Best EV (Effort Value) training guide for Pokémon Emerald
The best way to EV (Effort Value) train in Pokémon Emerald is to target specific hotspots for each stat, use the Macho Brace and Pokérus to double EV gains, and supplement with Vitamins early on. This ensures efficient stat growth without wasting battles.
- HP:
- Rusturf Tunnel → Whismur (1 HP EV each, 100% encounter)
- Dewford/Slateport (Super Rod) → Wailmer (1 HP EV)
- Desert Underpass → Loudred (2 HP EV)
- Attack:
- Route 101 → Poochyena (1 Attack EV)
- Route 118/119 (Fishing) → Carvanha (1 Attack EV)
- Mt. Pyre (Floors 1–3) → Shuppet (1 Attack EV, 100% encounter)
- Defense:
- Granite Cave → Aron (1 Defense EV)
- Victory Road → Geodude (1 Defense EV), Lairon (2 Defense EV)
- Special Attack:
- Route 113 → Spinda (1 Sp. Atk EV)
- Magma Hideout → Numel (1 Sp. Atk EV)
- Sky Pillar → Golbat (2 Sp. Atk EV)
- Special Defense:
- Abandoned Ship → Tentacool (1 Sp. Def EV, very common)
- Mt. Pyre (upper floors) → Duskull (1 Sp. Def EV)
- Speed:
- Route 104 → Wingull (1 Speed EV)
- Route 110 → Electrike (1 Speed EV)
- Route 117 → Voltorb (1 Speed EV)
Efficiency Boosters
- Macho Brace: Doubles EVs gained but halves Speed in battle. Essential for faster training.
- Pokérus: Rare virus that doubles EV gain again (stacking with Macho Brace). If you get it, spread it to your team.
- Vitamins (HP Up, Protein, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Carbos): Each adds 10 EVs up to 100 per stat. Use them first to jumpstart training.
- EXP Share: Pokémon holding it also gain EVs, making multi-training easier.
Why This Works
EV training in Emerald is slower than in later generations because items like Power Bracer don't exist yet. By focusing on high-encounter hotspots and stacking Macho Brace + Pokérus, you maximize EV gain per battle. This method ensures your Pokémon reach competitive-ready stats without excessive grinding.