What Pokemon Takes the Most Levels to Evolve?

The Pokemon that takes the most levels to evolve is Hydreigon. Specifically, its pre-evolution, Zweilous, evolves into Hydreigon at Level 64. This makes it the Pokemon requiring the highest level threshold for evolution in the main series games. While other Pokemon might have complex evolution methods involving items, friendship, or location, Hydreigon’s evolution is purely level-based, cementing its position as the level evolution champion.

Understanding Level-Based Evolution

Level-based evolution is a cornerstone of the Pokemon franchise. It’s a simple yet effective way to mark a Pokemon’s growth and strength. As a Pokemon battles, gains experience points, and levels up, it eventually reaches a predetermined level where it transforms into its next evolutionary stage. This mechanic provides a clear sense of progression for players and encourages them to train their Pokemon diligently. Hydreigon’s high level requirement symbolizes the immense power and maturity it gains through extensive training.

The Significance of Hydreigon’s High Level

Hydreigon’s high evolution level isn’t just a number; it reflects its lore and in-game role. Hydreigon is a pseudo-legendary Pokemon, meaning it boasts incredibly high stats and a three-stage evolution line, similar to legendary Pokemon. These pseudo-legendaries are generally very powerful Pokemon that are highly sought-after by trainers. Requiring such a high level to evolve into its final form serves to emphasize its difficulty to obtain and its immense strength upon reaching its peak. It becomes an achievement to finally get a Hydreigon, making the Pokemon all the more valuable to trainers.

Comparing Hydreigon to Other Late Bloomers

While Hydreigon reigns supreme in level requirements, several other Pokemon demand significant dedication to reach their final forms. These Pokemon often represent either immense power, complex evolution requirements, or are from later generations of Pokemon games. For example, Dragapult evolves from Drakloak at Level 60, closely following Hydreigon. Volcarona evolves from Larvesta at Level 59. These Pokemon, alongside Hydreigon, represent the pinnacle of level-based evolution, requiring patience and strategic training.

FAQs About Pokemon Evolution

1. Which Pokemon has the most evolutions in total?

Eevee is the undisputed champion of evolution with eight different possible evolutions. These evolutions, known as “Eeveelutions,” include Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon. Eevee’s unique ability to evolve into diverse types makes it a fan favorite and a fascinating case study in Pokemon biology. The diverse methods to get them, some requiring high friendship, certain locations, or using specific stones, make collecting them a challenging task.

2. What are some Pokemon with unique evolution methods besides leveling up?

Pokemon evolution isn’t always about reaching a certain level. Many Pokemon evolve through unique methods such as:

• Using evolutionary stones: For example, Eevee evolves into Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon using Water Stone, Thunder Stone, or Fire Stone, respectively.
• Trading: Some Pokemon, such as Haunter (evolving into Gengar), require trading with another player to evolve.
• High friendship: Pokemon like Chansey (evolving into Blissey) require maximum friendship with the player.
• Time of day: Espeon evolves from Eevee during the day with high friendship, while Umbreon evolves at night under the same conditions.
• Location: Some Pokemon like Magneton can evolve in specific locations with unique magnetic fields.
• Holding specific items: Pokemon such as Sneasel can evolve into Weavile when holding a Razor Claw at night.

3. Is it better to evolve a Pokemon early or late?

The timing of evolution can be a strategic decision. Evolving a Pokemon early often grants immediate stat boosts, but the Pokemon might learn moves more slowly. Delaying evolution can allow a Pokemon to learn moves earlier, but it may be weaker in the short term. Ultimately, the best time to evolve a Pokemon depends on its specific movepool and the player’s strategic needs.

4. Can a Pokemon refuse to evolve?

In the main series games, Pokemon do not actively refuse to evolve once they meet the evolution conditions. However, the player can choose to postpone evolution by pressing the “B” button during the evolution sequence. This is useful for learning moves earlier or delaying evolution for strategic purposes.

5. Does evolving a Pokemon change its IVs (Individual Values) or EVs (Effort Values)?

Evolving a Pokemon does not change its IVs or EVs. IVs are determined when a Pokemon is generated and remain constant. EVs are earned through battling and can be strategically trained. Evolution only alters a Pokemon’s base stats and appearance. Because the IVs and EVs will remain the same, some trainers may chose to max a Pokemon’s CP before evolving, to ensure the evolved form has higher CP overall.

