IQ

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IQ (Japanese: かしこさ smartness) is a skill system in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon (WiiWare). Various benefits can be unlocked by increasing a Pokémon's IQ, which is accomplished by feeding them Gummis. Eating a Gummi may also raise Attack, Defense, Special Attack, or Special Defense by 1 (or 3 in the case of a Wonder Gummi). In rare instances, all stats may be raised at once.

As a Pokémon's IQ increases, they learn a number of skills to help traveling in dungeons. IQ also substitutes for friendship in the main series; Pokémon that normally evolve by friendship instead require a certain amount of IQ to evolve.

While this game mechanic is named after the intelligence quotient, these two metrics are unrelated. When speaking to Alakazam or Noctowl in dungeons, they will mention their high IQ, regardless of how many IQ points they actually have.

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity, the mechanic was replaced by Team Skills. In Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, most of the IQ skills can be found on Looplets and Emeras or is naturally integrated into their AI.

IQ points

While the actual IQ value of a Pokémon is a hidden number, their level of IQ is represented through the number of stars in their summary. From this, it is possible to find out the approximate range of a Pokémon's IQ number.

Red Rescue Team
and
Blue Rescue Team
Stars IQ
1 0
2 10
3 50
4 100
5 150
6 200
7 300
8 400
9 500
10 600
11 700
MAX 990
Explorers of Time,
Darkness,
and Sky
Stars IQ
0 0
0.5 1
1 60
1.5 110
2 160
2.5 210
3 260
3.5 310
4 360
4.5 410
5 460
5.5 510
6 560
6.5 610
7 660
7.5 710
8 760
8.5 810
9 860
9.5 910
10 960

IQ points may be raised from the use of Gummis. The number of IQ points a Pokémon gains from each Gummi depends on the type of Gummi. Each Gummi is preferred by a particular type. The relation of that type to the type of the Pokémon being given the Gummi can be used to work out the amount of IQ points the Pokémon will gain:

Relation to type IQ points gained
Matches Pokémon's type 7 (Red and Blue Rescue Teams)
5 (Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky)
Strong against Pokémon's type 4
Neutral against Pokémon's type 3
Weak against Pokémon's type 2
Ineffective against Pokémon's type 1

In Red and Blue Rescue Team, Gold (Psychic) Gummis are considered strong against the Ghost type as opposed to neutral.

In the case of dual types, this is first calculated for both types individually. In Red and Blue Rescue Teams, the two are then added together. Because of this, Pokémon with two types will increase their IQ at a faster rate than Pokémon with just one type. For an example, take a dual-type Water/Ground Pokémon such as Swampert. A Blue (Water) Gummi will add 11 IQ points as it is a Water type ( 7) and Water attacks are strong against Ground Pokémon ( 4). A Yellow (Electric) Gummi will add 5 IQ points as Electric attacks are strong against Water Pokémon ( 4) and ineffective against Ground Pokémon ( 1).

In Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky, the higher of the two values is used. Thus, Gummis matching the Pokémon's type are always preferred over other types of Gummis. Furthermore, IQ can be raised with other items: Wonder Gummis raise IQ by 15 points. Nectar raises IQ by 10 points. The lookalike item Gravelyrock raises IQ by 10 points for Bonsly and Sudowoodo.

Drinks mixed in Spinda's Café may also raise IQ. All Gummi drinks act identically to regular Gummis but are guaranteed to provide a stat boost. A good Gummi drink raises IQ by 2 additional points. A good Max Elixir drink raises IQ by 2 points, while a good Eyedrop Seed drink raises IQ by 3 points. Good drinks from edible lookalike items raise IQ by 3 points (2 for Gravelyrocks), but a standard drink from these items may lower a random stat. Miracle drinks will increase either HP, a random stat, or IQ by a random amount between 2 and 5.

IQ can also be raised by holding an IQ Booster which occasionally boosts the Pokémon's IQ as it moves between floors. The item raises IQ by one point on certain floors of dungeons. Because the amount of IQ gained depends on the dungeon difficulty, easy dungeons with low-level Pokémon, like Mt. Bristle, will give the holder a small trickle while harder dungeons with dangerous, high-level Pokémon, like Zero Isle North, will provide a boost on every floor.

IQ skills

Red and Blue Rescue Team

In Red and Blue Rescue Teams, a Pokémon's IQ skills can be checked in the menu under each individual team member at any time in dungeons or Friend Areas. While there are a total of 23 skills, it is only possible to have twelve active at a time. While the five skills without a group can be active simultaneously, there can only be one active skill from groups A–G at any time.

