Methods of Evolution
There are numerousmethods of Evolution which define how and whenPokémonevolve. Most Pokémon will evolve by leveling up while others evolve through specific means, such as being traded, achieving a certain amount of friendship or leveling at certain times, among others.
In the core series games
In thecore series games, Pokémon normally only evolve after one of three events:
Prior toGeneration VIII, the above were the only triggers to evolve Pokémon. However,Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced four new triggers, each only used by a very select few Pokémon species:
- Spinning and striking a pose with the Pokémon in the party
- The Pokémon performing a specific action in battle
- Traveling through a specific location with the Pokémon in the party
- Observing a specific object in a specific location with the Pokémon in the party
When the appropriate trigger occurs, if the Pokémon meets the requirements to evolve, it will do so. However, if a Pokémon meets the trigger in battle, it will only evolve after the battle ends.
TheEverstone prevents a Pokémon's Evolution:
- In Generation II, a Pokémon holding an Everstone (including Kadabra) cannot evolve by any method.
- In Generation III, trade Evolutions are affected by theheld item loss glitch: ifKadabra,Machoke,Graveler, orHaunter is traded while holding any item (including an Everstone), that Pokémon will evolve and its held item will be permanently lost.
- FromGeneration IV onwards, the Everstone does not prevent a Pokémon evolving viaEvolution stone. It also fails to preventKadabra from evolving.
- If eitherKarrablast orShelmet holds an Everstone when traded for the other, neither can evolve.
Leveling up
Leveling up is the most common trigger for Evolution. Evolution by level up can be triggered by gainingexperience in battle or by using aRare Candy; leveling up inPokémon Day Care orIsle Evelup will not trigger Evolution, although Pokémon leveled up in these ways can still evolve if leveled up by battle or a Rare Candy afterwards. All Pokémon that evolve by leveling up have at least one requirement that must be met when leveled up in order to evolve, the most common being that the Pokémon must be at least a specific level after leveling up. Other requirements include knowing a specific move, being in a specific location, or holding a specific item. A Pokémon that meets its level-up Evolution requirements will always attempt to evolve when it is leveled up in battle or by using a Rare Candy, regardless of whether it had previously been prevented from evolving.
If a Pokémon levels up in battle, it will not evolve until the battle is over. A Pokémon can only evolve once after a battle or consuming a Rare Candy, even if it gained multiple levels. Even if a Pokémon is fainted at the end of the battle, if it leveled up when it met its Evolution requirements during the battle, it will still evolve, but will not be revived fromfainting. The player's Pokémon will not evolve if player loses the battle, except in GenerationsVI andVII.
Starting inGeneration VIII, if aRare Candy is used on a level 100 Pokémon that evolves by leveling up and currently meets its Evolution requirements, it will evolve (without gaining a level).
InPokémon Legends: Arceus andPokémon Legends: Z-A, Evolution can be performed at any time as long as the conditions are met, instead of requiring a level up.
In the case of all those Evolutions by leveling up, the player can press B during the Evolution cutscene tocancel the Evolution.
At or above a certain level
- Main article:Level-based Evolution
Most Pokémon evolve when they reach or surpass a certain level. Once such a Pokémon has reached the required level, unless there are other requirements for its Evolution, it will attempt to evolve after every battle in which it levels up and every time it gains a level from a Rare Candy.
| Leveling up | ||
|---|---|---|
 Chikorita |  → Level 16+ |  Bayleef |
When friendship is high
- Main article:Friendship Evolution
Some Pokémon evolve when they are leveled up with afriendship of at least 220. Like friendship itself, this evolutionary requirement was introduced inGeneration II. As long as the Pokémon has the required amount of friendship, unless there are other requirements for its Evolution, it will attempt to evolve whenever it levels up by battle or Rare Candy.
