The best IVs for PvP are IVs which grant you the maximum amount of Defense and Stamina, and the least amount of Attack. Attack contributes to CP the most, which makes it not ideal for Trainer Battles, while high Stamina and Defense can get you through a lot more battles.

For Leagues with lower CP limits, such as the Great League, usually the best IVs you can have are 0 / 15 / 15, or something similar to that. The reasoning behind this is that we want to pack as much stats as possible in under 1500 CP, and low Attack IV allows us to do that.

For Ultra League, the situation is a bit different, as the CP cap is higher. Pokémon which top over 2500 CP will still prefer 0 / 15 / 15 and similar IVs, but Pokémon whose Max CP doesn't reach 2500 will prefer 15 / 15 / 15. Examples like Watchog whose Max CP is 2056 CP, should have 15 / 15 / 15 for Ultra League, while Scizor (3393 CP) should have 0 / 15 / 15 IVs which will result in 2499 CP, just under the cutoff point.

For Master League, where there is no CP cap, you want perfect Pokémon IVs - 15 / 15 / 15 - regardless of which Pokémon we are talking about.

In general, it is usually Pokémon with IVs you wouldn't use for Raids that are good for Trainer Battles. Also be aware that PvP IVs are important, but not as important as having correct moves and team composition.

For more guides on Pokémon GO Trainer Battles, check out our main website.