Required IQ Group Name Affects Game description Other notes
0 - Item Catcher All Pokémon The Pokémon can catch and hold a thrown item. It can't make a catch if it is already holding an item. It also can't catch Seeds and drink items.
0 - Course Checker Partner Pokémon If this Pokémon has a foe targeted for a move or a thrown item, it will check first for walls and other Pokémon that may get in the way. It will stop if there is an obstacle. In the case of linked moves, Course Checker will only check the first one. So if the combination is Growl Razor Leaf, the Razor Leaf could still be wasted as it has more terrain limitations than Growl.
0 B Dedicated Traveler Partner Pokémon The Pokémon will focus on traveling. It will use moves and items less often. As long as moving is an option, the partner will do so and not stop to attack any nearby Pokémon.
0 - Item Master Partner Pokémon The Pokémon will use or throw its hold item. The main benefit of this skill is that it can be turned off to provide an extra storage space, however, turning the skill off stops the Pokémon from using Reviver Seeds.
0 G Exclusive Move-User Partner Pokémon The Pokémon will only use moves. It will not use its regular attack. This can be used in conjunction with the move menu to get the partner to use a particular attack.
5 G PP Checker Partner Pokémon The Pokémon will stop using linked moves that are on the verge of delinking. It also stops using moves with no PP left. As it is possible to stop partners using a particular move, this can safely be switched with Exclusive Move-User when required. This skill doesn't take Pressure into account, resulting in linked moves still becoming delinked when one move has 2 PP remaining.
10 B Efficiency Expert Partner Pokémon When battling several foes, the Pokémon will first target Pokémon with the lowest HP. As the weaker foes are likely to go down in one hit, this allows the leader to focus on the stronger ones without the annoyance of the attacks from the weakest.
25 - Status Checker Partner Pokémon If its target has a status problem, the Pokémon will not use moves that cause the same status problem.
40 - Nontraitor All Pokémon If it becomes Confused or is Cowering, the Pokémon's wildly thrown attacks will not hit friends.
70 E Self-Curer All Pokémon The Pokémon recovers faster from status problems. Temporary status conditions will usually not last beyond 3 turns with this skill.
100 A Quick Dodger All Pokémon The Pokémon becomes better at evading attacks and moves.
110 A Type-Advantage Master All Pokémon The Pokémon's critical-hit rate is boosted when attacking foes with a type disadvantage.
130 B Weak-Type Picker Partner Pokémon When battling several foes, the Pokémon will first target Pokémon that have a type disadvantage.
140 D Trap Avoider Partner Pokémon The Pokémon often avoids stepping on visible traps. Switching places with the partner when standing on a trap will not count towards Trap Avoider. Partners will also avoid Wonder Tiles.
160 E Nonsleeper All Pokémon The Pokémon resists sleep from traps and the moves of foes.
200 B EXP. Go-Getter Partner Pokémon When battling several foes, the Pokémon will first target the Pokémon that are worth the most Exp. Points. While all Pokémon in the team share the experience points, this will usually make the partner attack the stronger foes.
250 E Energy Saver All Pokémon The Pokémon's Belly empties slower.
300 F Lava Evader Partner Pokémon The Pokémon will avoid fiery lava. Any non-fire Pokémon that can travel over lava (including through later IQ skills) will get the Burn condition on stepping over it. As they would normally do it without thought, this stops the problem.
400 C All-Terrain Hiker All Pokémon The Pokémon gains the ability to walk on water, lava, and clouds.
500 A Sure-Hit Attacker All Pokémon The Pokémon's regular attacks never miss.
600 F Trap Seer Leader Pokémon If the Pokémon is on an undiscovered trap, upon taking a step it will make the trap visible without setting it off. Stepping on an exposed trap will still have an effect. In combination with Trap Avoider, the danger of traps practically disappears.
800 D House Avoider Partner Pokémon The Pokémon avoids monster houses. While the partner will not wander into Monster Houses on their own, the leader can still activate them.
990 C Super Mobile All Pokémon The Pokémon gains the ability to walk on water, lava, and clouds. It can also dig its way through walls. Digging through walls with this skill does not increase belly consumption. Partners will tend to dig their own path so are better suited to All-Terrain Hiker.

