Pokémon Evolution
Evolution permanently transforms a Pokémon into a stronger, related species, most often by leveling up. Other triggers include using an evolution stone, trading the Pokémon, and raising its friendship.
An evolved Pokémon usually gains higher stats, and sometimes a new type, ability, or set of moves.
Last updated
- What it does
- Changes species
- Permanence
- Permanent
- Most common trigger
- Level up
- Other triggers
- Stones, trade, friendship
- Stop it with
- Everstone or B button
- Reversible
- No
How evolution works
When a Pokémon meets its evolution requirement, it transforms into a different, usually stronger, species that it is related to. The change carries over the same individual Pokémon, so it keeps its nickname and its progress, but it takes on the new form's appearance and higher stats. Some evolutions also change the Pokémon's type, ability, or the moves it can learn.
A well-known example is Charmander, which evolves into Charmeleon and then into Charizard as it levels up. Evolutionary lines like this typically run two or three stages, growing more powerful at each step; species that don't evolve are single-stage.
Every evolution method
Different Pokémon evolve in different ways. These are the well-known triggers, described in general terms since the exact details vary from game to game:
| Method | What triggers it |
|---|---|
| Level up | The Pokémon reaches a certain level. This is the most common method by far. |
| Evolution stone | You use a special stone on it, like the classic Fire, Water, Thunder, and Leaf Stones. |
| Trade | The Pokémon evolves when it is traded to another player. |
| Trade with a held item | The Pokémon is traded while holding a specific item. |
| Friendship | The Pokémon levels up while its friendship with you is high. |
| Location or time | The Pokémon levels up in a certain place, or at a certain time of day. |
| Special conditions | A handful of Pokémon have their own unique requirements to evolve. |
One Pokémon can even branch into different evolutions depending on the method used, as Eevee famously does with its many Eeveelutions.
Do all Pokémon evolve?
No. Many Pokémon evolve, but a good number never do. Some are the final stage of an evolution line, and others simply have no evolution at all. Well-known examples of Pokémon that do not evolve include Tauros, Lapras, and Ditto.
A Pokémon that does not evolve is not automatically weaker, either. Plenty of non-evolving species are strong in their own right, so whether a Pokémon evolves is just one part of how good it is, not the whole story.
Can you stop or undo evolution?
You can stop an evolution, but you cannot undo one. When a Pokémon begins to evolve after leveling up, you can cancel it that one time by pressing the B button during the animation. To keep a Pokémon from evolving by level at all, give it an item called an Everstone to hold.
Once an evolution actually happens, though, it is permanent, and the main games give you no way to turn a Pokémon back into its earlier form. If you want the earlier form, the plan is to prevent the evolution rather than reverse it.
Frequently asked questions
How does Pokémon evolution work?
Evolution permanently changes a Pokémon into a stronger, related species. The most common trigger is leveling up in battle, but others include using an evolution stone, trading the Pokémon, and raising its friendship. When the trigger is met, the Pokémon transforms, usually gaining higher stats.
Do all Pokémon evolve?
No. Many Pokémon do evolve, but plenty never do, including well-known species like Tauros, Lapras, and Ditto. Some Pokémon are the final form of an evolution line, and others simply have no evolution at all. Not evolving does not mean a Pokémon is weak.
Can you stop a Pokémon from evolving?
Yes. If a Pokémon starts to evolve after leveling up, you can cancel it by pressing the B button during the animation. To prevent it every time, give the Pokémon an item called an Everstone to hold, which stops it from evolving by level.
Can you undo or reverse an evolution?
No. Once a Pokémon evolves, the change is permanent and cannot be reversed in the main games. If you want to keep a Pokémon in its earlier form, you have to stop the evolution before it happens rather than undo it afterward.
Sources
More from Double Holo
Free tools from the Double Holo marketplace.
Related
- EeveelutionsEvery one of Eevee’s evolutions and how to get each.
- Pokémon breedingHow to hatch the first stage of an evolution line.
- Mega EvolutionA temporary in-battle transformation, separate from evolution.
- Pokémon itemsEvolution stones, the Everstone, and other held items.
- How to play PokémonThe beginner’s guide to how the games work.
- PokédexEvery Pokémon by number, with types and stats.