Summary
- Evolution is a key feature in Pokemon games, showcasing growth and strength in different ways.
- Middle stages of evolutionary lines like Chansey and Grovyle can have unique designs and usefulness.
- Not having access to trade evolves like Haunter or evolved forms doesn't always hinder gameplay effectiveness.
The evolution process is a staple in the Pokemon franchise. It is a simple way of showing how one Pokemon can grow to become stronger over time, and this can be represented by the evolution method players must use to get access to these stronger versions. Most Pokemon in the games will evolve naturally by reaching a specific level, while others require the player to find a specific item, or they need to reach a certain level of friendship with the trainer.
12 Pokemon Evolutions That Don't Make Sense
Pokemon evolutions often follow some form of thematic or design logic, however loose it may be. But these evolutions don't make any sense whatsoever.
Either way, it is always seen as a plus when a Pokemon evolves. The final form of an evolutionary line normally invokes everything that is great about that Pokemon. Unfortunately, the middle stages of a line can sometimes look clunky or awkward, and many view them to be inferior at battling than the final forms. However, this isn't always the case.
7 Chansey
A Solo Pokemon Turned Into A Middle Evolution Over Time
- Dex Number: 113
- Evolves From Happiny While Holding An Oval Stone In The Day
There have been many Pokemon from the early generations that have been adapted over time. Chansey is one such example, as it received an evolved form in Generation Two and a new baby form in Generation Four. As a result, Chansey is now the middle stage in its evolutionary line. However, this Pokemon did have to stand on its own at one point in time.
By all accounts, Chansey is still a Pokemon that players can use as a team member that has reached its full potential. As the healthcare Pokemon, Chansey was never intended to be a strong battler. Instead, it is used more as a defensive wall in battle with its HP stat of 250 and its special defense stat of 105. Plus, it has moves that can heal its teammates on the field. Blissey may be better at what Chansey does, but it is the only Pokemon in the games that is, so bringing a Chansey along is not always a bad idea.
6 Bayleef
Generation Two's Middle Grass Starter
- Dex Number:153
- Evolves From Chikorita At Level 16
The starter trio of a Grass, Water, and Fire type at the beginning of the game is a staple of the Pokemon franchise. The player must always choose between one of these three cute first stage creatures to be their first partner in the game. A lot of these Pokemon are cute and easy to like, but their middle stages rarely bridge the gap between this initial stage and the final concept in a way that is dignified. Fortunately, Bayleef is one of the few exceptions to this rule.
20 Most Competitively Viable Starter Pokemon
Choosing your starter is one of the most important decisions you'll make in any Pokemon game. These starters are for trainers with a competitive edge.
Bayleef has a design that looks like a natural step up from Chikorita, and even appears to be a Pokemon that can stand on its own. Also, many fans prefer this middle stage to the bland design of the final form in the line, Meganium. The fact that Ash used a Bayleef in the anime is another reason why many players are drawn toward this middle stage starter.
5 Haunter
A Pokemon Many Players Were Forced To Use Instead Of Its Final Form
- Dex Number: 093
- Evolves From Gastly At Level 25
One of the evolution mechanics from Generation One involved having a player link up their Game Boy to another and trade Pokemon. Sadly, not everyone had access to a link-cable, or another player to trade with. This means that they would be stuck with many of the middle evolutions in these early games. It isn't all bad, though, as Haunter is one of these Pokemon that evolved via a trade.
Generation One of Pokemon also had the unfortunate balancing issue of the Psychic type being overpowered. One of the few types that could counter this OP type was Ghost, which led many players to recruit a Haunter to their team. Even without the ability to evolve it into Gengar, Haunter is a more than capable Ghost type, and it is a useful middle stage for getting rid of many Psychic types in the game.
4 Duosion
An Odd Pokemon Line From Generation Five
- Dex Number: 578
- Evolves From Solosis At Level 32
The Generation Five Pokemon games had the huge task of adding more than one-hundred and fifty new Pokemon to the franchise, while also omitting any previous Pokemon from past games. As a result, many fans have overlooked a lot of the Pokemon from this generation in anticipation of their old favorites returning. Unfortunately, this means that the Solosis line is one that does not get the attention it deserves.
This pure Psychic type line is often considered a lesser form of the Abra line from Generation One, and this notion is furthered by these Pokemon's odd fetal design. Look past this design, though, and there are many positives to be found. This is especially true of Duosion. This middle stage has a special attack stat of 125, which is high for any Pokemon, let alone one that isn't fully evolved yet.
3 Doublade
A Pokemon That Can Do Everything
- Dex Number: 680
- Evolves From Honedge At Level 35
Like with every new generation of Pokemon games, Generation Six had a few design ideas that had some fans raising their eyebrows. One of these new Pokemon was the floating sword, Honedge. However, the players who used this Pokemon in battle quickly found out how useful this line was. Aegislash is the final form in the line, and so is often cited as the best one to use, but Doublade can be equally viable.
15 Pokemon Designs That Are Just Too Weird
There are plenty of Pokemon that seem like cute creatures, but these ones just make no sense at all.
Aegislash continually switches forms in battle between Shield Form and Blade Form to raise either its defense or attack. Unfortunately, this can leave the Pokemon vulnerable if the trainer wrongly calculates this change. Fortunately, Doublade is also great in battle with its impressively high attack and defensive stats without the player having to worry about a form change.
2 Grovyle
Bridging The Gap Between Two Great Pokemon
- Dex Number: 253
- Evolves From Treeko At Level 16
The starter trio in Hoenn are often considered some of the franchise's best. This is because each of these new Pokemon has great first and final forms, but Grovyle tips the scales in its favor by being a great-looking middle stage.
Sadly, both Torchic and Mudkip have middle evolutions that lean into more awkward-looking territory. However, Grovyle ends up being a middle stage that bridges the gap naturally between Treeko and Sceptile, but it also looks effortlessly cool while doing so. This winged tree lizard may not be as good in battle as its later form, but many players find it hard to say goodbye to Grovyle when it evolves, as it is a Pokemon with a great design that puts it on par with some other single-stage Pokemon in the series.
1 Vigaroth
A Pokemon That Forges Its Own Path
- Dex Number: 288
- Evolves From Slakoth At Level 18
The Slakoth line from Generation Three is one of the most unique ones in the series' history. Starting as a pure normal type, the first stage, Slakoth, doesn't really achieve anything impressive. However, the final Pokemon in this line is the immensely powerful Slaking. This lazy gorilla has a base stat total that puts it on par with some legendaries, but its Truant ability means that it will only attack on every other turn.
This ability can be a blessing or a curse for some players, but luckily the middle stage in this line is just as valid a team member. Vigaroth is another normal type with a lightning fast speed stat of 90 and an attack of 80. This attack is nothing compared to Slaking, but its speed makes it a perfectly good middle stage that works just fine without evolving further.
10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Pokémon Evolution
There's a lot to Pokémon evolution fans just don't know about. Let's take a look at some of the facts.