Pokémon Evolution Guide: All Evolution Lines

Pokémon evolutions are one of the fundamental pillars of the franchise. From the first games to the most recent releases, evolution remains the central mechanism that defines the growth of your travel companions. In this guide we explain everything you need to know about Pokémon evolutions.

What are Pokémon Evolutions?

Pokémon evolution is a process by which a Pokémon transforms into a stronger version of itself. This change not only increases the Pokémon’s stats, but also frequently alters its appearance, type, and available moves. Evolutions are permanent, meaning that once a Pokémon evolves, it cannot return to its previous form.

In the context of the Pokémon TCG, evolutions work similarly. You can evolve a Basic Pokémon into its First Stage evolution, and later into its Final Evolution stage, as long as you meet the evolution requirements established on the cards.

Evolution Methods

Evolution by Level

The most common method in the video games. Your Pokémon evolves upon reaching a certain level. For example, Charmander evolves into Charmeleon at level 16, and then into Charizard at level 36.

Evolution by Stone

Certain Pokémon require specific stones to evolve. This includes stones like the Water Stone, Fire Stone, Thunder Stone, Leaf Stone, among others. In the TCG, this method is represented by Trainer cards that allow Pokémon to evolve under certain conditions.

Evolution by Trade

Some Pokémon can only evolve by trading with another player. This mechanic adds a social dimension to the game, encouraging interaction between players.

Evolution by Friendship

Pokémon like Pichu, Eevee, or Munchlax evolve depending on the friendship they have with their Trainer. In modern games, friendship is measured on a numerical scale.

Special Evolutions

Some evolutions require unique conditions, such as evolving at specific times of day, knowing certain moves, or reaching a certain happiness range in a specific location.

Evolution Chains by Generation

Generation I (Kanto)

The original region brought us some of the most iconic evolutions:

Bulbasaur → Ivysaur → Venusaur (level 16/32)
Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard (level 16/36)
Squirtle → Wartortle → Blastoise (level 16/36)
Pidgey → Pidgeotto → Pidgeot (level 18/36)
Rattata → Raticate (level 20)
Spearow → Fearow (level 20)
Ekans → Arbok (level 22)
Pikachu → Raichu (Thunder Stone)
Sandshrew → Sandslash (level 22)
Nidoran♀ → Nidorina → Nidoqueen (level 16/36)
Nidoran♂ → Nidorino → Nidoking (level 16/36)
Clefairy → Clefable (Moon Stone)
Vulpix → Ninetales (Fire Stone)
Jigglypuff → Wigglytuff (Moon Stone)
Oddish → Gloom → Vileplume/Bellossom (level 21/Leaf Stone)
Paras → Parasect (level 24)
Venonat → Venomoth (level 31)
Diglett → Dugtrio (level 26)
Meowth → Persian (level 28)
Psyduck → Golduck (level 33)
Mankey → Primeape (level 28)
Growlithe → Arcanine (level 36)
Poliwag → Poliwhirl → Poliwrath/Politoed (level 25/Water Stone)
Abra → Kadabra → Alakazam (level 16/36)
Machop → Machoke → Machamp (level 28/36)
Bellsprout → Weepinbell → Victreebel (level 21/36)
Tentacool → Tentacruel (level 30)
Geodude → Graveler → Golem (level 25/36)
Ponyta → Rapidash (level 40)
Slowpoke → Slowbro/Slowking (level 37/trade)
Magnemite → Magneton → Magnezone (level 30/41)
Farfetch’d (does not evolve)
Doduo → Dodrio (level 31)
Seel → Dewgong (level 34)
Grimer → Muk (level 38)
Shellder → Cloyster (level 30)
Gastly → Haunter → Gengar (level 25/36)
Onix → Steelix (trade + Metal Coat)
Drowzee → Krabby (level 26)
Krabby → Kingler (level 28)
Voltorb → Electrode (level 30)
Exeggcute → Exeggutor (level 36)
Cubone → Marowak (level 28)
Hitmonlee/Hitmonchan (does not evolve)
Lickitung → Lickilicky (Rollout move)
Koffing → Weezing (level 35)
Rhyhorn → Rhydon → Rhyperior (level 42/64)
Chansey (does not evolve)
Tangela → Tangrowth (Ancient Power move)
Kangaskhan (does not evolve)
Horsea → Seadra (level 32)
Goldeen → Seaking (level 33)
Staryu → Starmie (Water Stone)
Mr. Mime (does not evolve)
Scyther → Scizor (trade + Metal Coat)
Jynx (does not evolve)
Electabuzz → Electivire (trade + Electirizer)
Magmar → Magmortar (trade + Electirizer)
Pinsir (does not evolve)
Tauros (does not evolve)
Magikarp → Gyarados (level 20)
Lapras (does not evolve)
Ditto (does not evolve)
Eevee → Vaporeon/Jolteon/Flareon (Water Stone/Thunder Stone/Fire Stone)
Alolan Vulpix → Alolan Ninetales (Ice Stone)
Alolan Meowth → Alolan Persian (friendship)
Alolan Geodude → Alolan Graveler → Alolan Golem (level 25/36)
Pikachu → Alolan Raichu (Thunder Stone)
Alolan Vulpix → Alolan Ninetales (Ice Stone)

