The Pokémon metagame has undergone a major redesign in Legends: Arceus . We don't know if this change will only be implemented in future open-world titles, if it will extend to the main series, or if it's simply a trial balloon by Game Freak to gauge player interest. What is certain is that Pokémon evolution in this title has a very significant change compared to previous games . In this post, we'll tell you everything you need to know about evolution in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
How to evolve Pokemon into Hisui
Each new region in Pokémon has its own new creatures and new ways to evolve. Hisui, in this respect, isn't a completely new region, but rather represents the foundation upon which Sinnoh would later be built . However, this Nintendo Switch exclusive title has implemented changes that have been present in Pokémon for ages . Some of these changes follow the path established in Pokémon Go , which was further expanded upon in the two Pokémon Let's Go games.
In Legends: Arceus , the famous Everstone doesn't exist. Nor will you have to frantically mash 'B' to prevent your Pokémon from losing its form as it levels up. This time, it's the player who decides whether or not to evolve their Pokémon . The mechanic clashes somewhat with the game's storyline, as it would be obvious that in the past Pokémon evolved without human intervention, but the simplification of the meta has led to this new system.
What hasn't changed in this title are the different types of evolution . The most common is still experience-based, meaning Pokémon evolve at a certain level. Others evolve by accumulating happiness , and still others evolve using items , such as stones. There are also a large number of new creatures that evolve after performing some kind of ritual . We'll explain the most interesting cases later.
This is the new evolution method in Pokémon Legends: Arceus
If the Pokémon you want to evolve follows the standard evolutionary process, it won't evolve automatically upon reaching the required level. There also won't be an automatic evolution when you reach the necessary happiness level or meet the transformation requirements. However, the game will notify you via a pop-up window, briefly displaying the message 'can evolve'. Once your Pokémon meets the evolution requirements, the steps you must follow are:
- Open the Items / Pokémon menu and hover over the pokemon you want to evolve.
- If the Pokémon is already high enough, you can press 'X' on your command to proceed to evolve.
- Confirm and you will see the animation of the evolution.
Other Pokémon Evolutions in Arceus Legends
Here are other evolution considerations you should keep in mind in Arceus.
pokemon by trade
In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can obtain Haunter, Graveler, Machoke, and Kadabra, but they won't evolve through trading , as has been the case since the first generation. For the first time, you can complete the game's Pokédex using only a game card , without needing any external assistance.
Pokémon that previously evolved using this method now evolve with an item called the 'Union Cord' . You can buy it at the stalls in Jubilife Village. This is how you obtain Gengar, Golem, Machamp, and Alakazam.
On the other hand, other Pokémon previously required an item and then to be traded. This mechanic has also been simplified in this title. You will only need the item :
- dusknoir: Dusclops + Terrible Cloth
- elective: Electabuzz + Electrifier
- magmortar: Magmar + Magmatizer
- Porygon 2: Porygon + Upgrade
- Porygon Z: Porygon 2 + Strange Disk
- Faster: Rhydon + Protector
- Scizor: Scyther + Metallic Coating
- Steelix: Onyx + Metallic Coating
kleavor
The first regal Pokémon we encounter in the game is Kleavor, an evolutionary form of the mythical Scyther that didn't survive to the present day . To evolve it, you'll need to expose a Scyther to Black Ore . You can obtain this item randomly by defeating a Graveler or through Ursaluna's sense of smell, using the Ride Pokémon to find items underground.
ursaluna
Ursaring once had an evolution. To achieve the transformation, you must expose it to the Peat Block on a full moon . The block is obtained by using Ursaluna's Ride Pokémon in the Crimson Marsh. To access the evolution, it must be at night and there must be a full moon. You can alter the lunar cycles by sleeping at the camp, making the days pass quickly. Considering how complex this evolution is, it makes sense that this creature went extinct.
basculegia
Finally. Basculin has an evolution, but the process is somewhat complex. You can only evolve it into White Stripe Basculin . And the process differs depending on its gender. To evolve it, Basculin must lose a total of 294 HP from recoil damage using its signature move , Water Blitz.
- males: Making Water Dash with strong style.
- Females: Making Water Dash with Quick Style.
sneaker
Apparently, Sneasel was white and didn't evolve into Weavile, but into Sneasler. To do this, you must expose Hisui's Sneasel to a Razor Claw during the day.
overqwil
This is the evolution of Hisui's Qwilfish , and it will evolve by demonstrating its skill by using its signature move. Hisui's Qwilfish will evolve into Overqwill after using the attack 'Thousand Toxic Spikes' 20 times in battle using the Strong Style. It's best to choose an area where an opponent can withstand the hit. This way, you can use the move three times per battle, slightly accelerating the evolution.
wyrdeer
Stantler's evolution into Wyrdeer is similar to the previous one. Simply perform the 'Barrier Assault' attack 20 times in quick style to unlock the evolution.
bravery
Rufflet simply evolves into Hisui's Braviary at level 54, as long as we are in that region.
electrode
The Voltorb of the past was made of wood, but it still had the same bad temper as the original. This time, it transforms into Hisui's Electrode using the Leaf Stone.
Umbreon, Espeon, Sylveon, Leafeon and Glaceon
While it will be easier to catch one of these Pokémon in a space-time rift, their evolution can be done in-game. In the case of Leafeon , this will only happen if you have an Eevee at maximum happiness and bring it close to the Moss Rock in Obsidian Meadow . As for Glaceon , the process is identical, but on the Ice Rock in Dawn Tundra , which is the last area you'll unlock in the game.
On the other hand, Eevee will evolve to Umbreon, Espeon or Sylveon if it meets the following requirements and is not near one of those two rocks:
- Umbreon: maximum happiness + night
- Espeon: maximum happiness + day
- sylveon: maximum happiness + a learned fairy-type move
It has not yet been deciphered how the game manages the happiness of the Pokémon, but following the style of previous titles, it will be achieved by taking it out to battle , preventing it from being defeated and, following the mechanics of the game, possibly by sending it out to hunt for items such as minerals, apricorns and berries.