Pokemon evolution is one of the most integral mechanics in the franchise, transforming these iconic critters into stronger versions of themselves, altering their appearances, abilities, and sometimes even their typing. For fans of the Pokemon series, mastering the process of evolution is essential to strengthening their team.
Whether you're a veteran trainer or newbie, knowing when and how your Pokemon evolve can give you a strategic advantage during battles. This guide covers Pokemon evolutions across all generations, offering an in-depth look into the mechanisms behind each one.
The process of evolution isn’t just limited to gaining levels. It can also depend on factors such as friendship, held items, or even the time of day. Each generation introduces unique evolutionary methods and Pokemon, making it essential to keep up.
Let’s dive into the evolution mechanics of the Pokemon franchise and explore the evolution guides for each generation in detail.
What is Evolution in the Pokemon Franchise?
Piplup's evolution line as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)
Evolution in the Pokemon franchise refers to the transformation of a Pokemon into a new, more powerful species, often enhancing their appearance, stats, and abilities. Evolution plays a key role in Pokemon battles, as evolved critters tend to be stronger and more resilient.
Some evolutions are pretty linear, like the Pikachu line, while some branch out to two or more final forms, like Tyrogue.
There are also cases where certain Pokemon can evolve depending on the methods used, such as Eevee, which can evolve into eight different types depending on items, friendship, time of the day, or location.
Understanding evolution not only helps trainers maximize their Pokemon’s potential but also provides a sense of accomplishment in completing a Pokedex.
All Pokemon Evolution based on generation
Gen 1's Vulpix and Gen 7's Alolan Vulpix (Image via The Pokemon Company)
Each Pokemon generation introduces new evolution methods and additional species that expand the franchise’s roster. From the original Kanto region in Generation 1 to the more recent Paldea region in Generation 9, each brings its unique set of evolutionary lines and mechanics.
Let’s break down the evolution guide for Pokemon by generation and explore how each method adds complexity and excitement to the franchise.
Generation 1 Pokemon evolution guide
Bulbasaur
Ivysaur
Venusaur
Charmander
Charmeleon
Charizard
Squirtle
Wartortle
Blastoise
Caterpie
Metapod
Butterfree
Weedle
Kakuna
Beedrill
Pidgey
Pidgeotto
Pidgeot
Rattata
Raticate
Spearow
Fearow
Ekans
Arbok
Pikachu
Raichu
Sandshrew
Sandslash
Nidoran (female)
Nidorina
Nidoqueen
Nidoran (male)
Nidorino
Nidoking
Clefairy
Clefable
Vulpix
Ninetales
Jigglypuff
Wigglytuff
Zubat
Golbat
Oddish
Gloom
Vileplume
Paras
Parasect
Venonat
Venomoth
Diglett
Dugtrio
Meowth
Persian
Psyduck
Golduck
Mankey
Primeape
Growlithe
Arcanine
Poliwag
Poliwhirl
Poliwrath
Abra
Kadabra
Alakazam
Machop
Machoke
Machamp
Bellsprout
Weepinbell
Victreebel
Tentacool
Tentacruel
Geodude
Graveler
Golem
Ponyta
Rapidash
Slowpoke
Slowbro
Magnemite
Magneton
Farfetch'd
Doduo
Dodrio
Seel
Dewgong
Grimer
Muk
Shellder
Cloyster
Gastly
Haunter
Gengar
Onix
Drowzee
Hypno
Krabby
Kingler
Voltorb
Electrode
Exeggcute
Exeggutor
Cubone
Marowak
Hitmonlee
Hitmonchan
Lickitung
Koffing
Weezing
Rhyhorn
Rhydon
Chansey
