Effort Levels are an entirely new mechanic in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and raising them is just as important as raising a Pokémon's level. Effort Levels are similar to the Effort Value and Individual Value stats that Pokémon games have traditionally featured, as they are considered the "hidden stats" of Pokémon. Fortunately, Effort Levels are much easier to raise than either of the former values, which means players can build their best teams as they play through Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
When a Pokémon's stats are viewed in the summary menu, the Effort Levels are the numbers just outside of the main stat value and range from zero to 10. Most captured Pokémon will have their starting Effort Levels between zero and three, but Alpha Pokémon in Legends: Arceus are guaranteed to have at least three of their Effort Level stats begin at level three. Regardless of the level of the Pokémon or whether it was an Alpha, all Pokémon in Legends: Arceus can have all their Effort Levels raised to 10.
The only way to increase a Pokémon's Effort Levels is by using the Grit items found throughout Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Grit items are similar to the various vitamin supplements, such as Protein and Calcium, that in previous games increased a Pokémon's Effort Value stats, but Grit items can be used on any Pokémon stat. While players can find more of these items by either beating or catching Alpha Pokémon in Legends: Arceus, like Infernape, the easiest way to amass a large number of Grit items quickly is by mass releasing Pokémon in the pasture.
Pokémon Legends Arceus: How Grit Items Raise Effort Levels
To use a Grit item on a Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, players can open the item menu and select whichever Grit item is available, and the Pokémon party will indicate with which Pokémon it is compatible. For example, a Grit Pebble can only be used on a Pokémon that has any Effort Level stat that is at least level six but no greater than level eight. Each of the Grit items, namely Dust, Gravel, Pebble, and Rock, all have set ranges in which they can be used on a Pokémon.
Effort Levels can play a huge part in a Pokémon's potential power. In the photo above, Hisuian Zoroark's stats in Pokémon Legends: Arceus change once the Pokemon is given a Pebble or Rock. Effort Levels will increase a Pokémon's total stats by a comparable amount based on the stat's total base. For example, this Hisuian Zoroark has a Modest nature, which means its highest potential Special Attack stat can reach 383 when it is at level 100. The jump from Effort Level nine to 10 increased the Special Attack stat by 40 points immediately, without leveling up. By contrast, Hisuian Zoroark will gain the remaining 35 stat points over 35 levels as it reaches level 100.
The photo above also shows only five of the six stats with max Effort Level values, and that's because the nature of a Pokémon plays a huge role in determining which stats should have their Effort Levels raised. For another example, the best nature for Hisuian Lilligant in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is Adamant, which increases the Attack stat and lowers the Special Attack stat by 10%, for both stats. Since Hisuian Lilligant won't be using any Special Attack moves, there is no need to invest in increasing its Special Attack Effort Level stat, similar to how there is no reason to invest in the Attack Effort Level of a Modest-natured Zoroark.
Grit items are unlimited in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and there isn't really such a thing as wasting them to increase a Pokémon's Effort Levels if that Pokémon is a key part of the trainer's team. players can use Grit items to maximize a Pokémon's potential, regardless of which Pokémon players choose to use. Generally, players should be using their favorite Pokémon to beat the Pokémon Legends: Arceus story.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is available for Nintendo Switch.