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How to Get Alakazam Without Trading: The Ultimate Guide

So, you’re craving that Psychic powerhouse, Alakazam, but the thought of trading sends shivers down your spine? Fear not, aspiring trainers! While traditionally evolving Kadabra into Alakazam required trading, some modern Pokémon games have introduced alternative methods. The most straightforward answer is: You can acquire Alakazam without trading by evolving Kadabra using a Linking Cord in Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl or by finding Alakazam directly in Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Let’s dive deeper into these methods, shall we?

The Trading Evolution Paradigm Shift

For years, Pokémon evolution was governed by a sacred, albeit sometimes frustrating, rite: trading. Several Pokémon, like Kadabra, Machoke, Graveler, and Haunter, required a trade between players to reach their final forms. This mechanic, while promoting social interaction, left many solo players feeling like they were missing out. Fortunately, the Pokémon Company has listened and introduced ways to bypass this system.

Breaking Free: Modern Solutions

Here are the primary methods to obtain an Alakazam without resorting to a trade:

Linking Cord: This new evolutionary item introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus and subsequently included in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, acts as a substitute for trading. When used on a Kadabra, it triggers evolution into Alakazam. This item can be obtained through various means, such as completing requests, purchasing from the Trading Post in Arceus, or finding them in the Grand Underground in Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl.
Max Raid Battles: Pokémon Sword and Shield offered a unique approach. You can encounter and capture Alakazam directly in Max Raid Battles found within the Wild Area and Crown Tundra. This eliminates the need for both catching Kadabra and evolving it.

Deep Dive into the Linking Cord

Let’s unpack the Linking Cord. This item isn’t just a convenient substitute; it’s a game-changer for solo players.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus: In this open-world adventure, you can obtain Linking Cords through multiple avenues. You can earn them by completing certain side quests or requests, rewarding your dedication with a valuable evolutionary tool. Another reliable method is by accumulating Merit Points through finding Lost Satchels and trading them at the Trading Post in Jubilife Village.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl: While remaining true to the original games’ core mechanics, Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl integrates the Linking Cord for a modern audience. Explore the Grand Underground to find Linking Cords hidden within the caves. Keep an eye out for sparkling spots on the walls, which indicate buried treasures, and potentially, the key to your Alakazam.

Max Raid Battles: Alakazam on Demand

Pokémon Sword and Shield took a different path by allowing you to encounter fully evolved Pokémon in Max Raid Battles. Alakazam is among the Pokémon that can appear in these battles, giving you a direct chance to catch it. Team up with other players or battle solo with AI companions to defeat Alakazam and add it to your team. Remember that the availability of specific Pokémon in Max Raid Battles can change with events.

The Power of Alakazam: Why Bother?

Alakazam is a formidable Pokémon. Its astronomical Special Attack and Speed make it a devastating offensive threat. Boasting a wide array of Psychic-type moves like Psychic, Psyshock, and Future Sight, Alakazam can easily obliterate opponents. Its access to support moves such as Calm Mind and Recover further enhances its versatility. An Alakazam can be a huge asset to your team, decimating opponents with its speed and psychic abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I still get Alakazam through trading in older games?

Absolutely! In the games where trading was the only way to evolve Kadabra (like the original Red, Blue, and Yellow, or Gold, Silver, and Crystal), trading remains the only method. Keep in mind that you’ll need a friend with the game and the ability to trade using the appropriate hardware.

2. Does the Linking Cord work on other Pokémon besides Kadabra?

Yes, the Linking Cord works on other trade-evolution Pokémon like Machoke, Graveler, and Haunter, allowing you to obtain Machamp, Golem, and Gengar without trading as well.

3. Are there any other ways to evolve Pokémon without trading in Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl besides the Linking Cord?

No, the Linking Cord is the primary method to evolve trade-evolution Pokémon without trading in Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl.

4. How rare are Linking Cords in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

While not exceedingly rare, obtaining Linking Cords in Pokémon Legends: Arceus requires effort. Accumulating Merit Points through Lost Satchels is a consistent method, but you’ll need to explore extensively and find those Satchels. Completing specific requests can also yield Linking Cords as rewards.

5. What level should my Kadabra be before using a Linking Cord?

The level of your Kadabra doesn’t matter when using a Linking Cord. As soon as you have the item, you can use it on Kadabra at any level, and it will evolve. Just be sure to save before you attempt the evolution, in case of errors.

6. Is Alakazam a good Pokémon to use competitively?

Yes! Alakazam’s exceptional Special Attack and Speed make it a powerful offensive threat. While its defenses are lacking, its ability to outspeed and OHKO (One Hit Knock Out) many opponents makes it a formidable choice in competitive battles. Its diverse movepool further adds to its strategic value.

7. Are there any risks involved in using the Max Raid Battle method in Sword and Shield?

The primary risk in Max Raid Battles is failing to defeat the Alakazam before the timer runs out, or your team faints too many times. Plan your team strategically, utilizing Pokémon with type advantages and strong offensive capabilities. Also, make sure you are ready to take on Alakazam’s move-set, as they can be quite challenging.

8. What are some good movesets for Alakazam?

A classic Alakazam moveset includes Psychic/Psyshock, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, and Calm Mind or Recover. Psyshock targets the opponent’s physical defense, while Psychic targets special defense. Shadow Ball provides coverage against Ghost-types, and Focus Blast handles Dark-types. Calm Mind boosts its Special Attack and Special Defense, making Alakazam even more potent. Recover allows it to heal damage.

9. Can Alakazam learn any non-Psychic type moves?

Yes, Alakazam can learn a variety of non-Psychic type moves through TMs, Move Tutors, and leveling up. Some notable examples include Shadow Ball, Focus Blast, Energy Ball, and Dazzling Gleam. This diverse movepool allows Alakazam to cover a wide range of type matchups.

10. Does Alakazam have any regional forms or evolutions?

No, Alakazam does not have any regional forms or evolutions. It has a Mega Evolution that was introduced in Pokémon X and Y, but Mega Evolution is not available in current games.

11. Is it possible to get a Shiny Alakazam without trading in any of the games mentioned?

Yes, it is possible to obtain a Shiny Alakazam without trading in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Sword and Shield. You can find a Shiny Kadabra and evolve it with a Linking Cord, or you can find a Shiny Alakazam in a Max Raid battle in Sword and Shield. The probability of finding a shiny Pokémon is the same whether you find it in the wild or in a raid.

12. Are the methods of finding Linking Cords the same in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl?

Yes, the methods for finding Linking Cords are the same in both Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl. You can find them in the Grand Underground as hidden treasures. The methods for obtaining one are mirrored across both games.

In conclusion, obtaining an Alakazam without trading is entirely achievable in modern Pokémon games. Whether you choose to venture into the depths of Hisui with Pokémon Legends: Arceus, explore the Grand Underground in Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, or bravely face Max Raid Battles in Sword and Shield, you can add this powerful Psychic-type to your team without relying on the traditional trading mechanic. Go forth and conquer, trainers!