or received). Higher IVs mean higher stats. While not visible in-game, they contribute significantly to a Pokémon's overall power.
- Effort Values (EVs): Also hidden, EVs are gained by defeating specific Pokémon. Each Pokémon gives out a certain amount of EVs in one or two stats. A Pokémon can gain a maximum of 65535 EVs in total, with a cap of 65535 per stat (though the effective cap for stat calculation is lower). This means you can 'train' your Pokémon to excel in specific stats by battling certain opponents. For example, defeating a Geodude gives Defense EVs.
- Level: As a Pokémon levels up, its stats naturally increase.
While IVs are random, you can control EVs by strategically battling specific Pokémon. This allows for significant customization of your team's strengths.