Generation II (Johto)

The Johto region added many evolutions for first-generation Pokémon:

Chikorita → Bayleef → Meganium (level 16/32)
Cyndaquil → Quilava → Typhlosion (level 14/36)
Totodile → Croconaw → Feraligatr (level 14/36)
Sentret → Furret (level 15)
Hoothoot → Noctowl (level 20)
Ledyba → Ledian (level 18)
Spinarak → Ariados (level 22)
Zubat → Golbat → Crobat (level 22/23)
Chinchou → Lanturn (level 27)
Pichu → Pikachu → Raichu (friendship/Thunder Stone)
Cleffa → Clefairy → Clefable (friendship/Moon Stone)
Igglybuff → Jigglypuff → Wigglytuff (friendship/Moon Stone)
Togepi → Togetic (friendship)
Natu → Xatu (level 25)
Mareep → Flaaffy → Ampharos (level 15/30)
Bellossom (Leaf Stone)
Sunflora (Sun Stone)
Yanma → Yanmega (Ancient Power move)
Wooper → Quagsire (level 20)
Espeon (friendship + day)
Umbreon (friendship + night)
Murkrow → Honchkrow (Dusk Stone)
Slowking (trade)
Misdreavus → Mismagius (Dusk Stone)
Gligar → Gliscor (Razor Fang + night)
Steelix (trade + Metal Coat)
Snubbull → Granbull (level 23)
Qwilfish (does not evolve)
Scizor (trade + Metal Coat)
Heracross (does not evolve)
Sneasel → Weavile (Razor Claw)
Teddiursa → Ursaring (level 30)
Slugma → Magcargo (level 38)
Swinub → Piloswine → Mamoswine (level 33/55)
Corsola (does not evolve)
Remoraid → Octillery (level 25)
Delibird (does not evolve)
Mantine (does not evolve)
Skarmory (does not evolve)
Houndour → Houndoom (level 24)
Kingdra (trade + Dragon Scale)
Porygon2 → Porygon-Z (trade + Dubious Disc)
Stantler (does not evolve)
Smeargle (does not evolve)
Miltank (does not evolve)
Tyrogue → Hitmonlee/Hitmonchan/Hitmontop (level 20 + stats)
Larvitar → Pupitar → Tyranitar (level 30/55)

Generation III (Hoenn)

