How to Evolve Eevee into Sakura (Espeon) in Pokémon GO

The question of how to evolve Eevee into Sakura—more accurately known as Espeon in Pokémon lore—is a popular one amongst Pokémon GO trainers. While the name “Sakura” might conjure images of a beloved anime character, in the context of Pokémon GO, it refers to a specific, albeit temporary, method of guaranteeing Eevee’s evolution into the Psychic-type Espeon. This evolution is highly sought-after for its powerful special attack stats and unique appearance.

The most straightforward answer is: to evolve Eevee into Espeon, you can either use the name trick by renaming your Eevee “Sakura” or by meeting the specific in-game requirements of maxing out friendship, then evolving Eevee during the daytime.

Here’s a more in-depth look:

1. The “Sakura” Name Trick:

This is the easiest method, but it’s a one-time use per evolution type. To utilize this trick:

• Rename your Eevee to “Sakura”. Ensure correct spelling, including capitalization.
• Restart the app. This step is crucial to ensure the name change registers properly with the game servers.
• Evolve your Eevee. Upon evolving with the usual 25 Eevee candies, your Eevee will transform into Espeon.

2. The Friendship and Daytime Method:

This is the repeatable method you can utilize an unlimited number of times after you use the naming trick. It requires more dedication but is the long-term solution:

• Set Eevee as your Buddy. This involves going to your profile page, clicking on your Buddy Pokemon, and then selecting Eevee from the list.
• Build up Friendship. You can increase friendship by interacting with your Buddy, feeding it berries, walking with it, battling with it, and giving it gifts. Maxing out friendship requires a good amount of interaction and time.
• Evolve during the Day. Once your Buddy Eevee has a full friendship heart, you need to evolve it during the daytime to guarantee it will evolve into Espeon. If you evolve it at night it will evolve into Umbreon.

Understanding the Mechanics

These two methods, while different in execution, have the same outcome – an Espeon. The name trick is a clever way of guaranteeing specific evolutions of Eevee but works only once per name. The alternative method, which requires friendship and timing, serves as the standard way to evolve into Espeon once the name trick has been used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Eevee evolutions in Pokémon GO, focusing on the Sakura/Espeon path and some related topics:

Eevee Evolution Basics

1. What are all of Eevee’s evolutions in Pokémon GO?

Eevee can evolve into eight different forms, known as Eeveelutions: Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon. Each has its own type and unique characteristics.

2. Can I use the name trick multiple times?

The name trick for each evolution works only once per evolution type. Once you’ve used “Sakura” to get Espeon, you can’t use it again for another Espeon. The other name tricks can only be used once to guarantee their respective evolutions. After the name trick is used, the evolutions are usually tied to a set of requirements such as friendship and time of day.

3. What happens if I don’t use a special method?

If you don’t use a name trick or the specific method for Espeon, Eevees will evolve randomly into Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon when evolving with the usual 25 Eevee candies.

Focusing on Espeon

4. Why is Espeon sometimes called “Sakura” in Pokémon GO?

“Sakura” is the nickname that will force Eevee to evolve into Espeon the first time you use that name. The name is likely a reference to a character within the popular Pokemon franchise.

5. What is the best way to get Espeon after using the name trick?

After using the name trick, the only method to reliably evolve an Eevee into an Espeon is to max out your friendship with the Eevee while it’s your Buddy, and then evolve it during the day.

6. Does the time of day matter when evolving for Espeon?

Yes! Evolving your Eevee at night with maxed friendship will result in an Umbreon rather than an Espeon. Be sure to evolve during the day to get Espeon.

7. What if my Eevee is already my Buddy?

If your Eevee is already your Buddy, you can start building friendship with it immediately. This is the primary step for the long-term method.

8. How do I know if I have maxed out friendship?

When your Eevee as a Buddy reaches a full friendship heart (the number of hearts available for Eevee will vary based on the level of friendship), that indicates max friendship. This is a pre-requisite step to force Espeon without the name trick.

Comparing with Other Eeveelutions

9. How do I evolve Eevee into Umbreon?

Like Espeon, you need to make Eevee your Buddy and max out your friendship hearts with it. Then, instead of daytime, you must evolve during the night to get Umbreon. If you have not used the name trick, renaming Eevee to “Tamao” will guarantee an Umbreon evolution.

10. How do I evolve Eevee into Sylveon?

Sylveon requires a unique method of its own: It must be set as your Buddy and you must earn 70 Buddy Hearts with it. Or you can use the name trick by renaming the Eevee to “Kira” if you have not done so already.

11. How do I evolve Eevee into Leafeon and Glaceon?

Leafeon is evolved by evolving near a Pokéstop with a Mossy Lure Module active, and Glaceon is evolved by using a Glacial Lure Module instead. You can also use the name trick by renaming Eevee to Linnea or Rea respectively if you have not done so already.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

12. What is the fastest way to max out friendship with my Eevee?

The fastest way to max friendship is to interact with it frequently by battling, walking, feeding berries, and using gifts. Make sure to keep your Buddy Eevee on the map so that it will be constantly collecting candies for you.

13. Can I control the evolution without using the name or buddy system?

No, without using the name trick or following the specific steps of the buddy system or special lures, your Eevee evolutions will be random between Vaporeon, Jolteon, and Flareon.

14. What if I evolve my Eevee at the wrong time?

If you evolve your Eevee at the wrong time (e.g., at night instead of the day for Espeon) and it is set as your buddy with maxed hearts, it will evolve into Umbreon rather than Espeon. So, pay close attention to the conditions and requirements!

15. Which Eeveelution is the strongest?

There is no definitive ‘strongest’ Eeveelution, as it depends on the battle scenario. However, Vaporeon is known for its high HP, Jolteon is very fast, and Espeon has strong special attack. Sylveon is also a strong contender for an all-around Eeveelution.

By following the methods and tips provided in this article, you can consistently evolve Eevee into Espeon and any other Eeveelution you desire in Pokémon GO! Enjoy your training journey!