Yo wassup, this is your old pal LightDiablo, after posting for the 'Hub Gym Challenge', I have realized that if many of you challengers need a chance of defeating us, you would need to know about EV training.

What are EVs?
In pokemon, there is a concept of your pokemon becoming better after fighting stronger opponents. This would sound kinda like something in Dragon Ball Z where Goku gets stronger after beating up stronger opponents. EVs stand for Effort Values.

How do I gain EVs?
EV training might sound hard to understand, but don't worry! By reading LightDiablo's guide on EV training, you would understand the concept of EV grinding. EVs are earnt after defeating your pokemon. Every Pokemon can provide EVs but are specific to assigned stat points. For example, lets consider a pokemon that pretty much everyone knows about, Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur provides sp.atk EVs upon defeat. Bulbasaur provides 1 sp.atk EV as it is a first stage evolution pokemon. Its second stage, Ivysaur provides 2 sp.atk EV as it is a second stage evolution. Finally, Venusaur, this pokemon provides 3 sp.atk EV as it is a third stage evolution. From this information, we can see that as the evolutions go up, there are more EVs being provided.

How does EV training work
Many of you would wonder that EVs are great and all. But how does it work. Well, it is important to know that there are 6 groups of stats:
HP- HP (Hit Points) is essential for bulky pokemon that need to defend against damage. Increasing this stat point allows for a pokemon to last longer in battle. Some well known pokemon with a lot of HP are Blissey and Guzzlord.
Attack- Attack stat is essential for pokemon well known for dealing physical damage. This allows a pokemon to deal more physical damage. Some well known physical attackers are Scizor and Kartana
Defense- Defense stat is essential for pokemon that are well known to take less amount of physical damage. For example, if the enemy pokemon uses a physical attack, the Defense stat comes into play and would allow your pokemon to take less damage. Some good defensive pokemon are Bastiodon and Mega Aggron
Special Attack- The Special Attack is quite similar to the attack stat but is more like magic. This is for dealing magic damage. Some well known Special attack pokemon are Mewtwo and Nephelite
Special Defense- The Special Defense stat is essential for pokemon that are well known to take less amount of special damage. For example, if the enemy pokemon uses a special attack, the Special Defense stat comes into play and would allow your pokemon to take less damage. Some good special defensive pokemon are Gardevoir and Lugia.
Speed- The speed stat often determines which pokemon strikes first. For example, if my speed stat is higher than my enemy's, then I would strike first. Some well known speedsters are Crobat and Regieleki

What are some good pokemon to grind for each stat group?
Ok here is a list of some good pokemon to grind for each stat

HP - Happiny line
Attack- Nidoran male line
Defense- Aron line
Sp. Attack- Abra line
Sp. Defense- Lotad line
Speed - Zubat line

The above are only examples and some other amazing pokemon can provide such EVs in Effort Island

What ways can I earn EVs
Here are some ways to earn EVs:
- Trainer battles: Yes you heard me right, trainer battles can provide EVs unlike other games
- Team sharing: Every pokemon whether participating or not participating, would still earn EVs as long as it is in your party
- Vitamins (not recommended): This is usually found in the Battle Towers at HUB at the BP shop but is not recommended as it only provides half of 252 EVs for two of your chosen stats and costs an expensive 24 BP.
-Wild pokemon: As mentioned above, wild pokemon can provide BP

Effort Island

Effort Island is obtained after beating battle bastion leaders. To go to battle bastion, follow the method below:
1.) Go to Hub
2.) Go to the docks south of The HUB
3.) Talk to the guy with a huge exclamation mark above his head, the one above the dragon tamer
4.) Go to battle bastion, be at least lvl 50
5.) Be prepared for battle
6.) Once you defeat them, go above and choose any of the following bastion challenge, from Kanto - Sinnoh, choose Kanto for a much faster run.
7.) Once you defeat the bastion leaders, go right of the prize section and talk to the old man, he will give you access to Effort Island.
8.) Go back to docks
9.) Talk to lady near the gold ship and pay $2000 in-game HUB money to access the island.

Explore the island. Every pokemon spawns in hordes and are best for shiny hunters and when they are in their first stage evolutions.

How do I gain EVs fast
If you would like a method to follow, you can follow my method.
LightDiablo's method- Have a pokemon that knows AOE attacks. I generally use a Snorlax and use the following TMs on it. Earthquake, surf, rock slide and Icy Wind. This is because of the Horde spawns there.
If you would like to gain more than 1 ev per pokemon, consider buying items such as Macho Braces and other training Items. A macho brace gives double the EVs. There are item specific hold items such as power lenses and etc... They provide 9 ev per first stage evo kill however unlike the macho brace, they focus upon a specific stat. The macho brace can be bought from the RNG shop in the hub for $3000 whilst the other efficient power items can be bought for 10BP each in the BP shop.

With that folks, please enjoy yourself and watch for more guides from me.