Pokémon Evolution: A Comprehensive Guide to Evolution Stones
What Pokémon need what stones to evolve?
The key to evolving certain Pokémon lies in the strategic use of Evolution Stones. These special items, imbued with unique energies, trigger specific transformations in compatible Pokémon. Here’s a breakdown of which Pokémon evolve with which stone:
- Fire Stone: Eevee (into Flareon), Growlithe (into Arcanine), Vulpix (into Ninetales), Pansear (into Simisear)
- Water Stone: Eevee (into Vaporeon), Shellder (into Cloyster), Staryu (into Starmie), Poliwhirl (into Poliwrath), Lombre (into Ludicolo), Eiscue (into Ice Face Eiscue)
- Thunder Stone: Eevee (into Jolteon), Pikachu (into Raichu), Eelektrik (into Eelektross)
- Leaf Stone: Gloom (into Vileplume), Weepinbell (into Victreebel), Exeggcute (into Exeggutor/Alolan Exeggutor), Nuzleaf (into Shiftry), Pansage (into Simisage)
- Moon Stone: Nidorina (into Nidoqueen), Nidorino (into Nidoking), Clefairy (into Clefable), Jigglypuff (into Wigglytuff), Skitty (into Delcatty), Munna (into Musharna)
- Sun Stone: Gloom (into Bellossom), Sunkern (into Sunflora), Petilil (into Lilligant), Cottonee (into Whimsicott), Helioptile (into Heliolisk)
- Ice Stone: Eevee (into Glaceon), Alolan Vulpix (into Alolan Ninetales), Galarian Darumaka (into Galarian Darmanitan)
- Dawn Stone: Kirlia (male only, into Gallade), Snorunt (female only, into Froslass)
- Dusk Stone: Murkrow (into Honchkrow), Misdreavus (into Mismagius), Lampent (into Chandelure)
- Shiny Stone: Togetic (into Togekiss), Roselia (into Roserade), Minccino (into Cinccino)
Understanding which stone works with which Pokémon is crucial for completing your Pokédex and building a powerful team. The correct application of an Evolution Stone can unlock a Pokémon’s full potential.
Understanding Evolution Stones
Evolution Stones are unique items found throughout the Pokémon world. These stones radiate a specific type of energy that, when exposed to certain Pokémon, triggers evolution. Not every Pokémon can evolve using a stone. Those that do are often some of the most desirable and powerful creatures in the game.
The Power of Specific Energies
Each stone is imbued with a different type of energy. A Fire Stone emits intense heat, triggering transformations in Fire-type or Fire-affinity Pokémon. A Water Stone, conversely, radiates a cool, aquatic energy. Other stones like the Moon Stone and Sun Stone are associated with celestial energies, while stones like the Dawn Stone, Dusk Stone, and Shiny Stone are linked to specific times of day or concepts.
The connection between the stone’s energy and the Pokémon’s type or characteristics is key to understanding why certain Pokémon evolve with certain stones. It’s not a random process; there’s a distinct, often logical, link.
Where to Find Evolution Stones
Finding Evolution Stones is a key part of any Pokémon adventure. Their locations vary depending on the specific game, but they are typically found in:
- Hidden Items: Many Evolution Stones are hidden in the environment, requiring players to explore thoroughly and use items like the Dowsing Machine.
- Shops: Some Evolution Stones are sold in specific shops, usually after the player has progressed to a certain point in the game.
- Trainers and NPCs: Certain trainers or non-player characters may reward the player with Evolution Stones for completing tasks or winning battles.
- Mining and Digging: In some games, Evolution Stones can be found through mining or digging activities.
- Pokémon Abilities: Certain Pokémon with abilities like Pickup can randomly find Evolution Stones after battles.
- Raid Battles: In more recent games, some evolution stones can be acquired as rewards in Max Raid Battles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Evolution Stones
Here are some frequently asked questions about Pokémon and Evolution Stones, designed to provide even more information and clarity:
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Can I use the same Evolution Stone on multiple Pokémon?