Treecko → Grovyle → Sceptile (level 16/36)
Torchic → Combusken → Blaziken (level 16/36)
Mudkip → Marshtomp → Swampert (level 16/36)
Poochyena → Mightyena (level 18)
Zigzagoon → Linoone (level 20)
Wurmple → Silcoon/Beautifly (level 7)
Silcoon → Beautifly (level 10)
Cascoon → Dustox (level 10)
Lotad → Lombre → Ludicolo (level 14/26)
Seedot → Nuzleaf → Shiftry (level 14/26)
Taillow → Swellow (level 22)
Wingull → Pelipper (level 25)
Ralts → Kirlia → Gardevoir/Gallade (level 6/30 + Dusk Stone/Dawn Stone)
Surskit → Masquerain (level 22)
Shroomish → Breloom (level 23)
Slakoth → Vigoroth → Slaking (level 18/36)
Nincada → Ninjask/Shedinja (level 20)
Whismur → Loudred → Exploud (level 20/40)
Makuhita → Hariyama (level 24)
Azurill → Marill (friendship)
Nosepass → Probopass (trade + Metal Coat)
Skitty → Delcatty (Moon Stone)
Sableye (does not evolve)
Mawile (does not evolve)
Aron → Lairon → Aggron (level 24/42)
Meditite → Medicham (level 37)
Electrike → Manectric (level 26)
Plusle/Minun (do not evolve)
Volbeat/Illumise (do not evolve)
Gulpin → Swalot (level 26)
Carvanha → Sharpedo (level 30)
Wailmer → Wailord (level 36)
Numel → Camerupt (level 33)
Torkoal (does not evolve)
Spoink → Grumpig (level 32)
Spinda (does not evolve)
Trapinch → Vibrava → Flygon (level 22/38)
Cacnea → Cacturne (level 32)
Swablu → Altaria (level 35)
Zangoose (does not evolve)
Seviper (does not evolve)
Lunatone/Solrock (do not evolve)
Barboach → Whiscash (level 30)
Corphish → Crawdaunt (level 30)
Baltoy → Claydol (level 36)
Lileep → Cradily (level 40)
Anorith → Armaldo (level 40)
Feebas → Milotic (trade + Prism Scale)
Castform (does not evolve)
Kecleon (does not evolve)
Shuppet → Banette (level 37)
Duskull → Dusclops → Dusknoir (level 37/57)
Tropius (does not evolve)
Chimecho (friendship)
Absol (does not evolve)
Wynaut (level 15)
Snorunt → Glalie/Froslass (level 42/Ice Stone)
Spheal → Sealeo → Walrein (level 32/44)
Clamperl → Huntail/Gorebyss (trade)
Relicanth (does not evolve)
Bagon → Shelgon → Salamence (level 30/50)
Beldum → Metang → Metagross (level 20/45)

Generation IV (Sinnoh)

Turtwig → Grotle → Torterra (level 18/32)
Chimchar → Monferno → Infernape (level 14/36)
Piplup → Prinplup → Empoleon (level 16/36)
Starly → Staravia → Staraptor (level 14/34)
Bidoof → Bibarel (level 15)
Kricketot → Kricketune (level 10)
Shinx → Luxio → Luxray (level 15/30)
Budew → Roselia → Roserade (level 15/30 + Leaf Stone/Sun Stone)
Cranidos → Rampardos (level 30)
Shieldon → Bastiodon (level 30)
Burmy → Wormadam/Mothim (level 20 + gender)
Combee → Vespiquen (level 21)
Buizel → Floatzel (level 26)
Cherubi → Cherrim (level 25)
Shellos → Gastrodon (level 30)
Drifloon → Drifblim (level 28)
Buneary → Lopunny (level 18)
Mismagius (Dusk Stone)
Glameow → Purugly (level 38)
Chingling → Chimecho (friendship)
Stunky → Skuntank (level 34)
Bronzor → Bronzong (level 33)
Bonsly → Sudowoodo (Mimic move)
Mime Jr. → Mr. Mime (Mimic move)
Happiny → Chansey → Blissey (friendship/day)
Spiritomb (does not evolve)
Gible → Gabite → Garchomp (level 24/48)
Munchlax → Snorlax (friendship)
Riolu → Lucario (friendship + day)
Hippopotas → Hippowdon (level 34)
Skorupi → Drapion (level 40)
Croagunk → Toxicroak (level 37)
Carnivine (does not evolve)
Finneon → Lumineon (level 31)
Snover → Abomasnow (level 40)
Weavile (Razor Claw)
Magnezone (Thunder Stone)
Lickilicky (Rollout move)
Rhyperior (trade + Electirizer)
Tangrowth (Ancient Power move)
Electivire (trade + Electirizer)
Magmortar (trade + Electirizer)
Togekiss (Dawn Stone)
Yanmega (Ancient Power move)
Leafeon (Leaf Stone)
Glaceon (Ice Stone)
Gliscor (Razor Fang + night)
Mamoswine (Ice Stone)
Porygon-Z (trade + Dubious Disc)
Gallade (Dawn Stone)
Probopass (trade + Metal Coat)
Dusknoir (trade + Dubious Disc)
Froslass (Ice Stone)
Rotom (does not evolve)

