Cobblemon implements the core Pokemon stat mechanics: Individual Values (IVs), Effort Values (EVs), and Natures. EVs come from battling and cap at 252 per stat and 510 in total. A Nature shifts one stat up 10% and another down 10%. Understanding these is essential for competitive play on servers. Base Cobblemon does not currently have Pokémon breeding, so egg-based IV advice from the mainline games does not apply.
Individual Values (IVs)
IVs are hidden stats that range from 0 to 31 for each stat: HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed.
- 31 IV (Perfect): Maximum bonus to that stat
- 0 IV: No bonus
Catch or trade for Pokémon with useful IVs. Check your installed version and server rules for other ways to modify them; the official advancements page also describes IV Candy. Do not assume eggs or inherited IVs are available in base Cobblemon.
Checking IVs
Use the Cobblemon summary screen or server commands to check a Pokemon's IVs. Server administrators may enable or disable IV visibility.
Effort Values (EVs)
EVs are gained through battling. Each Pokemon defeated gives EVs in specific stats. A Pokemon can earn up to 510 total EVs, with 252 maximum per stat.
Every 4 EVs in a stat add 1 point to that stat at level 100.
Common EV training strategies:
- Focus 252 EVs in two main stats
- Put remaining 6 in a third stat
EV Training on Servers
Some Cobblemon servers add EV training areas with specific wild Pokemon spawns. Server administrators can configure EV yield and training items.
Natures
Each Pokemon has one Nature that boosts one stat by 10% and reduces another by 10%. Neutral Natures do not change any stats.
Popular Natures:
| Nature | +10% | -10% |
|---|---|---|
| Adamant | Attack | Sp. Attack |
| Modest | Sp. Attack | Attack |
| Jolly | Speed | Sp. Attack |
| Timid | Speed | Attack |
| Bold | Defense | Attack |
| Calm | Sp. Defense | Attack |
Improving IVs Without Breeding
The Pasture Block lets Pokémon from PC storage roam nearby; it does not produce eggs. See the official Pasture Block page and the breeding status guide.
Tips:
- Check the IVs of promising catches before spending time on EV training
- Trade for a Pokémon whose useful IVs fit your intended build
- Check whether IV Candy is available in your Cobblemon version or server setup
FAQ
What are IVs in Cobblemon? Hidden stats (0-31) that affect a Pokémon's potential. Higher is usually better for a stat your build uses.
How do I check IVs? Through the summary screen or server commands, depending on server configuration.
What Nature is best? Depends on the Pokemon. Physical attackers want Adamant or Jolly. Special attackers want Modest or Timid.
Related: Cobblemon breeding status and Pasture Block, Best Cobblemon servers
EV Training Spots and Strategy
EV training means defeating specific Pokemon that give the EVs you want. In Cobblemon, just like in the mainline games, each species gives a fixed EV yield when defeated.
For a physical attacker, you want 252 Attack and 252 Speed, with the remaining 4 points in HP or Defense. For a special attacker, swap Attack for Special Attack.
The practical loop:
- Decide the EV spread before you start. Wiping EVs later costs berries or server-specific items.
- Find spawn areas for Pokemon that give your target EV. Most servers have community-built training spots for this reason.
- Battle them with the Pokemon you are training in the front of your party.
- Track your EVs through the summary screen so you do not overshoot 252.
If your server has Poke Snacks or spawners enabled, you can build a training farm that spawns the right EV-giving species on demand. That turns EV training from an hour of hunting into ten minutes of clicking.
Natures: the 10% Multiplier
Every Pokemon has a Nature that raises one stat by 10% and lowers another by 10%. A wrong Nature is basically a permanent handicap, so competitive players treat it as non-negotiable.
The common choices:
| Nature | Raises | Lowers | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adamant | Attack | Sp. Atk | Physical attackers |
| Jolly | Speed | Sp. Atk | Fast physical attackers |
| Modest | Sp. Atk | Attack | Special attackers |
| Timid | Speed | Attack | Fast special attackers |
| Bold | Defense | Attack | Physical walls |
| Calm | Sp. Def | Attack | Special walls |
Neutral Natures (no boost or drop) are fine for casual play but not for ladder or tournament matches.
Changing Natures
In Cobblemon, mints change the stat modifier without changing the listed Nature. Check how mints are obtained on your server; breeding for a Nature with an Everstone is not a base-mod option.
Putting It Together: a Realistic Build Path
Say you want a competitive Garchomp for your server ladder:
- Catch or trade for one with strong Attack and Speed IVs; check whether IV Candy is available on your server
- Give it a Jolly Nature or mint
- EV train 252 Attack, 252 Speed, 4 HP
- Level it and pick a moveset that matches the spread
The time needed depends on catches, trades, training spots, and item availability. Server admins: document which stat-adjustment options your version and add-ons actually provide.
Common Mistakes
Training EVs before checking IVs. Check your Pokémon's potential and your server's IV-adjustment options first, then plan the EV spread.
Overshooting 252 EVs in a stat. EVs cap at 252 useful points per stat (510 total). Points beyond 252 in one stat do nothing.
Forgetting the lowered stat matters. A Jolly Pokemon lowering Sp. Atk is fine on a physical attacker. The same Nature on a mixed attacker quietly guts half its moveset.
Assuming any wild catch is optimal. For competitive play, compare IVs and Nature effects before committing resources; do not plan around egg breeding unless your server explicitly runs an add-on.