Explorers of Time, Darkness and Sky

Required IQ Group(s) Name Affects Game description Other notes
0 - Escapist All Pokémon The Pokémon has the power to let rescue targets escape a dungeon. This is an essential IQ Skill for exploration teams. Team members must always be ready to use this skill, so it can't be turned off.
0 - Course Checker Partner Pokémon If this Pokémon targets an enemy with a move or a thrown item, it will first check for walls and other Pokémon that may get in the way, then stop the action if such an obstacle exists. Course Checker will only check the first entry of a linked move combination.
0 A,B,D Dedicated Traveler Partner Pokémon The Pokémon will focus on traveling. It will use moves and items less often. As long as moving is an option, the partner will do so and not stop to attack any nearby Pokémon.
0 - Item Catcher All Pokémon The Pokémon can catch and hold a thrown item, unless it is already holding an item. It can't catch seeds or health drinks. Projectiles like Gravelerocks or Iron Thorns can be caught by team members, but not by enemies.
0 - Item Master Partner Pokémon The Pokémon will use or throw its hold item. This skill must be turned on for the Pokémon to use Reviver and Reviser Seeds. It does not prevent the Pokémon from using Natural Gift with a held Seed or Berry.
0 - Exclusive Move-User Partner Pokémon The Pokémon only uses moves, not its regular attack. It won't use moves that are out of PP or moves with a link that will delink if used one more time. This can be used in conjunction with the move menu to get the partner to use a particular attack, or to simply do nothing.
10 E,H Efficiency Expert Partner Pokémon When near several enemies, the Pokémon will target the one that has the lowest HP. Checks the enemy's HP number, rather than percentage of HP remaining.
25 - Status Checker Partner Pokémon The Pokémon will not use moves that cause a status problem if the target already has the same status problem. If Exclusive Move-User is on (and Weak-Type Picker is off), a Pokémon will "watch carefully" and do nothing if its move choice is stopped by Status Checker. This skill also stops the Pokémon from using healing moves unless an ally has a status condition or is at critical HP.
30 B,E Cheerleader Partner Pokémon The Pokémon cheers on nearby team members, boosting their Attack and Special Attack by 1 level. Works for adjacent allies. Two adjacent allies will boost each other if both of them have Cheerleader, but a Pokémon adjacent to more than one ally with this skill only receive one boost.
40 - Nontraitor All Pokémon If the Pokémon has a Confused status or a Cowering status, its wildly aimed attack will not hit friends. Also applies during Blinker status. Turning this skill off allows a Pokémon to target its teammates with certain beneficial moves like Role Play and Sketch when affected by these status conditions. Moves that normally damage teammates (like Earthquake) are unaffected.
50 A,G Acute Sniffer All Pokémon When it reaches a new floor, the Pokémon knows the number of items that are lying on the ground. This number includes buried items, which are normally inaccessible.
55 A,D,F,G,I,J PP Saver All Pokémon The Pokémon will occasionally use a move without consuming PP. 8% activation rate; ignores Pressure but not No-Charger. Conserves PP for all moves in a linked set.
65 B,E,H Bodyguard All Pokémon If a team member next to this Pokémon is in trouble and has low HP, the Pokémon will step in to take attacks aimed at the friend. Works for allies below 25% HP when an attack is used. Only works against single-target attacks. If an ally falls below 25% HP during a move with multiple hits, a Pokémon with Bodyguard will take the remaining attacks. The skill will not activate if the Pokémon with Bodyguard is affected by certain status conditions.
70 D,F,G,H,I Self-Curer All Pokémon The Pokémon recovers faster than usual from status problems. Volatile status conditions last for half as many turns (rounded up).
100 C,E,H Brick-Tough All Pokémon The Pokémon's body becomes tougher, which gives it more HP. This IQ Skill can't be turned off. Increases maximum HP by 10.
105 A,B,C,F Type-Advantage Master All Pokémon The Pokémon critical-hit rate is boosted when attacking enemies that have a type disadvantage. Super-effective attacks have a 40% chance to score a critical hit. Other critical-hit rate bonuses are ignored, except for those that would set it to 100% or zero.
125 F,J Weak-Type Picker Partner Pokémon When near several enemies, the Pokémon will target the one that has a type disadvantage. Causes allies to consider all of its moves when deciding on what to do, rather than only a single move at random per turn and the regular attack.
130 C,E,I Power Pitcher All Pokémon The Pokémon's throwing power is boosted, so thrown or hurled items inflict greater damage. Increases throwing damage dealt by 50%. Does not affect fixed damage items like Geo Pebbles, or Gravelerocks, but causes thrown sticky items and Unown Stones to inflict 3 damage instead of 2 and 90 damage instead of 60, respectively.
140 A,C,E,I Survivalist Leader Pokémon The Pokémon's Belly fills up more than usual from eating. It may also resist the bad effects of eating Grimy Food. Increases Belly gained by 10% (rounded up). 50% chance to consume Grimy Food with no ill effects.
150 A,B,H Coin Watcher All Pokémon The Pokémon has a keen eye for money. When picking up Poké, it will find more than usual. Increases money earned from picking up coins by 20% (rounded down). Only applies to coins directly picked up by a Pokémon with this IQ skill.
160 A,B,C Nonsleeper All Pokémon The Pokémon resists sleep inflicted on it from traps and enemy moves. Prevents the Pokémon from falling asleep for any reason, including Sleep Seed and Rest.
170 B,D,F,J Gap Prober All Pokémon The Pokémon can send thrown items and deliver its moves through team members to target only enemies. For this IQ Skill to work, the Course Checker skill must be turned off. Disabling Course Checker may also cause ally Pokémon to waste PP trying to attack enemies through walls.
175 B,E,H Wise Healer All Pokémon The Pokémon recovers more HP than usual if it uses an HP-healing move or item. Increases HP gained from Oran Berries, Sitrus Berries, and moves by 15% (rounded down).
180 E,F,H,J Wary Fighter All Pokémon If the Pokémon misses its attack, it takes a step back to distance itself from its target. Also applies to self-targeting moves like Protect, but not to line-of-sight moves. Triggers upon at least one miss. Absorbed/nullified moves count as a miss. Immediately ends status effects which prohibit travel. Pokémon that step into tiles they cannot normally enter (such as water or lava) will warp randomly.
185 C,D,J Concentrator All Pokémon The Pokémon is focused on making its attacks hit, so its accuracy is boosted by 1 level. Its evasion is reduced by 1 level, however. All moves with 5 accuracy stars (and some moves with 4 accuracy stars, along with Blizzard) will no longer miss under normal conditions. Overrides the accuracy bonus granted to female Pokémon. No Guard's effect prevents this skill from working, even for the user.
190 B,E,H,I Deep Breather All Pokémon When it reaches a new floor, the Pokémon breathes deeply, which slightly restores the PP of its moves. 1 PP is restored per floor. This affects a random move among those that do not have full PP.
195 C,D,G,I,J Practice Swinger All Pokémon When the Pokémon fails to hit the target with an attack or move, its Attack and Special Attack get boosted for only the next turn. Attack and Special Attack are boosted until the Pokémon successfully deals damage or the next turn ends (whichever occurs first). In the case of multi-target moves or multi-strike moves, the boost only applies to a single hit.
