Pokémon base stats: what each number means
Updated on October 20, 2026
Every Pokémon page shows six numbers called base stats. They define the species’ potential: two Pikachu can have different final values, but both start from the same base. Reading these numbers helps you choose each Pokémon’s role on your team.
The six stats
HP is how much damage the Pokémon can take before fainting. Attack boosts the damage of physical moves like Earthquake or Fire Punch, and Defense reduces physical damage taken. Special Attack and Special Defense do the same for special moves like Flamethrower or Ice Beam.
Speed decides who moves first each turn. In close battles, moving first can mean knocking out the opponent before it attacks, which is why Speed is as contested as damage.
Reading the total
Adding the six values gives a sense of overall power. First stages are usually below 300, fully evolved Pokémon sit between 450 and 550, and legendaries go above 580. Arceus, for example, has 720.
The total isn’t the whole story. A Pokémon with 500 points spread well for its role can beat one with 530 points in stats it doesn’t use. A physical attacker with high Special Attack is wasting points.
Specialists and extremes
Some Pokémon push a single stat to the limit. Blissey has 255 HP, the maximum possible, and Shuckle has 230 Defense and Special Defense but is extremely weak on offense. These extremes show that each species was designed for a job.
In practice, find the Pokémon’s highest stat and build around it: high Speed and Attack call for a fast attacker; high HP and defenses call for a Pokémon that tanks hits and wears the opponent down.
IVs, EVs and natures
Each stat’s final value also depends on three individual factors. IVs are values from 0 to 31 rolled for each Pokémon and act as its "genes". EVs are points earned in battle or with items: in total, a Pokémon can hold 510, with at most 252 in a single stat.
A nature raises one stat by 10% and lowers another by 10%, except for neutral natures. Adamant, for example, raises Attack and lowers Special Attack, which is perfect for a physical attacker.
Make the stats work for you
On each Pokémon page at Taverna dos Jogos, the stat bars show where it shines, and the text explains whether it leans physical, special, fast or bulky. Compare Pokémon of the same type before deciding who joins your team.