Tangela
Kangaskhan
Horsea
Seadra
Goldeen
Seaking
Staryu
Starmie
Mr. Mime
Scyther
Jynx
Electabuzz
Magmar
Pinsir
Tauros
Magikarp
Gyarados
Lapras
Ditto
Eevee
Vaporeon or Jolteon or Flareon
Porygon
Omanyte
Omastar
Kabuto
Kabutops
Aerodactyl
Snorlax
Articuno
Zapdos
Moltres
Dratini
Dragonair
Dragonite
Mewtwo
Mew
Generation 2 Pokemon evolution guide
Chikorita
Bayleef
Meganium
Cyndaquil
Quilava
Typhlosion
Totodile
Croconaw
Feraligatr
Sentret
Furret
Hoothoot
Noctowl
Ledyba
Ledian
Spinarak
Ariados
Crobat (evolves from Golbat)
Chinchou
Lanturn
Pichu
Pikachu (Gen1)
Cleffa
Clefairy (Gen1)
Igglybuff
Jigglypuff (Gen1)
Togepi
Togetic
Natu
Xatu
Mareep
Flaaffy
Ampharos
Bellossom (evolves from Gloom)
Marill
Azumarill
Sudowoodo
Politoed (evolves from Poliwhirl)
Hoppip
Skiploom
Jumpluff
Aipom
Sunkern
Sunflora
Yanma
Wooper
Quagsire
Espeon (evolves from Eevee)
Umbreon (evolves from Eevee)
Murkrow
Slowking (evolves from Slowpoke)
Misdreavus
Unown
Wobbuffet
Girafarig
Pineco
Forretress
Dunsparce
Gligar
Steelix (evolves from Onix)
Snubbull
Granbull
Qwilfish
Scizor (evolves from Scyther)
Shuckle
Heracross
Sneasel
Teddiursa
Ursaring
Slugma
Magcargo
Swinub
Piloswine
Corsola
Remoraid
Octillery
Delibird
Mantine
Skarmory
Houndour
Houndoom
Kingdra (evolves from Seadra)
Phanpy
Donphan
Porygon2 (evolves from Porygon)
Stantler
Smeargle
Tyrogue
Hitmontop or Hitmonlee (Gen 1) or Hitmonchan (Gen 1)
Smoochum
Jynx (Gen 1)
Elekid
Electabuzz (Gen 1)
Magby
Magmar (Gen 1)
Miltank
Blissey (evolves from Chansey)
Raikou
Entei
Suicune
Larvitar
Pupitar
Tyranitar
Lugia
Ho-Oh
Celebi
Generation 3 Pokemon evolution guide
Treecko
Grovyle
Sceptile
Torchic
Combusken
Blaziken
Mudkip
Marshtomp
Swampert
Poochyena
Mightyena
Zigzagoon
Linoone
Wurmple
Silcoon
Beautifly
Wurmple
Cascoon
Dustox
Lotad
Lombre
Ludicolo
Seedot
Nuzleaf
Shiftry
Taillow
Swellow
Wingull
Pelipper
Ralts
Kirlia
Gardevoir
Surskit
Masquerain
Shroomish
Breloom
Slakoth
Vigoroth
Slaking
Nincada
Ninjask and Shedinja
Whismur
Loudred
Exploud
Makuhita
Hariyama
Azurill
Marill (Gen 1)
Nosepass
Skitty
Delcatty
Sableye
Mawile
Aron
Lairon
Aggron
Meditite
Medicham
Electrike
Manectric
Plusle
Minun
Volbeat
Illumise
Roselia
Gulpin
Swalot
Carvanha
Sharpedo
Wailmer
Wailord
Numel
Camerupt
Torkoal
Spoink
Grumpig
Spinda
Trapinch
Vibrava
Flygon
Cacnea
Cacturne
Swablu
Altaria
Zangoose
Seviper
Lunatone
Solrock
Barboach
Whiscash
Corphish
Crawdaunt
Baltoy
Claydol
Lileep
Cradily
Anorith
Armaldo
Feebas
Milotic
Castform
Kecleon
Shuppet
Banette
Duskull
Dusclops
Tropius
Chimecho
Absol
Wynaut
Wobbuffet (Gen 2)
Snorunt
Glalie
Spheal
Sealeo
Walrein
Clamperl
Huntail or Gorebyss
Relicanth
Luvdisc
Bagon
Shelgon
Salamence
Beldum
Metang
Metagross
Regirock
Regice
Registeel
Latias
Latios
Kyogre
Groudon
Rayquaza
Jirachi
Deoxys
Generation 4 Pokemon evolution guide
Turtwig
Grotle
Torterra
Chimchar
Monferno
Infernape
Piplup
Prinplup
Empoleon
Starly
Staravia
Staraptor
Bidoof
Bibarel
Kricketot
Kricketune
Shinx
Luxio
Luxray
Budew
Roselia (Gen 3)
Roserade
Cranidos
Rampardos
Shieldon
Bastiodon
Burmy
Wormadam (female evolution) or Mothim (male evolution)
Combee
Vespiquen
Pachirisu
Buizel
Floatzel
Cherubi
Cherrim
Shellos
Gastrodon
Ambipom (evolves from Aipom)
Drifloon
Drifblim
Buneary
Lopunny
Mismagius (evolves from Misdreavus)
Honchkrow (evolves from Murkrow)
Glameow
Purugly
Chingling
Chimecho (Gen 3)
Stunky
Skuntank
Bronzor
Bronzong
Bonsly
Sudowoodo (Gen 2)
Mime Jr.
