Scarlet and Violet introduced a ton of new Pokemon that have unique evolution requirements. Here’s how they evolve.
Every Pokemon trainer knows the joy of seeing your beloved Pokemon evolve into cooler, stronger forms. For most, simply reaching a level milestone is enough to evolve your Pokemon. But if all Pokemon evolved this way, catching them all would be far too easy. Some Pokemon possess different evolution methods, and they’ve only gotten stranger over time. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has introduced a bunch of new Pokemon, and sure enough there are some weird and whacky methods to powering these Pokemon up. Here are all the new evolution methods in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
If a Pokemon is not listed here, then it has an evolution method that has been in previous games, or the Pokemon simply evolves by leveling up. Those Pokemon come a dime a dozen, and listing them all would take far too long. Others evolve through trading, or through friendship – so get to know your Pokemon, and treat them well.
Item-Based Evolutions
As is tradition for Pokemon, some of them require special items to evolve. Obtaining these items varies in difficulty, but most of them – especially Fire, Thunder, and Ice Stones – can be found across the map as little sparkles on the ground. Scour Paldea and you will find one eventually. Some can even be bought in shops!
- Crabrawler: Use an Ice Stone to evolve Crabrawler into Crabominable.
- Capsakid: Use a Fire Stone to evolve Capsakid into Scovillain.
- Tadbulb: Use a Thunder Stone to evolve Tadbulb into Bellibolt.
- Cetoddle: Use an Ice Stone to evolve Cetoddle into Cetitan.
- Ceruledge: Use Malicious Armor to evolve Charcadet into Ceruledge. Malicious Armor can be obtained in Zapapico for 10 Sinistea Chips in Pokemon Violet.
- Armarouge: Use Auspicious Armor to evolve Charcadet into Ceruledge. Malicious Armor can be obtained in Zapapico for 10 Bronzor Fragments in Pokemon Scarlet.
- Kubfu (HOME Transfer Only): Use either the Scroll of Waters or Scroll of Darkness to evolve Kubfu into Rapid-Strike or Single-Strike Urshifu, respectively. The Scroll of Waters and the Scroll of Darkness can be obtained from auctions in Porto Marinada while Kubfu is in the party.
Walking Evolutions
Some Pokemon evolve when walking on the overworld with you. Send them out with ZR and take a stroll with your buddy – they can stand to benefit from some exercise now and then! Typically, these evolutions require 1000 steps to activate – so be prepared to run a marathon alongside your Pokemon. After doing this, level your Pokemon up and they should evolve. Also, some of these Pokemon can be caught through Raid battles.
- Rellor: Rellor evolves into Rabscra after 1000 steps in the overworld. Rabsra is one of the few Pokemon to learn Revival Blessing, a move that can revive one of your fainted Pokemon once per battle.
- Pawmo: Pawmo evolves into Pawmot after 1000 steps in the overworld. Electric and Fighting is a good type combo to have!
- Bramblin: Bramblin evolves into Brambleghast after 1000 steps in the overworld. Brambleghast has the unique ability Wind Rider, which boosts Brambleghast’s attack if Tailwind is up or it’s struck by wind-based moves.
Move-Based Evolutions
Some evolutions are based around Pokemon knowing or using a certain move. Level the Pokemon up while they know the move, and they will evolve.
- Girafarig: Girafarig evolves into Farigiraf after leveling up while knowing Twin Beam, learned at level 32.
- Primeape: Primeape evolves into Annihilape after using the move Rage Fist, learned at level 35, 20 times and then leveling up.
- Dunsparce: Dunsparce finally recieves an evolution in Dudunsparce after leveling up while learning Hyper Drill, learned at level 32.
Other Evolution Methods
These methods of evolving your Pokemon are strange and varied, and thus don’t fit anywhere else.
- Bisharp: In Fury Falls, located on the eastern side of Paldea, groups of Pawniard led by Bisharp will appear. The Bisharp will be holding the Leader’s Crest item. Have your Bisharp defeat three of these leader Bisharp and then level up; Bisharp should then evolve into Kingambit.
- Tandemaus: After reaching Level 25, Tandemaus will randomly evolve into Maushold. Evolution cannot be initiated manually and will happen at random. Keep adventuring with Tandemaus and check in on them now and again.
- Finizen: Finizen evolves into Palafin after reaching level 38 while you are adventuring with other players in the Union Circle. Palafin initially does not change much in terms of appearance, but don’t underestimate the little dolphin.
- Gimmighoul: Gimmighoul will evolve into Gholdengo after collecting 999 Gimmighoul Coins and leveling up. Gimmighoul can be found all across Paldea, so keep your eyes out for this little Ghost-type.