200 C,G,I Exp. Go-Getter Partner Pokémon When near several enemies, the Pokémon will target the one that is worth the most Exp. Points. Outlaws are worth 0 Exp. Points.
220 C,I Aggressor All Pokémon The Pokémon becomes very aggressive, so its Attack and Special Attack are both boosted by 1 level. Its Defense and Special Defense are both reduced by 1 level, however. Stacks with Counter Basher and an ally's Cheerleader.
230 E,J Defender All Pokémon The Pokémon becomes very defensive, so its Defense and Special Defense are both boosted by 1 level. Its Attack and Special Attack are both reduced by 1 level, however.
240 D,G Trap Avoider Partner Pokémon The Pokémon avoids stepping on visible traps (and Wonder Tiles) when walking.
250 E,J Energy Saver Leader Pokémon The Pokémon's Belly empties slower. Belly lasts 33% longer.
260 D,F,I Sharpshooter All Pokémon Boosts the critical-hit ratios of the Pokémon's moves and attacks. Increases critical-hit rate by a flat 15%. Identical to Scope Lens, with which it does not stack.
270 F,G,J Hit-and-Runner All Pokémon The Pokémon may avoid a counterstrike that the enemy uses in response to being struck with an attack or move. Ignores counterattacks 33% of the time.
280 C Counter Basher All Pokémon The Pokémon takes on the Counter status, so it counterstrikes under certain conditions. Its Defense will be reduced by 1 level, however. 12% chance to counterattack adjacent foe for 100% of damage taken. Cuts corners, and stacks with other Counter effects.
290 E,G,H,I Quick Healer All Pokémon The Pokémon's natural HP-recovery speed is boosted. Natural HP recovery speed is doubled. Gives the same benefit as the Heal Ribbon, with which it does not stack.
300 - Lava Evader Partner Pokémon The Pokémon will avoid walking on fiery lava.
310 A,F,J Multitalent All Pokémon The Pokémon becomes so talented with its moves that it gets slightly more PP to spend on them. This IQ Skill can't be turned off. Increases maximum PP of all moves by 5.
320 F,G Exp. Elite All Pokémon The Pokémon earns extra Exp. Points after defeating enemies. Additive 10% bonus to experience gained.
330 D,E Counter Hitter All Pokémon The Pokémon takes on the Mini Counter stats, which makes it strike back against attackers in certain conditions. 12% chance to counterattack adjacent foe for 1/4 of damage taken. Cuts corners, and stacks with other Counter effects.
340 C,G Erratic Player All Pokémon The Pokémon's battle performance is erratic, so the positive and negative effects of types influence the power of moves more intensely. This affects the power of moves that the Pokémon uses, as well as the power of moves that hit the Pokémon! Multipliers for super-effective/not very effective/ineffective damage change from 140%/70%/50% to 170%/50%/25%, respectively. Skill can be turned off to lessen the negative impacts of a type disadvantage, unless the enemy also has Erratic Player.
350 A,B Haggler Leader Pokémon The Pokémon can bargain with Kecleon merchants in dungeons, so it will get lower prices for purchases and higher prices for items it sells. Sell prices are 20% higher, and buy prices are 20% lower.
360 C,D Clutch Performer All Pokémon If the Pokémon's HP gets dangerously low, its evasiveness is boosted by 2 levels. Activates below 25% HP. No Guard's effect prevents this skill from working, even for the user.
370 A Collector All Pokémon When an enemy is defeated, the chances that it will leave a treasure box behind are slightly better. Improves treasure box drop rate to 1 in 9. Only applies if the Pokémon with Collector dealt the finishing blow.
400 A,F,H,I All-Terrain Hiker All Pokémon The Pokémon gains the ability to cross water and lava and walk through gulleys. Pokémon that can normally pass through walls will lose the ability to do so. Pokémon will warp if this skill is disabled while occupying a normally-inaccessible tile.
420 A,B,F,H Trap Buster All Pokémon The Pokémon may remove traps it steps on. Beware: this IQ Skill won't work all of the time and also affects Wonder Tiles. 33% chance to destroy a trap instead of triggering its effect.
440 D,G,H Critical Dodger All Pokémon The Pokémon is able to slip out of the reach of dangerous attacks so that critical hits don't make an impact. Provides the same effect as Battle Armor and Shell Armor.
480 A,D,F,G,J Stair Sensor All Pokémon When it reaches a new floor, the Pokémon uses its intuition to know where the floor's stairway is. Points towards one of eight directions.
500 E,J Sure-Hit Attacker All Pokémon The Pokémon's regular attacks never miss.
520 C,D,I Extra Striker All Pokémon The Pokémon attacks at a faster rate, so it may lash out with an extra attack right after its first one. 33% chance to use regular attack twice.
540 D,G,H,I Quick Dodger All Pokémon The Pokémon becomes better at evading attacks and moves. Most attacking moves have two associated accuracy values that are multiplied together; Quick Dodger reduces both by a flat 10%.
550 B,H Fast Friend Leader Pokémon Improves the chances that defeated enemies will want to join the exploration team. Boosts recruitment chance by 5%. Required along with Golden Mask and a level 99 leader for recruiting Kecleon.
560 C,E,I,J Intimidator All Pokémon Under certain conditions the Pokémon can intimidate an enemy that attacks, which gives it a Cringe status condition. 33% chance to cancel an incoming close-ranged attack, regardless of the direction the attacker is facing. PP is still deducted from the attacker. Attackers with Inner Focus are unaffected. Does not affect line-of-sight moves, room-range moves, or thrown items. Can affect allies if they target the Intimidator with a close-ranged move for any reason.
570 C,F No-Charger All Pokémon The Pokémon charges then unleashes any move that normally requires 2 turns in only one turn. Powering up these charge-up moves so quickly consumes 2 PP, however. When the Pokémon's attack frequency is boosted by Unburden, Swift Swim, or Chlorophyll, the second instant use of an affected move will cost an additional 1 PP, consuming 3 PP total.
580 A,G,J Map Surveyor All Pokémon The Pokémon is able to sense the layout of the dungeon floor. Does not reveal the location of the stairs.
600 B,D,G Trap Seer All Pokémon The Pokémon will not activate a hidden trap when it steps on it. The trap will then be visible. Partners will never trigger invisible traps even without Trap Seer, but they will be revealed if Trap Seer is on. Other Pokémon without Trap Avoider may trigger visible traps.
750 D,G Quick Striker All Pokémon The Pokémon attacks at a very fast rate, so it will always lash out with an extra attack right after the first one. Only affects the regular A-button attack. Does not stack with Extra Striker.
800 A,B,E,F,H,I,J House Avoider Partner Pokémon The Pokémon senses nearby Monster Houses. It will stop 1 tile before the entrance of a Monster House. Only applicable to Pokémon that are separated from the leader.
850 A,B,C,F Pierce Hurler All Pokémon Pokémon's thrown items pierce through walls and other Pokémon without stopping, but impact all Pokémon they hit along the way. Includes Gummis and vitamins. Thrown items may still miss, unless the leader throws an item while holding Lockon Specs.
900 B,H Nature Gifter Leader Pokémon The effects of any Seed or Berry that the Pokémon eats spread to the whole party. This IQ Skill only works for the team leader. Does not include Blast Seeds, Dough Seeds, or Reviver and Reviser Seeds when eaten from the Treasure Bag. Seeds and Berries thrown at a leader with this skill are unaffected, even if the leader threw them at a Pokémon holding a Bounce Band or at themselves with a Curve Band.
950 I Time Tripper All Pokémon The Pokémon's Movement Speed is boosted by 1 level while this IQ Skill is active.
990 J Absolute Mover All Pokémon The Pokémon gains the ability to cross water and lava, walk through gulleys, and dig its way through walls.

