Welcome to the dazzling streets of Lumiose City, where ancient evolution methods meet modern innovation!
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why your Pokémon just won’t evolve no matter how many levels it gains—or if you’re struggling to complete your Pokédex because you can’t unlock that final evolution—this guide is for you.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A reimagines evolution by blending classic mechanics with new Kalos-inspired twists that even veteran trainers will find refreshing. From simple level-ups to complex trade evolutions and unique environmental triggers, this complete guide breaks down every evolution method available.
Whether you’re leveling up your starter or chasing down that elusive Gallade, here’s your complete roadmap to mastering evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Evolution Stone Mastery: How to Find and Use Every Evolution Stone
Where to Find Evolution Stones in Lumiose City
Evolution Stones have never been easier to access. Head to the Stone Emporium in the southern district, where you can buy any basic Evolution Stone for ₽3,000 each.
Available from the start:
-
Fire Stone
-
Water Stone
-
Thunder Stone
-
Leaf Stone
Unlockable after completing the main story:
-
Ice, Moon, Shiny, Sun, Dusk, and Dawn Stones
This gives players plenty of progression-based rewards to look forward to as their journey unfolds.
Complete Evolution Stone Chart
| Evolution Stone | Pokémon | Evolves Into |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Stone | Pansear / Eevee | Simisear / Flareon |
| Water Stone | Staryu / Eevee / Panpour | Starmie / Vaporeon / Simipour |
| Thunder Stone | Pikachu / Eevee / Eelektrik | Raichu / Jolteon / Eelektross |
| Leaf Stone | Weepinbell / Pansage / Eevee | Victreebel / Simisage / Leafeon |
| Ice Stone | Eevee | Glaceon |
| Moon Stone | Clefairy | Clefable |
| Shiny Stone | Roselia / Floette | Roserade / Florges |
| Sun Stone | Helioptile | Heliolisk |
| Dusk Stone | Doublade / Lampent | Aegislash / Chandelure |
| Dawn Stone | Kirlia (Male) / Snorunt (Female) | Gallade / Froslass |
Pro Tip: Eevee remains the most flexible Pokémon in Legends: Z-A, capable of evolving into multiple forms using different stones—making it a must-have for any team.
Trade Evolution Handbook: How to Evolve Through Trading
Unlocking the Trading System
To access trade evolutions, first complete Main Mission 3: “A New Life in Lumiose City”. This unlocks Link Play, which includes the Link Trade option.
You can trade by connecting with friends or online players using an 8-digit trade code.
Trade Evolution Requirements
Trade-Only Evolutions (No Items Needed):
-
Kadabra → Alakazam
-
Machoke → Machamp
-
Haunter → Gengar
-
Phantump → Trevenant
-
Pumpkaboo → Gourgeist
Item-Based Trade Evolutions:
| Pokémon | Evolves Into | Held Item Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Onix | Steelix | Metal Coat |
| Scyther | Scizor | Metal Coat |
| Slowpoke | Slowking | King’s Rock |
| Spritzee | Aromatisse | Sachet |
| Swirlix | Slurpuff | Whipped Dream |
💡 Tip: Equip the held item before trading. You don’t “use” it like a stone—your Pokémon must hold it during the trade to evolve successfully.
Special Evolution Methods: Beyond the Basics
Friendship and Bonding Evolutions
Certain Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A evolve through friendship rather than just levels or items. Building friendship is a slower but rewarding process—it strengthens your team bond and unlocks some of the most iconic evolutions in the game.
Daytime Evolutions
• Budew → Roselia
• Eevee → Espeon
• Riolu → Lucario
Nighttime Evolutions
• Eevee → Umbreon
Anytime Friendship Evolutions
• Pichu → Pikachu
• Cleffa → Clefairy
• Buneary → Lopunny
Special Move Requirement
• Eevee → Sylveon (High friendship + knows a Fairy-type move)
🧡 How to Raise Friendship Fast
To increase friendship in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, keep the Pokémon in your active party, win battles without letting it faint, and use it often during exploration.
But if you want to boost friendship quickly, there are a couple of standout methods discovered by the community:
-
Visit the Café (Single Pokémon Method): Interacting with the café allows you to focus on one Pokémon at a time, making it one of the most efficient ways to raise friendship fast.
-
Spend Time on the Bench (Whole Team Method): Sitting with your Pokémon on benches across Lumiose City raises friendship for your entire team simultaneously—a great way to strengthen bonds passively while exploring.
💬 Community Tip: Credit to Fuuretsu for sharing this helpful discovery in the comments—these methods make friendship evolutions much easier to manage early on!
Environmental & Level-Based Evolutions
Weather-Dependent
-
Sliggoo → Goodra (Level 50 while raining)
Time-Based
-
Tyrunt → Tyrantrum (Level 39 during daytime)
-
Amaura → Aurorus (Level 39 at nighttime)
Unique & Unusual Evolutions
-
Galarian Slowpoke → Galarian Slowbro (Use Galarica Cuff)
-
Galarian Slowpoke → Galarian Slowking (Use Galarica Wreath)
-
Inkay → Malamar (Level 30 while holding console upside down)
-
Pancham → Pangoro (Level 32 with a Dark-type Pokémon in party)
Manual Evolution in Legends: Z-A – How It Works
Unlike older Pokémon games, Legends: Z-A requires manual evolution.
You’ll know a Pokémon is ready when a glowing arrow appears beside its name in the party menu.
To Evolve:
-
Level/Friendship Evolutions: Select the Pokémon → Choose “Evolve”
-
Stone Evolutions: Use the item directly from your satchel
-
Trade Evolutions: Complete the trade (ensure held item is equipped)
This system gives you control over evolution timing—great for keeping movesets optimized.
Pro Tips for Evolution Mastery
Efficiency Tips
-
Buy stones for Pokémon currently on your team
-
Use the friendship checker to track progress
-
Plan trade sessions to evolve multiple Pokémon at once
-
Play during specific times for time-sensitive evolutions
Resource Tips
-
Save Poké Dollars for stone purchases
-
Farm for rare items like Metal Coat and King’s Rock
-
Focus on Pokémon with multiple evolution options like Eevee
Troubleshooting: Why Your Pokémon Isn’t Evolving
-
Check for the glowing arrow
-
Verify evolution conditions (time, weather, item)
-
Ensure held items are equipped before trades
-
Confirm move requirements (Sylveon needs a Fairy-type move)
Conclusion: Become an Evolution Expert
Mastering evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is essential for completing your Pokédex and building your dream team.
From simple stone evolutions to complex environmental and trade-based transformations, this system rewards strategy, timing, and player connection.
Each evolution is more than just a power-up—it’s a testament to your bond with your Pokémon. So, grab your stones, link up with friends, and watch your team transform into champions of Lumiose City.
This is helpful but I just wanted to say that the best way to grind friendship easily is the café (one pokemon) and then spending time on the bench (whole team)
ReplyDeleteThat’s a great tip—thanks for sharing! 💡 The café is definitely the fastest way to raise friendship when you’re focusing on a single Pokémon, and spending time on the bench is perfect for boosting your whole team’s bond together. I’ll add a mention of this in the guide—really appreciate the insight! 🙌
Delete