Mr. Mime (Gen 1)
Happiny
Chansey (Gen 1)
Blissey (Gen 2)
Chatot
Spiritomb
Gible
Gabite
Garchomp
Munchlax
Snorlax (Gen 1)
Riolu
Lucario
Hippopotas
Hippowdon
Skorupi
Drapion
Croagunk
Toxicroak
Carnivine
Finneon
Lumineon
Mantyke
Mantine (Gen 2)
Snover
Abomasnow
Weavile (evolves from Sneasel)
Magnezone (evolves from Magneton)
Lickilicky (evolves from Lickitung)
Rhyperior (evolves from Rhydon)
Tangrowth (evolves from Tangela)
Electivire (evolves from Electabuzz)
Magmortar (evolves from Magmar)
Togekiss (evolves from Togetic)
Yanmega (evolves from Yanma)
Leafeon (evolves from Eevee)
Glaceon (evolves from Eevee)
Gliscor (evolves from Gligar)
Mamoswine (evolves from Piloswine)
Porygon-Z (evolves from Porygon2)
Gallade (evolves from a male Kirlia)
Probopass (evolves from Nosepass)
Dusknoir (evolves from Dusclops)
Froslass (evolves from a female Snorunt)
Rotom
Uxie
Mesprit
Azelf
Dialga
Palkia
Heatran
Regigigas
Giratina
Cresselia
Phione
Manaphy
Darkrai
Shaymin
Arceus
Generation 5 Pokemon evolution guide
Victini
Snivy
Servine
Serperior
Tepig
Pignite
Emboar
Oshawott
Dewott
Samurott
Patrat
Watchog
Lillipup
Herdier
Stoutland
Purrloin
Liepard
Pansage
Simisage
Pansear
Simisear
Panpour
Simipour
Munna
Musharna
Pidove
Tranquill
Unfezant
Blitzle
Zebstrika
Roggenrola
Boldore
Gigalith
Woobat
Swoobat
Drilbur
Excadrill
Audino
Timburr
Gurdurr
Conkeldurr
Tympole
Palpitoad
Seismitoad
Throh
Sawk
Sewaddle
Swadloon
Leavanny
Venipede
Whirlipede
Scolipede
Cottonee
Whimsicott
Petilil
Lilligant
Basculin
Sandile
Krokorok
Krookodile
Darumaka
Darmanitan
Maractus
Dwebble
Crustle
Scraggy
Scrafty
Sigilyph
Yamask
Cofagrigus
Tirtouga
Carracosta
Archen
Archeops
Trubbish
Garbodor
Zorua
Zoroark
Minccino
Cinccino
Gothita
Gothorita
Gothitelle
Solosis
Duosion
Reuniclus
Ducklett
Swanna
Vanillite
Vanillish
Vanilluxe
Deerling
Sawsbuck
Emolga
Karrablast
Escavalier
Foongus
Amoonguss
Frillish
Jellicent
Alomomola
Joltik
Galvantula
Ferroseed
Ferrothorn
Klink
Klang
Klinklang
Tynamo
Eelektrik
Eelektross
Elgyem
Beheeyem
Litwick
Lampent
Chandelure
Axew
Fraxure
Haxorus
Cubchoo
Beartic
Cryogonal
Shelmet
Accelgor
Stunfisk
Mienfoo
Mienshao
Druddigon
Golett
Golurk
Pawniard
Bisharp
Bouffalant
Rufflet
Braviary
Vullaby
Mandibuzz
Heatmor
Durant
Deino
Zweilous
Hydreigon
Larvesta
Volcarona
Cobalion
Terrakion
Virizion
Tornadus
Thundurus
Reshiram
Zekrom
Landorus
Kyurem
Keldeo
Meloetta
Genesect
Generation 6 Pokemon evolution guide
Chespin
Quilladin
Chesnaught
Fennekin
Braixen
Delphox
Froakie
Frogadier
Greninja
Bunnelby
Diggersby
Fletchling
Fletchinder
Talonflame
Scatterbug
Spewpa
Vivillon
Litleo
Pyroar
Flabébé
Floette
Florges
Skiddo
Gogoat
Pancham
Pangoro
Furfrou
Espurr
Meowstic (male/female)
Honedge
Doublade
Aegislash
Spritzee
Aromatisse
Swirlix
Slurpuff
Inkay
Malamar
Binacle