Baby Pokémon often have this Evolution requirement, but it is also an Evolution requirement for other Pokémon, and not all baby Pokémon have this as an Evolution requirement.
| Friendship | ||
|---|---|---|
 Togepi | + → Level up while friendship is high |  Togetic |
When the Pokémon knows a certain move
- Main article:Move-based Evolution
Some Pokémon evolve when they are leveled up and know a certain move or certain type of move. This evolutionary requirement was introduced inGeneration IV.
If the Pokémon learns the required move by leveling up, that same level up can trigger the Evolution. However, if a Pokémon learns a move by level up and overwrites the required move, such that it no longer knows the required move at the end of the battle (or after completing the level up in the case of a Rare Candy), it cannot evolve.
These moves are commonly available by leveling up, although some are only learned at level 1, so they normally must be taught by theMove Reminder.
| Knowing a move | ||
|---|---|---|
 Piloswine | + → Level up knowingAncient Power |  Mamoswine |
In certain locations
- Main article:Location-based Evolution
Some Pokémon evolve when they are leveled up in certain locations. This evolutionary requirement was introduced inGeneration IV.
There are four different types of location that can trigger location-based Evolutions:Moss Rock,Ice Rock,special magnetic field, andMount Lanakila. Mount Lanakila, which is only required forCrabrawler's Evolution, is the only one which is a specific location rather than a type of location.
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver lack the locations needed for location-based Evolutions, making them impossible within those games. Starting inGeneration VIII, although some games still feature location-based Evolution and others do not, it is possible to instead useEvolution stones to evolve these Pokémon (except forNosepass andEevee's Evolutions intoProbopass andGlaceon respectively inPokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl).
| In a certain location | ||
|---|---|---|
 Nosepass | + → Level up in aspecial magnetic field |  Probopass |
In a certain region
- Main article:Region-based Evolution
Some Pokémon evolve when they are leveled up in a specificregion. This evolutionary requirement was introduced inGeneration VII.
Pokémon that evolve this way may also need other conditions, such as requiring it to be a specific time of day. Some Pokémon evolve into different forms depending on what region they are in.
| In a certain region | ||
|---|---|---|
 Koffing | → Level 35+ |  Weezing |
+ → Level 35+ inGalar |  Galarian Weezing | |
At certain times
- Main article:Time-based Evolution
Some Pokémon evolve when they are leveled up at a certain time of day. Like thetime mechanic itself, this evolutionary requirement was introduced inGeneration II.
The time of day is only ever one of several requirements, never the only one. Other requirements it is combined with include having highfriendship or holding a specificheld item.
Due to the lack of a time system inPokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Pokémon whose Evolution depends on the time cannot evolve.
InPokémon Sword and Shield, time is pre-set outside theWild Area before becomingChampion. This also influences Evolution.
| At certain times | ||
|---|---|---|
 Tyrunt | + → Level 39+ (day) |  Tyrantrum |
While holding an item
Some Pokémon evolve when they are leveled up while holding a specificEvolution item. If a Pokémon evolves this way, the item disappears upon completion of the Evolution; the item is not consumed if the Evolution is cancelled. This evolutionary requirement was introduced inGeneration IV.
All Pokémon that evolve this way also require that they be leveled up at a specific time of day to be evolved.
| Holding an item | ||
|---|---|---|
 Sneasel | + + → Level up holdingRazor Claw (night) |  Weavile |
If the Pokémon is a certain gender
- Main article:Gender-based Evolution
The Evolution of some Pokémon that evolve when they are leveled up is dependent on the Pokémon's gender. This evolutionary requirement was introduced inGeneration IV.
Combee andSalandit can evolve only if they arefemale (males cannot evolve).Burmy evolves into eitherMothim orWormadam, depending on whether it is male or female, respectively.
| Gender | ||
|---|---|---|
 Combee | + → Level 21+ iffemale |  Vespiquen |
In a certain game
- Main article:Game-based Evolution
The Evolution ofRockruff andCosmoem is dependent on the game they are leveled up in. This evolutionary requirement was introduced inGeneration VII.
