Can You Evolve Boldore Without Trading? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer to the burning question is: it depends on the Pokémon game you’re playing. In some games, like the mainline titles Pokémon Black and White, the answer is a definite no. Boldore absolutely requires a trade to evolve into Gigalith. However, more recent iterations, particularly Pokémon Legends: Arceus, have introduced alternative methods, allowing you to bypass trading altogether. This article will delve into the complexities of Boldore’s evolution, exploring different approaches across various Pokémon games and providing answers to frequently asked questions.
The Traditional Route: Trading for Evolution
For many years, the standard method for evolving Boldore into Gigalith has been through trading. This mechanic is a mainstay in the Pokémon world, forcing trainers to interact with others to complete their Pokédex. In Pokémon Black and White, as well as most other core series games, this is the only way to evolve Boldore. You would need to trade your Boldore with another player using a local wireless connection or online trading. Upon being traded, Boldore would immediately evolve into its final form, Gigalith. This reliance on trading often proved a challenge for players who didn’t have friends nearby or couldn’t access online trading features.
Why Trading?
The trading evolution mechanic was originally introduced to encourage social interaction and trading within the community. It also added an element of exclusivity to certain Pokémon, as not every player would have easy access to trades. However, as gaming has evolved and more players prefer single-player experiences, this mechanic has become increasingly frustrating for some.
The Alternative: Bypassing Trading in Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus shook up the traditional formula and offered a welcome change for those struggling with trade evolutions. This game introduced the Linking Cable, an item available for purchase at the Trading Post in Jubilife Village. This item functions as a trading substitute. Instead of needing a player to trade with, trainers can use the Linking Cable on Boldore to evolve it into Gigalith.
How to Use the Linking Cable
- Obtain the Linking Cable: Visit the Trading Post located north of the Galaxy Building in Jubilife Village. Purchase the Linking Cable using Merit Points you earn by finding lost satchels.
- Select Boldore: Open your inventory and find the Linking Cable. Use it on your Boldore.
- Witness the Evolution: Boldore will evolve into Gigalith without the need to trade with another player.
This new approach was a welcome addition and made collecting every Pokémon much more manageable for solo players.
Other Methods in Different Games?
While Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers a direct alternative, most other games lack such an item. Some have attempted to trade with themselves using multiple devices or systems. However, it is necessary to have two different devices and copies of the game. There is no way to simply trade with yourself on one game.
Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO has a different approach. In Pokémon GO, Boldore evolves into Gigalith by feeding it 200 candies, or by trading it with another player, which reduces the candy cost to zero. This offers a similar, but not identical benefit as the Linking Cable in Legends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What level does Roggenrola evolve into Boldore?
Roggenrola evolves into Boldore at level 25. This is a standard level evolution that doesn’t require any additional items or conditions, other than reaching the specified level.
2. Is Boldore a rare Pokémon?
No, Boldore is generally considered uncommon, rather than rare. You can often find them in various locations depending on the game. The rarity can also vary based on the specific game you’re playing.
3. Can you get Gigalith without trading in Pokémon Black?
No, in Pokémon Black, as well as most main series games (except for Legends: Arceus), you cannot get Gigalith without trading Boldore. Trading is the only evolution method in these games.
4. Does the evolution require candies in all Pokémon games?
No, only in Pokémon GO does Boldore need 200 candies to evolve. In mainline games, the evolution is triggered upon trade and in Pokémon Legends: Arceus via the Linking Cable. Trading in Pokémon GO will eliminate the candy requirement.
5. What other Pokémon evolve by trading?
Several other Pokémon evolve by trading, including:
* Haunter into Gengar
* Kadabra into Alakazam
* Machoke into Machamp
* Graveler into Golem
* Pumpkaboo into Gourgeist
* Onix into Steelix (when traded with a Metal Coat)
* Scyther into Scizor (when traded with a Metal Coat)
* Rhydon into Rhyperior (when traded with a Protector).
6. Can I evolve my Boldore by trading with myself?
While you can trade with yourself using separate consoles and copies of the game, you can’t simply trade with yourself using only one console. You need two distinct game systems.
7. Can you trade Boldore in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Yes, you can trade Boldore in Pokémon Sword and Shield. However, it requires a trade to evolve. As with other mainline games, this is the main method for evolving Boldore in these games.
8. Is the Linking Cable only in Legends: Arceus?
Yes, the Linking Cable is specific to Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It is not available in other core series Pokémon games and cannot be transferred to other games.
9. What are the best Pokémon counters to use against Boldore?
Boldore is a Rock-type Pokémon. Effective counters include:
* Primal Kyogre
* Primal Groudon
* Mega Swampert
* Shadow Metagross
* Mega Sceptile
* Kartana
10. What happens if you trade a Roggenrola instead of a Boldore?
Whether you trade a Roggenrola or a Boldore, the end result of evolution for either one is Gigalith. Trading either one will evolve into the next stage. For Roggenrola to evolve it must be level 25, at which point, it can be traded to evolve into Gigalith,
11. How does Pokémon GO approach trade evolutions?
In Pokémon GO, certain Pokémon, including Boldore, have their candy costs reduced to zero if they are traded prior to evolution. Otherwise, Boldore will require 200 candy to evolve into Gigalith if not traded.
12. Is there an easy way to get a Scizor without trading?
No. You need to trade a Scyther with a Metal Coat to evolve it to Scizor. The alternative is to get a Scizor via trade, but you cannot find Scizor in the wild.
13. Can you evolve Haunter using a Pincurchin?
Yes, in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you can evolve Haunter by trading it to an NPC for a Pincurchin, which causes it to evolve into Gengar. This is a unique trade evolution found only in these games.
14. What if I don’t want to trade?
If you’re playing a mainline Pokémon game that uses the classic trade evolution method, trading is necessary to evolve Boldore. The Linking Cable in Legends: Arceus is the only main series alternative to trading. For other titles, finding other options depends on if those specific games offer an alternative method.
15. Does Ash’s Boldore ever evolve?
Ash’s Boldore never evolved into Gigalith in the anime. It was last seen at Oak’s lab after his journey in Unova ended.
Conclusion
Evolving Boldore without trading is possible in certain games, particularly Pokémon Legends: Arceus, thanks to the Linking Cable. However, traditional methods in main series games still require trading with another player. Understanding the nuances of each game is crucial to successfully obtaining a Gigalith. As technology progresses, it is always possible that new methods of evolving without trading might be available in the future.