How evolution works
Ten methods cover every evolution in the series. Each card below shows real examples — tap any Pokémon to open its full evolution line.
Press B during the animation. Unevolved Pokémon often learn moves earlier.
A held Everstone blocks evolution entirely — handy while breeding.
Regional variants can evolve differently from their classic counterparts.
Mega Evolution and Dynamax are temporary battle states, not real evolutions.
One Eevee, eight evolutions
Level Up
The classic. Reach the level, watch it evolve.
- Rare Candy and EXP Candy skip the grind
- Lucky Egg boosts experience gain by 50%
Evolution Stone
Use the right stone and evolution is instant.
- Fire, Water, Thunder, and Leaf are the classic four
- Moon, Sun, Shiny, Dusk, Dawn, and Ice Stones came later
Friendship
Evolves once it trusts you enough.
- Walk together, feed berries, never let it faint
- Soothe Bell doubles friendship gain
Trade
Only evolves in someone else’s hands.
- Trade with a friend and trade straight back
- Some games sell a Linking Cord that replaces trading
Time of Day
Day and night decide what it becomes.
- Day usually runs 6 AM – 6 PM, night 6 PM – 6 AM
- Dusk-form Lycanroc needs a one-hour evening window
Location
The place itself triggers the change.
- Newer games swap most location rules for stones
- Requirements vary by game — check the title you’re playing
Held Item
Holds an item, then levels up or gets traded.
- Evolution items hide in late-game areas
- Wild Pokémon sometimes hold them — try Thief
Gender-Specific
Same species, different paths by gender.
- Breed for the gender you need
- Gender ratios differ a lot between species
Knows a Move
Must know one specific move when it levels.
- The Move Reminder can re-teach a forgotten move
- Check the learnset on each Pokémon’s Moves tab
