Do Pokémon Automatically Evolve in Scarlet and Violet? The Evolution Expedition!

No, Pokémon do not automatically evolve in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet during auto-battles or while simply existing in your party. Evolution in these games, as with most main series Pokémon titles, requires specific conditions to be met. These conditions vary depending on the Pokémon and can include leveling up, using specific evolutionary items, achieving a certain level of friendship, or even trading with another player.

Understanding Evolution Mechanics in Paldea

Evolution is a cornerstone of the Pokémon franchise. It’s the transformative process that allows your Pokémon to grow stronger, learn new moves, and sometimes even change type. In Scarlet and Violet, this core mechanic is preserved, but it’s crucial to understand how it works to maximize your team’s potential. Forget passive transformations; you are the master of your Pokémon’s destiny!

Level-Up Evolution

The most common form of evolution involves simply leveling up your Pokémon. Once a Pokémon reaches a certain level, typically after a battle that grants experience points (XP), it will attempt to evolve. You’ll be prompted to allow the evolution to proceed. Critically, this does not occur in auto-battles. If your Pokémon is sent out using the “R” button, which lets your Pokémon auto-battle in the wild, they will earn experience points, but not evolve.

Item-Based Evolution

Some Pokémon require specific evolutionary items like Thunder Stones, Fire Stones, Water Stones, or other unique items like the Metal Coat or King’s Rock. These items need to be given to the Pokémon in your party to trigger their evolution. For instance, a Pikachu requires a Thunder Stone to evolve into Raichu, a classic example of item-based evolution.

Friendship-Based Evolution

Certain Pokémon, like Eevee (into some of its evolutions, depending on the specific game and evolution), require a high level of friendship with their trainer to evolve. In Scarlet and Violet, you can increase your Pokémon’s friendship by battling alongside them, feeding them, and keeping them in your party. You can check your Pokémon’s friendship level using the Friendship Checker app on your Rotom Phone.

Trade Evolution

A classic and often frustrating mechanic, some Pokémon only evolve when traded to another player. Notable examples in Scarlet and Violet, and sometimes require holding a specific item during the trade. Pokémon such as Haunter evolving into Gengar, Scyther evolving into Scizor (with a Metal Coat), and Slowpoke evolving into Slowking (with a King’s Rock) all fall into this category.

Location-Based Evolution

A few Pokémon evolve when leveled up in specific locations within the game world. Although less common, this type of evolution adds an element of exploration and discovery to the game.

Time-Based Evolution

As seen with Rockruff evolving into Dusk Form Lycanroc, sometimes timing is everything. Make sure you level up Rockruff at dusk.

Unique Evolution Methods

Some Pokémon have truly unique evolution methods. Rellor evolving into Rabsca requires walking a certain distance with Rellor outside of its Poké Ball. Finizen requires you to level it up while connected in the Union Circle.

Evolution Tips and Tricks

• Keep an eye on your Pokémon’s level: Regularly check the levels of your Pokémon, especially those close to evolving.
• Collect evolutionary items: Explore the Paldea region thoroughly to find various evolutionary stones and other special items.
• Increase friendship: Spend time with your Pokémon, battle alongside them, and feed them to raise their friendship levels.
• Trade with friends: Coordinate with other players to trade Pokémon that require trading to evolve.
• Consult a guide: Use online resources and guides to learn about the specific evolution requirements for each Pokémon.
• Be patient: Evolution can take time, so be patient and persistent in your efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon Evolution in Scarlet and Violet

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Pokémon evolution in Scarlet and Violet, designed to clarify common points of confusion and provide helpful tips:

1. Why isn’t my Pokémon evolving during auto-battles?

   Pokémon cannot evolve during auto-battles in Scarlet and Violet. Evolution requires active participation and typically involves leveling up after a trainer-initiated battle.

2. How do I evolve Pokémon that require trading?

   You must trade your Pokémon with another player to trigger the evolution. Make sure the Pokémon is holding the necessary item (if required) before initiating the trade. Trading can be done locally or online via the Pokémon HOME app.

3. Where can I find evolutionary stones in Scarlet and Violet?

   Evolutionary stones can be found in various locations throughout the Paldea region, including:

   • As hidden items: Check sparkling spots on the ground.
   • At Delibird Presents stores: Some stones are available for purchase.
   • Through completing Tera Raid Battles: Certain raids offer stones as rewards.

4. How do I check my Pokémon’s friendship level?

   Use the Friendship Checker app on your Rotom Phone. This app provides an indication of your Pokémon’s current friendship level.

5. What’s the fastest way to increase friendship?

   • Keep the Pokémon in your party.
   • Use it in battles frequently.
   • Feed it berries.
   • Avoid letting it faint.

6. Can I stop a Pokémon from evolving in Scarlet and Violet?

   Yes, you can prevent a Pokémon from evolving by pressing the “B” button during the evolution sequence. The Pokémon will attempt to evolve again upon the next level up.

7. Is there a level cap for evolution in Scarlet and Violet?

   No, there is no level cap for evolution. As long as the evolution requirements are met, a Pokémon can evolve at any level.

8. Why isn’t my Pikachu evolving into Raichu?

   Pikachu requires a Thunder Stone to evolve into Raichu. Simply leveling it up will not trigger the evolution.

9. How do I evolve Rellor into Rabsca?

   You must walk around 1000 steps with Rellor outside of its Poké Ball, then level it up.

10. What are the hardest Pokémon to evolve in Scarlet and Violet?

    According to the article, the hardest Pokemon to evolve are Gimmighoul, Bisharp, and Charcadet. Some other difficult ones may include Sliggoo, Primape, Finizen, Pawmo, Bramblin, and Rellor

11. Can all Pokémon from previous games be transferred to Scarlet and Violet?

    Not all Pokémon can be transferred. Only Pokémon present in the Scarlet and Violet Pokédex can be transferred via Pokémon HOME.

12. How do I evolve Haunter into Gengar without trading?

    Unfortunately, there is no way to evolve Haunter into Gengar in Scarlet and Violet without trading. Trading is a mandatory requirement for this evolution.

13. Can I evolve Ursaluna in Scarlet and Violet?

    You cannot evolve Ursaring into a Bloodmoon Ursaluna in Scarlet and Violet. This is pretty much an event Pokémon and this is currently the only way to get it.

14. How do I get Dusk Form Lycanroc in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

    To get Dusk Form Lycanroc, you must evolve Rockruff at dusk, typically between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM in-game time.

15. Can I trade Legendary Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet?

    Yes, Legendary Pokémon can be traded in Scarlet and Violet. However, be aware that trades are generally permanent, especially when trading with random players.

    The understanding of game mechanics and player interaction underscores the importance of games-based learning. To explore more about how games influence learning and behavior, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.