Cosmoem will evolve into eitherSolgaleo orLunala depending on the game it is leveled up in.Rockruff will always evolve intoLycanroc, but, prior toGeneration VIII, Lycanroc's form depends on the game Rockruff was evolved in, and Rockruff's Evolution can only occur at certain times of day (Midday Form requires it be daytime while Midnight Form requires it be nighttime); furthermore, special Rockruff that haveOwn Tempo can only evolve into Dusk Form Lycanroc, which is not dependent on the game. Starting inGeneration VIII, the form Lycanroc becomes is no longer version-exclusive.
| In a certain game | ||
|---|---|---|
 Cosmoem | + S US Sw S → Level 53+ inSun,Ultra Sun,Sword, orScarlet |  Solgaleo |
| + M UM Sh V → Level 53+ inMoon,Ultra Moon,Shield, orViolet |  Lunala | |
Using the Let's Go! feature
This Evolution method was introduced inGeneration IX. Some Pokémon may evolve upon level up after using theLet's Go! feature to walk 1000 total steps (Beware of the step counting bug).
| Using the Let's Go! feature | ||
|---|---|---|
 Rellor | + → Level up whilst outside of itsPoké Ball after walking 1000 steps using theLet's Go! feature. (Beware of the step counting bug) |  Rabsca |
Unique conditions
The following Pokémon evolve through a method that is isolated to their Evolution line only.
- InPokémon XD: Gale of Darkness only,Eevee evolves intoEspeon orUmbreon when leveled up with aSun Shard orMoon Shard, respectively, in the player'sBag. Only one of the two items can be obtained per game.
- Eevee evolves intoSylveon when leveled up while knowing aFairy-type move and having at least two levels ofaffectionVI–VII or high friendshipVIII+.
- Mantyke evolves intoMantine when leveled up with aRemoraid in the player's party.
- Feebas evolves intoMilotic when leveled up with itsBeautycondition at 170 or above. Starting fromGeneration V, it also evolves into Milotic whentraded while holding aPrism Scale.
- WhenNincada evolves intoNinjask (which it does starting at level 20), if there is an empty slot in the party, aShedinja will appear. FromGeneration IV onward, the player must also have a spare standardPoké Ball in their Bag.
- Pancham evolves intoPangoro starting at level 32 if there is aDark-type Pokémon in the party.
- Inkay evolves intoMalamar starting at level 30 when leveled up while the game system is held upside-down. On theNintendo Switch, this can only be accomplished in handheld mode.
- Sliggoo evolves intoGoodra starting at level 50 duringrain (orfogVII) in the overworld. (Rain that is only present in battle will not trigger the Evolution.)
- Finizen evolves intoPalafin starting at level 38 when leveled up while connected with another player via theUnion Circle.
- Bisharp evolves intoKingambit when leveled up after defeating three Bisharp that hold aLeader's Crest.
- Gimmighoul evolves intoGholdengo when leveled up while the player has 999Gimmighoul Coins in their Bag. This consumes the Gimmighoul Coins, and the Evolution cannot be canceled.
Additional factors
Some Pokémon with branched Evolutions can evolve into one of multiple different Pokémon or different forms of the same Pokémon depending on other factors, but still have the same Evolution requirements for all of these possibilities.
- Burmy evolves starting at level 20, but its evolved form is determined by its gender and, if female, its cloak. As Burmy, its cloak changes according to the place where it last battled but has no effect on Burmy itself; once it evolves into Wormadam, its cloak no longer changes, and its types and the moves it can learn are dependent on its cloak.
- Tyrogue evolves starting at level 20, depending on its stats.
- Hitmonlee if Attack > Defense
- Hitmonchan if Attack < Defense
- Hitmontop if Attack = Defense
- Wurmple evolves intoSilcoon orCascoon starting at level 7, depending on itspersonality value. It is a hidden value determined when the Pokémon is encountered and cannot be seen or affected by the player.