Generation V (Unova)

Victini (does not evolve)
Snivy → Servine → Serperior (level 17/36)
Tepig → Pignite → Emboar (level 17/36)
Oshawott → Dewott → Samurott (level 17/36)
Patrat → Watchog (level 20)
Lillipup → Herdier → Stoutland (level 20/40)
Purrloin → Liepard (level 20)
Pansage → Simisage (Leaf Stone)
Pansear → Simisear (Fire Stone)
Panpour → Simipour (Water Stone)
Munna → Musharna (level 33)
Pidove → Tranquill → Unfezant (level 21/42)
Blitzle → Zebstrika (level 27)
Roggenrola → Boldore → Gigalith (level 25/41)
Woobat → Swoobat (level 33)
Drilbur → Excadrill (level 31)
Audino (does not evolve)
Timburr → Gurdurr → Conkeldurr (level 25/41)
Tympole → Palpitoad → Seismitoad (level 25/41)
Throh/Sawk (do not evolve)
Sewaddle → Swadloon → Leavanny (level 20/41)
Venipede → Whirlipede → Scolipede (level 22/42)
Cottonee → Whimsicott (Sun Stone)
Petilil → Lilligant (Leaf Stone)
Basculin (does not evolve)
Sandile → Krokorok → Krookodile (level 29/48)
Darumaka → Darmanitan (level 35)
Maractus (does not evolve)
Dwebble → Crustle (level 34)
Scraggy → Scrafty (level 39)
Sigilyph (does not evolve)
Yamask → Cofagrigus (level 34)
Tirtouga → Carracosta (level 37)
Archen → Archeops (level 37)
Trubbish → Garbodor (level 36)
Zorua → Zoroark (level 30)
Minccino → Cinccino (level 32)
Gothita → Gothorita → Gothitelle (level 32/53)
Solosis → Duosion → Reuniclus (level 32/53)
Ducklett → Swanna (level 35)
Vanillite → Vanillish → Vanilluxe (level 35/47)
Deerling → Sawsbuck (level 34)
Emolga (does not evolve)
Karrablast → Escavalier (trade)
Foongus → Amoonguss (level 39)
Frillish → Jellicent (level 40)
Alomomola (does not evolve)
Joltik → Galvantula (level 36)
Ferroseed → Ferrothorn (level 40)
Klink → Klang → Klinklang (level 37/49)
Tynamo → Eelektrik → Eelektross (level 39/64)
Elgyem → Beheeyem (level 38)
Litwick → Lampent → Chandelure (level 41/65)
Axew → Fraxure → Haxorus (level 38/64)
Cubchoo → Beartic (level 37)
Cryogonal (does not evolve)
Shelmet → Accelgor (trade)
Stunfisk (does not evolve)
Mienfoo → Mienshao (level 50)
Druddigon (does not evolve)
Golett → Golurk (level 43)
Pawniard → Bisharp (level 52)
Bouffalant (does not evolve)
Rufflet → Braviary (level 54)
Vullaby → Mandibuzz (level 54)
Heatmor (does not evolve)
Durant (does not evolve)
Deino → Zweilous → Hydreigon (level 50/64)
Larvesta → Volcarona (level 59)
Cobalion/Terrakion/Virizion (do not evolve)
Tornadus/Thundurus/Landorus (do not evolve)
Reshiram/Zekrom/Kyurem (do not evolve)
Keldeo/Tornadus/Thundurus/Landorus (do not evolve)

Generation VI (Kalos)

