Trading Up: A Comprehensive Guide to Pokémon Evolution via Trade

For veteran Pokémon trainers, the thrill of trading Pokémon to trigger an evolution is practically ingrained in their DNA. But for newer players (and even some seasoned pros!), the specific Pokémon that require this unique evolution method can be a bit of a mystery. Let’s cut to the chase: the Pokémon that evolve by trading are Haunter (into Gengar), Kadabra (into Alakazam), Machoke (into Machamp), Graveler (into Golem), Boldore (into Gigalith), Gurdurr (into Conkeldurr), Phantump (into Trevenant), and Pumpkaboo (into Gourgeist). Furthermore, certain Pokémon require specific held items during the trade to evolve. These include Onix (into Steelix with Metal Coat), Scyther (into Scizor with Metal Coat), Porygon (into Porygon2 with Upgrade), Porygon2 (into Porygon-Z with Dubious Disc), Clamperl (into Huntail with Deep Sea Tooth), Clamperl (into Gorebyss with Deep Sea Scale), Rhydon (into Rhyperior with Protector), Electabuzz (into Electivire with Electrizer), Magmar (into Magmortar with Magmarizer), and Dusclops (into Dusknoir with Reaper Cloth). Understanding these nuances is key to completing your Pokedex and mastering the art of Pokémon evolution.

Understanding Trade Evolutions

Trade evolutions are a fascinating mechanic that have been part of the Pokémon world since the very beginning. Introduced in the very first generation, this method incentivizes players to connect, communicate, and collaborate to achieve their goals. It embodies the core themes of friendship and cooperation that are so central to the Pokémon franchise. While some might find it cumbersome, particularly if they don’t have someone to trade with locally, it adds another layer of depth to the gameplay and reinforces the social aspect of the series.

The Mechanics of Trading for Evolution

The process itself is relatively straightforward. You need to initiate a trade with another player through the game’s trading system. Crucially, the Pokémon being traded must be one of the species that evolves through trading (with or without a held item). Once the trade is completed, and the recipient receives the Pokémon, the evolution sequence is triggered (provided any held item requirements are met). The evolved Pokémon is then permanently in the possession of the receiving player.

Why Trade Evolutions Exist

The design choices behind trade evolutions are multi-faceted. In the early days of Pokémon, it encouraged in-person interaction and built a community around the game. Nowadays, with online trading capabilities, it still promotes a sense of connection and requires a level of trust between players. From a gameplay perspective, it allows for access to powerful Pokémon that might otherwise be too easy to obtain, adding a bit of challenge and rewarding players who actively engage with the game’s social features. Beyond gameplay mechanics, the requirement of trading can also reflect the evolutionary process of certain Pokémon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are there any Pokémon that evolve by trading AND require a specific friendship level?

No, there are no Pokémon that require both trading and a specific friendship level to evolve. Friendship (or happiness) is a separate evolution requirement for other Pokémon, but it doesn’t intersect with the trade evolution mechanic. A Pokémon will evolve upon being traded provided that it is one of the Pokémon that evolves through trading, and that all item requirements are met.

2. Can I trade a Pokémon back to the original owner after it evolves?

Absolutely! Once the Pokémon has evolved, you can trade it back to the original owner. This is the most common practice, as it allows both players to obtain the evolved form of the Pokémon in their Pokedex. It’s crucial to establish this understanding before initiating the trade to avoid any misunderstandings.

3. Does the level of the Pokémon affect trade evolutions?

No, the level of the Pokémon does not affect whether it will evolve upon being traded. As long as the Pokémon is one of the species that evolves through trading (with or without a held item), the evolution will occur regardless of its level. You could trade a level 5 Haunter or a level 95 Haunter, and the evolution would occur in both instances.

4. What happens if my Pokémon is holding the wrong item during a trade?

If a Pokémon is holding an incorrect item (or no item when one is required) during a trade, it will simply not evolve. The trade will proceed normally, but the evolution sequence won’t be triggered upon completion. Ensure you double-check that the Pokémon is holding the correct item before confirming the trade.

5. Is there any way to evolve trade-evolution Pokémon without trading in some games?

Yes, in some Pokémon games, alternative methods to obtain trade-evolution Pokémon have been introduced. For example, in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, items like the Linking Cord can be used to evolve Pokémon like Haunter and Graveler without trading. However, these alternative methods are game-specific and not universally available.

6. Do shiny Pokémon evolve when traded?

Yes! A shiny Pokémon will evolve just like any other Pokémon when traded, provided it meets the evolution criteria (being a Pokémon that evolves by trade, holding the correct item if necessary). The shiny status is maintained throughout the evolution process. You can happily trade a shiny Machoke and receive a shiny Machamp.

7. Are there any differences in the stats of a trade-evolved Pokémon compared to one obtained through other means?

No, there are no intrinsic stat differences between a trade-evolved Pokémon and one obtained through other means (such as encountering it in the wild in a game that allows it, or through using an item to evolve it). The stats of a Pokémon are determined by its base stats, IVs (Individual Values), EVs (Effort Values), and nature, none of which are impacted by the method of evolution.

8. Can a Pokémon hold an item and trade evolve in Pokémon GO?

No. As of now, standard trades in Pokémon GO do not trigger evolution regardless of what, if any, item the Pokémon is holding. Some Pokémon do require specific items to evolve, but trading is not involved in that process. For example, you evolve a Scyther into Scizor using 50 Scyther candies and a Metal Coat, but trading it to another player has no effect on this. Certain Pokémon like Haunter can be evolved using candies, or through a “Trade Evolution” mechanism wherein trading makes their candy cost to evolve to 0.

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

If the connection is interrupted during a trade evolution, it can lead to several outcomes depending on the specific game and the timing of the interruption. In most cases, the trade will be canceled, and the Pokémon will remain with their original owner. In some rare instances, glitches could occur. It’s always recommended to ensure a stable internet connection before initiating a trade.

10. Do the Pokémon need to be a certain gender to evolve via trade?

The gender of the Pokémon has no bearing on trade evolutions. A male or female Haunter will evolve into Gengar equally well. Similarly, item-based trade evolutions are unaffected by gender.

11. Can I trade across different generations of Pokémon games?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot trade Pokémon across different generations of Pokémon games. The trading systems and data formats are incompatible between generations. You can only trade within the same generation or through compatible virtual console releases.

12. Does the region of origin affect the trade evolution?

The region of origin of a Pokémon does not affect its ability to evolve via trade. A Kadabra caught in a Japanese game will evolve into Alakazam just the same when traded to a game cartridge bought in a North American market.