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How to Evolve Porygon (Platinum)?

Evolving Porygon in Pokémon Platinum requires a two-step process involving both a special item and a trade. You need to give your Porygon the Up-Grade item, then trade it to another player. Once traded, Porygon will evolve into Porygon2. The recipient can then trade the evolved Porygon2 back to you.

The Porygon Evolution Process: A Deep Dive

Porygon, the Virtual Pokémon, stands out for its unique evolution method, a stark contrast to the traditional leveling or stone-based evolutions. In Pokémon Platinum, evolving Porygon into Porygon2 and subsequently into Porygon-Z demands a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics and a willingness to engage with the trading system. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, providing insights and strategies to ensure a successful evolution journey.

Step 1: Acquiring Porygon

Before embarking on the evolution process, you first need to obtain a Porygon. In Pokémon Platinum, there are a couple of methods to acquire this digital Pokémon:

Celestic Town: You receive Porygon from a resident in Celestic Town after defeating Team Galactic. This makes obtaining Porygon a mandatory part of the story.

Step 2: Obtaining the Up-Grade Item

The Up-Grade is a crucial item required to trigger Porygon’s evolution into Porygon2. In Pokémon Platinum, obtaining this item requires a little patience and some luck:

Route 224: The main method to find an Up-Grade is on Route 224, via using the Hidden Item mechanic. This involves using the Pokétech and repeatedly “searching” within tiles.

Step 3: Equipping Porygon with the Up-Grade

Once you have the Up-Grade, the next step is to give it to your Porygon to hold:

Open your bag: Navigate to your bag and find the Up-Grade item.
Select “Give”: Select the Up-Grade, then select “Give”
Choose Porygon: Select the Porygon you wish to evolve from your party.

Step 4: Trading Porygon

With Porygon holding the Up-Grade, it’s time to trade it with another player. This requires access to the Global Trade System (GTS).

Connect: Make sure you have an active Wi-Fi connection and access to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Trade: Initiate a trade with a trusted friend or another player who can help you trade Porygon back after it evolves.
Witness the evolution: As soon as the trade is complete, Porygon will evolve into Porygon2 on the recipient’s screen.

Step 5: Evolving Porygon2 into Porygon-Z (Optional)

If you want to evolve Porygon2 further into Porygon-Z, you’ll need another special item called the Dubious Disc. Here’s how:

Obtain the Dubious Disc: You can find the Dubious Disc on Route 225
Equip Porygon2: Give the Dubious Disc to Porygon2 to hold.
Trade Again: Trade Porygon2 (holding the Dubious Disc) to a friend. It will evolve into Porygon-Z after the trade is complete.
Trade Back: Have your friend trade Porygon-Z back to you.

FAQs About Evolving Porygon in Pokémon Platinum

Here are some frequently asked questions about evolving Porygon in Pokémon Platinum, addressing common concerns and offering additional insights.

1. Can I evolve Porygon without trading?

Unfortunately, no. The evolution of Porygon into Porygon2 requires trading while it holds the Up-Grade. Similarly, evolving Porygon2 into Porygon-Z necessitates trading while holding the Dubious Disc. Trading is an integral part of these evolutions.

2. Where exactly on Route 224 is the Up-Grade located?

The Up-Grade is found as a Hidden Item on Route 224. Because Hidden Items are not visible, you will need to repeatedly search tiles to have a chance to find the item.

3. Does it matter which Porygon I use for evolution?

Not really. As long as the Porygon is holding the required item (Up-Grade for Porygon2, Dubious Disc for Porygon-Z) during the trade, it will evolve regardless of its level, nature, or stats.

4. What if my Porygon doesn’t evolve after trading with the Up-Grade?

Make sure Porygon is actually holding the Up-Grade during the trade. This is the most common oversight. Confirm the item is equipped before initiating the trade. If the Porygon is not holding the right item, the evolution will not trigger.

5. Is there a level requirement for Porygon to evolve?

No, there is no level requirement. Porygon will evolve as soon as it is traded while holding the Up-Grade, regardless of its current level.

6. Can I get multiple Up-Grades in Pokémon Platinum?

Yes, you can find multiple Up-Grades on Route 224. This is useful if you want to evolve multiple Porygons or if you accidentally lose or use the first Up-Grade.

7. Are there any differences between Porygon2 and Porygon-Z in terms of stats and movesets?

Yes, there are significant differences. Porygon2 generally has better defensive stats, making it a sturdy special wall. Porygon-Z, on the other hand, boasts exceptional Special Attack, making it a powerful offensive threat. Their movepools also differ, allowing for diverse strategies.

8. Is trading back and forth with the same person necessary?

Yes, trading back and forth with the same person is required. You must first trade Porygon holding the Up-Grade to evolve it into Porygon2. Then, to evolve Porygon2 into Porygon-Z, you need to trade it back while holding the Dubious Disc. This process necessitates a trusted trading partner.

9. What happens if the trade is interrupted during the evolution?

If the trade is interrupted, the evolution will not occur. Ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection and avoid any actions that could disrupt the trade process. If an interruption occurs, you will need to repeat the trading process.

10. Are there any glitches or issues associated with evolving Porygon?

While generally reliable, glitches can occur in older games. It’s always a good idea to save your game before trading, if possible, to minimize potential losses.

11. Can I use Action Replay or similar devices to bypass the trading requirement?

Using Action Replay or similar devices can potentially bypass the trading requirement, but it is generally discouraged. These methods may introduce glitches, corrupt your save file, or detract from the intended gameplay experience.

12. Is Porygon-Z a good Pokémon to use in competitive battles in Platinum?

Porygon-Z can be a formidable choice in competitive battles in Pokémon Platinum. Its high Special Attack stat and access to powerful moves make it a significant offensive threat. However, its frailty and average Speed mean it requires careful team support and strategic play to be effective.