All Special Evolutions in Pokemon Legends Z-A

Most of the Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A evolve once they reach a certain level, but there are quite a few that can only evolve once certain criteria have been met. Some Pokemon evolve when they’re exposed to special evolution stones, while others can only be evolved through trading. Then there are the Pokemon that evolve once the bond that they share with their trainer becomes strong enough.

Understanding all of the special evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A can make filling out the Lumiose Pokedex a whole lot easier, which bodes well, as there are 230 Pokemon to find and collect at launch. The following guide will go over all of the Pokemon that evolve through trading, evolution stones, and friendship, as well as any additional time of day or move set requirements that may apply.

All Pokemon that Evolve with Evolution Stones

There are 20 Pokemon that can be obtained through the use of evolution stones. Players can purchase Evolution Stones from the Stone Emporium on Vernal Avenue, although they can also be found in red Pokeballs on the streets and rooftops of Lumiose City. In most cases, it’s a simple case of exposing the unevolved Pokemon to the Evolution Stone to get it to evolve, although there are two instances where the gender of the unevolved Pokemon also comes into play.

Pokemon that Evolve Through Trading

There are ten Pokemon that evolve through trading, five of which will need to be holding a special item when the trade takes place in order for the evolution to be triggered. Players can trade with someone they know or use special Pokemon Legends: Z-A trade codes to trade with a random person online. When opting for the latter, it’s important to make sure that the Pokemon you put up for trade is holding the required item where applicable, and that the Pokemon you’re receiving is holding that item as well.

Pokemon that Evolve Through Friendship

There are eight Pokemon that evolve through high friendship. In previous games, players had to use their Pokemon in battle and keep it out of its Pokeball to increase its happiness, but the process is much simpler in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Players can increase their friendship with a Pokemon quickly by taking it to a cafe and sharing a few drinks with it. By doing so, they can trigger a special evolution after just two or three minutes, although it’ll cost them just over one thousand Pokedollars to do so.

* If Eevee knows a Fairy-type move when players attempt to evolve it with high friendship, it will always evolve into Sylveon regardless of whether it is day or night. As such, those hoping to get Espeon or Umbreon should make sure that their Eevee does not know any Fairy-type moves before attempting to evolve it.

Other Special Evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

In addition to the aforementioned special evolutions, there are five Pokemon who can only evolve once they reach a certain level, and then another condition is met. This could be related to the time of day or the current weather conditions, or the other Pokemon that players have in their team. When it comes to evolving Inkay into Malamar, players will need to hold their Nintendo Switch upside down to trigger the evolution, meaning they’ll need to be playing the game in handheld mode.