Can You Only Use a Sinnoh Stone Once? The Definitive Guide
Yes, the Sinnoh Stone is a one-time use item in Pokémon GO. Once you use it to evolve a Pokémon, that Sinnoh Stone is consumed and disappears from your inventory. You’ll need to acquire another Sinnoh Stone if you wish to evolve another Pokémon that requires it. Now, let’s delve deeper into everything you need to know about this valuable and somewhat elusive item.
Understanding the Sinnoh Stone
The Sinnoh Stone is a special evolution item introduced in Pokémon GO to allow certain Gen 1 and Gen 2 Pokémon to evolve into their Gen 4 counterparts. Think of it as a key that unlocks the next stage of evolution for specific Pokémon. Unlike some other evolution items that might be more readily available, the Sinnoh Stone has always been known for its relative rarity, making it a sought-after item for dedicated trainers. It’s not just about having the Pokémon and the candy; you need that Stone!
The Sinnoh Stone Evolution Process
The process is quite straightforward:
- Acquire a Sinnoh Stone: This is the hardest part, as we’ll discuss later.
- Select a Compatible Pokémon: Make sure you have a Pokémon in your inventory that can evolve using a Sinnoh Stone (more on this below).
- Have Enough Candy: Every Sinnoh Stone evolution also requires a significant amount of candy, usually 100 candy. This is crucial, so start saving!
- Initiate the Evolution: Go to the Pokémon’s page in your inventory, and if you have a Sinnoh Stone and enough candy, you’ll see the “Evolve” button. Tap it, and watch your Pokémon transform!
- The Stone is Consumed: Once the evolution is complete, the Sinnoh Stone is gone.
Pokémon That Evolve with a Sinnoh Stone
Here’s a comprehensive list of the Pokémon that require a Sinnoh Stone and 100 Candies (unless otherwise noted) to evolve:
- Gen 1 Evolutions:
- Electabuzz to Electivire
- Magmar to Magmortar
- Rhydon to Rhyperior
- Eevee to Leafeon (also requires being near a Mossy Lure)
- Eevee to Glaceon (also requires being near a Glacial Lure)
- Gen 2 Evolutions:
- Aipom to Ambipom
- Dusclops to Dusknoir
- Gligar to Gliscor
- Kirlia (Male) to Gallade
- Misdreavus to Mismagius
- Murkrow to Honchkrow
- Nosepass to Probopass
- Porygon2 to Porygon-Z
- Roselia to Roserade
- Sneasel to Weavile
- Snorunt (Female) to Froslass
- Magneton to Magnezone
- Togetic to Togekiss
Obtaining Sinnoh Stones: The Hunt Begins!
Since Sinnoh Stones are consumed upon use, getting your hands on them is crucial. Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed method, making the hunt somewhat frustrating but also rewarding. Here are some of the primary ways to try and acquire them:
- Research Breakthroughs: Completing seven days of field research tasks gives you a chance to earn a Research Breakthrough reward. While not guaranteed, Sinnoh Stones are sometimes part of the reward pool.
- Trainer Battles: Battling against other players in the GO Battle League or in Trainer Battles (against friends or other trainers) offers a chance to earn a Sinnoh Stone. Remember, you can only get rewards from Trainer Battles a limited number of times per day.
- Team GO Rocket Battles: While not always a direct reward, sometimes defeating Team GO Rocket Leaders can lead to special research tasks that, in turn, may reward you with a Sinnoh Stone. Keep an eye out for these special events!
- Special Research Tasks: Niantic occasionally releases Special Research tasks that reward players with Sinnoh Stones upon completion. These are often tied to events or new Pokémon releases.
The Rarity Factor
It’s essential to emphasize that Sinnoh Stones are rare. Don’t expect to find one every day. Be patient, persistent, and participate in all the available methods to increase your chances. The feeling of finally getting that Stone after a long grind makes the evolution all the more satisfying.
Strategic Sinnoh Stone Usage
Given their scarcity, you should carefully consider which Pokémon to evolve with your Sinnoh Stones. Consider factors like:
- Competitive Viability: Is the evolved form strong in raids, Gym battles, or PvP?
- Shiny Pokémon: If you have a shiny version of a Sinnoh Stone-compatible Pokémon, you might want to prioritize evolving that one.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, evolve the Pokémon that you like the most! It’s your game, play it your way.
The Broader Context: Pokémon GO and Learning
Pokémon GO isn’t just a fun mobile game; it’s also a fascinating example of how games can be used for learning. As highlighted by the Games Learning Society, games can promote problem-solving, strategic thinking, and collaboration. Pokémon GO, in particular, encourages exploration, physical activity, and social interaction. The challenge of acquiring Sinnoh Stones and strategically using them contributes to these learning experiences, fostering perseverance and resource management skills. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of gaming and education.
FAQs About Sinnoh Stones
Here are some frequently asked questions about Sinnoh Stones to further clarify any remaining doubts:
1. Can I trade a Sinnoh Stone to another player?
No, Sinnoh Stones cannot be traded to other players in Pokémon GO.
2. Does the location where I use the Sinnoh Stone matter?
No, you do not need to be in a specific location to use a Sinnoh Stone.
3. Is there a level requirement to obtain Sinnoh Stones?
Yes, you need to be at least Trainer Level 10 to be eligible to receive Sinnoh Stones.
4. Do I need to win a Trainer Battle to get a Sinnoh Stone?
No, you do not need to win a Trainer Battle to have a chance at getting a Sinnoh Stone. Even losing gives you a chance, although winning may slightly increase your odds.
5. Can I get multiple Sinnoh Stones from a single Research Breakthrough?
No, a Research Breakthrough will only award one Sinnoh Stone at a time, if it’s part of the reward pool.
6. Is there a limit to how many Trainer Battles I can do per day for Sinnoh Stone rewards?
Yes, you can only receive rewards from Trainer Battles a limited number of times per day. The exact number can vary during special events.
7. Does the weather affect my chances of finding a Sinnoh Stone?
No, the weather does not affect your chances of finding a Sinnoh Stone.
8. Are Sinnoh Stones available in the in-game shop?
No, Sinnoh Stones are not available for purchase in the in-game shop. They can only be obtained through gameplay.
9. Can I get a Sinnoh Stone from spinning PokéStops?
No, Sinnoh Stones are not available from spinning PokéStops.
10. Do certain Pokémon have a higher chance of evolving with a Sinnoh Stone?
No, the evolution process is the same for all Pokémon that require a Sinnoh Stone.
11. What happens if I use a Sinnoh Stone on a Pokémon that doesn’t evolve with it?
You cannot use a Sinnoh Stone on a Pokémon that doesn’t evolve with it. The “Evolve” button will not appear unless the Pokémon is compatible.
12. Does the time of day affect my chances of finding a Sinnoh Stone?
No, the time of day does not affect your chances of finding a Sinnoh Stone.
13. Are Sinnoh Stones more common during certain events?
Yes, Niantic sometimes increases the drop rate of Sinnoh Stones during special events. Keep an eye on official announcements!
14. If I have multiple Eevees, can I use one Sinnoh Stone to evolve them all at once?
No, remember that a Sinnoh Stone is consumed after each use. You’ll need a separate Sinnoh Stone for each Eevee you want to evolve.
15. Are there any cheat codes or hacks to get more Sinnoh Stones?
No, there are no legitimate cheat codes or hacks to get more Sinnoh Stones. Using unauthorized methods can result in a ban from the game. Play fair!