Gotta Go Fast (But Maybe a Little Slower First): Mastering the Power Anklet in Pokémon
Do you want quick Pokémon? In Pokémon, Speed reigns supreme. If you battle competitively or aim to perfection, you know about the Power Anklet. But what does this item do? And is it worth the trade-off for your Pokémon’s speed?
Don’t worry, trainers! We will explore the Power Anklet. We will separate fact from fiction. You will be ready to enhance that Speed stat with skill. This is your guide to EV mastery using this item. It sounds like a fashion accessory, but it’s quite effective in battle too.
What in the World is a Power Anklet, Anyway?
The Power Anklet is a held item in Pokémon games. It acts like a stylish accessory and a serious training tool. When equipped, and if your Pokémon defeats another, it gains something special. It’s about Effort Values, or EVs.
- Here’s the deal: The Power Anklet grants an extra 8 Speed EVs for each opponent defeated. This is in addition to the EVs given by the defeated Pokémon.
- The catch? Yes, there’s always a catch. While equipped, the Power Anklet halves your Pokémon’s Speed stat. It’s like wearing ankle weights during training.
It is a temporary sacrifice for greater speed gains later. It’s worth it if you want fast Pokémon.
Speed Reduction? Ouch. How Much are We Talking?
Let’s clarify the speed situation. When your Pokémon wears the Power Anklet, their Speed stat is halved in battles. Picture running through molasses; that’s the struggle your Pokémon faces.
This speed reduction is the cost of those bonus Speed EVs. It slows training initially, but the long-term benefits are remarkable when you unleash a speedy monster in battle.
EVs Explained: Why Should You Care?
Let’s talk about EVs. Effort Values. Sounds complicated, huh? Think of EVs as hidden bonus points that enhance your Pokémon. They elevate stats beyond base potential.
- What are EVs? EVs, or Effort Values, are gained by battling specific Pokémon. When you defeat a Pokémon, it gives EVs in different stats (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed).
- EV Limits: You can max out your Pokémon’s total EVs at 510. You can only invest 252 EVs in one stat. Plus, every 4 EVs in a stat gives a one-point increase at level 100.
Training your Pokémon for optimal EVs is vital for battling. Want a fast attacker? Go for Speed EVs!
Power Anklet vs. the Macho Brace and Power Bracer: A Family Affair
The Power Anklet isn’t alone in EV-boosting items. Here are its relatives: Macho Brace and Power Bracer. Let’s compare:
- Macho Brace: This classic item halves Speed but doubles EVs post-battle. It’s a brute-force strategy for EV training.
- Power Bracer: Similar to the Anklet, but it grants 8 Attack EVs instead of Speed EVs.
All of these share the downside of halving Speed but boost different EVs. Pick the one that matches your desired stat!
Farming for Speed: Where to Find Speedy Prey
You’re ready. Power Anklet equipped. Now, where do you go to earn those Speed EVs efficiently?
Find Pokémon that provide Speed EVs when defeated. They are like speed-boosting vitamins.
- Speedy Suspects: Targets include Pokémon like Pidgey, Magikarp, Starly, and Meowth. These Pokémon offer Speed EVs.
- Magikarp Math: A Magikarp usually only gives 1 Speed EV. It’s a Basic Pokémon, but every bit counts.
- Starly Stats: A Starly provides 1 Speed EV. Equip the Power Anklet, and you earn 9 Speed EVs per Starly. Efficiency!
Find a spot filled with these Pokémon, wear your Power Anklet, and battle! Time to train those EVs.
Checking Your EV Progress: Are We There Yet?
How do you check if your training works? Luckily, newer Pokémon games show EV progress clearly. No more guessing!
- Stat Screen Magic: Access your Pokémon’s menu, go to the stat screen, and press the L trigger. The EV visualization appears!
- Solid Shapes and Sparkles: A colored shape shows your EV distribution. Maxed stats will even sparkle. This signals you’ve hit the EV cap for that stat.
Check the stat screens often to monitor your EV progress and ensure you’re on track to mastery.
Oops! Too Many EVs? Berries to the Rescue!
Mistakes happen. Over-trained a stat? Stay calm! Pokémon games let you reset or lower EVs with special berries.
- EV-Reducing Berries: These berries each reduce a specific stat’s EVs by 10. Consider them EV erasers.
