In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon evolve through a diverse range of methods, allowing trainers to strengthen their teams and complete their Pokédex. Beyond simply gaining experience, many Pokémon require specific items, conditions, or interactions to reach their next stage.
Common Evolution Methods
Evolving Pokémon in the Galar region typically falls into several key categories:
1. Leveling Up
The most straightforward way to evolve Pokémon is by having them gain experience in battles until they reach a specific level. Many Pokémon, especially those with multi-stage evolutions, follow this path. For example, Grookey evolves into Thwackey at Level 16, and then into Rillaboom at Level 35.
2. Using Evolution Items
Certain Pokémon require specific items to evolve, often referred to as "Evolution Stones" or "Held Items." These items can trigger evolution when used on a Pokémon or when a Pokémon holds them under particular conditions.
-
Evolution Stones:
- Fire Stone: Evolves Growlithe into Arcanine, Vulpix into Ninetales.
- Water Stone: Evolves Eevee into Vaporeon, Lotad into Ludicolo.
- Thunder Stone: Evolves Pikachu into Raichu, Eevee into Jolteon.
- Leaf Stone: Evolves Exeggcute into Exeggutor, Eevee into Leafeon.
- Moon Stone: Evolves Clefairy into Clefable, Jigglypuff into Wigglytuff.
- Sun Stone: Evolves Cottonee into Whimsicott, Gloom into Bellossom.
- Dawn Stone: Evolves male Kirlia into Gallade, female Snorunt into Froslass.
- Dusk Stone: Evolves Lampent into Chandelure, Murkrow into Honchkrow.
- Shiny Stone: Evolves Roselia into Roserade, Togetic into Togekiss.
- Ice Stone: Evolves Eevee into Glaceon, Galarian Darumaka into Galarian Darmanitan.
-
Version-Exclusive Items (Applin):
- Applin is a unique case that evolves differently depending on your game version:
- In Pokémon Sword, Applin evolves into Flapple when given a Tart Apple.
- In Pokémon Shield, Applin evolves into Appletun when given a Sweet Apple.
- Applin is a unique case that evolves differently depending on your game version:
-
Other Held Items: Some Pokémon evolve when holding a specific item and then fulfilling another condition.
- Sneasel evolves into Weavile when leveled up at night while holding a Razor Claw.
3. Friendship/Affection
Some Pokémon evolve once they reach a high level of friendship or affection with their trainer. This is often indicated by a hidden friendship stat. For example, Eevee can evolve into Espeon during the day or Umbreon at night when it has high friendship and levels up. Other Pokémon like Togepi (into Togetic) and Munchlax (into Snorlax) also evolve this way.
4. Trading
Certain Pokémon only evolve when traded to another player. This often involves the Pokémon holding a specific item during the trade. For instance, Haunter evolves into Gengar when traded.
5. Unique Conditions and Mechanics
Pokémon Sword and Shield introduce or continue unique evolution mechanics that go beyond the standard methods.
-
Milcery: This adorable Pokémon evolves into Alcremie through a specific, interactive process. Milcery will evolve when holding one of several "sweets" (e.g., Strawberry Sweet, Berry Sweet) and the player spins around rapidly using the left stick in the overworld. The specific Alcremie form (flavor and decoration) depends on the sweet held, the spin direction (clockwise/counter-clockwise), and the time of day.
-
Galarian Yamask: Evolves into Runerigus by meeting specific conditions: taking at least 49 damage in one battle without fainting, then walking under the stone arch in the Dusty Bowl area of the Wild Area.
-
Clobbopus: Evolves into Grapploct by leveling up while knowing the move "Taunt."
-
Sinistea: Evolves into Polteageist using a Cracked Pot (for Phony Form Sinistea) or a Chipped Pot (for Antique Form Sinistea).
Table of Notable Item-Based Evolutions
| Pokémon | Evolution | Item Used/Held | Game Specific/Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applin | Flapple | Tart Apple | Pokémon Sword |
| Applin | Appletun | Sweet Apple | Pokémon Shield |
| Sneasel | Weavile | Razor Claw | Level up at night |
| Milcery | Alcremie | Any Sweet (e.g., Strawberry, Berry) | Spin in circles |
| Galarian Darumaka | Galarian Darmanitan | Ice Stone | |
| Dusclops | Dusknoir | Reaper Cloth (held, trade) | |
| Feebas | Milotic | Prism Scale (held, trade) |
Understanding these diverse evolution methods is key to catching 'em all and mastering your Pokémon journey in Galar.
