The Un-Evolution Revolution: Pokémon You Might Want to Keep Just As They Are

For decades, the core loop of Pokémon has been catch, train, evolve. It’s practically ingrained in our minds. But what if I told you that blindly evolving every Pokémon you catch might be holding you back? That, in certain circumstances, keeping a Pokémon in its unevolved state is actually the smarter move? The truth is, sometimes, evolution isn’t always the answer. It’s about strategy, specific movesets, and even personal preference.

So, which Pokémon are best to not evolve? The answer depends heavily on the game you’re playing (main series, GO, etc.) and your goals. However, some standouts consistently appear across different Pokémon universes. These include:

• Pikachu: This is a tricky one because Pikachu is iconic! However, Raichu’s stats aren’t drastically better, and with the Light Ball item equipped to Pikachu, its Attack and Special Attack are doubled, often making it stronger than Raichu.

• Dusclops: Equipped with an Eviolite (an item that boosts the Defense and Special Defense of unevolved Pokémon), Dusclops becomes an incredibly bulky wall that can take a serious beating. Dusknoir, while having better Attack, loses that defensive power.

• Scyther: Before the introduction of Scizor, Scyther was a powerhouse! While Scizor is excellent, some players prefer the Speed advantage of Scyther, especially when equipped with an Eviolite to boost its defenses.

• Rhydon: Similar to Dusclops, Rhydon becomes a defensive behemoth with the Eviolite. While Rhyperior is powerful, Rhydon’s raw defense is hard to beat in certain situations.

• Pokémon with Unique Movepools in Unevolved Forms: This is a general category. Some Pokémon learn specific moves only in their unevolved state, and those moves might be crucial to your strategy. Always check the move lists!

Why Would You Not Evolve?

The reasons to keep a Pokémon unevolved are varied, but they generally boil down to these key aspects:

• Eviolite Synergy: The Eviolite is a game-changer. It dramatically increases the Defense and Special Defense of Pokémon that can evolve, but haven’t yet. This makes certain pre-evolutions incredibly tanky and difficult to defeat.

• Movepool Advantages: As mentioned, some Pokémon learn specific moves earlier, or only, in their unevolved forms. This could be a powerful attack, a crucial support move, or something that fits your team’s strategy.

• Speed Control: Evolution often comes at the cost of Speed. Sometimes, keeping a Pokémon unevolved allows it to maintain a crucial Speed advantage over its evolved counterpart, allowing it to strike first.

• Niche Strategies: Some trainers enjoy the challenge of using less conventional strategies. An unevolved Pokémon can become a cornerstone of a unique team composition. The Games Learning Society understands the strategic depth in Pokémon and how it can be used for educational purposes.

• Aesthetic Preference: Let’s be honest, sometimes you just like the look of the unevolved form better! There’s nothing wrong with that.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about keeping Pokemon unevolved, to further elaborate on the topic and provide a better understanding:

1. What is the Eviolite, and why is it important?

The Eviolite is an item that boosts the Defense and Special Defense of a Pokémon that is capable of evolving but hasn’t yet. This item drastically improves the survivability of unevolved Pokémon, making them surprisingly resilient in battle.

2. How do I know if a Pokémon learns unique moves in its unevolved form?

Check a reliable Pokémon database (like Serebii.net or Bulbapedia). These sites list all the moves a Pokémon can learn at each level, including moves specific to its unevolved state.

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

No, delaying evolution does not negatively impact a Pokémon’s final stats. When you eventually evolve it, its stats will be the same as if you had evolved it earlier.

4. Is it ever worth using a fully evolved Pokémon over an unevolved Pokémon with an Eviolite?

Absolutely! Fully evolved Pokémon generally have higher base stats overall, meaning greater offensive and defensive potential, excluding the Eviolite. The Eviolite strategy is niche and depends on the specific Pokémon and situation. For example, most fully evolved Legendary Pokémon are significantly stronger than anything using the Eviolite, which could make those legendary options more beneficial to the player.

5. What about Pokémon GO? Does the same logic apply?

In Pokémon GO, the Eviolite doesn’t exist, and the dynamics are different. Evolving Pokémon is usually the best strategy in Pokémon GO, as evolved forms have significantly higher CP (Combat Power). However, some players might choose to keep certain Pokémon unevolved for sentimental reasons or to participate in specific limited-time events with CP restrictions.

6. Are there any downsides to keeping a Pokémon unevolved?

The main downside is a lower overall base stat total compared to its evolved forms. This often translates to lower offensive power and potentially lower HP (Hit Points).

7. Should I always evolve my starter Pokémon?

While many players evolve their starter Pokémon for the increased power, there’s no obligation to do so! If you prefer the design of its unevolved form or have a specific strategy in mind, you can absolutely keep it unevolved.

8. What are some other examples of Pokémon that can be effective with an Eviolite?

Some other examples include: Chansey (pre-evolution of Blissey), Magneton (pre-evolution of Magnezone), Porygon2 (pre-evolution of Porygon-Z), and Gligar (pre-evolution of Gliscor).

9. Does purifying a Shadow Pokémon before evolving it make a difference?

Yes! Purifying a Shadow Pokémon before evolving it provides a Combat Power boost and reduces the Candy required for evolution.

10. What about Pokémon with branched evolutions (like Eevee)?

With Pokémon that have branched evolutions, consider the specific strengths and weaknesses of each evolved form. Eevee, for instance, has many evolutions. Some trainers will even consider a battle perfect Pokémon when picking evolutions, while others focus on power. Choose the evolution that best suits your team and strategy. The GamesLearningSociety.org offers insights into strategic thinking within games like Pokémon.

11. Is it worth keeping a 0-star Pokémon?

In Pokémon GO, a 0-star Pokémon is generally not worth investing in for serious battles. The IVs (Individual Values) are too low, resulting in significantly weaker stats compared to a 3-star Pokémon.

12. How do I find an Eviolite in the main series games?

The location of the Eviolite varies depending on the specific Pokémon game. Consult a game guide or online resource to find its exact location in the game you are playing. In some games, it might be a reward for completing a specific challenge or found in a hidden location.

13. What is the weakest fully evolved Pokémon?

According to the article, Kricketune often holds the title of the weakest fully evolved Pokémon based on its base stat total. Shedinja is also mentioned as a weak Pokémon but has a unique ability that can give it an edge.

14. How does the Everstone factor into evolution?

The Everstone prevents a Pokémon from evolving when held. This is useful for breeding (to pass down natures) or for trainers who specifically want to keep a Pokémon in its unevolved form.

15. Ultimately, is it better to evolve or not evolve?

There’s no single “better” answer. It depends entirely on the specific Pokémon, the game you’re playing, your team composition, and your personal preferences. Understanding the pros and cons of both evolution and un-evolution is key to making the right decision.

The decision of whether or not to evolve a Pokémon is about more than just raw power. It’s about strategy, understanding the nuances of the game mechanics, and building a team that reflects your unique style as a trainer. Don’t be afraid to experiment and break the mold. You might just discover a hidden potential in those unevolved forms!