Trade evolutions are a staple of the mainline Pokemon games, and the trend continues in Pokemon Legends: Z-A and its Mega Dimension DLC as well. Pokemon that evolve via trade can only achieve their final form if they are traded to another player, either through local co-op or by using the internet.

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Pokemon Legends Z-A Special Evolutions Guide

A guide explaining how to trigger all 64 special evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

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For trainers looking to complete their Pokedex in PLZA and do everything there is to do in the game, knowing which Pokemon fall under this category is crucial information to have, especially if their trade evolution involves special Held Items as well.

The article includes Pokemon exclusively available in Legends: Z-A’s Mega Dimension DLC as well as those found in the base game.

All Trade Evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Pokemon That Evolve When Traded

Pokemon Legends Z A ZA Get Catch Abra Evolve Kadabra Link Trade 3 Alakazam 2

There are five (5) Pokemon that evolve when they are traded to another player in Legends: Z-A.

Pokemon

Evolution Method

Evolved Form
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-kadabra

Kadabra

Trade Kadabra
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-alakazam

Alakazam
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-machoke

Machoke

Trade Machoke
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-machamp

Machamp
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-haunter

Haunter

Trade Haunter
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-gengar

Gengar
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-pumpkaboo

Pumpkaboo

Trade Pumpkaboo
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-gourgeist

Gourgeist
pokemon-legends-za-sprites-phantump

Phantump

Trade Phantump
pokemon-legends-za-sprites-trevenant

Trevenant

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All Held Item Trade Evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Pokemon That Evolve When Traded With a Held Item

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There are nine (9) Pokemon in Legends: Z-A that evolve when they are traded while holding a special Held Item.

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Pokemon

Evolution Method

Evolved Form
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-scyther

Scyther

Trade Scyther while it is holding an Metal Coat.
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-scizor

Scizor
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-slowpoke

Slowpoke

Trade Slowpoke while it is holding an King's Rock.
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-slowking

Slowking
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-onix

Onix

Trade Onix while it is holding an Metal Coat.
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-steelix

Steelix
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-swirlix

Swirlix

Trade Swirlix while it is holding an Whipped Dream.
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-slurpuff

Slurpuff
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-spritzee

Spritzee

Trade Spritzee while it is holding an Satchet.
pokemon-legends-za-pokemon-icon-aromatisse

Aromatisse
pokemon-legends-za-sprites-feebas

Trade Feebas while it is holding an Prism Scale.
pokemon-legends-za-sprites-milotic

Milotic
pokemon-legends-za-sprites-porygon

Porygon

Trade Porygon while it is holding an Upgrade.
pokemon-legends-za-sprites-porygon2

Porygon2
pokemon-legends-za-sprites-porygon2

Porygon2

Trade Porygon2 while it is holding an Dubious Disc.
pokemon-legends-za-sprites-porygon-z

Porygon-Z
pokemon-legends-za-galarian-slowpoke-sprite

Galarian Slowpoke

Trade Galarian Slowpoke while it is holding an Galarica Cuff.
pokemon-legends-za-galarian-slowbro-sprite

Galarian Slowbro
pokemon-legends-za-galarian-slowpoke-sprite

Galarian Slowpoke

Trade Galarian Slowpoke while it is holding an Galarica Wreath.
pokemon-legends-za-galarian-slowking-sprite

Galarian Slowking

When a trade evolution requires a Held Item, the item is consumed during the process. So if you evolve a Scyther into a Scizor, the Metal Coat will be destroyed.

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Pokemon Legends: Z-A
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RPG
Adventure
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Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
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Released
October 16, 2025
ESRB
Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
Developer(s)
Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
Publisher(s)
Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Genre(s)
RPG, Adventure
OpenCritic Rating
Strong