Learn every method of Pokemon evolution across all nine generations, from leveling up to special conditions.
Evolution is a permanent transformation that changes a Pokemon's appearance, stats, ability (sometimes), and learnable moves. When a Pokemon evolves, its base stats increase, it may gain or change types, and it often learns more powerful moves. Evolution is irreversible in the main series games, making it a significant decision in a Pokemon's development.
There are multiple methods of evolution, giving players different ways to develop their teams. The most common method is leveling up to a certain level. Many Pokemon evolve at specific levels, such as Charmander evolving into Charmeleon at Level 16 and Charizard at Level 36. Other Pokemon require special conditions like exposure to an evolution stone, trading with another player, or high friendship.
Level-up evolution is the most straightforward method. A Pokemon evolves when it reaches a certain level. Early route Pokemon like Caterpie (Level 7), Pidgey (Level 18), and Rattata (Level 20) evolve relatively early, while pseudo-legendary Pokemon like Dragonite (Level 55), Tyranitar (Level 55), and Garchomp (Level 48) require significant training.
Some Pokemon have multiple evolution stages. The standard pattern is a three-stage line: basic (like Bulbasaur), middle stage (Ivysaur), and final stage (Venusaur). Two-stage lines are also common: basic (like Growlithe) to final (Arcanine). Some Pokemon, like Eevee and Rockruff, have branching evolutions that depend on external factors.
Evolution stones are special items that instantly evolve certain Pokemon. Each stone type corresponds to a specific element. The Fire Stone evolves Vulpix and Growlithe, the Water Stone evolves Poliwhirl and Staryu, and the Thunder Stone evolves Pikachu and Eevee (Jolteon). Some stones are found naturally in the overworld, while others must be purchased or obtained through mining.
Stone evolution can be performed at any level, so you can choose exactly when to evolve your Pokemon. This is useful for learning moves that the evolved form would not learn. For example, Pikachu learns Thunderbolt at Level 26, but if you evolve it into Raichu with a Thunder Stone before that level, Raichu will not learn Thunderbolt naturally.
Friendship evolution occurs when a Pokemon reaches 220 or higher friendship and levels up. Pokemon like Pichu, Eevee (Espeon and Umbreon), Golbat, Chansey, and Togepi require high friendship to evolve. Friendship can be raised by walking, using vitamins, keeping the Pokemon in your party, and using certain berries and items. The Soothe Bell doubles friendship gain.
Time-based evolutions depend on the in-game clock. Eevee evolves into Espeon if it levels up with high friendship during the daytime, and into Umbreon if it levels up at night. Rockruff's evolution depends on time as well: it evolves into Lycanroc Midday Form if leveled up during the day, and Midnight Form if leveled up at night. The Dusk Form requires the Own Tempo ability and leveling up at dusk.
Trade evolution requires trading a Pokemon to another player (or to another game in the same generation). When the traded Pokemon arrives in the new game, it evolves immediately. Notable trade evolutions include Machoke to Machamp, Graveler to Golem, Haunter to Gengar, and Kadabra to Alakazam. Some trade evolutions also require the Pokemon to hold a specific item.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus introduced the Linking Cord, an item that allows trade evolutions without trading. This innovation carried into Generation 9, where players can use the Linking Cord or trade directly through the Poke Portal. Trade evolution items include the Metal Coat (Onix to Steelix, Scyther to Scizor), King's Rock (Poliwhirl to Politoed), and the Reaper Cloth (Dusclops to Dusknoir).
Some Pokemon have unique evolution requirements beyond standard methods. Galarian Yamask evolves into Runerigus by taking at least 49 HP of damage without fainting while walking under a specific stone arch on Route 9. Inkay evolves into Malamar when leveled up while holding the console upside-down (or when using a Link Cable in Generation 9). Shedinja appears when a player has an empty party slot and an extra Poke Ball while evolving Nincada into Ninjask. According to Bulbapedia's evolution guide, these special conditions add strategic depth to the evolution system beyond simply reaching a level threshold.
Regional variants have introduced new evolution methods tied to their native habitats. Hisuian Growlithe evolves into Hisuian Arcanine using a Fire Stone, while Alolan Graveler must be traded to become Alolan Golem. Pokemon like Exeggcute evolve into Alolan Exeggutor via Leaf Stone in Alola, and Cubone becomes Alolan Marowak at Level 28 in the Alola region. These environmental adaptations showcase how Pokemon evolution responds to regional conditions. The Wikipedia article on Pokemon evolution provides a comprehensive overview of every evolution method available across all nine generations. The Pokemon Fandom evolution wiki catalogs every species' evolution chain with detailed requirements.
Pro Tip: Evolution occurs through level-up stones trading friendship and special conditions.