While older games utilized Individual Values (IVs) and Effort Values (EVs) to calculate a Pokémon’s stats, Pokémon Legends: Arceus uses a new system many are calling Effort Levels (ELs) or Ganbaru Values (GVs). This guide will help you understand this new mechanic, how it impacts your Pokémon’s stats and how to raise a Pokémon’s Effort Levels in order to become stronger.
What are Effort Levels? Or Ganbaru Values?
Effort Levels and Ganbaru Values are the same — the game internally refers to these by the Japanese term “ganbaru”, but Effort Levels is a serviceable translation for English fans. The higher the Effort Levels, the higher your stats will be, just like old Effort Values. However, unlike EVs, all stats can reach maximum Effort Levels. There’s no need to fiddle around with maxing two stats and throwing a few extra points in another. And unlike IVs, a Pokémon’s Effort Levels are not hidden and are meant to be increased.
Effort Levels can be raised to a maximum of 10 through means that are explored below. The impact of each level, 1-10, is not linear. Based on information in the code, we know that each Effort Level corresponds to a different value to calculate a Pokémon’s stats:
- Effort Level 0: 0
- Effort Level 1: 2
- Effort Level 2: 3
- Effort Level 3: 4
- Effort Level 4: 7
- Effort Level 5: 8
- Effort Level 6: 9
- Effort Level 7: 14
- Effort Level 8: 15
- Effort Level 9: 16
- Effort Level 10: 25
Where can I check my Pokémon’s Effort Levels?
Effort Levels are conveniently displayed right in your Pokémon’s summary! You can see each of them to the right of their respective stat.
How do I raise my Pokémon’s Effort Levels?
Raising your Pokémon’s Effort Levels comes down to four items: Grit Dust, Grit Gravel, Grit Pebble and Grit Rock. Each will raise Effort Levels only through a specific range, so you’ll have to use the appropriate item depending on your Pokémon’s current Effort Level for the stat you are increasing.
- Grit Dust: Mysterious dust that can raise the effort level for one of a Pokémon’s stats. It can be used to raise effort levels only up to level three, however.
- Grit Gravel: Mysterious gravel that can raise the effort level for one of a Pokémon’s stats. It can be used only if the effort level is at least level three and no greater than level five.
- Grit Pebble: A mysterious pebble that can raise the effort level for one of a Pokémon’s stats. It can be used only if the effort level is at least level six and no greater than level eight.
- Grit Rock: A mysterious rock that can raise the effort level for one of a Pokémon’s stats. It can be used only if the effort level has already reached level nine.
With a combination of these four items, you’ll be able to max out your Pokémon’s Effort Levels for each of its stats.
Where do I find Grit Dust, Grit Gravel, Grit Pebbles and Grit Rocks?
There are actually quite a few ways to obtain Grit Dust, Grit Gravel, Grit Pebbles and Grit Rocks. You can receive them for releasing Pokémon, find them throughout the world and by defeating Alpha Pokémon.
Were Individual Values (IVs) and Effort Values (EVs) removed in Pokémon Legends?
No. Even though they are not used for stat calculations like previous games, each Pokémon still has IVs; these are actually used to calculate its starting Effort Levels. If your new Pokémon has a perfect IV of 31, that stat will begin at Effort Level 3. Lower IVs correspond to lower starting Effort Levels and any IV that is 20 or lower will start the Pokémon at Effort Level 0.
Likewise, EVs are still gained for defeating Pokémon, but do not impact your stats. This may come into play when Pokémon originating in Legends: Arceus are imported to other games.
