Pokemon Legends Z-A Evolution Guide: Triggers, Stones, Trades

This guide explains how evolution works in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, covering the main trigger methods—level-up, evolution stones, and trades—and how to use them reliably. You’ll learn which items to look for, how to handle trade evolutions without a friend, and what to do when a Pokémon won’t evolve.

Formula

The calculator above gives a rough target level for evolution based on your current level and method. It uses this formula:

Target Level = Current Level + (10 × Method Factor) + (5 × Stone Multiplier)

Where:

• Current Level – the Pokémon’s level when you start (1–100).
• Method Factor – 1 for level-up, 2 for stone, 3 for trade.
• Stone Multiplier – 1 if you’re using a stone, 0.5 if not (you can enter 1 or 0.5 manually).

This is a general guide, not a precise game formula. Actual evolution levels vary by species.

Worked Example

Suppose your Pokémon is at Level 30, you’re using a level-up method, and no stone. Using the defaults:

1. Method Factor = 1 (level-up)
2. Stone Multiplier = 1 (default, but you’re not using a stone, so you’d enter 0.5 if you want accuracy)
3. Target = 30 + (10 × 1) + (5 × 1) = 45

With the default stone multiplier of 1, the calculator shows 45. But if you enter 0.5 for no stone, it shows 42.5, which rounds to 43. That’s a better estimate for a non-stone evolution.

How Evolution Works in Legends: Z-A

Like other modern Pokémon games, Legends: Z-A uses a mix of classic and new evolution methods. Most Pokémon evolve by leveling up, but many require specific conditions:

• Level-up – reach a certain level (often with a unique animation).
• Evolution stones – use a Fire Stone, Water Stone, Thunder Stone, Leaf Stone, Moon Stone, Sun Stone, Shiny Stone, Dusk Stone, Dawn Stone, or Ice Stone on the Pokémon.
• Trades – trade the Pokémon to another player (or in some cases, trade while holding an item).
• Other methods – some evolve by friendship, by knowing a certain move, by leveling up in a specific location, or by using a special item.

The game tells you when a Pokémon can evolve. If you see a “can evolve” prompt, you’re ready.

Evolution Stones: Where to Find Them

Stones are scattered throughout Lumiose City and the surrounding areas. You can find them as:

• Shiny item balls on the ground (they sparkle).
• Rewards for completing side quests or battling trainers.
• Purchased from in-game shops (if available in that version).
• Obtained from the wild Pokémon you catch (some hold stones).

If you’re short on a specific stone, check the city’s antique shop or the flea market—they sometimes sell stones for Poké Dollars. You can also use the “Itemfinder” app on your Rotom Phone to locate hidden items.

Trade Evolutions and How to Handle Them

Some Pokémon (like Machoke, Graveler, Haunter, and Kadabra) evolve only when traded. In Legends: Z-A, you have a few options:

1. Trade with a friend – use the Union Circle or link trade to swap and trade back.
2. Use the in-game trade – some NPCs will trade you a Pokémon that evolves immediately, but you don’t get your original back.
3. Find a wild evolution – in some games, you can catch the evolved form directly in the wild (e.g., catch a Machamp instead of a Machoke).

If you don’t have a friend, try the GTS (Global Trade System) if it’s available, or look for a Pokémon that evolves by trade but can also be caught in its final form. In Legends: Z-A, you might find wild evolved forms in the later areas.

How to Choose the Right Method

For each Pokémon, check its evolution method in the Pokédex. The game will show a hint like “evolves when traded” or “evolves when exposed to a Fire Stone.” If you’re unsure, try these steps:

• Level it up a few times – most Pokémon evolve by level.
• Use a stone if you have one that matches the type (Fire Stone for Growlithe, Water Stone for Poliwhirl, etc.).
• For trade evolutions, try the GTS or a friend.

Don’t waste stones on Pokémon that don’t need them. Check the Pokédex first—it usually tells you the method.

Common Problems and Fixes

If a Pokémon isn’t evolving, check these:

• Level cap – some Pokémon evolve at a specific level (e.g., 36). If you’re below, keep leveling.
• Holding an item – some evolve when traded while holding a specific item (e.g., Metal Coat for Scyther). Make sure you have the right item.
• Friendship – some evolve by high friendship (e.g., Golbat). Check your friendship by talking to the Pokémon or using a friendship-checking app.
• Time of day – a few evolve only during day or night.
• Location – some evolve only in specific areas (like Eevee into Leafeon near a mossy rock).

If you’ve met all conditions and it still won’t evolve, try leveling up once more or restarting the game. Sometimes a glitch can prevent evolution, but that’s rare.

Costs and Where to Get Items

Evolution stones and items can be bought or found. Prices vary, but you can usually get them for free by exploring. If you’re short on money, sell some spare items or battle trainers to earn Poké Dollars. The in-game shops restock periodically, so check back often.

Alternatives: Catching Evolved Forms

If you don’t want to bother with evolution, you can often catch the final form directly in the wild. In Legends: Z-A, later areas have higher-level Pokémon, including evolved forms. For example, you might catch a wild Staraptor instead of evolving a Staravia. This saves time and items, but you’ll miss out on the experience points and moves learned during evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I evolve a Pokémon without trading?

Yes, for most trade evolutions you can use an in-game trade or catch the evolved form. Some games also offer a “Link Cable” item that lets you evolve trade Pokémon without trading, but it’s not always available. Check your bag for a Link Cable—if you have one, use it on the Pokémon.

Do evolution stones work on any Pokémon?

No, each stone works only on specific species. For example, a Fire Stone evolves Growlithe and Vulpix, but not Pikachu. Check the Pokédex to see which stone a Pokémon needs.

What level do most Pokémon evolve?

It varies. Early-game Pokémon often evolve around level 20–30, while others need level 40 or higher. Some evolve at level 50+. Check the Pokédex for exact levels.

Can I cancel an evolution?

Yes, when the evolution animation starts, you can press the B button (or the equivalent) to cancel it. You can try again later by leveling up again or using the stone again.

Are there any Pokémon that evolve by trading while holding an item?

Yes, some like Scyther (Metal Coat), Slowpoke (King’s Rock), and Onix (Metal Coat) need a specific held item when traded. Make sure the Pokémon is holding the right item before trading.

Why won’t my Eevee evolve into Espeon?

Eevee evolves into Espeon with high friendship during the day. If it’s night, you’ll get Umbreon instead. Also, make sure you haven’t used a stone—stones give different forms (like Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon).

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in level | Current Level | - | 30 | 1 | 100
in method | Evolution Method | Level-up=1, Stone=2, Trade=3 | 1 | 1 | 3
in stone | Stone Multiplier (if Stone) | - | 1 | 0.5 | 2
out target | Target Level | - | level + 10 * method + 5 * stone | 0