6. What is the easiest Pokemon to evolve?

Many starter Pokemon are among the easiest to evolve. They evolve at relatively low levels, making them accessible to players early in the game. Also, Pokemon such as Caterpie or Weedle are some of the easiest, as they evolve very quickly, and have lower base stats compared to others.

7. Which Pokemon requires 400 candies to evolve in Pokemon GO?

Several Pokemon in Pokemon GO require a whopping 400 candies to evolve. These include Magikarp (into Gyarados), Wailmer (into Wailord), Swablu (into Altaria), Meltan (into Melmetal), Larvesta (into Volcarona), Noibat (into Noivern), Stufful (into Bewear), and Wimpod (into Golisopod). This high candy requirement often makes them long-term projects for dedicated players.

8. What is a “pseudo-legendary” Pokemon?

A pseudo-legendary Pokemon is a term used to describe a Pokemon that has a three-stage evolution line and a base stat total of 600. These Pokemon are generally very powerful and highly sought after by trainers, almost comparable to true legendary Pokemon in terms of strength and rarity. Some examples include Dragonite, Tyranitar, Salamence, Metagross, Garchomp, Hydreigon, Goodra, Kommo-o, and Dragapult.

9. Are there any Pokemon that can evolve into two different Pokemon?

Yes, many Pokemon have branched evolutions, meaning they can evolve into different Pokemon depending on certain conditions. Some examples include:

• Eevee: As mentioned earlier, Eevee can evolve into eight different forms.
• Poliwag: Can evolve into Poliwhirl, which can then evolve into either Poliwrath or Politoed.
• Ralts: Can evolve into Kirlia, which can then evolve into Gardevoir or Gallade (if male and exposed to a Dawn Stone).
• Wurmple: Evolves into either Silcoon or Cascoon, which then evolve into Beautifly or Dustox, respectively.
• Tyrogue: Evolves into Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, or Hitmontop depending on its Attack and Defense stats.

10. Why can’t I Mega Evolve my Pokemon?

Mega Evolution requires a few specific conditions:

• Mega Bracelet/Ring: You need to possess a Mega Bracelet or Ring in the game.
• Key Stone: Your trainer needs to have a Key Stone.
• Mega Stone: The Pokemon must be holding its corresponding Mega Stone (e.g., Charizard needs Charizardite X or Charizardite Y).
• Compatibility: Only certain Pokemon are capable of Mega Evolution.

11. Does the time of day affect evolution?

Yes, time of day is a factor for some Pokemon evolutions. Espeon and Umbreon evolve from Eevee based on friendship levels during the day and night, respectively. Certain Pokemon, like some of the Lycanroc forms, also require a specific time of day to evolve.

12. What is the strongest fully evolved Pokemon?

Determining the “strongest” is complex, depending on the criteria (attack, defense, overall stats, etc). Arceus, often considered the “God” Pokemon, is the strongest based on base stats. However, in competitive battling, other Pokemon may be considered more strategically valuable due to their movepools, abilities, and type matchups.

13. Which Pokemon has no weaknesses?

Eelektross and its pre-evolutions (Tynamo and Eelektrik) have no weaknesses due to being pure Electric-type Pokemon with the ability Levitate, making them immune to Ground-type attacks.

14. How does friendship affect Pokemon evolution?

Friendship (or Happiness) is a hidden stat that determines how close a Pokemon feels to its trainer. High friendship is required for several evolutions, such as Eevee evolving into Espeon or Umbreon, or Golbat evolving into Crobat. You can increase friendship by keeping the Pokemon in your party, battling with it, giving it items, and avoiding having it faint.

15. What factors affect a Pokemon’s CP (Combat Power) in Pokemon GO?

A Pokemon’s CP in Pokemon GO is determined by several factors:

• Base Stats: Each Pokemon species has inherent base stats (Attack, Defense, Stamina).
• Level: The Pokemon’s level, increased by powering it up with Stardust and Candy.
• IVs (Individual Values): Hidden stats that range from 0 to 15 for each stat (Attack, Defense, HP).
• CP Multiplier: A hidden value that increases as the Pokemon levels up.

Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing your Pokemon’s performance in battles and raids.

Exploring the intricacies of Pokemon evolution reveals the depth and complexity of the Pokemon world. Whether it’s the sheer determination required to raise a Zweilous to Level 64 or the careful nurturing needed to befriend an Eevee, evolution remains a central and captivating mechanic in the franchise. To explore other learning opportunities, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.