Evolutions Weird and Special

In the Pokémon series, several Pokémon have unique or unusual evolution methods that deviate from the standard levelling process. Here's a summary of some of these weird and unique evolutions:

Trade Evolutions: Some Pokémon evolve only when traded between players. For example, Machoke evolves into Machamp and Haunter into Gengar when traded.

Item-based Evolutions: Certain Pokémon require specific items to evolve. For instance, Eevee evolves into Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon when exposed to a Water, Thunder, or Fire Stone, respectively.

Happiness and Friendship: Some Pokémon evolve based on their level of friendship with the trainer. Examples include Togepi evolving into Togetic and Eevee evolving into Espeon or Umbreon, depending on the time of day.

Time of Day: Certain Pokémon evolve only during specific times. For example, Eevee evolves into Espeon during the day and Umbreon at night when they have a strong friendship.

Location-based Evolutions: Some Pokémon require specific locations to evolve. For example, Magneton evolves into Magnezone when levelled up in specific magnetic fields.

Move-based Evolutions: Certain Pokémon evolve when they know a specific move. For example, Piloswine evolves into Mamoswine when it learns Ancient Power.

Gender-specific Evolutions: Some Pokémon evolve differently based on their gender. For instance, Combee evolves into Vespiquen only if it is female.

Unique Conditions: There are also unique conditions for evolution, such as Inkay, which evolves into Malamar when levelled up while the gaming device is held upside down.

Held Item Evolutions: Some Pokémon evolve when traded while holding a specific item. For example, Onix, holding a Metal Coat, evolves into Steelix when traded.

Special Methods: Other unique methods include evolving through specific in-game actions or stats like Pancham evolving into Pangoro when a Dark-type Pokémon is in the party.

Weather-based Evolutions: Some Pokémon evolve under specific weather conditions. For example, Sliggoo evolves into Goodra when levelled up during rain in the overworld.

Stat-based Evolutions: Certain Pokémon evolve based on their stats. For example, Tyrogue evolves into Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, or Hitmontop depending on whether its Attack, Defense, or both are higher at level 20.

Form-based Evolutions: Some Pokémon have different forms that affect evolution. For example, Rockruff evolves into other forms of Lycanroc depending on the time of day and version of the game.

Evolution through Affection: In some games, Pokémon evolve through high levels of affection, a separate mechanic from friendship. Sylveon, for example, evolves from Eevee when it has high affection and knows a Fairy-type move.

Special Battle Conditions: Some Pokémon evolve after participating in specific battle conditions. For example, Galarian Farfetch evolves into Sirfetch'd after landing three critical hits in a single battle.

Evolution through Rotational Battles: In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Yamask evolves into Runerigus when it takes at least 49 HP in damage and is brought to a specific location in the Wild Area.

Party-based Evolutions: Certain Pokémon require specific Pokémon in the party to evolve. Mantyke evolves into Mantine when levelled up with a Remoraid in the party.

Levelling with Specific Pokémon: In some cases, Pokémon evolve when levelled up alongside certain species. For example, Crabrawler evolves into Crabominable when levelled up in snowy areas.

Evolution by Shedding: Nincada evolves into Ninjask at level 20, but if the player has an empty slot in their party and a Poké Ball, they also receive a Shedinja.

Evolution through Interaction: Some Pokémon evolve through interaction with specific game features. For example, Milcery evolves into Alcremie when holding a Sweet item, and the player spins their character.

Level-up with a Specific Stat Condition: Some Pokémon evolve when they reach a particular level with a specific stat condition. For example, Clamperl evolves into Huntail or Gorebyss when traded holding a Deep Sea Tooth or Deep Sea Scale, respectively, which are tied to their Attack and Defense stats.

Evolution by Learning Specific Moves: Certain Pokémon evolve when they learn specific moves. For example, Mime Jr. evolves into Mr. Mime when it learns the move Mimic.

Evolution through Battling Specific Pokémon: Some Pokémon evolve after battling specific types of Pokémon. For instance, Galarian Yamask evolves into Runerigus after taking 49 or more damage and then being brought to a specific location in the Wild Area.

Evolution through Max Raid Battles: Some Pokémon, like Milcery, evolve into different forms of Alcremie depending on the type of Sweet item they hold and the duration and direction of the player’s spin before starting a Max Raid Battle.

Weather and Time-Based Evolutions: Certain Pokémon evolve based on a combination of weather and time. For example, Sliggoo evolves into Goodra when leveled up during rain in the overworld, but only from level 50 onward.

Evolution through Friendship and Time: Some Pokémon require high friendship and specific times of day to evolve. For example, Eevee evolves into Sylveon with high friendship and knowing a Fairy-type move, but it must also be during the day or night.

Evolution through Special Items and Conditions: Some Pokémon require both a special item and specific conditions to evolve. For example, Porygon evolves into Porygon2 when traded holding an Upgrade, and then into Porygon-Z when traded holding a Dubious Disc.

Evolution through Game-specific Mechanics: Certain Pokémon evolve through game-specific mechanics, such as using the Pokémon Refresh feature in Pokémon Sun and Moon for certain evolutions.

Evolution through Special Events: Occasionally, Pokémon evolve through special in-game events or mechanics, such as evolving Inkay into Malamar by holding the gaming device upside down during level-up.

Evolution through Friendship and Moves: Some Pokémon evolve with a combination of high friendship and learning a specific move, like evolving Riolu into Lucario through high friendship during the day.

These diverse evolution methods add depth and strategy to the Pokémon games, encouraging players to explore various tactics to complete their Pokédex.