Why Isn’t Your Eevee Name Trick Working in Pokémon GO?

So, you’re trying to pull off the classic Eevee name trick in Pokémon GO and…nothing. Your adorable little Eevee isn’t transforming into the evolution you meticulously planned for. Frustration is understandable. The good news is, there are a few common culprits, and we’re here to troubleshoot them.

The primary reason the Eevee name trick isn’t working is because it only works once per evolution type per account. If you’ve already used the name “Rainer” to evolve an Eevee into a Vaporeon, you won’t be able to use “Rainer” again to get another Vaporeon on that same account. The game remembers! After the first successful use for each specific Eeveelution name, future evolutions will be random (Flareon, Jolteon, Vaporeon).

Let’s dive into the potential issues.

Common Reasons for Eevee Evolution Failures

• You’ve Used the Name Trick Before: This is, by far, the most common reason. Double-check your past evolutions. Have you already gotten a Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, or Glaceon using the name trick? If so, that name is now retired for you.

• Typos and Spelling Errors: Pokémon GO is unforgiving when it comes to spelling. Ensure you’ve entered the name exactly as it should be – case sensitive names may affect the desired Eeveelution.

• Server Issues or Glitches: While rare, server issues can occasionally interfere with the evolution process. If everything else checks out, try restarting your app and attempting the evolution again later.

• GPS Signal Problems: For evolutions like Espeon and Umbreon, which require walking a specific distance as your buddy, a stable GPS signal is crucial. If the game is constantly losing your location, it might not register the distance walked, preventing the evolution.

• The Trick is Being Misunderstood: Some newer players may not understand that you have to rename the Eevee before initiating the evolution. Changing the name after the fact does nothing.

Understanding the One-Time Limit

The Eevee name trick is a generous but finite gift from Niantic, the creators of Pokémon GO. Think of it as a “get out of jail free” card for each Eeveelution. It guarantees you one of each of the original three (Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon) and allows control over the daytime (Espeon) and nighttime (Umbreon) evolutions. This mechanic is rooted in a deep understanding of game design, a topic explored extensively by experts at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The society highlights the way games teach and motivate, a principle that Niantic subtly employs to encourage exploration and discovery beyond the initial name trick.

After you’ve capitalized on the guaranteed method for a specific Eeveelution, you’ll have to rely on in-game mechanics (like the buddy system for Espeon and Umbreon) or sheer luck for obtaining more of that specific evolution. This encourages continued engagement with the game’s other features.

Beyond the Name Trick: Alternative Eevee Evolution Methods

If the name trick is unavailable, don’t despair! Pokémon GO offers other ways to influence Eevee’s evolution.

• Buddy System (Espeon & Umbreon): Set Eevee as your buddy, walk 10 km with it, and earn two candies. Evolve during the day for Espeon and during the night for Umbreon. This method is reliable, but ensure you maintain a strong GPS signal and that Eevee is still your buddy when you initiate the evolution.

• Mossy and Glacial Lure Modules (Leafeon & Glaceon): Evolving Eevee within the range of a Mossy Lure Module at a PokéStop guarantees a Leafeon, while a Glacial Lure Module guarantees a Glaceon.

• Buddy System (Sylveon): To evolve Eevee into Sylveon, you need to make it your buddy and earn 70 hearts with it. This will take some time and effort, but it’s a reliable way to get a Sylveon without relying on the name trick (which, again, only works once).

Troubleshooting Specific Evolutions

Espeon and Umbreon: Common Mistakes

• Time of Day: Ensure you are evolving at the correct time. Espeon must be evolved during the day, and Umbreon must be evolved at night.
• GPS Issues: A weak GPS signal can prevent the game from accurately determining the time of day or tracking your distance.
• Interference: Sometimes, background apps can interfere with Pokémon GO. Try closing other apps before attempting the evolution.
• Eevee Not Your Buddy: Make absolutely sure Eevee is still set as your buddy when you attempt the evolution. Accidentally switching buddies will reset your progress.

Leafeon and Glaceon: Lure Module Issues

• Lure Module in Range: Ensure you are within range of the PokéStop with the active Mossy or Glacial Lure Module when you evolve Eevee.
• Incorrect Lure Module: Double-check that you’re using the correct lure module. A regular Lure Module will not trigger these evolutions.
• Other Players: If other players are also using lure modules, make sure you are benefitting from the correct one for your specific evolution.

Sylveon: Heart Requirements

• Sufficient Hearts: You need a full 70 hearts with your Eevee buddy to evolve it into Sylveon.
• App Updates: Ensure your app is updated to the latest version, as older versions may have bugs that prevent the evolution from triggering.

FAQs: Clearing Up Eevee Evolution Confusion

1. Does the Eevee name trick still work in 2024?

Yes, the Eevee name trick still works, but only once per evolution type per account.

2. Can I use the name trick on a Shiny Eevee?

Yes, you can use the name trick on a Shiny Eevee, but remember the one-time limit still applies. It’s a good way to guarantee a Shiny version of your desired Eeveelution.

3. What are the Eevee name tricks for each evolution?

The name tricks are as follows:

• Rainer = Vaporeon
• Sparky = Jolteon
• Pyro = Flareon
• Sakura = Espeon
• Tamao = Umbreon
• Linnea = Leafeon
• Rea = Glaceon
• Kira = Sylveon

4. How do I evolve Eevee into Espeon without using the name trick?

Set Eevee as your buddy, walk 10 km with it, earn two candies, and evolve it during the day.

5. How do I evolve Eevee into Umbreon without using the name trick?

Set Eevee as your buddy, walk 10 km with it, earn two candies, and evolve it at night.

6. Why is my Eevee not evolving into Espeon/Umbreon even though I walked 10 km?

Ensure Eevee is still your buddy when you evolve it, you’ve earned two candies, and you are evolving at the correct time of day. A stable GPS signal is crucial.

7. Can I evolve Eevee into Sylveon twice without the name trick?

Yes, you can evolve Eevee into Sylveon multiple times without the name trick. Make Eevee your buddy and earn 70 hearts.

8. Do Lure Modules work for Sylveon?

No, Lure Modules only guarantee Leafeon and Glaceon. Sylveon requires earning buddy hearts.

9. What happens if I try the name trick again after it’s already been used?

Your Eevee will evolve into a random evolution (Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon).

10. Is there any way to guarantee a specific Eeveelution after using the name trick?

Yes, you can reliably get Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon using the specific methods described above (buddy system, Lure Modules, earning hearts).

11. Can you see if a Pokémon is shiny in the nickname before evolving?

No, changing the nickname does not reveal if a Pokémon is shiny. The shine is visible during the encounter or on the Pokémon’s summary screen.

12. Does the weather affect Eevee evolutions?

No, weather does not directly influence Eevee evolutions. However, weather boost can increase Eevee spawn rates, helping you find more candidates for evolution.

13. Is there a difference in the evolution methods for regular Eevee and Shiny Eevee?

No, the evolution methods are the same for both regular and Shiny Eevee.

14. What is the rarest Eevee evolution to get randomly?

There isn’t necessarily a “rarest” evolution to get randomly, as the chances of getting Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon are generally considered to be equal when using the random evolution method.

15. If I trade an Eevee, can the new owner use the name trick even if I already did?

No, the name trick is tied to the account and not the specific Eevee. So, if you have already used the name trick for a specific evolution, the new owner will not be able to use it again for that same evolution on their account.

By understanding these limitations and alternative methods, you’ll be well-equipped to expand your collection of Eeveelutions in Pokémon GO. Happy catching!