Enemies with IQ

In Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky, there are enemies with IQ Skills, unlike in Rescue Team.

Where IQ
Before Steam Cave, Marowak Dojo 1-2F 1
Steam Cave to Temporal Tower, Spacial Rift 1-9F, Zero Isle West, Zero Isle South 1-39F, Destiny Tower 1-39F, Special Episode dungeons (except
Special Episode 4) 		26
Marowak Dojo 3-5F, Mystifying Forest, Sky Peak Mountain Path, Blizzard Island 1-14F, Crevice Cave, Surrounded Sea 1-14F, Miracle Sea 1-14F, Aegis Cave,
Mt. Travail 1-9F, The Nightmare 1-9F, Spacial Rift 10-15F, Deep Spacial Rift 1-4F, Dark Crater, Deep Dark Crater 1-4F, Concealed Ruins 1-19F,
Marine Resort, Lake Afar 1-9F, Happy Outlook 1-14F, Mt. Mistral 1-9F, Shimmer Hill 1-9F, Lost Wilderness 1-9F, Midnight Forest 1-9F, Final Maze,
Zero Isle North 1-13F, Zero Isle East 1-15F, Zero Isle South 40-69F, Destiny Tower 40-69F, Special Episode 4 dungeons 		150
Zero Isle North 14-19F 200
Lake Afar 10-24F, Happy Outlook 15-19F, Mt. Mistral 10-19F, Shimmer Hill 10-17F, Lost Wilderness 10-17F, Midnight Forest 10-24F, Zero Isle North 20-29F,
Zero Isle East 16-29F, Zero Isle South 70-79F, Destiny Tower 70-79F, Oblivion Forest, Treacherous Waters 1-16F, Southeastern Islands 1-16F, Inferno Cave 1-16F 		330
Blizzard Island 15-20F, Lower Crevice Cave, Surrounded Sea 15-19F, Miracle Sea 15-18F, Deep Miracle Sea, Mt. Travail 10-19F, The Nightmare 10-17F,
Deep Spacial Rift 5-9F, Deep Dark Crater 5-14F, Concealed Ruins 20-29F, Zero Isle North 30-49F, Zero Isle East 30-40F, Zero Isle South 80-98F,
Destiny Tower 80-98F, Treacherous Waters 17-19F, Southeastern Islands 17-22F, Inferno Cave 17-22F, Bottomless Sea, Shimmer Desert, Mt. Avalanche,
Giant Volcano, World Abyss, Sky Stairway, Mystery Jungle 		331
Zero Isle North 50-69F, Southeastern Islands 23-24F, Inferno Cave 23-29F 600
Zero Isle North 70-74F, Zero Isle Center 850
Bosses
Beach Cave boss fight, Drowzee, Gabite 1
Other main story bosses, Special Episode bosses (except Special Episode 4), Mesprit, Azelf 26
Mystifying Forest boss fight, Special Episode 4 bosses, Sky Peak Mountain Path boss fights 150
Fake Groudon, Froslass, legendary giants, Uxie, Mew 330
Gyarados, Articuno, Heatran, Giratina 331
Dialga*, Aegis Cave Pit boss fight, Palkia, Dark Crater boss fight, Super-ancient Pokémon 600

All Pokémon recruited onto a team start with 0 IQ, regardless of how much they had when fought.

Evolution

All Pokémon that evolve by friendship in the core series require an increased IQ to evolve in Mystery Dungeon. The number of IQ stars required varies between species.

Pokémon IQ Evolve to Notes
Eevee 100 Espeon Also requires Sun Ribbon
Umbreon Also requires Lunar Ribbon
Riolu Lucario Also requires Sun Ribbon
Budew Roselia Also requires Sun Ribbon
Chingling Chimecho Also requires Lunar Ribbon
Golbat 150 (Red and Blue Rescue Team)
200 (Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky) 		Crobat
Togepi Togetic
Chansey Blissey
Pichu 200 Pikachu
Cleffa Clefairy
Igglybuff Jigglypuff
Azurill Marill
Buneary Lopunny
Munchlax Snorlax

Moves

The moves Frustration and Return deal set damage depending on the IQ level. With no IQ points, Return does 5HP damage while Frustration does 45HP damage. At maximum IQ, these values are reversed. While they are weak attacks in Mystery Dungeon, Frustration is useful in Wish Cave, Joyous Tower and Purity Forest where the Pokémon's IQ level is temporarily reduced to 0 along with their level being temporarily reduced to 1.

A select few Pokémon can learn special moves if their IQ is high enough:

Red and Blue Rescue Teams

Pokémon IQ Points Level Move
Venusaur 333 99 Frenzy Plant
Charizard 333 99 Blast Burn
Blastoise 333 99 Hydro Cannon
Pichu 333 50 Volt Tackle

Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky

IQ groups

In Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky, Pokémon are split into 10 IQ groups (from A to J), which affects what types of IQ skills they will learn. What follows is a list of skills and which Group they belong to. Note that some IQ skills appear in more than one group, especially those which are learnt at the start. Also, unlike in the first games, every IQ skill can be turned on.

