Who Can Upgrade Evolve? A Comprehensive Guide to Evolution Items

The primary Pokémon that evolves using the Upgrade is Porygon. This special item, along with the required amount of Pokémon Candy, transforms Porygon into its evolved form, Porygon2. The Upgrade is crucial for trainers looking to complete their Pokédex and unlock the unique capabilities of this virtual species.

Understanding Evolution Items

Evolution Items are special items in the Pokémon universe required to evolve certain Pokémon. They add a layer of complexity to the game beyond simply leveling up a Pokémon. These items often mimic real-world evolutionary or technological concepts, in Porygon’s case, an Upgrade represents a software or hardware improvement.

Porygon’s Evolutionary Line

Porygon’s evolutionary line is unique. It starts with Porygon, which then evolves into Porygon2 using the Upgrade and the necessary Candy. Porygon2 can further evolve into Porygon-Z using the Dubious Disc, offering trainers a full three-stage evolution sequence centered around technological advancement. Acquiring all three forms requires careful planning and resource management.

How to Obtain the Upgrade

There are a few ways to obtain the Upgrade in various Pokémon games:

• Special Research: In Pokémon GO, for example, completing specific Special Research tasks may reward you with an Upgrade. “A Ripple in Time” granted players an Upgrade upon completion of stage five.

• In-Game Shops: Certain games, such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus, allow you to purchase the Upgrade from in-game shops. The Ginko Guild in Arceus has a rotating stock, or you can reliably purchase the Upgrade using Merit Points at the Trading Post.

• Raid Battles: In some instances, rare items like the Upgrade can be obtained as rewards for participating in and winning Raid Battles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Besides Porygon, are there any other Pokémon that evolve exclusively with the Upgrade?

No, Porygon is the only Pokémon that uses the Upgrade to evolve into Porygon2. Other Pokémon require different Evolution Items, such as the Dragon Scale, King’s Rock, or Metal Coat.

2. How many Porygon Candy are needed to evolve Porygon into Porygon2 using the Upgrade?

Typically, 50 Porygon Candy are required to evolve Porygon into Porygon2 when you use the Upgrade. Always double-check the specific game you are playing, as requirements may vary slightly.

3. Can I use the Upgrade on Porygon2 to get Porygon-Z?

No, the Upgrade cannot be used on Porygon2. To evolve Porygon2 into Porygon-Z, you need a different Evolution Item called the Dubious Disc, along with the appropriate amount of Candy.

4. Is there a guaranteed method to get the Upgrade in every Pokémon game?

The availability and methods for obtaining the Upgrade vary from game to game. While some games offer guaranteed methods, such as Special Research or specific shop purchases, others rely on random chance or rare drops. Check game-specific resources for the most up-to-date information.

5. Does trading Porygon while holding the Upgrade trigger the evolution?

No, trading Porygon while holding the Upgrade will not trigger the evolution. The evolution process requires directly using the Upgrade item on Porygon within your inventory, along with having enough Candy. Trade evolutions apply to other Pokémon such as Kadabra, Machoke, Graveler, and Haunter, but not Porygon with the Upgrade.

6. Are there any benefits to waiting to evolve Porygon?

Generally, there is no strategic advantage to waiting to evolve Porygon, Porygon2, or Porygon-Z. Evolving sooner rather than later allows you to access the evolved Pokémon’s higher stats and potentially better move sets, allowing for more powerful gameplay faster.

7. Does the time of day affect Porygon’s evolution with the Upgrade?

No, the time of day does not affect Porygon’s evolution using the Upgrade. Unlike some other evolutions, such as Eevee evolving into Espeon or Umbreon, Porygon’s evolution is solely dependent on using the Upgrade item and sufficient Candy.

8. Where can I find Porygon to begin with?

Porygon’s location varies across different games. In some, they are rare spawns in urban areas or research labs. In others, like Pokémon Legends: Arceus, they appear in Space-Time Distortions in specific locations, such as the Crimson Mirelands. Check your game’s specific location and spawn rates to find it.

9. Can I use an Upgrade on a Shiny Porygon?

Yes, you can use an Upgrade on a Shiny Porygon! This will evolve your Shiny Porygon into a Shiny Porygon2. This is a great way to add a rare and powerful shiny Pokémon to your collection.

10. Does the Upgrade work on a Porygon that has already been leveled up significantly?

Yes, the level of the Porygon does not matter when using the Upgrade. As long as you have the Upgrade and the required number of Candy, you can evolve Porygon regardless of its current level.

11. Are there any moves Porygon learns only in its base form before evolving?

It is generally advisable to check a comprehensive move list for Porygon (and Porygon2) specific to the game you’re playing. Sometimes, a Pokémon learns moves in earlier evolutionary stages that it cannot learn later. If a desired move is only learnable by Porygon, ensure it learns the move before evolving to Porygon2.

12. What are some of the best movesets for Porygon2 after evolving with the Upgrade?

The best movesets for Porygon2 depend on the game you are playing and the role you want it to fill in your team. Generally, a mix of powerful Normal-type and coverage moves is effective. Consider moves like Tri Attack, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, and Shadow Ball, depending on your strategy.

13. How does Porygon’s evolution connect to themes in game-based learning?

Porygon’s evolution exemplifies how technology and programming can be represented in a playful way in games. Its evolution, driven by “upgrades” and “discs,” mirrors real-world technological advancements. This can be used to illustrate concepts related to STEM and innovation. This is just one example of how gaming and education can intertwine. To explore these possibilities further, check out organizations like the Games Learning Society, which researches the intersection of games and learning. For more, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

14. Are there any similar Evolution Items or mechanics across the Pokémon series?

Yes, there are many other Evolution Items and mechanics throughout the Pokémon series. Some examples include the King’s Rock (used to evolve Slowpoke and Poliwhirl), the Metal Coat (used to evolve Onix and Scyther), and various stones like the Fire Stone, Water Stone, and Leaf Stone used to evolve different types of Pokémon. There are even location-specific evolutions and friendship-based evolutions.

15. Where can I find a comprehensive list of all Evolution Items and the Pokémon they affect?

A comprehensive list of all Evolution Items and the Pokémon they affect can be found on reputable Pokémon fansites and wikis, such as Serebii.net and Bulbapedia. These resources are continuously updated and provide detailed information about each game in the series.