Pokémon · Mechanics
How evolution works
Evolution methods, examples and requirements.
Cancel anytime
Press B during the animation. Unevolved Pokémon often learn moves earlier.
Everstone
A held Everstone blocks evolution entirely — handy while breeding.
Regional forms
Regional variants can evolve differently from their classic counterparts.
Mega ≠ evolution
Mega Evolution and Dynamax are temporary battle states, not real evolutions.
The extreme case
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
