Table of Contents

The Mysterious World of Trade Evolutions: A Pokémon Master’s Guide

So, you want to unravel one of the most enduring mysteries in the Pokémon universe? Let’s dive right in. Which Pokémon need a friend (or a willing accomplice) to reach their final form? The following Pokémon can evolve via trading, often with a specific held item:

Kadabra evolving into Alakazam
Machoke evolving into Machamp
Graveler evolving into Golem
Haunter evolving into Gengar
Boldore evolving into Gigalith
Gurdurr evolving into Conkeldurr
Phantump evolving into Trevenant
Pumpkaboo evolving into Gourgeist

Then, there are the Pokémon that need to be traded while holding a specific item. This adds another layer of complexity, turning a simple trade into a strategic maneuver. These include:

Onix evolving into Steelix (holding Metal Coat)
Scyther evolving into Scizor (holding Metal Coat)
Porygon evolving into Porygon2 (holding Upgrade)
Porygon2 evolving into Porygon-Z (holding Dubious Disc)
Clamperl evolving into Huntail (holding Deep Sea Tooth)
Clamperl evolving into Gorebyss (holding Deep Sea Scale)
Slowpoke evolving into Slowking (holding King’s Rock)
Poliwhirl evolving into Politoed (holding King’s Rock)
Rhydon evolving into Rhyperior (holding Protector)
Electabuzz evolving into Electivire (holding Electrizer)
Magmar evolving into Magmortar (holding Magmarizer)
Dusclops evolving into Dusknoir (holding Reaper Cloth)
Feebas evolving into Milotic (holding Prism Scale)

Understanding these evolutions is crucial for any aspiring Pokémon master. Trading isn’t just about filling your Pokédex; it’s about mastering the intricacies of Pokémon evolution and building a truly formidable team.

The Evolutionary Dance: Why Trade Evolutions?

Why do these specific Pokémon need to be traded to evolve? The answer isn’t explicitly stated in the games, but a popular theory revolves around the concept of shared experience and bonding. Trading implies a connection between trainers, a shared journey where the Pokémon gains a unique form of experience that triggers its evolution.

Another perspective suggests that the unique energy exchange during a trade acts as a catalyst. The act of transferring a Pokémon from one trainer to another, coupled with the held item in some cases, might provide the necessary energy jolt for the evolutionary process.

Regardless of the canonical explanation, trade evolutions add a social element to the game, encouraging interaction and cooperation among players. It’s a tangible reminder that Pokémon training isn’t a solitary endeavor, but a community-driven experience.

Navigating the Trading Terrain: Tips and Strategies

Successfully executing trade evolutions requires more than just knowing which Pokémon to trade. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience:

Communication is Key: Establish clear communication with your trading partner. Confirm which Pokémon you’re trading, whether a held item is required, and your mutual intentions for returning the evolved Pokémon. Nothing ruins a potential friendship faster than a trade gone wrong.
Trust and Reputation: Trade with reputable players. Online communities and forums can provide valuable insights into the trustworthiness of potential trading partners. Consider joining a local Pokémon Go group or online forum.
Double-Check Held Items: Before initiating the trade, meticulously verify that the Pokémon is holding the correct item. A simple mistake can lead to a frustrating and time-consuming delay.
Leverage Online Communities: Utilize online forums, social media groups, and dedicated trading communities to find reliable trading partners. These platforms often have established rules and guidelines to ensure fair and secure trades.
Consider Pokémon HOME: Pokémon HOME can sometimes facilitate trading, especially for older games. Explore its features and trading options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trade Evolutions

Let’s delve into some frequently asked questions about these fascinating evolutionary paths:

1. Can a Pokémon evolve by trading if it’s holding the wrong item?

No. The Pokémon must be holding the correct item for the evolution to occur during the trade. If the wrong item is held, or no item is held when one is required, the Pokémon will simply be traded without evolving.

2. Does the level of the Pokémon matter for trade evolutions?

No, the level of the Pokémon does not matter. As long as the Pokémon is eligible for trade and, if necessary, holding the correct item, it will evolve upon being traded, regardless of its level.

3. Can I get my Pokémon back after trading it for evolution?

This depends entirely on your agreement with the trading partner. Clear communication is essential. Before initiating the trade, explicitly discuss whether you intend to trade back the evolved Pokémon. Trading with trusted friends or using reputable online communities can help ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial exchange.

4. Are there any alternative methods to evolve trade-only Pokémon?

While trading is the primary method, some games have introduced alternative ways to obtain these evolved forms. These include:

In-game NPCs: Some games feature NPCs who will trade you the evolved form of certain trade-only Pokémon.
Special Events: Limited-time events may offer opportunities to encounter or obtain evolved forms in the wild or through raids.
Pokémon GO Raids: Pokémon GO sometimes features evolved forms of trade evolution Pokémon in Raids.
Using Evolution Items: In certain games like Pokémon Legends: Arceus, evolution items replace the trading system.

5. What happens if the trading connection is interrupted during the trade?

In most cases, the trade will be canceled. If the Pokémon has already been transferred to the other trainer’s game, it’s possible it might be lost, depending on the specific game’s mechanics and error handling. Always ensure a stable internet connection before initiating a trade.

6. Can a Shiny Pokémon evolve via trade?

Yes! Shiny Pokémon can evolve via trade just like any other Pokémon. The trade evolution process doesn’t affect the shiny status of the Pokémon.

7. Can I evolve a Pokémon that requires a held item without trading?

Outside of glitches and exploits, no. Trading with the specific held item is mandatory for these evolutions to occur in the core Pokémon games. Certain spin-off titles, like Pokémon Legends: Arceus, have introduced alternate methods, but the main series games adhere to the trading requirement.

8. What is the best way to find a trustworthy trading partner?

Join reputable online communities: Look for established Pokémon trading forums or Discord servers with active moderation and clear rules.
Trade with friends: Trading with people you know and trust is always the safest option.
Check feedback and reputation systems: Some platforms have feedback systems that allow users to rate their trading experiences.

9. Are there any risks associated with trading online?

Yes, potential risks include:

Scams: Traders may not return the Pokémon after evolution.
Hacked Pokémon: You might receive a Pokémon that has been illegally modified, which could corrupt your save file or result in penalties.
Time Wasters: Some people don’t honor their word after the trade, wasting time and efforts.

10. Does the Pokémon’s nature or IVs affect the trade evolution?

No, the Pokémon’s nature and Individual Values (IVs) are not affected by the trade evolution process. These attributes remain the same before and after the evolution.

11. Can I use the Global Trade System (GTS) for trade evolutions?

The Global Trade System (GTS) has been phased out of the latest games, so it’s no longer a useful option. Earlier games that included the GTS allowed you to offer a Pokémon for trade with specific criteria, but its effectiveness for trade evolutions was limited due to the lack of direct communication. You can use Pokémon HOME to connect with a wider trading audience.

12. In which Pokémon games are trade evolutions possible?

Trade evolutions have been a staple in the Pokémon series since the very beginning. They are possible in almost all core series Pokémon games, including:

Red, Blue, and Yellow
Gold, Silver, and Crystal
Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
Black and White
X and Y
Sun and Moon
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
Sword and Shield
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Scarlet and Violet

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to the world of trade evolutions! Remember to trade responsibly, communicate clearly, and embrace the social aspect of becoming a Pokémon master. Happy trading, and may your evolved Pokémon bring you victory!