Group Skill When Learned Effect
A Dedicated Traveler Base Skill Prioritizes moving over using attacks or items.
Course Checker Base Skill Refrains from attacks that would be blocked by walls or allies.
Escapist Base Skill Can use the Explorer Badge to leave the dungeon. Cannot be turned off.
Item Catcher Base Skill Can catch a Throwing Item and keep it for its own.
Item Master Base Skill Can use and throw its held item.
Exclusive Move-User Base Skill Uses only moves, not regular attacks.
Status Checker 25 (☆0.5) Refrains from moves that inflict a status effect that the foe already has.
Nontraitor 40 (☆0.5) Does not attack friends, even when confused or in cowering status.
Acute Sniffer 50 (☆0.5) Lets you know the number of items on the floor.
PP Saver 55 (☆0.5) Sometimes gets to use a move without draining PP.
Type-Advantage Master 105 (☆1) Raises the critical-hit rate of type-effective moves.
Survivalist 140 (☆1.5) Restores more Belly stat when eating food. Sometimes avoids getting status effects when eating Grimy Food.
Coin Watcher 150 (☆1.5) When picking up Poké, the Pokémon pulls in 1.2 times the value of the coin. Cannot be turned off.
Nonsleeper 160 (☆2) Pokémon is immune to nightmare, sleep, yawning and napping status.
Lava Evader 300 (☆3) Avoids entering lava.
Multitalent 310 (☆3.5) Adds 5 to Pokémon's max PP. Cannot be turned off.
Haggler 350 (☆3.5) Can buy low and sell high at Kecleon Markets inside the dungeons.
Collector 370 (☆4) Raises fallen foes' rate of dropping Treasure Boxes.
All-Terrain Hiker 400 (☆4) Can cross water, lava and valleys.
Trap Buster 420 (☆4.5) Occasionally destroys traps by stepping on them.
Stair Sensor 480 (☆5) Learns the location of the stairs when changing floors.
Map Surveyor 580 (☆6) Knows the floor layout.
House Avoider 800 (☆8) Does not enter Monster Houses.
Pierce Hurler 850 (☆8.5) Throwing items penetrate Pokémon and walls and continues flying.
B Dedicated Traveler Base Skill Prioritizes moving over using attacks or items.
Course Checker Base Skill Refrains from attacks that would be blocked by walls or allies.
Escapist Base Skill Can use the Explorer Badge to leave the dungeon. Cannot be turned off.
Item Catcher Base Skill Can catch a Throwing Item and keep it for its own.
Item Master Base Skill Can use and throw its held item.
Exclusive Move-User Base Skill Uses only moves, not regular attacks.
Status Checker 25 (☆0.5) Refrains from moves that inflict a status effect that the foe already has.
Cheerleader 30 (☆0.5) Raises the Attack and Sp. Attack of neighboring allies by 1 level.
Nontraitor 40 (☆0.5) Does not attack allies, even when confused or in cowering status.
Bodyguard 65 (☆1) Takes damage in place of friends who are low on HP.
Type-Advantage Master 105 (☆1) Raises the critical-hit rate of type-effective moves.
Coin Watcher 150 (☆1.5) When picking up Poké, the Pokémon pulls in 1.2 times the value of the coin. Cannot be turned off.
Nonsleeper 160 (☆2) Pokémon is immune to nightmare, sleep, yawning and napping.
Gap Prober 170 (☆2) Moves and throwing items pass harmlessly through allies.
Wise Healer 175 (☆2) Raises the effectiveness of HP-recovery items and moves.
Deep Breather 190 (☆2) Recovers 1 PP to a random move when changing floors.
Lava Evader 300 (☆3) Avoids entering lava.
Haggler 350 (☆3.5) Can buy low and sell high at Kecleon Markets inside dungeons.
Trap Buster 420 (☆4.5) Occasionally destroys traps by stepping on them.
Fast Friend 550 (☆5.5) Raises likelihood of recruiting defeated foes by 5%.
Trap Seer 600 (☆6) Pokémon can see hidden Traps at its feet without setting them off.
House Avoider 800 (☆8) Does not enter Monster Houses.
Pierce Hurler 850 (☆8.5) Throwing items penetrate Pokémon and walls, and continue flying.
Nature Gifter 900 (☆9) Extends the effects of seeds and berries to the allies. Only works for leader Pokémon.
C Course Checker Base Skill Refrains from attacks that would be blocked by walls or allies.
Escapist Base Skill Can use the Explorer Badge to leave the dungeon. Cannot be turned off.
Item Catcher Base Skill Can catch a Throwing Item and keep it for its own.
Item Master Base Skill Can use and throw its held item.
Exclusive Move-User Base Skill Uses only moves, not regular attacks.
Status Checker 25 (☆0.5) Refrains from moves that inflict a status effect that the foe already has.
Nontraitor 40 (☆0.5) Does not attack allies, even when confused or in cowering status.
Brick-Tough 100 (☆1) Adds 10 to max HP. Cannot be turned off.
Type-Advantage Master 105 (☆1) Raises the critical-hit rate of type-effective moves.
Power Pitcher 130 (☆1.5) Throwing items deal 1.5 times the damage. Does not work with Geo Pebbles and Gravelerocks.
Survivalist 140 (☆1.5) Restores more Belly stat when eating food. Sometimes avoids getting status effects when eating Grimy Food.
Nonsleeper 160 (☆2) Pokémon is immune to nightmare, sleep, yawning and napping.
Concentrator 185 (☆2) Raises Accuracy by 1 but decreases Evasion by 1.
Practice Swinger 195 (☆2) Raises Attack and Special Attack by 1 on the turn after a missed attack.
Exp. Go-Getter 200 (☆2) Prioritizes attack foes with a higher experience point payout.
Aggressor 220 (☆2.5) Raises both Attack stats by 1 each, but decreases both Defense stats by 1 each.
Counter Basher 280 (☆3) Lowers Defense by 1, and sometimes sends the damage taken back to the foe if the foe is adjacent.
Lava Evader 300 (☆3) Avoids entering lava.
Erratic Player 340 (☆3.5) Increases multiplier effect of type compatibility.
Clutch Performer 360 (☆4) Raises Evasion by 2 when HP is below 25%.
Extra Striker 520 (☆5.5) Sometimes strikes again following an attack.
Intimidator 560 (☆6) Sometimes causes attacking foe to cringe.
No-Charger 570 (☆6) Unleashes charged attacks in one turn, while draining 2 PP.
Pierce Hurler 850 (☆8.5) Throwing Items penetrate Pokémon and walls and continues flying.
D Course Checker Base Skill Refrains from attacks that would be blocked by walls or allies.
Escapist Base Skill Can use the Explorer Badge to leave the dungeon. Cannot be turned off.
Item Catcher Base Skill Can catch a Throwing Item and keep it for its own.
Item Master Base Skill Can use and throw its held item.
