Every Difficult Evolution Method in Mainline Pokemon Games So Far

Every Difficult Evolution Method in Mainline Pokemon Games So Far

As a seasoned gamer with countless hours spent in the vibrant world of Pokemon, I can attest that the series has always been a delightful blend of simplicity and complexity. However, when it comes to evolution methods, some of them have left me scratching my head more than once.


“Throughout its history, evolution has been a key aspect of the Pokémon game. What makes it so appealing is the straightforward mechanism, which usually rewards players for building strong relationships with their Pokémon team. Despite this, the Pokémon series doesn’t shy away from setting up some rather mysterious requirements for the player to fulfill.

In simpler terms, most Pokémon evolve through a process often referred to as “levelling up,” which is a standard method applied not just to the majority of Pokémon, but also consistently across Starter Pokémon and other common catches. There are other straightforward methods like evolution through items or affection level, experienced by various Eeveelutions. As the series progresses, however, some evolution methods in Pokémon have become increasingly challenging to trigger.

The Most Difficult Evolution Methods in the Pokemon Series Explained

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Features a Grueling Collect-A-Thon

Over the years, the methods for evolving Pokemon have grown progressively complex, challenging, and sometimes obscure. Instead of evolving through leveling up or trading, newer games continue to incorporate advanced technology to present players with tougher hurdles. The latest mainline game in the series, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, follows this trend, certainly living up to its reputation for intricacy.

Evolving Gimmighoul into Gholdengo is an incredibly challenging task that requires monumental effort, similar to the labors of Hercules. Players must accumulate a total of 999 Gimmighoul Coins before they can obtain the 1000th Pokemon in the Scarlet and Violet games. Additionally, Pawmo, Bramblin, and Rellor also require considerable effort to evolve; these Pokemon can only be evolved by walking a full 1000 steps while they are outside their Pokeballs.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus Has a Slew of Difficult Pokemon to Evolve

Despite newer Pokemon games offering tough rivalry, it’s clear that one game reigns supreme due to its abundance of nearly mind-boggling evolutions. Breaking away from traditional series conventions, Pokemon Legends: Arceus revolutionized the process of catching and fighting Pokemon. This novelty is evident not only in the core mechanics but also in almost every new Pokemon introduced by Legends: Arceus.

Ursaluna is a notable choice for possessing one of the most mysterious evolution processes ever designed. Compared to some others, it may not be overly complex, but it’s definitely something that will leave many players puzzled enough to consult Google. The peculiarity of Ursaluna’s evolution lies in its unique conditions: players must present their Ursaring to a Peat Block under the light of a full moon. This aspect can be considered a bit of a puzzle. What makes this even more challenging is that Peat Blocks are exceptionally scarce, and they haven’t been seen in any games since then.

In Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Ursaluna isn’t the only one with complex evolution methods. Several other newly added Pokemons share this challenge. For instance, Wyrdeer evolves by using its unique move a certain number of times. On the other hand, Basculin requires more effort to transform into Basculegion; it must endure 294 points of recoil damage before it can evolve.

One Sword and Shield Pokemon Takes the Cake for Difficult Evolution Methods

In Pokemon Sword and Shield, Galarian Yamask’s evolution method is almost comically notorious for its challenge and mystery. This peculiar evolution process, which combines difficulty and obscurity, is masterminded by none other than Galarian Yamask itself. To transform Galarian Yamask into Runerigus, players must first allow it to sustain at least 49 points of damage. Subsequently, they need to guide their damaged Yamask to the Dusty Bowl Zone. Once there, a precise stone archway must be walked under for the Yamask to metamorphose into Runerigus.

This is not only a laundry list of hoops to jump through, it’s extremely difficult to figure out in-game. There’s very little indication for these requirements, and it’s very likely intended to simply happen by accident. Such is the case for many of these difficult evolution methods, and there are even more examples throughout the series, such as Inkay’s infamous “upside down DS” method. Considering the precedent that’s been set, there’s no doubt that future Pokemon games will continue to innovate on this front.

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2024-11-20 21:34