Evolution Methods

[Hiatus]

To evolve most Pokémon, we are required to level them up to a certain point. Though, aside from this, some Pokémon require special treatment, and to have them evolved, we sometimes need to go through slightly more of a complex process. There are those out there that require stones, some need happiness and love, and for those, they need to be in certain location at a certain time.

Of all methods we have, which would we say we are most fond of, and why? With this, how many Pokémon have we found ourselves evolving in total? Did we find this to be enjoyable, if at all? Which method is our least favorite, and why so? If we were to change anything about this to make it more likable and whatnot, what would it be, and how would it go?

For myself, I'd say my favorite is evolutionary stones. They often require no level-up nor training; all we'd have to do is find a specific stone, and use it on the Pokémon which requires it. As far as least favorites go, one of them would likely have to be item-based trading. It's sometimes tough to find the particular item a Pokémon needs, and it's also a hassle to find some to trade back-and-forth with.

 

[ActualRealJamz]

Trading is my least favourite - even moreso where an item is required. I don't fancy the convoluted process of trading back and forth after finding the right item and so on. Pokémon that use moves like Return or Frustration lose their benefits, having their happiness reset upon trading. Never mind the fact that the idea is ridiculous in the first place - who would honesty trade away a Pokémon they've worked hard on, knowing full well that it'll evolve for the other person, except in exchange for the same bleedin' thing? I never understood it.

Location-based evolution is probably my favourite method - it's allowed for the introduction of additional (and those two are great) eeveelutions, as well a the expansion of a few others. It's an interesting concept, and it almost works; I think it simply lacks in depth. I think it requires that some kind of level cap be in place, just to make sure that players can't get the more powerful Pokémon too early on. In it's current state the system is fine - it's the late-game Pokémon (and stage twos) that tend to evolve through this method right now, but if they were to introduce more it would become increasingly difficult to ensure that this continues.

Award for most interesting method definitely goes to Feebas, though. Certainly not something that you'd think to do, mind.

Also, does anybody else think that the Pokémon introduced in generation five have some absolutely ridiculous levels for evolution? I know that the choice was made to bring the evolutionary levels in line with the game's levelling system - but these numbers are absolute huge (HYDREIGON!). Nevermind the fact that they break a tradition, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's rather difficult to obtain final forms before one starts the Elite 4 in some cases. It seems rather silly, in my opinion.

 

[Hiatus]

I don't necessarily dislike happiness-based evolution, but from time to time, I find it to be rather tough, so I try avoiding the method whenever possible (and request somebody else to do it if they're good and have time). I wish they would introduce some extra ways to make our Pokémon happy, instead of simply winning battles with them, taking a walk in the park, getting massage, and so forth. I'm not too sure about others, but I know I would find myself appreciating it!

 

[Pendraflare]

There have been a lot of evolution methods, but I think one of the more unique ones was Inkay in Generation VI, which requires you to flip the 3DS upside down after it reaches Level 32 to evolve it. While it may have been rather unconventional, it's not the kind of method you see every day; I mean you have trading with items but sometimes I find that to be a bit of a hassle.

 

[Hiatus]

If I were to put a method together of my own, I'd make it legendary-based, so to speak.

Legendary Pokémon tend to posses powers that average ones don't, according to their myth and whatnot. Perhaps we could Pokémon out there to "absorb" some of those power from them, if you will, which would lend a hand on them evolving. In order for us to achieve this, we'd need to have a legendary on our team (while leveling-up) depending on the Pokémon's type-group (for example, to evolve one of these kind of fire-types, we'd need to have something such as Moltres on our party).

I hope this isn't sounding too confusing! Basically, to put it all together, in this evolution method, we would be borrowing energy from legendaries, helping certain Pokémon to increase their strength and grow.

 

[Pave Low]

Trade evolutions are really annoying. If you have, for example, a Graveler throughout the game and you get it to, say, level 60 it's just so inconvenient that you cannot have it evolve unless it is traded. Also, Pokemon that you cannot evolve are considerably weaker than their evolution, so that's a disadvantage that people will encounter if they can't or do not want to trade.

I like the idea of Evolution Stones, because it makes sense and it can be a good idea for Pokemon such as the Eeveelutions. Plus, they're nice little items to find if you want. It's always helpful when you don't have to wait to level 40 to evolve a Pokemon, when you can get a Moon Stone and have a Nidoqueen/King at level 16 :3

 

[DyingWillFlareon]

I see a lot of votes for evolutionary stones here, but honestly I almost hate them. Sure I like how some need them making it more unique but at the same time I have to look for the stone, then decide what moves I want my Pokemon to have, then pick the right moment. Having a Pansear instead of Simisear for that long really sucked.....

But item based evolution is the worst(no offense blue and silver) because 50% of the time I play a game it's on emulator because I don't want to reset my games and that means I can't trade and even on the real consoles it sucks how long it takes. :T

My favorite would be the regular ol' level up evolution. For one sometimes it's 'oh look your cubone evolved surprise' because you didn't know what level, and I can be blissfully unaware that my Zigzagoon could have learned Earthquake a few levels ago if I had pressed B rather than in 20 more levels.

So that's just my take. :3