- Dunsparce evolves intoDudunsparce when leveled up while knowingHyper Drill. The form of Dudunsparce it evolves into depends on itsencryption constant. Since this value cannot be influenced or seen by the player, what a given Dunsparce will evolve into is essentially random — with a 1/100 chance of evolving intoThree-Segment Form Dudunsparce.
- Tandemaus evolves intoMaushold starting at level 25, but if Tandemaus is not sent out in the battle it levels up in, the Evolution animation will be skipped. The form of Maushold it evolves into depends on itsencryption constant. Since this value cannot be influenced or seen by the player, what a given Tandemaus will evolve into is essentially random — with a 1/100 chance of evolving intoFamily of Three Maushold.
Using an item
Some Pokémon evolve when they are exposed to a specific item. The player can use one of these items on a compatible Pokémon at any time outside of battle, which consumes the item. From Generation IV onwards, Evolution by exposure to an item cannot be prevented by holding anEverstone. Due to being able to evolve at any time, these Pokémon usually learn fewer or no moves by level up after evolving; however, in Generation VIII, even if they do not learn any additional moves by level-up, they normally can still be taught any move their pre-evolved form could learn by level up by theMove Reminder.
InPokémon Legends: Arceus only, Pokémon that would normally evolve while holding a particular item (including by leveling up while holding a specific item) instead evolve when exposed to that item.
| Using an item | ||
|---|---|---|
 Applin |  → Tart Apple |  Flapple |
 → Sweet Apple |  Appletun | |
 → Syrupy Apple |  Dipplin | |
Evolution stone
- Main article:Evolution stone
- See also:Category:Pokémon that evolve by Evolution stone
The most common type of item that can trigger this kind of Evolution is an Evolution stone (and was the only type that could, prior toGeneration VIII). Despite its name, theOval Stone is not an Evolution stone, because it triggers Evolution as aheld item rather than by being used directly.
| Using a stone | ||
|---|---|---|
 Growlithe |  → Fire Stone |  Arcanine |
If the Pokémon is a certain gender
- Main article:Gender-based Evolution
While most Pokémon that evolve by Evolution stone have no additional requirements, some Pokémon that evolve this way can only evolve if they are a specific gender. This evolutionary requirement was introduced inGeneration IV.
The only two Evolutions with this requirement areKirlia's Evolution intoGallade (which requires that it be male) andSnorunt's Evolution intoFroslass (which requires that it be female). These two Evolutions are the only Evolutions to use theDawn Stone.
|
|
In a certain region
- Main article:Region-based Evolution
While most Pokémon that evolve by Evolution stone have no additional requirements, some Pokémon can evolve into a different form when they use an Evolution stone in a specificregion. This evolutionary requirement was introduced inGeneration VII.
Special itemsThe following items are each only used by one Pokémon to evolve.
Trading
Some Pokémon evolve when they aretraded. The Evolution starts immediately after the trade is completed, regardless of the method of trading used. However, sometimes there are additional conditions. In theanimated series, Pokémon that evolve by trade sometimes evolve after being temporarily in a different person's possession, likeMisty's Politoed being withNurse Joy at thePokémon Center andBrock's Steelix when he lent Onix to his brotherForrest.
Trade holding a certain itemSome Pokémon evolve when traded while holding a specificEvolution item. If a Pokémon evolves this way, the item disappears upon completion of the Evolution. This method of Evolution was introduced inGeneration II (the same generation that introduced held items in general). InPokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon that evolve when traded while holding a specific item can be evolved without trading by using their Evolution item from the player's satchel.
Trading for a certain PokémonSome Pokémon evolve when traded with a specific Pokémon. Only two Pokémon do this so far and evolve each other through this method. This method of Evolution was introduced inGeneration V. If either Pokémon holds anEverstone, neither can evolve.
Unique triggersGeneration VIII introduced several unique triggers for newly introduced Pokémon andregional forms. These triggers are all exclusive to a single Pokémon.