Chespin → Quilladin → Chesnaught (level 16/36)
Fennekin → Braixen → Delphox (level 16/36)
Froakie → Frogadier → Greninja (level 16/36)
Bunnelby → Diggersby (level 20)
Fletchling → Fletchinder → Talonflame (level 17/35)
Scatterbug → Spewpa → Vivillon (level 9/12)
Litleo → Pyroar (level 35)
Flabébé → Floette → Florges (level 19/36 + Leaf Stone/Sun Stone/Moon Stone)
Skiddo → Gogoat (level 32)
Pancham → Pangoro (level 36)
Furfrou (does not evolve)
Honedge → Doublade → Aegislash (level 35/52)
Spritzee → Aromatisse (trade + Sachet)
Swirlix → Slurpuff (trade + Sachet)
Inkay → Malamar (level 30)
Binacle → Barbaracle (level 39)
Helioptile → Heliolisk (Sun Stone)
Tyrunt → Tyrantrum (level 39)
Amaura → Aurorus (level 39)
Sylveon (friendship + Fairy move)
Hawlucha (does not evolve)
Dedenne (does not evolve)
Carbink (does not evolve)
Goomy → Sliggoo → Goodra (level 40/50 + Dragon)
Klefki (does not evolve)
Phantump → Trevenant (trade)
Pumpkaboo → Gourgeist (trade)
Bergmite → Avalugg (level 37)
Noibat → Noivern (level 41/61)
Xerneas (does not evolve)
Yveltal (does not evolve)
Zygarde (does not evolve)
Diancie (does not evolve)
Hoopa (does not evolve)
Volcanion (does not evolve)

Generation VII (Alola)

Rowlet → Dartrix → Decidueye (level 17/34)
Litten → Torracat → Incineroar (level 17/34)
Popplio → Brionne → Primarina (level 17/34)
Pikipek → Trumbeak → Toucannon (level 12/24)
Yungoos (does not evolve - alternative)
Grubbin → Charjabug → Vikavolt (level 20/40)
Crabrawler → Crabominable (level 34)
Oricorio (does not evolve)
Cutiefly → Ribombee (level 25)
Rockruff → Lycanroc (level 25 + form)
Wishiwashi (does not evolve)
Mareanie → Toxapex (level 38)
Mudbray → Mudsdale (level 30)
Dewpider → Araquanid (level 30)
Fomantis → Lurantis (level 34 + day)
Morelull → Shiinotic (level 25)
Salandit → Salazzle (level 33)
Stufful → Bewear (level 27)
Bounsweet → Steenee → Tsareena (level 18/38)
Comfey (does not evolve)
Oranguru (does not evolve)
Passimian (does not evolve)
Wimpod → Golisopod (level 39)
Sandygast → Palossand (level 38)
Pyukumuku (does not evolve)
Minior (does not evolve)
Komala (does not evolve)
Turtonator (does not evolve)
Togedemaru (does not evolve)
Mimikyu (does not evolve)
Bruxish (does not evolve)
Drampa (does not evolve)
Dhelmise (does not evolve)
Jangmo-o → Hakamo-o → Kommo-o (level 35/55)
Cosmog → Cosmoem → Solgaleo/Lunala (level 43/53)
Poipole → Naganadel (level 41)
Stakataka (does not evolve)
Blacephalon (does not evolve)
Magearna (does not evolve)
Marshadow (does not evolve)
Necrozma (does not evolve)

Generation VIII (Galar)

Grookey → Thwackey → Rillaboom (level 16/35)
Scorbunny → Raboot → Cinderace (level 16/35)
Sobble → Drizzile → Inteleon (level 16/35)
Wooloo → Dubwool (level 24)
Chewtle → Drednaw (level 22)
Gossifleur → Eldegoss (level 20)
Rolycoly → Carkol → Coalossal (level 18/38)
Applin → Appletun/Flapple (level 36 + Tart Apple/Sweet Apple)
Silicobra → Sandaconda (level 36)
Cramorant (does not evolve)
Arrokuda → Barraskewda (level 26)
Toxel → Toxtricity (level 30 + nature)
Sizzlipede → Centiskorch (level 28)
Clobbopus → Grapploct (level 35)
Sinistea → Polteageist (level 25 + unique item)
Hatenna → Hattrem → Hatterene (level 32/50)
Impidimp → Morgrem → Grimmsnarl (level 32/50)
Obstagoon (requires alternate evolution)
Perrserker (requires alternate evolution)
Cursola (requires alternate evolution)
Sirfetch’d (requires alternate evolution)
Mr. Rime (requires alternate evolution)
Runerigus (requires alternate evolution)
Milcery → Alcremie (level 25 + unique item)
Falinks (does not evolve)
Pincurchin (does not evolve)
Snom → Frosmoth (level 35 + night)
Stonjourner (does not evolve)
Eiscue (does not evolve)
Indeedee (does not evolve)
Morpeko (does not evolve)
Cufant → Copperajah (level 38)
Dracovish (does not evolve)
Duraludon (does not evolve)
Dreepy → Drakloak → Dragapult (level 50/60)
Zacian/Zamazenta/Eternatus (do not evolve)
Zacian → Zacian-Crowned/Zamazenta-Crowned (unique item)
Kubfu → Urshifu (unique item + form)