Barbaracle
Skrelp
Dragalge
Clauncher
Clawitzer
Helioptile
Heliolisk
Tyrunt
Tyrantrum
Amaura
Aurorus
Sylveon (evolves from Eevee)
Hawlucha
Dedenne
Carbink
Goomy
Sliggoo
Goodra
Klefki
Phantump
Trevenant
Pumpkaboo
Gourgeist
Bergmite
Avalugg
Noibat
Noivern
Xerneas
Yveltal
Zygarde
Diancie
Hoopa
Volcanion
Generation 7 Pokemon evolution guide
Rowlet
Dartrix
Decidueye
Litten
Torracat
Incineroar
Popplio
Brionne
Primarina
Pikipek
Trumbeak
Toucannon
Yungoos
Gumshoos
Grubbin
Charjabug
Vikavolt
Crabrawler
Crabominable
Oricorio
Cutiefly
Ribombee
Rockruff
Lycanroc
Wishiwashi
Mareanie
Toxapex
Mudbray
Mudsdale
Dewpider
Araquanid
Fomantis
Lurantis
Morelull
Shiinotic
Salandit
Salazzle
Stufful
Bewear
Bounsweet
Steenee
Tsareena
Comfey
Oranguru
Passimian
Wimpod
Golisopod
Sandygast
Palossand
Pyukumuku
Type: Null
Silvally
Minior
Komala
Turtonator
Togedemaru
Mimikyu
Bruxish
Drampa
Dhelmise
Jangmo-o
Hakamo-o
Kommo-o
Tapu Koko
Tapu Lele
Tapu Bulu
Tapu Fini
Cosmog
Cosmoem
Solgaleo or Lunala
Nihilego
Buzzwole
Pheromosa
Xurkitree
Celesteela
Kartana
Guzzlord
Necrozma
Magearna
Marshadow
Poipole
Naganadel
Stakataka
Blacephalon
Zeraora
Meltan
Melmetal
Gen 7 regional variants
Alolan Rattata
Alolan Raticate
Alolan Raichu (evolves from Pikachu)
Alolan Sandshrew
Alolan Sandslash
Alolan Vulpix
Alolan Ninetales
Alolan Diglett
Alolan Dugtrio
Alolan Meowth
Alolan Persian
Alolan Geodude
Alolan Graveler
Alolan Golem
Alolan Grimer
Alolan Muk
Alolan Exeggutor (evolves from Exeggcute)
Alolan Marowak (evolves from Cubone)
Generation 8 Pokemon evolution guide
Grookey
Thwackey
Rillaboom
Scorbunny
Raboot
Cinderace
Sobble
Drizzile
Inteleon
Skwovet
Greedent
Rookidee
Corvisquire
Corviknight
Blipbug
Dottler
Orbeetle
Nickit
Thievul
Gossifleur
Eldegoss
Wooloo
Dubwool
Chewtle
Drednaw
Yamper
Boltund
Rolycoly
Carkol
Coalossal
Applin
Flapple or Appletun
Silicobra
Sandaconda
Cramorant
Arrokuda
Barraskewda
Toxel
Toxtricity
Sizzlipede
Centiskorch
Clobbopus
Grapploct
Sinistea
Polteageist
Hatenna
Hattrem
Hatterene
Impidimp
Morgrem
Grimmsnarl
Obstagoon
Perrserker
Cursola
Sirfetch'd
Mr. Rime
Runerigus
Milcery
Alcremie
Falinks
Pincurchin
Snom
Frosmoth
Stonjourner
Eiscue
Indeedee
Morpeko
Cufant
Copperajah
Dracozolt
Arctozolt
Dracovish
Arctovish
Duraludon
Dreepy
Drakloak
Dragapult
Zacian
Zamazenta
Eternatus
Kubfu
Urshifu
Zarude
Regieleki
Regidrago
Glastrier
Spectrier
Calyrex
Wyrdeer (evolves from Stantler)
Kleavor (evolves from Scyther)
Ursaluna (evolves from Ursaring)
Basculegion (evolves from a white-striped Basculin)
Sneasler
Overqwil
Enamorus
Gen 8 regional variants (Galar)
Galarian Meowth
Perrserker
Galarian Ponyta
Galarian Rapidash
Galarian Slowpoke
Galarian Slowbro or Galarian Slowking
Galarian Farfetch'd
Sirfetch'd
Galarian Weezing (evolves from Koffing)
Galarian Mr. Mime
