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How to Evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO

By Jack O'Dwyer

Below, we've explained every avenue of how to evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO.
Below, we've explained every avenue of how to evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO. / Niantic Labs, The Pokemon Company

Methods of evolution in Pokemon GO have certainly expanded over the years. In an effort to fall, more in line with the main series games, Niantic Labs has implemented a variety of ways for trainers to evolve Pokemon that resemble or directly mirror their mainline processes.

Below, we've explained every avenue of how to evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO.

How to Evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO

Like Pokemon, themselves, there are a number of methods and necessary conditions to achieve evolution in Pokemon GO. These include:

  • Candies
  • Tasks
  • Items
  • Trading
  • Specific Lures
  • Times of Day
  • Phone Orientation

Remember: once evolution has been started, it cannot be stopped. After all, mobile devices don't exactly come with a "B" button.

How to Evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO Using Candies

This is the simplest way to evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO. Every time trainers catch a wild Pokemon, hatch a Pokemon from an egg, or walk with their Buddy, they are guaranteed to earn a set amount of candy for that species and its evolutions. Once they have enough candies, they can prompt the Pokemon of that species to evolve.

Most evolutions require an increasing amount of candies per form. For example, Charmander evolves into Charmeleon using 25 candies. Then, Charmeleon can evolve into Charizard using 100 candies.

To prompt evolution, simply visit the Pokemon's page, scroll down until the "Evolve" button is visible, and then tap it. This will begin the process.

All Pokemon will need candies to evolve in some way shape or form.

How to Evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO Using Items

As more Pokemon species were added to the game, Niantic had to get a bit creative with how they would task trainers to evolve them. This manifested in the form of items--both new/specific to Pokemon GO and pre-existing.

New evolutionary items are typically restricted to regional variants. These include:

Pre-existing items also appear in Pokemon GO, such as:

A Pokemon's page will tell trainers what items, if any, are needed for evolution by displaying an image of the item alongside how many candies it requires. As long as trainers have that item and the correct amount of candies, they can prompt evolution.

How to Evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO Using Lures

In lieu of training a Pokemon in a certain area, Niantic decided to allow Lures to act as the stand-in symbolism. For example, instead of taking Eevee to an Icy Rock to evolve it into Glaceon, trainers in Pokemon GO simply need to drop a Glacial Lure and stand near it.

When done successfully, a Pokemon's "Evolve" button will become able to be tapped. In cases like Eevee, the silhouette of the corresponding Pokemon—Glaceon for the Glacial Lure and Leafeon for the Mossy Lure—will appear alongside the candy amount.

Currently, the following Lures can be used to evolve specific species of Pokemon:

  • Mossy Lure
  • Glacial Lure
  • Magnetic Lure

How to Evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO During the Day

Some species, like Rockruff, require a certain time of day in order to evolve into one of their desired forms. This is displayed on the "Evolve" button alongside their candy amount. Once Pokemon GO has registered that it's after sunrise, that Pokemon's "Evolve" button will be able to be tapped.

How to Evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO During the Night

Again, like Rockruff, some species require it to be a certain time of day for them to evolve. Trainers will know their Pokemon is eligible for evolution at night if their "Evolve" button can be tapped after sunset.

How to Evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO Using Phone Orientation

At the time of writing only one Pokemon species requires the trainer's mobile device to be manipulated: Inkay!

To evolve Inkay, trainers need to hold their phone upside down. This will bring its "Evolve" button to life and allow them to prompt evolution—as long as they have enough candies.

How to Evolve Pokemon in Pokemon GO Using Tasks

Catching Pokemon with tasks is pretty self-explanatory. Finish the task and you can evolve them. For example, you can evolve Galarian Farfetch'd by making 10 "Excellent" throws while the Pokemon is their buddy. You'll also need 50 Farfetch'd candies.

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