Generation IX (Paldea)

Sprigatito → Floragato → Meowscarada (level 16/36)
Fuecoco → Crocalor → Skeledirge (level 16/36)
Quaxly → Quaxwell → Quaquaval (level 16/36)
Lechonk → Oinkologne (level 18 + gender)
Tarountula → Spidops (level 15)
Nymble → Lokix (level 24)
Pawmi → Pawmo → Pawmot (level 18/38)
Tandemaus → Maushold (level 25)
Fidough → Dachsbun (level 26)
Smoliv → Dolliv → Arboliva (level 25/45)
Nacli → Naclstack → Garganacl (level 26/46)
Glimmet → Glimmora (level 35)
Wiglett → Wugtrio (level 26)
Bombirdier (does not evolve)
Finizen → Palafin (level 38)
Varoom → Revavroom (level 40)
Cyclizar (does not evolve)
Orthworm (does not evolve)
Glimmora (does not evolve)
Greavard → Houndstone (level 50)
Flamigo (does not evolve)
Tinkatink → Tinkatuff → Tinkaton (level 38/55)
Armarouge/Ceruledge (do not evolve)
Tatsugiri (does not evolve)
Dondozo (does not evolve)
Veluza (does not evolve)
Dudunsparce (level 32)
Great Tusk/Brute Bonnet (do not evolve)
Gouging Fire/Raging Bolt/Iron Treads/Iron Bundle/Iron Hands/Iron Jugulis/Iron Leaves/Iron Moth/Iron Thorns/Iron Valiant (do not evolve)
Tera form evolutions

Evolutions in the Pokémon TCG

In the trading card game, evolutions work slightly differently:

Evolution Cards

Evolution cards are played from your hand onto a Basic Pokémon that is already on your Bench. To evolve, you must follow these rules:

The Pokémon must be on your Bench (it cannot evolve from the Active Spot)
You must have the corresponding Evolution card
You cannot evolve the turn you put the Basic Pokémon into play
There is no such thing as an evolution cost in the TCG; you simply need the card and the Basic Pokémon

Evolution Strategies

Early evolution: Some Pokémon have powerful attacks from their Basic stage, so evolving immediately may not be the best strategy
Support cards: There are Trainer cards that facilitate evolution, such as the Evolution Stone
Timing: Knowing the optimal moment to evolve can make the difference in a match

Tips for Evolving Pokémon

Know the requirements: Each Pokémon has specific evolution conditions. Research before training.
Use evolution items: In the video games, items like the Leaf Stone, Fire Stone, or Water Stone are essential for many evolutions.
Take advantage of trade: Some Pokémon only evolve when traded. Consider this when looking to complete your Pokédex.
Manage friendship: For Pokémon that evolve by friendship, interact regularly with your Pokémon to increase their happiness.
Level wisely: Instead of grinding levels, consider using the Exp. Share or parallel battling to level up faster.
Meet special conditions: Some evolutions require learning specific moves or reaching particular achievements.

Conclusion

Pokémon evolutions are a fundamental aspect that defines the gameplay experience, both in the video games and in the TCG. With more than 1,000 Pokémon and multiple evolution methods, there is always something new to discover. Use this guide as a reference to plan your evolution strategy and maximize your team’s potential.

Whether you are a Trainer looking to complete your Pokédex or a TCG player looking to optimize your deck, understanding evolutions will give you a significant advantage in your Pokémon adventure.