How to Evolve Pumpkaboo: A Comprehensive Guide
The spooky Ghost/Grass-type Pokémon, Pumpkaboo, has a unique evolution method that sets it apart from many others. This pumpkin-like creature doesn’t simply level up to transform; it requires a special interaction: trading. To evolve your Pumpkaboo into its menacing evolution, Gourgeist, you must trade it with another player. This can be done either locally or online with a friend or other player. Once the trade is complete, your Pumpkaboo will evolve, regardless of its level. It’s crucial to understand this method, especially for those who prefer to play solo or are unfamiliar with the trading mechanic in the Pokémon games.
Understanding Pumpkaboo’s Evolution
Unlike most Pokémon, Pumpkaboo’s evolution is not tied to leveling up or using evolution items. The core mechanic here is a trade with another player. This mechanic is a staple of the Pokémon franchise, designed to encourage player interaction. It’s important to know that once you trade your Pumpkaboo, it will immediately evolve into Gourgeist upon reaching the other player. The level at which this occurs does not matter, as long as it’s a legal Pumpkaboo capable of evolving.
The Trade Process
- Initiate a Trade: Connect with another player, either through local wireless or online. This will involve either going to a Union Circle (for local) or the trade functions of your chosen Pokémon game (Sword, Shield, etc.)
- Select Pumpkaboo: Choose Pumpkaboo as the Pokémon you want to trade.
- Complete the Trade: Confirm the trade, and your Pumpkaboo will be sent to the other player.
- Witness the Evolution: As soon as the trade completes, the Pumpkaboo will transform into Gourgeist.
- Get Gourgeist back: You will need to get the Gourgeist back if it is for your own collection.
Remember that once your Pumpkaboo evolves, you cannot revert it back. This evolution method is permanent.
Pumpkaboo’s Multiple Forms
An interesting aspect of Pumpkaboo and Gourgeist is their different forms, or sizes. These forms are not just cosmetic; they influence the Pokémon’s stats. Pumpkaboo comes in four different sizes:
- Small Size:
- Average Size:
- Large Size:
- Super Size:
The Super Size Pumpkaboo is generally considered to be the best option due to its significantly higher Stamina stat, though this comes at the cost of slightly lower Attack and Defense. These forms are also carried through to the evolved Gourgeist, so your Gourgeist will retain the size it had as a Pumpkaboo. This means you could have different size Gourgeist.
Size and Rarity
Each size of Pumpkaboo has a different rarity associated with it. The Super Size form is the rarest, making it a prized catch for trainers looking for the most powerful version. The size of your Pumpkaboo is determined upon capture, so if you’re looking for a Super Size, you will need to encounter many Pumpkaboo. Smaller sizes are more common to find.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Evolving Pumpkaboo
1. Can you evolve Pumpkaboo without trading?
No, you cannot evolve Pumpkaboo without trading. The trade mechanic is the only way to trigger its evolution into Gourgeist. There is no level up alternative or use of an item to force this evolution.
2. What level does Pumpkaboo evolve?
The level of your Pumpkaboo is irrelevant for evolution. It will evolve into Gourgeist as soon as it is traded, regardless of its level.
3. Does Jessie’s Pumpkaboo evolve?
Yes, in the anime, Jessie’s Pumpkaboo evolves into Gourgeist through a trade, highlighting the unique nature of this Pokémon’s evolution. She does however, end up getting it back.
4. How rare is a shiny Pumpkaboo?
The shiny rate for Pumpkaboo is similar to other wild Pokémon. While the rates can slightly vary by game, it’s approximately 1 in 500 for most games on a regular day. This means that you need to be patient and lucky to catch a shiny Pumpkaboo.
5. Which Pumpkaboo size is the best?
Generally, the Super Size Pumpkaboo is considered the best due to its higher Stamina stat, making it a more durable option in battles. The other stats will be slightly lower though.
6. What is the rarest Pumpkaboo size?
The Super Size Pumpkaboo is the rarest of the four sizes. It is therefore the hardest one to encounter.
7. Is Pumpkaboo a Ghost-type?
Yes, Pumpkaboo is a dual-type Ghost/Grass Pokémon. This means it has access to both Ghost and Grass attacks.
8. How do you evolve Gloom?
This question is not directly related to Pumpkaboo’s evolution, but Gloom evolves into either Vileplume using a Leaf Stone or Bellossom using a Sun Stone.
9. What is the rarest shiny Pokémon?
This question is not directly related to Pumpkaboo’s evolution. While specific rates vary, Tandemaus and Dunsparce, that can evolve into the rarer forms, are among the most difficult to obtain shiny Pokémon. Unown and certain Go Fest exclusives are often listed as some of the rarest shinies within the mobile game.
10. Is a shiny Pikachu rare?
Shiny Pikachu is rarer than a regular Pikachu, with standard Pokemon having a roughly 1/500 chance of being a shiny variant. However, Pikachu is relatively easy to encounter so it’s easier than others.
11. Who is Jessie’s boyfriend Pokémon?
This question is not directly related to Pumpkaboo’s evolution. There are implications that Jessie and James have a relationship in the manga. However there is not direct confirmation of a ‘boyfriend pokemon’.
12. What happened to Mimikyu?
This question is not directly related to Pumpkaboo’s evolution. Mimikyu, in the anime, eventually stopped fighting after it saw its true form and has never been seen since.
13. Can you breed Pumpkaboo?
Yes, you can breed Pumpkaboo. The baby Pumpkaboo will inherit its size from the mother, or the non-Ditto partner, in the case of a Ditto breeding. This is why if you want to breed a Super Size Pumpkaboo you will first need to catch one.
14. What is a Super Pumpkaboo’s ability?
Super Size Pumpkaboo’s abilities include Frisk, which reveals an opponent’s held item, and Insomnia, which prevents it from falling asleep or using Rest.
15. Is Pumpkaboo a bat?
No, while Pumpkaboo’s head resembles a brown bat, it is generally regarded to resemble a Jack-o-lantern, with the ‘bat head’ being it’s more distinct feature.
Conclusion
Evolving Pumpkaboo into Gourgeist is a unique process, requiring a trade with another player. Understanding this mechanic, along with the various forms of Pumpkaboo and their stat differences, is essential for any aspiring Pokémon trainer looking to complete their Pokédex or build a strong team. So, connect with a friend, trade your Pumpkaboo, and watch as it transforms into the menacing Gourgeist.