Understanding Pokémon Evolution in Pokémon GO
Pokémon evolution is a key feature in Pokémon GO that allows players to transform their Pokémon into stronger and often more visually distinct forms. Evolution can enhance a Pokémon’s stats, unlock new moves, and improve its effectiveness in battles. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to evolve your Pokémon effectively.
Step 1: Know Your Pokémon and Their Evolution Paths
To begin, familiarize yourself with the Pokémon you plan to evolve. Each Pokémon species has specific requirements for evolution, which can vary significantly. You can check the Pokémon’s details in your Pokédex. Some essential aspects to consider include:
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Evolution Requirements: Pokémon may require a certain number of candies, trade with another player, or specific environmental conditions. Research each Pokémon’s evolution path to understand these requirements.
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Evolutions Based on Candy: Most Pokémon evolve by consuming candies specific to that Pokémon. The quantity of candies required varies, with some needing only 12 candies, while others might require up to 400.
- Regional and Special Evolutions: Some Pokémon can only evolve in specific regions or under particular circumstances, like evolving during certain events or using special items.
Step 2: Gathering Candy
Candy is crucial for evolving Pokémon. There are multiple ways to gather candy efficiently:
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Catching Pokémon: The most straightforward method to earn candy is to catch Pokémon of the same species. You receive three candies upon catching, and additional candies may come from catching bonuses.
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Transferring Pokémon: Transferring duplicates to the professor will grant you one candy per Pokémon.
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Walking with Pokémon: Assign a Pokémon as your buddy. You earn candy as you walk with it, incrementally gaining one candy after a set number of kilometers, usually ranging from 1 km to 20 km based on the Pokémon’s type.
- Use Lures and Events: Lures may spawn more of a desired Pokémon type, thereby increasing the chances of gathering its candy. Seasonal and special events often double candy rewards, which can be advantageous.
Step 3: Collecting Evolution Items
Some Pokémon require special items for evolution:
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Pokémon-Specific Items: Certain Pokémon like Sneasel or Gloom need items such as the Sinnoh Stone or a Leaf Stone. These items can be obtained from PokéStops or as rewards for completing research tasks.
- Research Tasks: Keep an eye out for special research opportunities that reward evolution items.
Step 4: Preparing for Evolution
Before you evolve your Pokémon, consider the following preparatory steps to maximize its potential:
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Power Up Before Evolving: Make sure you power up your Pokémon to its optimal level before evolution if you have enough stardust and candy. This can maximize the potential CP (Combat Points) of the evolved Pokémon.
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Select the Right Moveset: Always check the movesets of the Pokémon before evolution. Some Pokémon can learn better moves post-evolution, impacting their usefulness in battles. You can use TMs (Technical Machines) to change moves after evolution if needed.
- Consider IVs (Individual Values): Assess your Pokémon’s IVs, as higher advantages in stats (attack, defense, stamina) result in a stronger evolved Pokémon. You may want to prioritize evolving Pokémon with higher IV scores.
Step 5: Evolving Your Pokémon
Once you have met all requirements and prepared your Pokémon, it’s time to evolve:
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Open the Pokémon GO App: Launch the app and navigate to your Pokémon collection.
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Select the Pokémon: Tap on the Pokémon you wish to evolve.
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Check Evolution Conditions: Ensure you have enough candy and, if needed, any specific items.
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Initiate Evolution: Tap the ‘Evolve’ button; the Pokémon will undergo the evolution animation.
- Final Adjustments: After the evolution, immediately check the Pokémon’s stats and moves. If necessary, use TMs to tweak its moveset.
Step 6: Consider Using Evolutionary Events
Participate in community days and special events. These events often:
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Provide additional bonuses for evolving Pokémon, including bonus candy or increased chances of catching rare Pokémon.
- Reduce candy requirements and can sometimes allow specific Pokémon to evolve with reduced resources.
Step 7: Trading for Evolution
Trading offers a unique method to evolve certain Pokémon:
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Special Pokémon: Pokémon such as Machoke or Haunter can only evolve through trading.
- Friendship Bonus: When you trade Pokémon with friends, the candy cost for evolution may be reduced, promoting teamwork and active gameplay.
Step 8: Post-Evolution Strategies
After successfully evolving your Pokémon, consider the following:
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Battle Mechanics: Use your evolved Pokémon in gyms and raids to test its strength. Familiarize yourself with its strengths and potential weaknesses.
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Prepare for the Meta: Stay informed on the current meta in Pokémon GO to utilize your evolved Pokémon effectively in PvP and raids.
- Keep Evolving: Continue to evolve other Pokémon in your collection while continuously gathering candy and items to boost your team’s repertoire.
Bonus Tips
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Keep Checklists: Maintain a checklist of Pokémon awaiting evolution along with candy requirements.
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Use Tracking Apps: Consider using third-party tracking apps to know when specific Pokémon spawn or to monitor your candy accumulation.
- Stay Active in the Community: Join local or online Pokémon communities. Keep abreast of trading opportunities and community events that can aid in gathering equipment and Pokémon.
Adhering to these steps will help you navigate the evolution process in Pokémon GO, ensuring you have a powerful team ready for any challenge.
