The Perils and Perks of Postponing Pokémon Evolution

So, you’re a budding Pokémon trainer, eager to conquer the gyms and become the very best? You’ve caught a promising little critter and it’s finally reached its evolution level. But something’s holding you back. Maybe you love its current look, or you’re hoping it will learn a particular move first. What happens if you hit that level and deliberately choose not to evolve your Pokémon?

The answer is simple: Nothing bad, at least not permanently. Your Pokémon won’t spontaneously combust or forget all its moves. In most Pokémon games, if you interrupt or cancel an evolution, the Pokémon will simply try to evolve again the next time it levels up in battle. It’s a second chance, and even a third, fourth, or fifth if you continue to cancel the evolution. You are in complete control of the evolution timing of your Pokémon.

Think of it as a rain check. Your Pokémon is ready for a change, but it’s willing to wait until you give the go-ahead. However, remember that this is only in reference to in-game evolutions in the Pokémon games.

Why Would You Delay Evolution?

Delaying evolution isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic choice that many experienced trainers consider. Here’s a deeper dive into why you might want to pump the brakes on your Pokémon’s transformation:

• Move Acquisition: This is the most common and compelling reason. Some Pokémon learn specific moves at earlier levels in their unevolved form that they cannot learn once they evolve. These moves might be crucial for your battle strategy, offering a unique advantage against certain opponents. For example, a Nincada will learn Dig and Metal Claw but it’s evolved form Ninjask can’t.

• Eviolite Advantage: This item, introduced in later generations, boosts the Defense and Special Defense of a Pokémon that can still evolve. Holding an Eviolite can make a pre-evolution surprisingly tanky, allowing it to withstand attacks that its evolved form might not.

• Aesthetic Preference: Let’s be honest, sometimes you just prefer the way a Pokémon looks in its earlier form. Maybe you adore Pikachu’s charm and aren’t ready to commit to a Raichu just yet. There’s nothing wrong with that!

• Nuzlocke Challenges: In these self-imposed, difficult playthroughs, trainers often have limited choices for their team members. Keeping a Pokémon unevolved might be necessary to fill a specific role or to avoid a type disadvantage.

The Potential Downsides

While delaying evolution offers certain benefits, it’s essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks:

• Lower Stats: Unevolved Pokémon generally have lower base stats than their evolved forms. This means they’ll be weaker in battle, deal less damage, and be more vulnerable to attacks. This difference can be significant, especially in later stages of the game.

• Missed Opportunities: Evolved Pokémon often have access to a wider range of moves and abilities. By delaying evolution, you’re potentially missing out on these advantages, which could make your battles more difficult.

• Evolution-Specific Tasks: Some Pokémon games feature quests or tasks that require you to evolve a specific Pokémon. Delaying evolution could prevent you from completing these tasks and obtaining valuable rewards.

The Everstone: Your Best Friend for Long-Term Delays

If you’re absolutely committed to keeping a Pokémon unevolved for an extended period, the Everstone is your go-to item. When held, it prevents the Pokémon from evolving altogether. This is perfect for situations where you want to keep a Pokémon in its pre-evolved form indefinitely, whether for aesthetic reasons, move acquisition, or competitive battling.

Interestingly, Games Learning Society promotes the use of games like Pokémon to enhance strategy and learning. As you can see, even in deciding whether or not to evolve your Pokémon, the game is promoting the need for strategic decision making. You can find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Skipping Evolution

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Pokémon evolution:

1. Can I evolve a Pokémon at any level?

Generally, no. Most Pokémon have a specific level at which they are programmed to trigger an evolution sequence. However, some evolutions are triggered by items, friendship levels, or even time of day, not level.

2. What happens if I accidentally press the “B” button during evolution?

The evolution will be cancelled. Your Pokémon will attempt to evolve again the next time it gains a level.

3. Does delaying evolution affect my Pokémon’s stats in the long run?

No. A level 100 Raichu will have the same stats regardless of when it evolved from Pikachu. The stat boost from evolving is based on level and base stats, not when the evolution occurred.

4. Can I skip evolution animations in Pokémon GO?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a built-in way to skip the evolution animation in Pokémon GO. Some players suggest closing and reopening the app, but this may take longer than the animation itself.

5. Is it ever “bad” to evolve a Pokémon late?

Not really. The only potential downside is the temporary stat disadvantage while your Pokémon remains unevolved.

6. What’s the point of the Eviolite?

The Eviolite boosts the Defense and Special Defense of Pokémon that can still evolve. This can make them surprisingly durable in battle.

7. Are there Pokémon that are better off not evolving?

In some cases, yes. Some Pokémon have unique movepools or abilities in their pre-evolved forms that are lost upon evolution. Also, some Pokémon such as Shelgeon can be high in defense and can be given eviolite to boost that defense even further.

8. Does IV (Individual Value) affect my decision to evolve a Pokémon?

Yes. Ideally, you want to evolve Pokémon with high IVs (Individual Values) to maximize their potential stats. A 3-star Pokémon with high CP is usually a good candidate for evolution.

9. If I cancel an evolution, will my Pokémon ever stop trying to evolve?

No. As long as your Pokémon meets the evolution criteria (level, item, etc.), it will continue to attempt to evolve each time it levels up, unless it is holding an Everstone.

10. Can I use an Everstone in every Pokémon game?

Yes, the Everstone is a recurring item in the Pokémon series and has the same effect in most games.

11. What happens if a Pokémon has multiple evolution options (like Eevee)?

The game determines which evolution will occur based on the specific conditions you meet (e.g., using a specific evolution stone, having high friendship during a certain time of day). Delaying evolution won’t change the available options.

12. Are Shiny Pokémon affected differently by evolution?

No. A Shiny Pokémon will remain Shiny after evolution. The Shiny status is independent of the evolution process.

13. Does evolving a Pokémon change its nature?

No. A Pokémon’s nature remains the same before and after evolution.

14. Can I evolve a Pokémon that’s over-leveled (e.g., level 100)?

If the evolution is level-based, the Pokémon will attempt to evolve as soon as it levels up past the required level. Since level 100 is the maximum, it will be unable to evolve if the Pokémon has reached level 100 without evolving. For other types of evolution it will evolve when the conditions are met.

15. Is it possible to reverse an evolution?

No, in the main series Pokémon games, evolution is a one-way process. Once a Pokémon evolves, it cannot revert to its previous form (without glitches).