IQ

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 and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky. 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.

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.

Stars	0	0.5	1	1.5	2	2.5	3	3.5	4	4.5	5	5.5	6	6.5	7	7.5	8	8.5	9	9.5	10	11	MAX
IQ (Red and Blue Rescue Teams)	-	-	0	-	10	-	50	-	100	-	150	-	200	-	300	-	400	-	500	-	600	700	990
IQ (Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky)	0	1	60	110	160	210	260	310	360	410	460	510	560	610	660	710	760	810	860	910	960	-	999

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 Teams, 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, and 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 (including Gravelyrock, but excluding Wander Gummi and Gone Pebble) raise IQ by 3 points (2 for Gravelyrocks). Miracle drinks may raise 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 1-7 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/Reviser Seeds.
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.
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. 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. Only works against single-target attacks. 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 Geo Pebbles or Gravelerocks, but causes Unown stones to inflict 90 damage instead of 60.
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 the Pokémon to waste PP trying to attack enemies diagonally through solid 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 it.
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.
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.
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 using 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.
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

IQ affects both the player, the team, and enemies alike. In Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky, most enemies prior to the end of the story will have the minimum amount of IQ, while most enemies after the end of the story will have roughly 300-330 IQ and all associated IQ skills. Pokémon encountered at Southeastern Islands (23-24F) and Inferno Cave (23-29F) and Zero Isle North (50-74F) have 600 IQ. Pokémon encountered at Zero Isle North (past 70F) and Zero Isle Center (all floors) have 850 IQ.

All Pokémon recruited onto a team start with zero IQ.

Evolution

All Pokémon that evolve by friendship in the main 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

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

• All fully-evolved Grass-type starter Pokémon may learn Frenzy Plant at level 72 with 300 IQ.
• All fully-evolved Fire-type starter Pokémon may learn Blast Burn at level 72 with 300 IQ.
• All fully-evolved Water-type starter Pokémon may learn Hydro Cannon at level 72 with 300 IQ.
• All Dragon-type Pokémon may learn Draco Meteor at level 72 with 300 IQ.

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

• List of Pokémon by IQ group
• Team Skill

In other languages

Language Title French Canada QI* Europe Q.I. German IQ-Fähigkeit Italian QI Korean 지능 Jineung Spanish CI

This article is part of Project Sidegames, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon Sidegames.