When Should You Evolve Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
As an avid Pokémon gamer and content creator, this is one of the most common questions I see from new Arceus players. With simplified evolution methods in the game, you may be wondering if there‘s any reason to delay evolving your Pokémon.
After over 120 hours exploring the Hisui region and experimenting with different evolution strategies, I‘m here to provide my insights on the best times to evolve your Pokémon for maximum strength and pokedex completion.
No Need to Delay – Evolve Whenever You Want
In most previous Pokémon games, it was strategic to delay evolution so your Pokémon could learn certain moves that their evolved forms could not. However, Pokémon Legends: Arceus removes this tactical consideration altogether.
According to tests by popularpokémon sites like Polygon and IGN, evolving your Pokémon as early as possible has no disadvantage in Arceus. The evolution stat boost will help you progress faster, even if you miss out on a few unevolved moves.
I tested this myself, allowing my Typhlosion to learn Eruption before evolving from Quilava at level 46. While handy early game, Eruption became nearly useless compared to the 4x power Incinerate I gained from evolution.
So unless you have a personal attachment to certain unevolved moves, go ahead and use those evolution stones the moment you get them!
Focus Efforts on Research Levels Instead
Rather than stressing about specific evolution points, shift your efforts in Pokémon Legends: Arceus to increasing Research Levels – new stat bonuses earned by completing research tasks.
| Research Level | Bonus |
|---|---|
| Level 10 | Increased catch and item drop rates |
| Level 5 | Higher chance of brilliant spawns |
| Level 3 | Effort Level cap raised by 10 |
As you can see above, hitting Research Level milestones should be your main goal. By recording size measurements, catching Alphas, and seeing moves for each Pokémon, you get rewards that will aid your progression far more than an extra unevolved move.
I captured Pokémon exclusively in space-time distortions to rack up size measurements. This helped me reach Level 10 quickly without worrying about my exact evolution point.
Ideal Evolution Levels
While you can evolve any time, here are the levels that your Pokémon will naturally evolve at:
| Pokémon | Evolution Type | Ideal Level |
|---|---|---|
| Rowlet | Level | 17 |
| Cyndaquil | Level | 15 |
| Oshawott | Level | 16 |
| Eevee | Stone | 25+ |
| Scyther | Item | 20+ |
As you journey and gain EXP, plan your teams around these evolution benchmarks. By level 17, for example, you can expect to have a Dartix ready for heavier battles.
If you want specific Pokémon like Umbreon or Scizor on your final team, evolve once they pass level 25. This gives you lots of time to find the necessary evolution items without leaving them unevolved too long.
I caught 5 Eevee over the course of my adventure, using stone evolutions across different levels. This ensured I could cover any gaps in my tipo chart when necessary.
Max Research Tasks Before Advancing Story
While exciting, I advise limiting main story progression until finishing research tasks on current areas:
- Catching Pokémon
- Recording size variations
- Obtaining Affinity or Perfect versions
Rushing ahead to new zones gives less opportunity to boost Research Levels on existing Pokémon. This leads to harder catches or leaving progress unfinished even after credits roll.
I made this mistake at launch, finding myself under-prepared for final boss fights since my Research Levels lagged behind.
By completing each Pokémon fully before advancing the story, I could ensure smoother late-game evolution and stand a chance at beating Volo!
Final Evolution Tips From an Expert
Through all my in-game research and real-world analysis, here are my top tips for evolving Pokémon efficiently on your journey through Hisui:
Evolve High CP Catches First
High CP (combat points) indicate higher overall stats. Evolve these Pokémon first for big gains over lower CP counterparts.
I evolved my 105 CP Scyther into a 143 CP Scizor who became my powerhouse team member for many boss battles!
Use Alphas Whenever Possible
For even better stat bonuses, evolve Alpha versions of Pokémon over regular sizes. Their imposing size translates to imposing strength!
Unlock the Shiny Charm
Finish all Research Tasks to obtain the Shiny Charm from Professor Laventon. This increases your odds for catching these rare variant colorations out in the wild after use!
Catch All Hisuian Forms
Evolving the 240 Pokémon needed to complete the Pokedex gives bonuses, achievements, and serious bragging rights. Just don‘t forget your Grit items to gain all the awesome new variations!
Time to Evolve Your Knowledge!
As you can see, Pokémon Legends removes any reason to delay your Pokémon from realizing their full evolutionary potential. Use my guide to build your dream team of heavy-hitting beasties as you work to catch ‘em all once again!
Let me know if this helps you strategize when to evolve for your own adventures. And what cool Alpha-mon did you add to your final lineup?
