How to Evolve Slowpoke: A Comprehensive Guide

Slowpoke, the Dopey Pokémon, is a beloved creature with a surprisingly versatile evolutionary line. To evolve Slowpoke, you need one of two specific items: a King’s Rock or a Shellder combined with trading or special locations. These items determine which evolution you’ll achieve: Slowking or Slowbro.

Evolution Methods Explained

Evolving into Slowbro

The original and arguably simpler evolution, Slowpoke evolves into Slowbro when leveled up while the Shellder is attached. This process involves the parasitic Shellder latching onto Slowpoke’s tail. How this is achieved depends on the game you’re playing:

• Classic Games (Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal): Slowpoke evolves into Slowbro at level 37. Simply train your Slowpoke until it reaches this level.
• Later Generations: The level requirement remains consistent. Focus on battling and gaining experience to level up your Slowpoke to level 37.

Evolving into Slowking

Evolving Slowpoke into Slowking is a bit more involved, requiring the use of the King’s Rock. The method also varies slightly depending on the game:

• Gold, Silver, Crystal: Equip Slowpoke with a King’s Rock and then trade it to another player. The act of trading with the King’s Rock equipped will trigger the evolution into Slowking. You’ll then need the other player to trade Slowking back to you if you want it in your party.
• Later Generations (requiring Trading): The process is the same: equip the King’s Rock and trade Slowpoke.
• Pokémon Legends: Arceus: This game offers a unique twist. You can evolve Slowpoke into Slowking by using a King’s Rock on it directly. No trading is required.
• Pokémon GO: To evolve Slowpoke into Slowking in Pokémon GO, you need 50 Slowpoke Candies and a King’s Rock. Select Slowpoke from your Pokémon list, choose the “evolve” option, and as long as you have the candies and item, it will transform into Slowking.

Obtaining the Necessary Items

Finding a King’s Rock

The King’s Rock is a crucial item for evolving Slowpoke into Slowking. Here’s how you can typically obtain one:

• In-Game Items: Check in-game item shops. While not always guaranteed, some games may have the King’s Rock available for purchase after reaching a certain point in the story.
• Held Items: Some wild Pokémon have a chance of holding a King’s Rock. Pokémon with the “Thief” or “Covet” ability can steal held items from wild Pokémon. Research which Pokémon can potentially hold a King’s Rock in your specific game version.
• Battle Facilities: Often, you can earn BP (Battle Points) at battle facilities like the Battle Tower and exchange them for rare items, including the King’s Rock.
• Hidden Items: Search the environment for hidden items. Use items like the Itemfinder (if available in your game) to locate hidden objects. The King’s Rock may be among them.
• Pokémon GO: King’s Rocks appear as random rewards from spinning Photo Discs at PokéStops and Gyms. You might get them from Special Research tasks or Timed Research Tasks.

Finding Shellder

Finding Shellder is necessary for the Slowbro evolution.

• Surfing or Fishing: Often found while surfing or fishing in bodies of water. Use stronger rods for higher chances.
• Coastal Areas: Searching coastal regions, especially areas that are connected to the water, may yield Shellder encounters.
• Pokémon GO: Shellder commonly appears near water biomes, such as beaches, lakes, and rivers. Keep an eye out for them during specific events that increase Water-type spawns.

Choosing the Right Evolution

Deciding between Slowbro and Slowking often comes down to personal preference and team needs. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Slowbro: A Physical Tank with generally higher physical defense.
• Slowking: A Special Tank with generally higher special defense.

Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each Pokémon and how they fit into your overall strategy. If you need a Pokémon that can take physical hits, Slowbro is the better choice. If you need a Pokémon that can withstand special attacks, Slowking is preferable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Evolving Slowpoke

1. What level does Slowpoke evolve into Slowbro?

Slowpoke evolves into Slowbro at level 37 in most Pokémon games.

2. What item do I need to evolve Slowpoke into Slowking?

You need a King’s Rock. Equip Slowpoke with the King’s Rock and then trade it. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can use the King’s Rock directly on Slowpoke without trading.

3. Can I evolve Slowpoke into Slowking in Pokémon GO?

Yes, you can evolve Slowpoke into Slowking in Pokémon GO by using 50 Slowpoke Candies and a King’s Rock.

4. Where can I find a King’s Rock in Pokémon games?

King’s Rocks can be found in various locations, including in-game item shops, as held items on wild Pokémon, as rewards in battle facilities, or as hidden items in the environment. Consult specific game guides for detailed locations.

5. Does the nature of my Slowpoke affect its evolution into Slowbro or Slowking?

No, the nature of your Slowpoke does not influence which evolution it undergoes. The evolution is solely determined by the method (leveling up for Slowbro, using the King’s Rock for Slowking).

6. Is there a way to get both Slowbro and Slowking in the same game without trading?

In most games, you cannot obtain both Slowbro and Slowking without trading, as Slowking requires trading with the King’s Rock (except in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, where no trading is necessary).

7. Is Slowking better than Slowbro, or vice versa?

Neither is strictly “better.” Slowking specializes in Special Defense, while Slowbro excels in Physical Defense. The “better” choice depends on your team’s needs.

8. Can I reverse an evolution from Slowbro back to Slowpoke?

No, once Slowpoke has evolved into Slowbro or Slowking, the evolution is permanent in most Pokémon games. There is no way to de-evolve them back to Slowpoke within the core gameplay mechanics.

9. Can I breed Slowbro or Slowking to get Slowpoke?

Yes, you can breed Slowbro or Slowking with a Ditto (or another compatible Pokémon) to produce Slowpoke eggs.

10. Are there any special movesets specific to Slowbro or Slowking?

While they can learn many of the same TMs and moves, some movesets might be more effective on one evolution than the other due to their differing stats. Consider their strengths when choosing moves.

11. Is the Galarian form of Slowpoke different when it comes to evolution?

Yes, the Galarian form of Slowpoke has different evolution methods. Galarian Slowpoke evolves into Galarian Slowbro using a Galarica Cuff and into Galarian Slowking using a Galarica Wreath. These items are specific to the Isle of Armor DLC in Pokémon Sword and Shield.

12. Can I use an Everstone to prevent Slowpoke from evolving?

Yes, you can equip Slowpoke with an Everstone to prevent it from evolving. This is useful if you want to keep Slowpoke at its current stage for strategic reasons or personal preference.

13. Does the friendship level of Slowpoke affect its evolution into Slowbro or Slowking?

No, the friendship level (or happiness) of Slowpoke is not a factor in its evolution into either Slowbro or Slowking. The evolution depends solely on the level for Slowbro or the King’s Rock (and trading in most games) for Slowking.

14. How do I use the King’s Rock on Slowpoke in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, simply select the King’s Rock from your inventory and use it on Slowpoke. You do not need to trade Slowpoke.

15. Are there any shiny versions of Slowbro or Slowking?

Yes, like all Pokémon, shiny versions of Slowbro and Slowking exist. These are rare and can be obtained through random encounters, breeding, or other methods depending on the game.

By understanding these methods and frequently asked questions, you can confidently evolve your Slowpoke into either Slowbro or Slowking, tailoring your team to your specific needs. Happy evolving!