dex / stats

A Complete Guide to Compare All Pokémon Base Stats (HP, Attack, Defense) for Trainers

This guide provides a complete framework to compare all Pokémon base stats, breaking down the core components like HP, Attack, and Defense so trainers can accurately evaluate a Pokémon's strengths and weaknesses. Specifically, we will provide comprehensive data charts and explain the methodology for making strategic comparisons, ensuring you can build the most effective team for any battle. To begin, understanding Pokémon base stats is the first step. These are the foundational values that determine every Pokémon species' innate potential for survival, offense, and speed. This article will define what these stats are, what each of the six core stats means, and why a high total number doesn't always guarantee victory. Furthermore, a key part of any trainer's research is knowing where their Pokémon stands. We will present detailed, sortable lists that answer crucial questions like "Who is the fastest Pokémon?" and "Which Pokémon has the highest Attack stat?". These rankings are essential tools for competitive team building and in-game success. Finally, base stats are only one part of the equation. We will also explore the critical supplementary factors—IVs, EVs, and Natures—that can dramatically alter a Pokémon's final power level. Let's dive in to explore each of these concepts and turn you into a Pokémon stats expert.

What Are Pokémon Base Stats?

Pokémon base stats are the fixed, inherent numerical values assigned to each Pokémon species that determine its natural potential in key combat areas like health, power, and speed. To truly grasp the significance of Pokémon base stats, it is essential to understand both the individual components and how they combine to create a Pokémon's overall profile. Cụ thể hơn, these values are the genetic blueprint for a Pokémon's capabilities before any training or individual variation is applied.

What are the 6 core stats (HP, Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, Speed)?

There are six core stats that form the foundation of a Pokémon's battle profile: HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. Each of these stats serves a distinct and vital function in every battle, from determining survival to deciding who strikes first. The table below provides a clear definition of what each of these core stats represents in the world of Pokémon.
Stat Name Abbreviation Function and Role in Battle
Health Points HP Determines the total amount of damage a Pokémon can withstand before it faints. A higher HP stat means greater survivability.
Attack Atk Governs the power of a Pokémon's physical moves (e.g., Tackle, Earthquake). A high Attack stat is crucial for physical attackers.
Defense Def Reduces the damage taken from an opponent's physical moves. Pokémon with high Defense are known as "physical walls."
Special Attack Sp. Atk Governs the power of a Pokémon's special moves (e.g., Flamethrower, Thunderbolt). Essential for special attackers.
Special Defense Sp. Def Reduces the damage taken from an opponent's special moves. Pokémon with high Special Defense are "special walls."
Speed Spe Determines the turn order in battle. In most cases, the Pokémon with the higher Speed stat will move first.

Does a higher Base Stat Total (BST) always mean a better Pokémon?

No, a higher Base Stat Total (BST) does not always mean a Pokémon is better, because stat distribution, strategic role, and typing are often more crucial than the raw total. While BST is a useful quick reference for a Pokémon's overall power level, it can be misleading if considered in isolation. The reason why a higher BST isn't always superior comes down to three key factors: specialized roles, wasted stats, and strategic matchups.
  1. Specialization Over Generalization: A Pokémon with a lower BST but extremely high values in two key stats (e.g., Attack and Speed) can be far more effective than a Pokémon with a higher BST whose stats are spread out evenly. For example, the glass cannon Weavile (BST 510) is often more threatening in its role as a fast physical sweeper than a more balanced Pokémon like Meganium (BST 525) because its stats are perfectly allocated for its job.
  2. "Wasted" Stats: Some Pokémon have high stats in areas that don't support their primary strategy. A physical attacker like Garchomp (BST 600) has a respectable 80 in Special Attack, but this stat is rarely used in competitive sets. A Pokémon with a lower BST but no "wasted" stats can be more efficient.
  3. Typing and Movepool: A Pokémon's defensive and offensive typing, along with the moves it can learn, can easily overcome a BST disadvantage. Quagsire (BST 430) has a relatively low BST, but its Water/Ground typing gives it a key immunity to Electric attacks and its Unaware ability allows it to ignore opponent's stat boosts, making it a powerful counter to many stronger threats.

Which Pokémon Have the Highest and Lowest Base Stats?

The Pokémon with the highest base stats are typically Legendary, Mythical, or Mega-Evolved forms like Eternamax Eternatus (BST 1125) and Arceus (BST 720), while the lowest belong to early-stage Pokémon like Sunkern (BST 180) and Wishiwashi Solo Form (BST 175). This vast spectrum of power is a core element of the Pokémon universe, creating clear tiers of strength. To illustrate this massive power gap, let's compare the rankings across different stat categories. These comparisons are vital for trainers who want to identify the absolute best Pokémon for a specific role on their team, whether it's the fastest possible attacker or the most resilient defensive wall.

Who are the Top 10 Pokémon by Total Base Stats?

The Top 10 Pokémon by Total Base Stats (BST) are dominated by legendary, alternate, and mega forms that possess immense power far beyond that of standard Pokémon. These Pokémon represent the pinnacle of strength in the franchise. The following table ranks the top 10 Pokémon by their Base Stat Total, excluding temporary in-battle forms where not applicable. This list serves as a definitive guide to the most powerful Pokémon in existence based on raw stats.
Rank Pokémon Base Stat Total (BST) Generation
1 Eternatus (Eternamax) 1125 VIII
2 Mega Rayquaza 780 VI
2 Mega Mewtwo X/Y 780 VI
4 Primal Kyogre 770 VI
4 Primal Groudon 770 VI
6 Ultra Necrozma 754 VII
7 Zacian (Crowned) 720 VIII
7 Zamazenta (Crowned) 720 VIII
7 Arceus 720 IV
10 Kyurem (Black/White) 700 V

Who is the fastest Pokémon vs. the slowest?