Yes, Evolution Stones are consumable items, meaning they disappear after being used. You will need a separate Evolution Stone for each Pokémon you wish to evolve.
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Does the level of my Pokémon affect whether it can evolve with a stone?
No, the level of your Pokémon does not impact whether it can evolve with an Evolution Stone. As long as the Pokémon is compatible with the stone, it will evolve regardless of its level.
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Are there any Pokémon that evolve using more than one type of Evolution Stone?
No, there are no Pokémon that evolve using more than one type of Evolution Stone. Each Pokémon that evolves with a stone has a specific stone associated with its evolution. However, some Pokémon can evolve into different forms using different stones (for example, Gloom evolving into Vileplume with a Leaf Stone or Bellossom with a Sun Stone).
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What happens if I try to use an Evolution Stone on a Pokémon that can’t evolve with it?
If you attempt to use an incompatible Evolution Stone on a Pokémon, nothing will happen. The game will typically display a message indicating that the stone had no effect.
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Can I reverse a Pokémon’s evolution after using an Evolution Stone?
No, once a Pokémon has evolved using an Evolution Stone, the process is generally irreversible in the main series games. There are no items or methods to devolve a Pokémon back to its pre-evolution form.
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Do Pokémon learn new moves when they evolve with an Evolution Stone?
Yes, Pokémon often learn new moves upon evolving, regardless of the method of evolution. The specific moves learned vary from Pokémon to Pokémon. It is crucial to check the Pokémon’s learnset after evolution to optimize its moveset.
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Are all Evolution Stones available in every Pokémon game?
No, the availability of specific Evolution Stones can vary between different Pokémon games. Some games may have a limited selection of stones, while others may offer a wider variety.
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Is there a difference between Evolution Stones in different generations of Pokémon games?
Generally, no, there is no functional difference in the Evolution Stones themselves across different generations. A Fire Stone in Pokémon Red will have the same effect as a Fire Stone in Pokémon Sword & Shield, assuming it’s used on the correct Pokémon.
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Can I trade Evolution Stones to other players?
Yes, Evolution Stones can typically be traded between players in most Pokémon games that feature trading functionality. This can be a convenient way to obtain specific stones that are difficult to find in your own game.
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Do shiny Pokémon require Evolution Stones to evolve?
Yes, shiny Pokémon evolve in the same way as their non-shiny counterparts. If a shiny Pokémon requires an Evolution Stone to evolve, it will still need that stone to trigger its evolution. The shiny status does not affect the evolution method.
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Can Pokémon hold Evolution Stones as held items?
No, Evolution Stones are not held items. They are used from the bag to trigger the evolution process. Pokémon can only hold items like Berries, Potions, or stat-boosting items.
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Are there any Pokémon that evolve with Evolution Stones that are not typically found in the wild?
Yes, some Pokémon that evolve with Evolution Stones, such as Togetic (evolving into Togekiss with a Shiny Stone), may be relatively rare in the wild. This makes obtaining the necessary Evolution Stone even more important for those seeking to evolve these Pokémon.
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How do I know which Pokémon are compatible with which Evolution Stone?
The best way to know which Pokémon evolve with which stones is to consult online resources, such as Pokédex websites, fan wikis, or game guides. These resources provide comprehensive information on Pokémon evolution methods.
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Are there any “fake” Evolution Stones in the Pokémon games?
No, there are no known “fake” Evolution Stones in the main series Pokémon games. All Evolution Stones have a specific, intended purpose.
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If a Pokémon can evolve via trading, can it also evolve with an Evolution Stone?
Generally, no. Pokémon that evolve via trading typically only evolve via trading. There are a few exceptions where a Pokémon might evolve via trade holding a specific item and a separate Pokémon evolves via evolution stone, but trading and stone evolution methods for the same Pokémon are mutually exclusive.