same judge

Learn how to use the Same Judge mechanic in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl to check your Pokémon's IVs. This guide explains the process and what you need to know.

The Same Judge

So, you've been training your Pokémon and want to know how good their potential really is, right? You've probably heard about IVs (Individual Values), but they're hidden from you in the game. Don't worry, there's a way to get a hint about them! Once you've beaten the Elite Four and become the Champion, you'll unlock the ability to get your Pokémon judged. This is done by a guy called the Same Judge, who lives in a house on Route 212, just south of the Great Marsh.

Getting the Judge

First things first, you need to have seen at least 30 different Pokémon species in your Sinnoh Pokédex. Once you've done that, head to the house on Route 212. Talk to the guy inside, and he'll offer to judge your Pokémon's stats. He'll only judge one Pokémon at a time, and you'll need to have the Pokémon in your party.

What the Judge Says

The Same Judge will give you a general idea of your Pokémon's IVs. He won't give you exact numbers, but he'll tell you which stat is its "best" and give you a range for its overall potential. Here's a breakdown of what his phrases mean:

• Overall Potential:
  • "Overall, they are a wondrous Pokémon!" - All IVs are 31 (Best)
  • "Overall, they are a fairly nice Pokémon." - IVs range from 26-30
  • "Overall, they are a decent Pokémon." - IVs range from 16-25
  • "Overall, they are no better than average." - IVs range from 0-15
• Best Stat:
  • "Their best stat is HP."
  • "Their best stat is Attack."
  • "Their best stat is Defense."
  • "Their best stat is Speed."
  • "Their best stat is Sp. Atk."
  • "Their best stat is Sp. Def."
  • If multiple stats share the highest IV value, he'll pick one at random to mention.
• IV Range for Best Stat:
  • "...It's likely this Pokémon's greatest stat is HP." (31 IV)
  • "...." (26-30 IV)
  • "...." (17-25 IV)
  • "...." (0-16 IV)

Important Notes

• The Same Judge can only be accessed after you have defeated the Elite Four and become Champion.
• You need to have seen at least 30 different Pokémon species in your Sinnoh Pokédex.
• The Judge will only evaluate one Pokémon at a time.
• His assessment is a general guideline and not exact numbers. For precise IVs, you'll need to use external tools or the Battle Tower's IV checker later on.

So, head over to Route 212, get your Pokémon judged, and see how they stack up! It's a great way to start understanding your Pokémon's potential.