The fastest Pokémon is Regieleki with a base Speed of 200, making it unparalleled in raw velocity, while the slowest Pokémon are Shuckle, Munchlax, and Pyukumuku, each with a base Speed of 5. This extreme difference in Speed is a critical factor in competitive battles, often determining the outcome before a single move is made. Understanding the Speed tiers is fundamental for strategy. A fast Pokémon can apply pressure immediately, while a slow Pokémon often relies on bulk or abilities like Trick Room to function. The table below compares the five fastest and five slowest Pokémon in the game.
Rank (Fastest) Pokémon Base Speed Rank (Slowest) Pokémon Base Speed
1 Regieleki 200 1 Shuckle 5
2 Deoxys (Speed Forme) 180 1 Munchlax 5
3 Ninjask 160 1 Pyukumuku 5
4 Pheromosa 151 4 Stakataka 13
5 Calyrex (Shadow Rider) 150 5 Ferroseed 15

Who has the highest Attack vs. the highest Special Attack?

Mega Mewtwo X wins for the highest Attack stat at 190, making it the ultimate physical powerhouse, while Mega Mewtwo Y is best for Special Attack at 194, solidifying its role as the premier special attacker. This distinction is crucial for understanding offensive roles. An attacker's effectiveness depends entirely on whether its moves align with its highest offensive stat. A Pokémon with high Attack will do minimal damage with special moves, and vice versa. This table highlights the top 5 specialists in each category.
Rank Highest Physical Attack Atk Rank Highest Special Attack Sp. Atk
1 Mega Mewtwo X 190 1 Mega Mewtwo Y 194
2 Kartana 181 2 Deoxys (Attack Forme) 180
3 Deoxys (Attack Forme) 180 3 Mega Alakazam 175
4 Mega Heracross 185 4 Xurkitree 173
5 Black Kyurem 170 5 Calyrex (Shadow Rider) 165

What Other Factors Influence a Pokémon's Final Stats Besides Base Stats?

Besides base stats, three other critical factors influence a Pokémon's final stats: Individual Values (IVs), Effort Values (EVs), and Natures, which add unique layers of customization and variation. Understanding these additional factors is the key to unlocking a Pokémon's true potential and explains why two Pokémon of the same species can have vastly different stats. These mechanics represent the "nurture" aspect of a Pokémon's development, complementing the "nature" provided by their base stats. Mastering them is what separates casual players from competitive battlers.

What is the difference between Base Stats, IVs, and EVs?

Base Stats are the fixed average for a species, IVs (Individual Values) are the innate "talent" or genetic potential in each stat, and EVs (Effort Values) are stat points gained through training and battling specific opponents. To clarify the difference between Base Stats, IVs, and EVs, consider this analogy:
  • Base Stats are like the genetic blueprint of a species. All humans have a base potential to run, but a cheetah's species has a much higher base Speed.
  • IVs are like an individual's personal genetics. Some people are just born naturally faster or stronger than others. An IV is a hidden number from 0-31 for each stat, with 31 being perfect.
  • EVs are like targeted gym training. By consistently training your arms, you increase your strength. By defeating Pokémon that yield Speed EVs, you increase your Pokémon's final Speed stat.

How do Natures affect a Pokémon's stat growth?

A Pokémon's Nature provides a passive 10% boost to one of its stats while reducing another stat by 10%, ultimately shaping its specialized role. There are 25 different Natures in total, with 5 that are neutral and have no effect. The way Natures affect stat growth is a crucial element of competitive Pokémon. Choosing the right Nature is essential for maximizing a Pokémon's effectiveness. For example, a fast attacker like Jolteon would want a Timid Nature (+Speed, -Attack) to ensure it moves before its opponents. Its Attack stat is very low and unused, so reducing it has no negative consequence. Assigning an Adamant Nature (+Attack, -Sp. Atk) would be a complete waste.

What is the exact formula for calculating a Pokémon's stats in-game?

The exact formula for calculating a Pokémon's stats (for Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed) is a specific mathematical equation that combines all the factors we've discussed. Understanding the stat calculation formula provides a precise look at how the game's mechanics work. The formula is as follows: Stat = floor( ( (2 * Base + IV + floor(EV/4)) * Level/100 ) + 5 ) * Nature
  • Base: The Pokémon's Base Stat for that specific stat.
  • IV: The Individual Value for that stat (0-31).
  • EV: The Effort Value for that stat (0-252).
  • Level: The Pokémon's current level (1-100).
  • Nature: A multiplier of 1.1 (beneficial), 1.0 (neutral), or 0.9 (hindering).
  • floor(): A function that rounds the number down to the nearest integer.
The formula for HP is slightly different: HP = floor( (2 * Base + IV + floor(EV/4)) * Level/100 ) + Level + 10

How can in-battle stat changes overcome a base stat disadvantage?

In-battle stat changes from moves like Swords Dance or Agility can temporarily boost a Pokémon's stats by stages, allowing it to overcome a significant base stat disadvantage and outperform naturally stronger opponents. These moves are a cornerstone of "setup sweeper" strategies. The way in-battle stat changes work is by applying a multiplier to the Pokémon's current stat. Each "stage" of a stat boost increases its effectiveness, as shown in the table below.
Stat Stage Multiplier
+6 4x (400%)
+5 3.5x (350%)
+4 3x (300%)
+3 2.5x (250%)
+2 2x (200%)
+1 1.5x (150%)
0 1x (100%)
For example, a Pokémon like Hawlucha has a good but not elite base Attack of 92. However, after using Swords Dance (+2 stages), its Attack is effectively doubled, allowing it to hit harder than many Pokémon with much higher base Attack stats. This mechanic adds a deep layer of strategy, proving that with the right setup, almost any Pokémon can become a major threat.