Unlocking Evolution: Pokémon That Rely on Your Buddy Bond
Several Pokémon in the vast world of Pokémon GO require a special touch to reach their final forms: a strong bond with their trainer. These Pokémon can only evolve by becoming your Buddy Pokémon and meeting specific criteria related to that role. Knowing these requirements is key to completing your Pokédex! Let’s dive into the exciting world of Buddy Evolution.
Buddy Evolution Explained
The Pokémon that only evolve through the Buddy system are:
- Eevee: To evolve Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon, you must set Eevee as your Buddy, walk 10 km with it, and then evolve it either during the day (Espeon) or at night (Umbreon). Be mindful of your location, as the game determines day/night based on real-world time.
- Feebas: To evolve Feebas into Milotic, you must set Feebas as your Buddy and walk 20 km with it.
- Pancham: To evolve Pancham into Pangoro, you need to set Pancham as your Buddy and catch 32 Dark-type Pokémon.
- Spritzee: To evolve Spritzee into Aromatisse, you must set Spritzee as your Buddy and use an Incense while it is your Buddy.
- Inkay: To evolve Inkay into Malamar, you must set Inkay as your Buddy and then turn your phone upside down while evolving it! This is a nod to the unique evolution method in the main series games.
These evolutions aren’t just about walking; they are about forging a connection and fulfilling a unique condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Buddy Evolution
1. What are the general benefits of having a Buddy Pokémon?
Having a Buddy Pokémon grants several benefits beyond evolution requirements. You can earn Candy by walking with your Buddy, the distance depending on the Pokémon type. Your Buddy can also grant a CP boost when in battle if they are at “Best Buddy” status, and they can even find items for you. Don’t forget the enjoyment of seeing your chosen partner on the map with you!
2. Does swapping my Buddy Pokémon reset my evolution progress?
Yes, swapping your Buddy Pokémon will reset your progress towards the walking distance requirement for evolution. So, it’s best to stick with your chosen Buddy until you’ve met all the conditions. However, you will not lose any earned Candy or Best Buddy Hearts.
3. How do I track my progress with a Buddy Pokémon that needs to evolve?
Check your Buddy’s profile. It will show how many kilometers you’ve walked and whether you’ve met the specific requirements, such as catching Dark-type Pokémon for Pancham or using an Incense for Spritzee.
4. Can I use Rare Candy to evolve a Buddy Pokémon?
No, Rare Candy can only be used to provide Candy for powering up or evolving Pokémon. It will not fulfill any of the Buddy-specific requirements like walking distance, catching specific types of Pokémon, or using items.
5. What happens if I evolve Eevee during the day when I meant to evolve it at night?
If you walk 10 km with Eevee as your Buddy and try to evolve it, the time of day is vital. Evolving it during the day will result in Espeon, and evolving it at night will result in Umbreon. If you evolve it at the wrong time, you’ll get the wrong evolution. Make sure to double-check the time of day in-game!
6. Is there a way to guarantee an Espeon or Umbreon evolution?
Yes! There is a one-time naming trick to guarantee your Eevee evolution into Espeon or Umbreon. Name your Eevee “Sakura” to evolve it into Espeon and “Tamao” to evolve it into Umbreon. This only works once per name.
7. How does the “turn your phone upside down” method work for Inkay?
This is a unique method that requires you to physically flip your phone upside down while the evolve screen is active. This will trigger the evolution into Malamar. If you do not turn the phone upside down while evolving, the evolution will not be possible. Make sure auto-rotate is turned off on your device.
8. What if I walk more than 10km or 20km with my Buddy Pokémon? Does the extra distance help?
Walking more than the required distance doesn’t provide any extra benefit for evolution. Once you’ve reached the required kilometers (10km for Eevee, 20km for Feebas), you can evolve the Pokémon as soon as other requirements are met.
9. Does being Best Buddy with a Pokémon affect its evolution?
Being Best Buddy with a Pokémon provides a CP boost and other perks, but it doesn’t affect the requirements for evolution. The walking distance, specific tasks, and time of day (for Eevee) must still be met.
10. Can I evolve multiple Eevee into Espeon and Umbreon at the same time?
No. You need to evolve Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon individually. Each Eevee needs to meet the specific evolution requirements.
11. If I use a Glacial Lure or Mossy Lure, will that affect Eevee’s Buddy evolution?
Glacial Lure and Mossy Lure can influence Eevee’s evolution into Glaceon and Leafeon, respectively. However, they do not affect the evolution of Espeon or Umbreon, which still require the walking and time-of-day conditions.
12. Does having a Community Day move affect Buddy Evolutions?
No, a Community Day move does not affect whether or not a Pokémon can be evolved through the Buddy system. The evolution is solely determined by fulfilling the necessary Buddy tasks.
13. Is it possible to evolve a Shadow Pokémon through the Buddy system?
Yes, you can evolve a Shadow Pokémon through the Buddy system as long as you meet all the required conditions. Remember that purifying a Shadow Pokémon will change its appraisal and moves, but it’s not a requirement for evolution. Shadow Pokémon typically have higher attack stats, making them powerful choices for raids and battles.
14. How can I increase my Buddy’s friendship level faster?
To increase your Buddy’s friendship level faster, you can feed it berries, play with it, take snapshots, battle together, visit new places, and complete daily tasks. Remember that each interaction has a cooldown period, so spread out your activities throughout the day.
15. Can I play Pokémon Go while learning about educational games?
Absolutely! Gaming and learning can go hand in hand. For more information on how games can be used for educational purposes, visit the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You’ll find valuable insights into the intersection of education and gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Mastering the Art of Buddy Evolution
By understanding the specific requirements for each Pokémon, you can strategically plan your Buddy adventures and successfully evolve these unique creatures. These Buddy evolutions encourage engagement and reward players for forming a deeper connection with their Pokémon. So, grab your walking shoes, choose your Buddy wisely, and embark on a journey of friendship and evolution!