Professor Harry Hickory, Pokémon Research Journals Vol. 3, 1999
Introduction
While students often insist they “don’t need to know this for battling,” the study of Pokémon attributes—what most of you call “stats”—remains a foundational aspect of both research and training. The goal of this paper is to explain, in the most digestible manner possible (which is difficult, I assure you), how we measure Pokémon growth, and why it matters.
Why Not Just Use Raw Numbers?
Because every Pokémon species is different.
A level 50 Machop and a level 50 Abra are incomparable in raw stats. Creating a universal scale for all species would be like comparing the wing speed of a Pidgey to the bite force of a Magikarp—not exactly helpful.
So, instead of flattening the data across the entire species ecosystem (which, yes, I did try—twice), we use species-specific baselines.
These are determined by comparing large data samples, often calculated with the help of Porygon-based processing systems, which are particularly good at crunching long-range probability distributions. Thank you, Porygon.
What Stats Do We Measure?
After years of academic bickering, researchers agreed on five primary attributes that affect a Pokémon’s battle performance:
Example: Rattata (Species Baseline at Level 100)
Let’s examine one of our most common test subjects, the Rattata. The following table shows its maximum theorized potential at level 100:
This is the "perfect" Rattata. You will probably never see this Rattata. Don’t take it personally.
Field Study: Three Level 15 Rattata
To illustrate how stats develop in the real world, we analyzed three Level 15 Rattata with different life experiences:
Unsurprisingly, the trained Rattata outperformed the others across all categories.
Introducing the Rank System
Now, because raw numbers mean little to most trainers, we introduced a simplified ranking system based on how close a stat is to the species’ baseline.
This system is relative to the species. A Rank D Teddiursa and a Rank D Tauros don’t have the same numbers—but they are developing at similar pace within their species.
Expected Ranks by Level
To track development, we’ve established rough benchmarks for stat progress:
These are guidelines, not rules. Some Pokémon develop lopsided stats based on their nature, training focus, or inherited traits.
Important Caveat: Stats Aren’t Everything
Before my students start obsessing over turning their Spearow into S-Rank monsters, let me be clear:
Stats do not define a Pokémon’s worth.
They measure potential in a narrow, quantitative sense. But real battle success comes from:
- Smart tactics
- Move synergy and coverage
- Trainer-pokémon bond
- Adaptability under pressure
- And yes—sometimes just pure heart
I’ve seen Rank C Pokémon beat Rank A ones because their trainer knew them inside and out. Numbers help—but they don’t win battles.
Use them as a guide, not a crutch.
—
Professor Harry Hickory
Department of Theoretical Battle Mechanics
Still waiting for someone to read my paper on Porygon ethics