Can You Evolve Pokémon Using Pokémon HOME? The Definitive Guide
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The simple answer is: No, you cannot evolve Pokémon directly using Pokémon HOME. Pokémon HOME functions primarily as a cloud-based storage and trading system, connecting various Pokémon games. While it offers immense utility for managing your collection, it doesn’t replicate the in-game environments necessary for evolution. Evolution, in most cases, requires specific conditions within the core Pokémon games themselves. Let’s delve into why and how you can navigate evolution in the broader Pokémon universe, including leveraging Pokémon HOME for related activities.
Understanding Pokémon HOME’s Role
Pokémon HOME acts as a central hub for your Pokémon. Think of it like a digital Pokémon bank. You can transfer Pokémon from compatible games like Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet to Pokémon HOME. You can then trade Pokémon with other players around the world via the Pokémon HOME app on your Nintendo Switch or mobile device.
However, evolution is intrinsically tied to the game mechanics of the individual Pokémon games. These mechanics can include leveling up, using specific items, trading with other players, or fulfilling certain conditions within the game world. Pokémon HOME lacks these in-game environments and triggers.
Trade Evolutions and Pokémon HOME
One common area of confusion revolves around trade evolutions. Pokémon like Haunter (evolving into Gengar), Kadabra (evolving into Alakazam), Machoke (evolving into Machamp), and Graveler (evolving into Golem) traditionally require trading to evolve.
While you can use Pokémon HOME to facilitate these trades, the actual evolution occurs within the game where the trade takes place, not within Pokémon HOME itself. You trade the Pokémon to another player’s game, and the evolution happens there. Then, if desired, the evolved Pokémon can be transferred back to your Pokémon HOME storage.
Alternative Evolution Methods in Some Games
Notably, recent games like Pokémon Legends: Arceus have introduced alternative methods for evolving trade evolution Pokémon. This game allows you to use a Linking Cord (an item purchasable within the game) to evolve Pokémon like Haunter, Machoke, Graveler, and Kadabra without trading. This is a significant departure from traditional methods and demonstrates how evolution mechanics can vary across different Pokémon games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I evolve Haunter without trading in Pokémon HOME?
No, you cannot evolve Haunter directly in Pokémon HOME. Pokémon HOME is for storage and trading, not evolution. However, you can trade Haunter with someone through Pokémon HOME; the evolution to Gengar will occur in their game during the trade process. Alternatively, in games like Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can use a Linking Cord item to evolve Haunter without trading.
2. How do I evolve Karrablast and Shelmet using Pokémon HOME?
The evolution of Karrablast and Shelmet remains a unique case. These Pokémon only evolve when traded for each other. You’ll need to use Pokémon HOME to connect with another player and trade your Karrablast for their Shelmet (or vice versa). The evolution into Escavalier and Accelgor will occur in the respective games during the trade.
3. Can I trade evolve Pokémon with myself using Pokémon HOME?
Yes, technically you can, but it requires having access to two Nintendo Switch consoles and copies of compatible Pokémon games. You can use Pokémon HOME to transfer Pokémon from one game to another on a different Switch. You then initiate a trade between the two games, triggering the evolution.
4. Is there a way to get trade evolutions without trading at all?
As mentioned, Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers the Linking Cord for certain trade evolutions. Keep an eye out for new games that might introduce similar mechanics. Otherwise, an NPC trade might be possible in some of the older games. However, these are limited situations.
5. Can I use Pokémon HOME without paying for a Premium Plan?
Yes, you can use Pokémon HOME with the Basic Plan which is free. However, the Basic Plan has limitations, most notably in the number of Pokémon you can store (30) and the number of Pokémon you can trade at once. The Premium Plan offers significantly more storage and features.
6. Do traded Pokémon always obey me in my game?
Not necessarily. In many Pokémon games, traded Pokémon above a certain level will not obey your commands unless you have earned enough Gym Badges or completed certain milestones in the game. The higher the level of the traded Pokémon, the more Badges you’ll typically need to earn to ensure obedience.
7. Is there a way to evolve Pokémon like Porygon without trading?
Traditionally, no. Pokémon like Porygon (evolving into Porygon2, then Porygon-Z) require specific evolution items and trading to evolve in most games. While Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers the Linking Cord for some Pokémon, it doesn’t affect Porygon. In the vast majority of other games, trading is required.
8. What happens when you complete the National Pokédex in Pokémon HOME?
Completing the National Pokédex in Pokémon HOME unlocks a special reward: an Original Color Magearna. This Magearna is a unique form of the Generation 7 Mythical Pokémon, colored gold and red, and is a badge of honor for dedicated collectors.
9. Can I get Gengar in Pokémon without ever trading?
In most cases, you’ll need to trade a Haunter to obtain a Gengar. However, Pokémon Legends: Arceus provides the Linking Cord as an alternative. Additionally, some games might feature in-game trades with NPCs that give you a Gengar, but these are rare.
10. What is the main point of using Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME serves multiple purposes. Its primary function is as a cloud-based storage system for your Pokémon collection, allowing you to keep Pokémon you cannot hold in your game(s). It also enables trading Pokémon with players worldwide and transferring Pokémon between compatible games. Finally, it unlocks challenges and rewards like the Original Color Magearna. The Games Learning Society appreciates the strategic and collaborative elements that services like Pokémon HOME add to the Pokémon experience, and you can learn more about game-based learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.
11. What Pokémon can be transferred from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Not all Pokémon can be transferred to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The list of transferable Pokémon is limited and includes Pokémon like the Charmander line, Kantonian Tauros, the Legendary Birds (Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres) and their Galarian forms, Mewtwo, Mew, the Cyndaquil line (Johto and Hisui forms), and the Legendary Titans (Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza), and others. The full list is continuously updated, so consult official sources.
12. How do I evolve Squirtle using Pokémon HOME?
You cannot evolve Squirtle in Pokémon HOME. To evolve Squirtle into Wartortle, you need to level it up to level 16 within a compatible Pokémon game. Then level Wartortle to level 36 to evolve to Blastoise.
13. What Pokémon can have their evolution candy cost reduced to zero through trading?
This mechanic primarily applies to Pokémon GO. In Pokémon GO, Machoke, Haunter, Boldore, and Graveler can have their candy cost for evolving into their final forms reduced to zero if they are initially traded with another player.
14. Can I get Gigalith without trading in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Without using Pokémon HOME to facilitate a trade with another player, no. While Roggenrola and Boldore can be found in the wild, evolving Boldore into Gigalith traditionally requires trading.
15. What restrictions exist on transferring Pokémon out of Pokémon HOME?
You cannot transfer multiple Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon (in Pokémon GO) with whom you’ve reached Good Buddy status or above at a time. Also, certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon might be restricted from transfer.
Conclusion
Pokémon HOME is a powerful tool for Pokémon collectors and trainers. It streamlines the process of storing, managing, and trading your Pokémon across different games. While it can’t directly evolve your Pokémon, it plays a vital role in facilitating trade evolutions and enabling you to build your dream team across multiple generations of Pokémon games. Remember to always consult the specific game mechanics of the Pokémon game you are playing for precise evolution methods.