Can only evolve in other gamesMeltan, which first appeared in the core series games inPokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, cannot be evolved in the core series games. Instead, it can only be evolved inPokémon GO, where it can be evolved by pressing the "Evolve" button on Meltan's profile screen and spending 400 MeltanCandy.
In the side series gamesPokémon Colosseum and XD: Gale of DarknessInPokémon Colosseum andXD, there is no time system:
In the spin-off gamesPokémon GO
InPokémon GO, the only way to evolve Pokémon is to press the "Evolve" button on that Pokémon's profile page. All Pokémon (exceptGimmighoul) require the player spend a specific amount of their ownCandy to evolve them, but some have additional requirements. Some Evolutions require an item in addition to the Candy cost. All Evolutions that require anEvolution item other than anEvolution stone (exceptFeebas andClamperl) orSun Stone to evolve in the core series require an item to be spent in Pokémon GO. For Evolutions introduced in Generation II, the item required is the same as in the core series. Allcross-generational Evolutions introduced inGeneration IV, except location-based Evolutions, require aSinnoh Stone to evolve. All Evolutions introduced in Generation V that require an Evolution stone in the core series (except a Sun Stone) require aUnova Stone in Pokémon GO; Generation V Evolutions that require a Sun Stone in the core series also require it in Pokémon GO. From January 10, 2020 onward, certain Pokémon do not cost any Candy to evolve if they are traded. These Pokémon areKadabra,Machoke,Graveler,Haunter,Boldore,Gurdurr,Karrablast,Shelmet,Pumpkaboo, andPhantump. Some Pokémon cannot be evolved until the player has met certain conditions while walking with them asBuddy Pokémon. This requirement is noted under the "Evolve" button.
For some species of Pokémon with branched Evolutions, there are multiple "Evolve" buttons, allowing the player to choose which Pokémon to evolve into. The different buttons may have different requirements, such as one button requiring an item while another does not. Despite having branched Evolutions,Eevee,Tyrogue,Wurmple, andClamperl only have a single button. Some of them have no indication of which Pokémon it will evolve into in most cases.
Pokémon UNITEInPokémon UNITE, all Pokémonevolve by level. This occurs at different levels than those in the core series games. For instance, a Lv. 5 Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur, and a Lv. 7 Ivysaur evolves intoVenusaur. This also applies to Pokémon that would evolve using a different method in the core series games, such as a Lv. 4 Clefairy evolving intoClefable (instead of using aMoon Stone for this Evolution).
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series
In thePokémon Mystery Dungeon series, several methods of Evolution work as in the core series games, but some are replaced by items and other game mechanics. As soon as a Pokémon meets the requirements, it can evolve in theLuminous Cave,RBRTDX in theLuminous Spring,TDS at theTree of Life,SMD or anywhere.GtI However, there are notrades,held items, orlocation-based Evolutions. Due to the lack of held items, all Evolution items used are stored in the player'sToolbox,Pokémon Exploration Team Kit, orRescue Team Starter Set. Pokémon Pinball series
InPokémon Pinball andPokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire, once the Evolution Mode or Evo Mode starts and the player chooses a Pokémon to evolve, then three instances of the sameEvolution Item appear somewhere on the table, one at a time. The player is required to get the three repeated Evolution Items before the time runs up in order to evolve the chosen Pokémon. For instance, if the player attempts to evolve aVulpix intoNinetales, they will be required to find threeFire Stones on the table. Most available Pokémon evolve byexperience, which requires getting three "Ex" Evolution Items. If the Pokémon evolves bytrade in the core series, then the player needs to get threeLink Cable Evolution Items. Pokémon Zany CardsInPokémon Zany Cards, although no methods of Evolution are mentioned in-game, the card game includes the possibility of evolving any of the threeJohto first partner Pokémon. Their method of Evolution in the core series is Evolution by level. Super Smash Bros. seriesSuper Smash Bros. BrawlInSuper Smash Bros. Brawl,Munchlax's trophy correctly implies that it canevolve by friendship:"Once it grows attached to its trainer, it levels up and evolves into Snorlax." In the TCG