Dedicated Traveler Base Skill Prioritizes moving over using attacks or items.
Exclusive Move-User Base Skill Uses only moves, not regular attacks.
Status Checker 25 (☆0.5) Refrains from moves that inflict a status effect that the foe already has.
Nontraitor 40 (☆0.5) Does not attack allies, even when confused or in cowering status.
PP Saver 55 (☆0.5) Sometimes gets to use a move without draining PP.
Self-Curer 70 (☆1) Shortens required turns for Pokémon to heal from status.
Gap Prober 170 (☆2) Moves and throwing items pass harmlessly through allies.
Concentrator 185 (☆2) Raises Accuracy by 1 but decreases Evasion by 1.
Practice Swinger 195 (☆2) Raises Attack and Special Attack by 1 on the turn after a missed attack.
Trap Avoider 240 (☆2.5) Avoids visible traps only.
Sharpshooter 260 (☆3) Raises critical-hit ratio.
Lava Evader 300 (☆3) Avoids entering lava.
Counter Hitter 330 (☆3.5) Sometimes counters 1/4 of the damage received back to the adjacent opponent.
Clutch Performer 360 (☆4) Raises Evasion by 2 when HP is below 25%.
Critical Dodger 440 (☆4.5) Immunity to critical hits.
Stair Sensor 480 (☆5) Learns the location of the stairs when changing floors.
Extra Striker 520 (☆5.5) Sometimes strikes again following an attack.
Quick Dodger 540 (☆5.5) Raises likelihood of dodging attacks.
Trap Seer 600 (☆6) Able to step on traps without setting off.
Quick Striker 750 (☆7.5) Can do two regular attacks in one turn in a row.
E Course Checker Base Skill Refrains from attacks that would be blocked by walls or allies.
Escapist Base Skill Can use the Explorer Badge to leave the dungeon. Cannot be turned off.
Item Catcher Base Skill Can catch a Throwing Item and keep it for its own.
Item Master Base Skill Can use and throw its held item.
Exclusive Move-User Base Skill Uses only moves, not regular attacks.
Efficiency Expert 10 (☆0.5) Attacks Pokémon with the lowest HP first.
Status Checker 25 (☆0.5) Refrains from moves that inflict a status effect that the foe already has.
Cheerleader 30 (☆0.5) Raises the Attack and Sp. Attack of neighboring allies by 1 level.
Nontraitor 40 (☆0.5) Does not attack allies, even when confused or in cowering status.
Bodyguard 65 (☆1) Takes damage in place of friends who are low on HP.
Brick-Tough 100 (☆1) Adds 10 to max HP. Cannot be turned off.
Power Pitcher 130 (☆1.5) Throwing items deal 1.5 times the damage. Does not work with Geo Pebbles and Gravelerocks.
Survivalist 140 (☆1.5) Restores more Belly stat when eating food. Sometimes avoids getting status effects when eating Grimy Food.
Wise Healer 175 (☆2) Raises the effectiveness of HP-recovery items and moves.
Wary Fighter 180 (☆2) User steps back one tile when it misses a move.
Deep Breather 190 (☆2) Recovers 1 PP to a random move when changing floors.
Defender 230 (☆2.5) Raises Defense and Sp. Defense by 1 but lowers Attack and Sp. Attack by 1.
Energy Saver 250 (☆2.5) Belly goes down slower.
Quick Healer 290 (☆3) Raises natural HP recovery.
Lava Evader 300 (☆3) Avoids entering lava.
Counter Hitter 330 (☆3.5) Sometimes counters 1/4 of the damage received back to the adjacent opponent.
Sure-Hit Attacker 500 (☆5) Regular attacks do not miss.
Intimidator 560 (☆6) Sometimes causes attacking foe to cringe.
House Avoider 800 (☆8) Does not enter Monster Houses.
F Course Checker Base Skill Refrains from attacks that would be blocked by walls or allies.
Escapist Base Skill Can use the Explorer Badge to leave the dungeon. Cannot be turned off.
Item Catcher Base Skill Can catch a Throwing Item and keep it for its own.
Item Master Base Skill Can use and throw its held item.
Exclusive Move-User Base Skill Uses only moves, not regular attacks.
Status Checker 25 (☆0.5) Refrains from moves that inflict a status effect that the foe already has.
Nontraitor 40 (☆0.5) Does not attack allies, even when confused or in cowering status.
PP Saver 55 (☆0.5) Sometimes gets to use a move without draining PP.
Self Curer 70 (☆1) Shortens required turns for Pokémon to heal from status.
Type-Advantage Master 105 (☆1) Raises critical hit rate for type-effective moves.
Weak-Type Picker 125 (☆1.5) Targets foes with good type compatibility.
Gap Prober 170 (☆2) Ranged moves and throwing items can pass allies without causing damage.
Wary Fighter 180 (☆2) User steps back one tile when it misses a move.
Sharpshooter 260 (☆3) Raises critical-hit ratio.
Hit-and-Runner 270 (☆3) Sometimes cancels foe's counter-attacks.
Lava Evader 300 (☆3) Avoids entering lava.
Multitalent 310 (☆3.5) Adds 5 to Pokémon's max PP.
Exp. Elite 320 (☆3.5) Earns more experience when defeating foes.
All-Terrain Hiker 400 (☆4) Can walk on water, lava and valleys.
Trap Buster 420 (☆4.5) Sometimes destroys traps when stepping on them.
Stair Sensor 480 (☆5) Learns the location of stairs when changing floors.
No-Charger 570 (☆6) Automatically uses charged attack without delay at the cost of 2 PP.
House Avoider 800 (☆8) Does not enter Monster Houses.
Pierce Hurler 850 (☆8.5) Throwing items penetrate Pokémon and keep flying.
G Course Checker Base Skill Refrains from attacks that would be blocked by walls or allies.
Escapist Base Skill Can use the Explorer Badge to leave the dungeon. Cannot be turned off.
Item Catcher Base Skill Can catch a thrown item and keep it for its own.
Item Master Base Skill Can use and throw its hold item.
Exclusive Move-User Base Skill Uses only moves, not regular attacks.
Status Checker 25 (☆0.5) Refrains from moves that inflict a status effect that the foe already has.
Nontraitor 40 (☆0.5) Does not attack allies, even when confused or in cowering status.
Acute Sniffer 50 (☆0.5) Lets you know the number of items on the floor.
PP Saver 55 (☆0.5) Sometimes gets to use a move without draining PP.
Self-Curer 70 (☆1) Shortens Pokémon's turns until its status change is cured.
Practice Swinger 195 (☆2) Raises Attack and Sp. Attack by 1 on the turn after a missed attack.
Exp. Go-Getter 200 (☆2) Prioritizes attacking foes with a high experience-point payout.
Trap Avoider 240 (☆2.5) Dodges visible traps.
Hit-and-Runner 270 (☆3) Sometimes nullifies counter-attacks.
Quick Healer 290 (☆3) Raises rate of natural recovery.
Lava Evader 300 (☆3) Avoids entering lava.
Exp. Elite 320 (☆3.5) Earns more experience when defeating foes.
