Question 1

What are the best Pokémon types for beginners?

Accepted Answer

For beginners, Normal, Water, and Grass types are excellent starting choices. They're widely available, have balanced stats, and aren't too complicated to use. Water types like Squirtle or Mudkip are particularly forgiving due to their defensive capabilities and wide move pools. As you progress, consider adding Fire, Electric, and Fighting types to round out your team.

Question 2

How do I build a balanced Pokémon team?

Accepted Answer

A balanced team should cover all major type weaknesses. Include 5-6 Pokémon with diverse types to handle different opponents. A typical competitive team includes: 1 Physical Attacker, 1 Special Attacker, 1 Defensive Wall, 1 Fast Sweeper, 1 Support Pokémon, and 1 Flex slot. Make sure to cover Water, Fire, Grass, Electric, and Fighting type moves at minimum.

Question 3

What are EVs and IVs in Pokémon?

Accepted Answer

EVs (Effort Values) and IVs (Individual Values) are hidden stats that affect your Pokémon's overall strength. IVs are like genetics - they're set when you catch/hatch a Pokémon and range from 0-31 for each stat. EVs are earned through battles and training, allowing you to customize your Pokémon's stat growth. You can earn up to 510 total EVs with a max of 252 in any single stat.

Question 4

How can I increase my chances of finding shiny Pokémon?

Accepted Answer

Shiny odds vary by game but typically start at 1/4096. To improve your odds: use the Masuda Method (breeding Pokémon from different language games) for 1/683 odds, build up catch combos in Let's Go games, use the Shiny Charm item (obtained by completing the Pokédex), or participate in special events. Chain fishing and DexNav chaining in certain games also boost shiny rates significantly.

Question 5

What's the difference between physical and special attacks?

Accepted Answer

Physical attacks use the Attack stat and hit the opponent's Defense (examples: Tackle, Earthquake, Bite). Special attacks use the Special Attack stat and hit Special Defense (examples: Flamethrower, Psychic, Surf). Each move type was designated physical or special before Generation IV, but since Gen IV, each individual move is classified independently. Check your Pokémon's stats - if Attack is higher, focus on physical moves; if Special Attack is higher, use special moves.

Question 6

When should I evolve my Pokémon?

Accepted Answer

Generally, evolve Pokémon as soon as possible to maximize their stats. However, some Pokémon learn moves faster in their pre-evolved forms. Check the move list before evolving - if there's a critical move learned at level 45 but evolution happens at level 36, you might want to wait. Pokémon that evolve via stones (like Eevee) should usually be leveled up first to learn moves, then evolved later.

Pokémon Guides & Tips

Beginner Guides

Getting Started with Pokémon

Understanding Type Effectiveness

Your First Pokémon Team

Battle Strategy

Best Pokémon for Competitive 2025

Advanced Type Matchups

Status Effects & Conditions

Competitive Team Building

Training & Evolution

Evolution Strategies

Eevee Evolution Guide

Understanding Stats & IVs

Move Selection Guide

Mega Evolution & Primal Reversion

Catching & Discovery

Catching Rare Pokémon

Shiny Hunting Guide

Legendary Encounter Tips

Type-Specific Rankings

Top 10 Fire Type Pokémon 2025

Ready to Start Your Journey?