How Many Affection Hearts Does Sylveon Have?
Sylveon, the Intertwining Pokémon, is a Fairy-type evolution of Eevee, introduced in Generation VI. This beloved Pokémon is known for its ribbons and graceful appearance. But one question often pops up for trainers aiming to add Sylveon to their team: How many affection hearts does Sylveon need to evolve from Eevee? The answer is two. Sylveon requires two affection hearts in Pokémon-Amie (or Pokémon Refresh/Camp depending on the game) to evolve when leveled up while also knowing a Fairy-type move. This requirement emphasizes the bond between trainer and Pokémon, making Sylveon a symbol of friendship.
Understanding Sylveon’s Evolution Requirements
Evolving Eevee into Sylveon is a bit more complex than some other Eeveelutions. It’s not simply about reaching a certain level or using a specific evolution stone. Instead, it revolves around two key factors: Affection and knowing a Fairy-type move.
The Importance of Affection
Affection, often measured in hearts, is a mechanic that gauges the bond between a trainer and their Pokémon. This bond is built by playing with, feeding, and caring for the Pokémon through interactions. These interactions are facilitated by features like Pokémon-Amie (XY and ORAS), Pokémon Refresh (Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon), and Pokémon Camp (Sword and Shield).
- Pokémon-Amie: In Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, as well as Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, affection is increased through Pokémon-Amie. Players can pet their Pokémon, feed them Poké Puffs, and play minigames.
- Pokémon Refresh: In Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, and their Ultra versions, Pokémon Refresh replaces Pokémon-Amie. While similar in function, Refresh also allows trainers to cure status conditions after battles by tending to their Pokémon.
- Pokémon Camp: Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield introduce Pokémon Camp. In this version, players can cook curry, play with toys, and simply interact with their Pokémon in a campsite setting.
Mastering Fairy-Type Moves
Beyond affection, Eevee must know a Fairy-type move to evolve into Sylveon. Eevee learns Baby-Doll Eyes at level 9 in Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Sword, and Shield. This move satisfies the Fairy-type requirement, making it a crucial part of the evolution process. Alternatively, you can use a TM to teach Eevee a Fairy-type move if it somehow missed learning Baby-Doll Eyes.
The Evolution Process in Detail
- Achieve Two Affection Hearts: Interact with Eevee in Pokémon-Amie, Refresh, or Camp until you have at least two affection hearts. You can check the affection level on Eevee’s summary screen.
- Ensure Eevee Knows a Fairy-Type Move: Verify that Eevee knows Baby-Doll Eyes or another Fairy-type move. If needed, teach Eevee the appropriate TM.
- Level Up Eevee: Once both conditions are met, simply level up Eevee through battle, Rare Candy, or Exp Candy. As long as the affection requirement and move requirement are satisfied, it will evolve into Sylveon.
Troubleshooting Sylveon Evolution Issues
Sometimes, evolving Eevee into Sylveon can be trickier than expected. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Insufficient Affection: Double-check that Eevee truly has two affection hearts. Sometimes the visual representation can be misleading. Continue interacting with Eevee to increase affection.
- Forgetting the Fairy-Type Move: Eevee might have forgotten its Fairy-type move. Visit a Move Reminder NPC in a Pokémon Center to relearn Baby-Doll Eyes or another Fairy-type move.
- Confusion with Friendship: Affection and Friendship (also known as Happiness) are distinct stats. Friendship affects evolutions like Golbat into Crobat, but it is separate from Affection. Sylveon requires affection, not just friendship.
Additional Tips for Sylveon Evolution
- Consistent Interaction: Regularly play with and feed Eevee. Consistent interaction is more effective than sporadic, long sessions.
- Save Before Leveling Up: If you’re unsure whether Eevee will evolve, save your game before leveling it up. That way, if something goes wrong, you can reload and try again.
- Monitor Affection Frequently: Check Eevee’s affection level periodically to ensure it’s maintaining the necessary hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sylveon’s Affection Hearts
Here are some frequently asked questions to help clarify any remaining confusion about evolving Eevee into Sylveon.
- Can I evolve Eevee into Sylveon without affection hearts? No, affection hearts are a mandatory requirement for Sylveon’s evolution. Without at least two hearts, Eevee will not evolve into Sylveon, even if it knows a Fairy-type move.
- Does friendship level affect Sylveon’s evolution? No, friendship and affection are two separate mechanics. Sylveon’s evolution relies solely on affection hearts in Pokémon-Amie, Refresh, or Camp.
- What happens if Eevee doesn’t know a Fairy-type move but has enough affection? Eevee will not evolve into Sylveon if it doesn’t know a Fairy-type move, even with sufficient affection. It needs both conditions to be met.
- How do I check Eevee’s affection level? You can check Eevee’s affection level on its summary screen in Pokémon-Amie, Refresh, or Camp. The number of hearts displayed indicates the affection level.
- Which Fairy-type moves can Eevee learn? Eevee naturally learns Baby-Doll Eyes. Additionally, Eevee can learn other Fairy-type moves via TM, depending on the game.
- Does Sylveon’s evolution method differ between Pokémon games? The core requirement of two affection hearts and knowing a Fairy-type move remains consistent, but the specific method of raising affection varies across different games (Pokémon-Amie, Refresh, Camp).
- Can Eevee evolve into Sylveon if it knows a Fairy-type Z-move? Knowing a Z-move does not count. Eevee needs to know a standard Fairy-type move in its moveset, not just a Z-move it can access.
- Is it possible to accidentally evolve Eevee into something else while trying for Sylveon? Yes, if you level up Eevee near specific locations or during certain times of day while it also has high friendship, it could evolve into Espeon or Umbreon instead. Ensure you meet only Sylveon’s conditions.
- Does the level at which Eevee evolves into Sylveon matter? No, the level doesn’t matter, so long as the affection and move requirements are met before leveling up.
- Can I lower Eevee’s affection level? Yes, neglecting Eevee, such as by letting it faint repeatedly in battle or by not interacting with it for extended periods, can lower its affection.
- What’s the fastest way to raise Eevee’s affection? Regularly playing minigames, feeding Eevee treats, and petting it frequently are the fastest ways to raise affection. Consistency is key.
- Do held items affect affection gain? No, held items do not directly influence affection gain.
- Does battling with Eevee increase affection? While battling doesn’t directly increase affection, keeping Eevee healthy and happy during battles (avoiding fainting) helps maintain its affection level.
- Are there any items that can help raise affection faster? No, there aren’t any specific items that boost affection gain directly. Focus on consistent interaction and care.
- Can I evolve multiple Eevees into Sylveon in the same game? Yes, you can evolve as many Eevees into Sylveon as you like, as long as you fulfill the evolution requirements for each individual Eevee.