Erratic Player 340 (☆3.5) Increases the multiplier effect of type compatibility.
Critical Dodger 440 (☆4.5) Pokémon is immune to critical-hits.
Stair Sensor 480 (☆5) Learns the location of the stairs when changing floors.
Quick Dodger 540 (☆5.5) Raises the likelihood of dodging attacks.
Map Surveyor 580 (☆6) Knows the floor layout.
Trap Seer 600 (☆6) Pokémon can see hidden traps at its feet without setting them off.
Quick Striker 750 (☆7.5) Can do two regular attacks in a row.
H Course Checker Base Skill Refrains from attacks that would be blocked by walls or allies.
Escapist Base Skill Can use the Explorer Badge to leave the dungeon. Cannot be turned off.
Item Catcher Base Skill Can catch a thrown item and keep it for its own.
Item Master Base Skill Can use and throw its hold item.
Exclusive Move-User Base Skill Uses only moves, not regular attacks.
Efficiency Expert 10 (☆0.5) Targets foes with low HP.
Status Checker 25 (☆0.5) Refrains from moves that inflict a status effect that the foe already has.
Nontraitor 40 (☆0.5) Does not attack allies, even when confused or in cowering status.
Bodyguard 65 (☆1) Takes damage in place of allies who are low on HP.
Self-Curer 70 (☆1) Shortens Pokémon's turns until its status change is cured.
Brick-Tough 100 (☆1) Adds 10 to max HP. Cannot be turned off.
Coin Watcher 150 (☆1.5) When Picking up Poké, the Pokémon pulls in 1.2 times the value of the coin. Cannot be turned off.
Wise Healer 175 (☆2) Raises the effectiveness of HP-recovery items and moves.
Wary Fighter 180 (☆2) Moves back 1 square when its attack misses.
Deep Breather 190 (☆2) Recovers 1 PP to a random move when changing floors.
Quick Healer 290 (☆3) Raises rate of natural HP recovery.
Lava Evader 300 (☆3) Avoids entering lava.
All-Terrain Hiker 400 (☆4) Can cross water, lava, and valleys.
Trap Buster 420 (☆4.5) Occasionally destroys traps by stepping on them.
Critical Dodger 440 (☆4.5) Pokémon is immune to critical-hits.
Quick Dodger 540 (☆5.5) Raises likelihood of dodging attacks.
Fast Friend 550 (☆5.5) Raises likelihood of recruiting defeated foes by 5%.
House Avoider 800 (☆8) Does not enter Monster Houses.
Nature Giver 900 (☆9) Extends the effects of seeds and berries to the Pokémon's allies. Only works for Leader Pokémon.
I Course Checker Base Skill Refrains from attacks that would be blocked by walls or allies.
Escapist Base Skill Can use the Explorer Badge to leave the dungeon. Cannot be turned off.
Item Catcher Base Skill Can catch a thrown item and keep it for its own.
Item Master Base Skill Can use and throw its hold item.
Exclusive Move-User Base Skill Uses only moves, not regular attacks.
Status Checker 25 (☆0.5) Refrains from moves that inflict a status effect that the foe already has.
Nontraitor 40 (☆0.5) Does not attack allies, even when confused or in cowering status.
PP Saver 55 (☆0.5) Sometimes gets to use a move without draining PP.
Self-Curer 70 (☆1) Shortens Pokémon's turns until its status change is cured.
Power Pitcher 130 (☆1.5) Throwing items deal 1.5 times the damage. Does not work with Gravelerocks.
Survivalist 140 (☆1.5) Restores more Belly stat when eating food. Sometimes avoids getting status effects when eating Grimy Food.
Deep Breather 190 (☆2) Recovers 1 PP to a random move when changing floors.
Practice Swinger 195 (☆2) Raises Attack and Sp. Attack by 1 on the turn after a missed attack.
Exp. Go-Getter 200 (☆2) Prioritizes attacking foes with a high experience-point payout.
Aggressor 220 (☆2.5) Raises Attack and Sp. Attack by 1 but lowers Defense and Sp. Defense by 1.
Sharpshooter 260 (☆3) Raises critical-hit rate.
Quick Healer 290 (☆3) Raises rate of natural HP recovery.
Lava Evader 300 (☆3) Avoids entering lava.
All-Terrain Hiker 400 (☆4) Can cross water, lava, and valleys.
Extra Striker 520 (☆5.5) Sometimes strikes again following an attack.
Quick Dodger 540 (☆5.5) Raises the likelihood of dodging attacks.
Intimidator 560 (☆6) Sometimes causes attacking foe to cringe.
House Avoider 800 (☆8) Does not enter Monster Houses.
Time Tripper 950 (☆9.5) Raises initial Speed by 1.
J Course Checker Base Skill Refrains from attacks that would be blocked by walls or allies.
Escapist Base Skill Can use the Explorer Badge to leave the dungeon. Cannot be turned off.
Item Catcher Base Skill Can catch a thrown item and keep it for its own.
Item Master Base Skill Can use and throw its hold item.
Exclusive Move-User Base Skill Uses only moves, not regular attacks.
Status Checker 25 (☆0.5) Refrains from moves that inflict a status effect that the foe already has.
Nontraitor 40 (☆0.5) Does not attack friends, even when confused or otherwise troubled.
PP Saver 55 (☆0.5) Sometimes gets to use a move without draining PP.
Weak-Type Picker 125 (☆1.5) Targets foes with good type compatibility.
Gap Prober 170 (☆2) Moves and Throwing Items pass harmlessly through ally.
Wary Fighter 180 (☆2) Moves back 1 square when its attack misses.
Concentrator 185 (☆2) Raises Accuracy by 1 but lowers Evasiveness by 1.
Practice Swinger 195 (☆2) Raises Attack and Sp. Attack by 1 on the turn after a missed attack.
Defender 230 (☆2.5) Raises Defense and Sp. Defense by 1 but lowers Attack and Sp. Attack by 1.
Energy Saver 250 (☆2.5) Belly stat depletes more slowly.
Hit-and-Runner 270 (☆3) Sometimes nullifies counter-attacks.
Lava Evader 300 (☆3) Avoids entering lava.
Multitalent 310 (☆3.5) Adds 5 to Pokémon's max PP. Cannot be turned off.
Stair Sensor 480 (☆5) Learns the location of the stairs when changing floors.
Sure-Hit Attacker 500 (☆5) Regular attacks never miss.
Intimidator 560 (☆6) Sometimes causes attacking foe to cringe.
Map Surveyor 580 (☆6) Knows the floor layout.
House Avoider 800 (☆8) Does not enter Monster Houses.
Absolute Mover 990 (☆10) Can cross water, lava, and valleys, and can crush walls.

See also

In other languages

Language Title
French Canada Flag.png Canada QI*
France Flag.png Europe Q.I.
Germany Flag.png German IQ-Fähigkeit
Italy Flag.png Italian QI
South Korea Flag.png Korean 지능 Jineung
Spain Flag.png Spanish CI
Project Sidegames logo.png This article is part of Project Sidegames, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon Sidegames.
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