Effort Levels (ELs) are a new mechanic in Hisui that directly boost a Pokémon's stats. Each stat can have an EL from 0 to 10. You increase ELs by using Grit items: Grit Dust, Grit Gravel, Grit Pebbles, and Grit Rocks. These items are obtained by releasing Pokémon, defeating Alpha Pokémon, or finding them in Space-Time Distortions.
Investing Grit items into your main team's key stats is crucial for maximizing their battle potential, especially for challenging Alpha Pokémon and Noble encounters.