In theTrading Card Game, there are no different methods needed to evolve aPokémon, but instead, all Pokémon evolve simply by placing an Evolution Pokémon on top of a Pokémon in play that it evolves into. For instance, if the player has aEkans card in play, it evolves when aArbok card is placed on top of it. There are multiple ways for that to occur. Most commonly, Evolution Pokémon can be played from a player'shand to evolve a Pokémon. This cannot be done to evolve a Pokémon on the first turn of the game or on the same turn a Pokémon enters play. Evolving counts as entering play, so a Pokémon that has evolved ordevolved once during a turn cannot be evolved this way a second time. The cardPokémon Breeder fromBase Set allows for aStage 2 Pokémon in the hand to evolve from aBasic Pokémon of the same evolutionary line, although only in situations where the Basic Pokémon is allowed to evolve. (Usually, but not always, this means Pokémon Breeder does not work on the first turn of the game or on a Basic Pokémon during the turn it enters play.) This effect essentially skips theStage 1 Pokémon of an evolutionary line and allows for a Stage 2 Pokémon to enter play a turn sooner than otherwise possible. The cardRare Candy allows for the process of Evolution from hand to be sped up in some manner. Its effect was changed starting inDark Explorers. Before that set, when played, Rare Candy allows a player to evolve a Basic Pokémon into either a Stage 1 Pokémon in their hand that evolves from that Pokémon, or a Stage 2 Pokémon in their hand of the same evolutionary line. This was allowed to occur even on the first turn of the game or on the same turn a Pokémon enters play. From Dark Explorers onward, anerrata makes the card act nearly precisely the same way Pokémon Breeder from Base Set does, only allowing a Stage 2 Pokémon from hand to evolve from the Basic Pokémon of that evolutionary line following normal rules about evolving from the hand. Some otherTrainer cards, likeEvosoda, cause a Pokémon to evolve. Usually, they search another zone like thedeck to find a card that evolves from the Pokémon being evolved. Most of these effects cannot evolve a Pokémon on the first turn of the game or on the same turn a Pokémon enters play, as per their own text, but a rare few cards such asBoost Shake andWally's Training are allowed to. (Newer renditions of this effect explicitly say that they can be used on the first turn of the game or on the same turn a Pokémon enters play.) Someattacks,Pokémon Powers, andAbilities can cause a Pokémon in play to evolve. It does not have to be the Pokémon using the attack, Pokemon Power, or Ability. These effects are usually not restricted by the current turn. Recurring examples of this are the Baby Evolution Poké-Power, the Ascension attack, and the Ultra Evolution attack. These effects usually ignore turn restrictions. Some of them allow for evolving into a Pokémon that does not normally evolve from the Pokémon that is evolving. One example of this is Baby Evolution allowingBaby Pokémon that are Basic Pokémon to evolve into their evolved forms that are also Basic Pokémon, even though Basic Pokémon do not evolve from any other Pokémon. Another example is that Ultra Evolution, which works like Rare Candy in that it allows a Basic Pokémon to evolve into the Stage 2 Pokémon of its evolutionary line. Some cards reference methods of Evolution found in the core series, such as theMoon Stone,Dusk Stone,Pancham, andInkay. Not all cards referencing methods of Evolution have an effect which evolves a Pokémon. In theHeartGold and SoulSilver Series, the art forPokémon that have evolved in thecore series by either using an item, leveling up while holding an item, or being traded while holding an item included their respectiveEvolution item.[1] The Evolution procedure from the real-life card game is used inPokémon Trading Card Game,Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!,Pokémon Play It!,Pokémon Play It! Version 2,Pokémon Trading Card Game Online, andPokémon Trading Card Game Live. Trivia
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