- Berry Lineup:
- Pomeg Berry: Reduces HP EVs
- Kelpsy Berry: Reduces Attack EVs
- Qualot Berry: Reduces Defense EVs
- Hondew Berry: Reduces Special Attack EVs
- Grepa Berry: Reduces Special Defense EVs
- Tamato Berry: Reduces Speed EVs
If you went too far on Speed EVs, Tamato Berries will help fix it.
Vitamins and Feathers: EV Boosters in a Bottle (and Plume)
Berries are not the only way to manipulate EVs. Vitamins and feathers enhance EVs.
- Vitamins: Items like Protein, Iron, and Carbos boost specific stats by 10 EVs. They cap at 100 EVs per stat. Great for initial boosts!
- Feathers (Wings): Also called Wings, these give a smaller boost of 1 EV per feather. Ideal for final tuning of your EV spread.
Vitamins provide substantial boosts; feathers assist with fine-tuning. Keep this in mind!
Level 100 and EVs: The Myth Debunked
Can you train EVs on a Level 100 Pokémon? Definitely! This misconception is common.
- EVs at Max Level: Yes, EVs can be obtained at Level 100. The game updates stats after each battle, regardless of level. Keep earning those EVs!
Level 100 isn’t where training ends. You can always continue!
Speed Reduction Shenanigans: Paralysis and More
The Power Anklet isn’t the only factor affecting Pokémon speed. Other battle mechanics reduce speed too. Let’s examine a few culprits:
- Macho Brace Speed Cut: This item halves Speed like the Power Anklet. Speed reduction is a trend among EV training items.
- Paralysis: If struck by moves like Thunder Wave, Speed drops by 50%. It mimics a temporary Power Anklet effect.
Speed management matters in battles. Be mindful of these effects and adjust strategies!
Power Anklets in Breeding: Passing Down the Speed Gene
Power Items like
The Power Anklet does more than just EV training. It helps in Pokémon breeding. It can influence IVs (Individual Values). These are the genetic potential for stats.
- IV Inheritance: When breeding, Power Items can ensure that the holder’s IV in the related stat passes to the offspring. Need a perfect Speed IV baby? Give a parent a Power Anklet.
- Situational Breeding: Power Items are not as common in breeding as the Destiny Knot (to pass multiple IVs) and Everstone (for Nature inheritance). Still, they are very helpful for specific IV breeding.
Want a baby Pokémon with a Speed IV? Power Anklet helps in the Day Care!
Pixelmon Power Anklets: Minecraft Pokémon Style
If you are playing Pixelmon in Minecraft, the Power Anklet exists there. It works like in the main series, with some Pixelmon features.
- Pixelmon Anklet Perks: In Pixelmon, the Power Anklet halves Speed and gives 8 extra Speed EVs. The breeding mechanics are similar, ensuring Speed IV inheritance.
- Pixelmon Acquisition: How can you get a Power Anklet? You find them as drops from rare tier bosses or as tier 3 or 4 special drops. Now, go hunt those bosses!
Trainers in Pixelmon, find those Power Anklets in the blocky world!
Anklets in the Real World: Fashion to…House Arrest? (Kidding…Sort Of)
Let’s detour and discuss anklets in reality. The term “anklet” exists outside games too. It is funny to see the Power Anklet next to actual anklets.
- Fashion Statement: Real anklets are often accessories. They can be stylish and delicate. They can show off your ankles (short dresses and flip-flops work well).
- Cultural and Spiritual Meanings: Anklets have cultural meaning too. In India, gold anklets are for married women. Some think anklets bring good luck. Forget EVs; do they boost real-life stats? (Not likely.)
- Anklet Etiquette (Apparently Exists): Can you sleep with an anklet on? Experts may say no. Sweat and bacteria can be an issue. There’s a “right” and “wrong” ankle for wearing them too. Just wear it on the ankle you prefer.
- Permanent Anklets: Did you know you can have permanent anklets? They can be fused to your ankle. For…permanence. Interesting.
- Ankle Monitors: Then there are ankle monitors. Not really fashion accessories. They are for house arrest and tracking offenders. Cutting one off? Big trouble. Not for Speed EVs.
Anklets range from fashion to tradition to…monitoring. The Power Anklet in Pokémon is the coolest. No court orders here, just pure Speed EV gains (with a temporary Speed penalty).
Alright trainers, you have the facts on the Power Anklet. Go train those Speed EVs, breed speedy Pokémon, and win! Just remember, great Speed means a slight training delay. Greatness needs time.