Pokemon Sword and Shield are out now, and with these new games comes new methods of Pokemon Evolutions. Galarian versions of previously introduced Pokemon are of course also present, with some having their own special method for evolving. This consists of anything from using particular stones, to visiting specific locations, to even physically moving around the Switch. Whichever version is being played, there are some unconventional methods for evolving Pokemon this time around in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
The Pokemon series is no stranger to strange evolution mechanics. The series has had creative and alternative ways to evolve Pokemon besides the typical level-up-battle-routine. Previous games in the franchise have typically used such evolution mechanics as stone utilization and the like, so these new mechanics are to be expected. With these games featuring 400 Pokemon in its Pokedex, it can be cumbersome to differentiate all the types of evolutions. The new evolutions introduced in these games are no different.
Pokedex #18 - Vikavolt
This Pokemon was previously introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon. In those titles, Charjabug would evolve into Vikavolt near an electric field, whereas in Sword and Shield, it simply uses a Thunder Stone.
Pokedex #33 - Obstagoon
This is a new Pokemon introduced in Sword and Shield, and it evolves from a Galarian Linoone after it hits level 35. Unlike others where happiness is usually evolved in nighttime evolutions, the only requirement for Obstagoon is that this be at night time.
Pokedex #186 - Alcremie
This Pokemon is also new, and it evolves from its previous form, Milcery, another new Pokemon. The way Milcery evolves into Alcremie is a mechanic entirely new to the series. First, Milcery must be caught and given a Sweet. After doing that, the player must then spin their left joystick repeatedly while keeping the trainer in place. There are nine different flavors of Alcremie that can come about and whichever evolution happens depends on several factors including the time of day, the direction of the spin, and how long the trainer is being spun. Alcremie evolution flavors include Vanilla, Caramel Swirl, Lemon Cream, and more. Though there are nine varieties of Alcremie, the evolution process, or more accurately the spinning process, only affects the form of the Pokemon and does not have any effect on the stats of it.
Eeveelutions - Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon
There have been minor changes made to the Eevee evolution requirements for Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon. First, Leafeon now evolves with a leaf stone (previously, Eevee needed to evolve near a mossy rock). Glaceon now evolves with an Ice Stone (previously, Eevee needed to evolve near an icy rock). Lastly, Sylveon now requires Eevee to have high friendship (as opposed to having a high affection level through the Pokemon X and Y bonding mechanic, Pokemon Amie) and a fairy move. Alternatively, Sylveon can be caught when the weather is foggy near the Lake of Outrage.
Pokedex #219 - Sirfetch’d
This is another new Pokemon introduced to Sword and Shield. The evolution mechanic used for it is unique compared to all other Pokemon. To get it, a Galarian Farfetch’d must be used in battle and it must successfully execute three critical hits on an opponent. The battle must end with the opponent’s defeat as well. In the Sword version, the leek that is usually found with it can significantly help with critical hits.
Pokedex #291 - Malamar
This Pokemon was originally introduced in Pokemon X and Y for the Nintendo 3DS. On those games, Inkay evolves into Malamar after hitting level 30. However the player must also finish the battle with the 3DS unit upside down. This is the only way to achieve the evolution. Similarly, in Sword and Shield, when Inkay reaches level 30 and wins a battle, if the undocked Switch with Joy-Cons attached is held upside down, the Inkay will evolve into a Malamar. Some things never change.
Pokedex #328 - Runerigus
This new Pokemon evolves from a Galarian Yamask. The way this happens though is different than every other evolution method. When a Galarian Yamask is missing at least 49 points of HP and the player travels with it to an arch in the Dusty Bowl area, it will evolve into a Runerigus.
Pokemon Sword and Shield is available now on Nintendo Switch.