One of the most well-known aspects of the Pokemon series is evolution, where Pokemon can grow into stronger forms with their trainer's assistance. Since the inception of the series, not every Pokemon has evolved the same, and in each generation, newer, more specific methods have appeared as well.
Rather than trying to parse their merits, these methods will be ranked by convenience, as some are easier than others. To simplify the process, certain more specific methods will be lumped in with their more common counterparts, as they often rely on the simpler methods, just with extra steps included.
Every Fossil Pokemon, Ranked
Fossil Pokemon are some of the most unique in the series. Here's how they all rank.
14 Collect-a-thon
Evolves: Gimmighoul and Meltan (Pokemon Go only)
- Originated in Pokemon Go
Perhaps the least convenient method is the admittedly rare, collect-a-thon. Most Pokemon only take one item to evolve. A few, however, require the accumulation of numerous evolutionary items, all directed towards one specific Pokemon. This is relatively less convenient than most other methods.
Gimmighoul requires 999 Gimmighoul coins, which are found throughout Paldea, often atop taller structures. Meltan is an even odder prospect, as its evolution requires Pokemon Go, where it can either be evolved by way of a mystery box given to owners of Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee or 400 Meltan Candy, which can be collected in Go proper.
In both cases, these collect-a-thons can be extremely time-consuming and very purposeful. It is perhaps for this reason that certain evolutions in this branch, such as Gimmighoul to Gholdengo, cannot be prevented as others can.
13 Battle-Based
Evolves: Bisharp, Primeape, Galarian Yamask, etc.
- Originated in Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Rather than leveling up on its own, which can be technically accomplished outside of battle, these evolutions specifically require the chosen Pokemon to participate in battles themselves. From there, the specifics of each required evolution differ drastically. In Legends: Arceus and for Primeape in Scarlet and Violet, a common method is using a specific attack 20 times. Other Pokemon, like White-Striped Basculin and Galarian Yamask, require taking a certain amount of damage without fainting to evolve. In Basculin's case, this specifically must be recoil damage.
Perhaps the most complex evolution in this category is Bisharp, which requires the Pokemon to defeat three other Bisharp that hold the leader's crests to evolve into Kingambit. It is generally advised to give a Bisharp a fighting type move like focus blast, brick break, or reversal to expedite this process, as steel-dark types are four times weaker against them. All in all, these various methods require a bit more extra attention than most, naturally making them far less convenient.
12 Beauty Factor
Evolves: Feebas
- Originated in Pokemon: Ruby and Sapphire
Feebas existed as a Generation III counterpart to Magikarp, with an emphasis on gaining beauty rather than power (although Milotic certainly doesn't skimp in either department.) Prior to the introduction of the Prism Scale, the only way to evolve Feebas was by increasing its Beauty Factor to 170 through continued judgment in Pokemon Contests.
Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald Comparison
Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are all from the same generation, but players will note some differences between them.
While not exceedingly difficult, this does require some cultivation, as certain factors such as nature, movesets, and specific items can all play a part in the ultimate result. In newer games, many of which no longer have contests, Feebas evolves by being traded with a Prism Scale, although later games with contests also utilize Beauty Factor as a possible method.
11 Union Circle Connection
Evolves: Finizen
- Originated in Pokemon: Scarlet and Violet
Evolving Finizen into the elusive Palafin requires a continual connection with another player in the Union Circle. This may be somewhat more frustrating for players with poor internet connectivity, as the process of leveling up, while fairly simple on its own, can take a while depending on Finizen's current level.
The exact level of convenience can be premeditated to some extent. If a Finizen reaches a certain level (37 or higher) and the player has a rare candy at the ready, this can be wrapped up even shorter than a trade.
10 Setting-Based
Evolves: Eevee, Sliggoo, Tyrunt, etc.
- Originated in Pokemon: Gold and Silver
Some Pokemon only evolve at certain times of day. One Pokemon (Sliggoo) only evolves when it rains. These are a bit more difficult despite sounding somewhat easier, as time is never the sole requirement. These kinds of Pokemon often need a high enough level, a specific held item, or happiness to properly evolve.
9 Trading
Evolves: Haunter, Kadabra, Machoke, etc.
- Originated in Pokemon: Red and Blue
Trading is a central aspect to Pokemon, with the mainline games always being handheld, and connectable with other players' devices. It is a method that for a while was the only way to obtain fan-favorite Pokemon, such as Gengar or Alakazam. This common method, however, is somewhat less convenient, as it most commonly requires either another player or a separate console running a compatible game.
The difficulty is compounded when more further requirements like having a certain held item, or in one odd case, evolving opposite another specific Pokemon are included.
8 Let's Go!
Evolves: Rellor, Pawmo, and Bramblin
- Originated in Pokemon: Scarlet and Violet
The Let's Go! Feature introduced in Scarlet and Violet allows a trainer's Pokemon to accompany them in the overworld. Three Pokemon evolve after walking 1000 steps with this feature and leveling up. This can be done in essentially any walkable part of the overworld with relatively minimal effort.
It may be mildly less convenient for trainers who wish to ride on their legendary bike Pokemon, as this counter can be reset.
7 Location-Based
Evolves: Eevee, Magneton, Nosepass etc.
- Originated in Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl
Generation IV included many new evolutions for established Pokemon for previous generations. Because of this, more complex evolution methods were ushered in, presumably to explain why these Pokemon could not evolve in earlier generations.
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One such method is location-based evolutions, where Pokemon need to be near a certain type of area to evolve. A common example is a magnetic field which could evolve Nosepass, Magneton, and Charjabug. This method, while somewhat specific, is comparatively easy, as all it requires is to visit the location once it is accessible and train until they hit a level. Newer generations seem to have largely phased this method out, as now most Pokemon it affected can instead evolve by way of items, such as elemental stones.
6 Party-Based
Evolves: Mantyke, Nincada, and Pancham
- Originated in Pokemon: Ruby and Sapphire
Some Pokemon only evolve if the party is right. These Pokemon all require leveling up, but need a specific Pokemon to be in or out of the party before they properly evolve. Shedinja is a special evolution of Nincada, who otherwise only evolves into Ninjask. If a player has a spare pokeball and party slot, a Shedinja appears once the evolution takes place.
Mantyke needs a Remoraid in the Party, which makes sense, as they tend to latch on to the evolved Mantine. Pancham needs a dark-type Pokemon in the party to evolve into Pangoro. These methods often require relatively minimal planning but are not as immediate or convenient as simply grinding to level up.
5 Move-Based
Evolves: Piloswine, Lickitung, Yanma, etc.
- Originated in Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl
Some Pokemon need to learn a move before they evolve. This requires leveling up in advance, but is often no more situational than leveling up before or after the move is learned. In fact, if a trainer simply wants a specific move that will incidentally level up a Pokemon, it is entirely possible to achieve this kind of evolution by accident.
Sylveon requires slightly more attention, needing a higher level of either affection or happiness, depending on the game, before evolving, whilst knowing baby-doll-eyes.