Evolution
Complete guide to all evolution methods in Pokémon Polished Crystal including level-up, stones, trade, friendship, location-based, move-based, and special cases.
Introduction
Evolution is the process by which certain Pokémon transform into more powerful forms. Pokémon Polished Crystal features multiple evolution methods, each with unique requirements and conditions. Understanding these methods is essential for completing your Pokédex and building a strong team.
This guide covers all evolution methods available in the game, from simple level-based evolution to complex special cases. Whether you're trying to evolve your starter or obtain rare evolved forms, this guide has you covered.
Level-Up Evolution
The most common evolution method is leveling a Pokémon to a specific level. Once that level is reached, the Pokémon will attempt to evolve. You can cancel evolution by pressing B during the animation.
Examples:
- Pidgey → Pidgeotto — Level 18
- Rattata → Raticate — Level 20
- Mareep → Flaaffy — Level 15
- Larvitar → Pupitar — Level 30
- Pupitar → Tyranitar — Level 55
Pro Tip: If you cancel an evolution, the Pokémon will try again the next time it levels up as long as it still meets the requirements.
Evolution Stones
Evolution stones instantly evolve certain Pokémon when used. These can be used at any time once obtained.
Fire Stone
Water Stone
Thunder Stone
Leaf Stone
Moon Stone
- Nidorina → Nidoqueen
- Nidorino → Nidoking
- Clefairy → Clefable
- Jigglypuff → Wigglytuff
- Eevee → Umbreon
Sun Stone
Shiny / Dusk / Ice Stones
- Shiny Stone: Togetic → Togekiss, Eevee → Sylveon
- Dusk Stone: Murkrow → Honchkrow, Misdreavus → Mismagius
- Ice Stone: Alolan Sandshrew → Alolan Sandslash, Alolan Vulpix → Alolan Ninetales, Eevee → Glaceon
Stone Sources:
- Bill’s grandfather
- Pokéathlon Dome prize exchange
- National Park Bug-Catching Contest
- Department Stores (later game)
Trade Evolution
Some Pokémon evolve when traded. In Polished Crystal, most can also evolve using a Linking Cord, allowing single-player completion.
Standard Trade Evolutions
- Kadabra → Alakazam
- Machoke → Machamp
- Graveler → Golem
- Haunter → Gengar
Trade Evolutions with Held Items
- Onix → Steelix (Metal Coat)
- Scyther → Scizor (Metal Coat)
- Poliwhirl → Politoed (King’s Rock)
- Slowpoke → Slowking (King’s Rock)
- Seadra → Kingdra (Dragon Scale)
- Porygon → Porygon2 (Up-Grade)
- Porygon2 → Porygon-Z (Dubious Disc)
- Rhydon → Rhyperior (Protector)
- Electabuzz → Electivire (Electirizer)
- Magmar → Magmortar (Magmarizer)
Friendship Evolution
Some Pokémon evolve when leveled up with high friendship.
Friendship Evolutions
Anytime
- Golbat → Crobat
- Chansey → Blissey
- Pichu → Pikachu
- Cleffa → Clefairy
- Igglybuff → Jigglypuff
- Togepi → Togetic
- Azurill → Marill
- Munchlax → Snorlax
Day
- Eevee → Espeon
- Happiny → Chansey (holding Oval Stone)
Night
- Eevee → Umbreon
Visit the Friendship Rater in Goldenrod City for feedback on friendship level.
Location-Based Evolution
- Eevee → Leafeon: Level up near mossy rock in Ilex Forest OR use Leaf Stone
- Eevee → Glaceon: Level up near icy rock in Ice Path OR use Ice Stone
Move-Based Evolution
- Tangela → Tangrowth (Ancient Power)
- Yanma → Yanmega (Ancient Power)
- Piloswine → Mamoswine (Ancient Power)
- Aipom → Ambipom (Double Hit)
- Lickitung → Lickilicky (Rollout)
- Bonsly → Sudowoodo (Mimic)
- Mime Jr. → Mr. Mime (Mimic)
Time-Based Evolution
Day (4:00 AM – 7:59 PM)
- Eevee → Espeon
- Happiny → Chansey (Oval Stone)
- Hisuian Sneasel → Sneasler (Razor Claw)
Night (8:00 PM – 3:59 AM)
- Eevee → Umbreon
- Sneasel → Weavile (Razor Claw)
- Gligar → Gliscor (Razor Fang)
Special Evolution Cases
Tyrogue
- Attack > Defense → Hitmonlee
- Defense > Attack → Hitmonchan
- Attack = Defense → Hitmontop
Eevee
Eevee has 8 evolution paths, most with multiple methods. Choose carefully — evolution is permanent.