IQ
IQ is a skill system in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon. By gaining IQ points, various benefits are received. It is increased by feeding Gummis to individual Pokémon.
As a Pokémon's IQ increases, they learn a number of skills to help travelling in dungeons. IQ also takes on some of the effects that happiness has in the main series meaning that certain Pokémon require an increased IQ to evolve.
While this game mechanic is named after Intelligence quotient, there is a difference between the two. When speaking to Alakazam or Noctowl in dungeons, they will mention their high IQ, regardless of how many points they have in this mechanic.
IQ points
While the actual IQ points 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 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | MAX |
| IQ | 0 | 10 | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 990 |
The number of IQ points a Pokémon gains from each gummi depends on the type of gummi. Each is said to be 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 | 7 |
| Strong | 4 |
| Neutral | 3 |
| Weak | 2 |
| Ineffective | 1 |
For dual-typed Pokémon, in Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team this is additive for both types. Thus, Pokémon with two types will increase their IQ at a rate generally faster than those with just one type. The effectiveness of a type against a Pokémon of the same type does not impact as the same type automatically gains the seven points in that case. In [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2|Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness, this is no longer additive: only the greater of the two calculated bonuses apply.
For an example, take a Ground/Template:Type2 such as Swampert. A Blue Gummi (Water) will add 11 IQ points in Mystery Dungeon, as it is a water type, as it is a Water type (+7) and Water attacks are strong against Ground Pokémon (+4). However, in Mystery Dungeon 2 it only gains 7 points, as the effect of Water attacks against the Ground type is ignored. Compare this to a Yellow Gummi (Electric), which will only add 5 IQ points in Mystery Dungeon and 4 IQ points in Mystery Dungeon 2 - 4 points from electric attacks being strong against Water Pokémon and one from it being ineffective agaisnt Ground Pokémon (which, again, in Mystery Dungeon 2, is ignored).
IQ skills
- Main article: IQ skill
A Pokémon's IQ skills can be checked in the menu under each individual team member at any time in dungeons, or in designated areas outside them (Friend areas in MD1 and the Assembly Post in MD2).
Evolution
All Pokémon that evolve by happiness in the main series require an increased IQ to evolve in Mystery Dungeon. The number of IQ stars required varies between species.
| Pokémon | IQ stars | Evolved form |
|---|---|---|
| Eevee | 4 | Espeon |
| Umbreon | ||
| Golbat | 5 | Crobat |
| Togepi | Togetic | |
| Chansey | Blissey | |
| Pichu | 6 | Pikachu |
| Cleffa | Clefairy | |
| Igglybuff | Jigglypuff | |
| Azurill | Marill |
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 1.
A select few Pokémon can learn special moves if their IQ is high enough:
| 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 |