Mr. Rime
Galarian Articuno
Galarian Zapdos
Galarian Moltres
Galarian Corsola
Cursola
Galarian Zigzagoon
Galarian Linoone
Obstagoon
Galarian Darumaka
Galarian Darmanitan
Galarian Yamask
Runerigus
Gen 8 regional variants (Hisui)
Hisuian Growlithe
Hisuian Arcanine
Hisuian Voltorb
Hisuian Electrode
Hisuian Typhlosion (evolves from Quilava)
Hisuian Qwilfish
Overqwil
Hisuian Sneasel
Sneasler
Hisuian Samurott (evolves from Dewott)
Hisuian Lilligant (evolves from Petilil)
Hisuian Zorua
Hisuian Zoroark
Hisuian Braviary (evolves from Rufflet)
Hisuian Sliggoo (evolves from Goomy)
Hisuian Goodra
Hisuian Avalugg (evolves from Bergmite)
Hisuian Decidueye (evolves from Dartrix)
Generation 9 Pokemon evolution guide
Sprigatito
Floragato
Meowscarada
Fuecoco
Crocalor
Skeledirge
Quaxly
Quaxwell
Quaquaval
Lechonk
Oinkologne
Tarountula
Spidops
Nymble
Lokix
Pawmi
Pawmo
Pawmot
Tandemaus
Maushold
Fidough
Dachsbun
Smoliv
Dolliv
Arboliva
Squawkabilly
Nacli
Naclstack
Garganacl
Charcadet
Armarouge or Ceruledge
Tadbulb
Bellibolt
Wattrel
Kilowattrel
Maschiff
Mabosstiff
Shroodle
Grafaiai
Bramblin
Brambleghast
Toedscool
Toedscruel
Klawf
Capsakid
Scovillain
Rellor
Rabsca
Flittle
Espathra
Tinkatink
Tinkatuff
Tinkaton
Wiglett
Wugtrio
Bombirdier
Finizen
Palafin
Varoom
Revavroom
Cyclizar
Orthworm
Glimmet
Glimmora
Greavard
Houndstone
Flamigo
Cetoddle
Cetitan
Veluza
Dondozo
Tatsugiri
Annihilape (evolves from Primeape)
Clodsire
Farigiraf (evolves from Girafarig)
Dudunsparce (evolves from Dunsparce)
Kingambit (evolves from Bisharp)
Great Tusk
Scream Tail
Brute Bonnet
Flutter Mane
Slither Wing
Sandy Shocks
Iron Treads
Iron Bundle
Iron Hands
Iron Jugulis
Iron Moth
Iron Thorns
Frigibax
Arctibax
Baxcalibur
Gimmighoul
Gholdengo
Wo-Chien
Chien-Pao
Ting-Lu
Chi-Yu
Roaring Moon
Iron Valiant
Koraidon
Miraidon
Walking Wake
Iron Leaves
Dipplin (evolves from Applin)
Poltchageist
Sinistcha
Okidogi
Munkidori
Fezandipiti
Ogerpon
Archaludon (evolves from Duraludon)
Hydrapple (evolves from Dipplin)
Gouging Fire
Raging Bolt
Iron Boulder
Iron Crown
Terapagos
Pecharunt
Gen 9 regional variants
Paldean Tauros
Paldean Wooper
Clodsire
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FAQs about Pokemon Evolution
Q1) What level does Eevee evolve?
Eevee can evolve based on several factors, such as happiness, stones, or the time of day. If evolving into Espeon, it needs high friendship during the day, while Umbreon requires friendship at night.
Q2) Can all Pokemon evolve?
Not all Pokemon have evolutions. Some are standalone, while others are final forms that don’t evolve further.
Q3) How do Pokemon evolve with items?
Certain Pokemon require items like Evolution Stones or trade-based conditions to evolve. For example, Eevee needs a Water Stone to evolve into Vaporeon.
