Summary
A lot of things in thePokemonseries have changed since Pokemon Red and Blue was released in 1996. Every new generation of games brings new Pokemon and new mechanics, andPokemon ScarletandVioletare the same.
Even evolution, one of the core mechanics of the series, has seen some alteration. It’s the way Pokemon gain new forms and new strength, making it a vital part of the journey. Previously, Pokemon only evolved by leveling up, using evolution items, or trading. However, a lot of newer Pokemon have much more complicated evolution methods, and obtaining some of the strongest creatures in the game is now a challenge of its own.
Updated July 31, 2025 by Ben Painter:Pokemon used to be simple when it came to evolution, level up the Pokemon to a certain level and it would change form. Or gamers would need a certain stone or even needed to trade their Pokemon to evolve them. As the games developed, Game Freak came up with new methods of evolution, the Pokemon needed to be in a specific place, needed high amounts of friendship, or needed to know a certain move. This is also the case inPokemon Scarlet & Violet, some evolutions are straightforward, but overs take a lot of work in order to accomplish, including some of the latest ‘mons added inThe Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 2: The Indigo DiskDLC.
10Inkay
Evolution Requirement: Turn the Nintendo Switch Upside Down
Introduced inPokemon X & YInkay came with the unique method of evolution that the Nintendo 3DS must be turned upside down in order for Inkay to become Malamar. This is a reference to Malamar being an upside-down squid.
The Dark/Psychic typerecently made a return to the franchise as part of the Indigo Disk DLC in Scarlet & Violet and the evolution method remained the same. Gamers must turn their Nintendo Switch upside down, this means that they must not play in docked mode or the method will not work. Also, if players are using the Pro Controller, then it will not work either, the console must be in handheld mode with the joycons attached for this to work. Level up Inkay to level 30 and make sure the console is upside down.
9Duraludon
Evolution Requirement: Expose To Metal Alloy
Duraludon is an often forgotten Pokemon, it first appeared inPokemon Sword & Shieldand was used as the Ace Pokemon of Raihan of Hammerlocke showcasing a Gygantamax form.
In the latest DLC, Duraludon was given some love from thePokemonfranchise with a new evolution in Archaludon, to evolve this, gamers must find a Metal Alloy. This item can be rewarded after filling 190 Pokemon in the Pokedex, found in Chargestone Cave or purchased from the Blueberry Academy store from 300 BP. Give it to Duraludon at any level, just like a stone, and it will evolve.
8Sliggoo
Evolution Requirement: During Rain Or Fog
The Goodra line was introduced back inPokemon XandY.The powerful Goodraonly evolves from Sliggoo when leveled up past level 50 in the rain. This line makes a reappearance inScarletandViolet, but the change in location has affected the ease of their evolution.
Whereas Kalos and other regions have routes that are often covered in rain, Paldea’s open world has a more random chance of receiving rain, making evolving Sliggoo potentially a drawn-out endeavor for unlucky trainers, especially since level 50 is already a fairly high evolution requirement.
7Primeape
Evolution Requirement: Level Up After Using Rage Fist 20 Times
Mankey and Primeape have been a part of thePokemonseries from the very beginning, as part of the original 151 Pokemon.ScarletandViolethave provided them with anew evolution in the form of Annihilape, a fighting/ghost type who is easily one of the best Pokemon in the game.
In order to evolve, a Primeape needs to use the new move “Rage Fist” 20 times in battle before leveling up. Primeape learns rage fist at level 35, so 36 is the minimum level it can evolve. Rage Fist only has 10pp, so the process will take at least one trip to the Pokemon center, or some pp restoring items.
6Finizen
Evolution Requirement: Level Up While Connected To Another Player In The Union Circle
Finizen is an unusual new Pokemon, both in its evolution method and what it evolves into. Its evolution, Palafin, looks almost identical to it, apart from a heart on its chest. However,its hidden abilityallows it to transform into a much more powerful form when switched out and back in during a fight.
Finizen’s evolution involvesScarletandViolet’s multiplayer system. It will only evolve when past level 38, and if another player is in the world watching. This means 2 players need to play together for either of them to evolve their Finizen. With friends, this is fairly straightforward, but without anyone to play with or an internet connection, Palafin is simply unattainable.
Evolution Requirement: Level Up While Outside Of The Poke Ball After The Player Walks 1000 Steps Using The Let’s Go! Feature.
ScarletandViolethave introduced a few new evolution methods, one of which is used to evolve Pawmo into Pawmot, Bramblin into Brambleghast, and Rellor into Rabsca. To evolve these Pokemon,trainers have to use the game’s new “Let’s Go” feature, which allows Pokemon to be thrown out into the world to attack wild Pokemon or follow the trainer.
After throwing out the Pokemon, walk with it for 1000 steps without letting it go back into its ball, then level it up. This can be tricky since the Pokemon can’t keep up with the trainer’s run speed. The best strategy is to go up and down the Academy steps 5 times, as there are 200 steps in total. Still, this is a very long process to evolve one Pokemon.
4Dipplin
Evolution Requirement: Level Up While Knowing Dragon Cheer
Dipplin was first introduced inThe Teal Mask DLC, as another evolution for Applin, when exposed to a Syrupy Apple it will become a Dipplin. Then, in the second part of the DLC Dipplinwas given an evolution in Hydrapple.
The Grass/Dragon-type is required to learn the move Dragon Cheer which is given as a reward for beating Drayton of the BB Elite Four. This is a challenging task as Drayton has Pokemon up to level 80, and they are the powerful Dragon-type in a tricky double-battled affair. If gamers are skilled enough to beat the Elite Four member, they will be rewarded with the TM for Dragon Cheer, teach it to Dipplin and level up just once for Hydrapple.
3Charcadet
Evolution Requirement: When Exposed To The Auspicious Armor Or Malicious Armor
Armorouge and Ceruledge are two of the best new Pokemon added inScarletandViolet. They both boast great stats and strong signature moves that make them quite a threat. They also both evolve fromthe rare Charcadet, with the item needed for each of their evolutions being exclusive to eitherScarletorViolet.
These items are the Auspicious Armor inScarletand Malicious Armor inViolet. Both must be obtained from an NPC in Zapapico, who will exchange them for 10 Bronzor Fragments inScarlet, and 10 Sinistea Chips inViolet. This requires farming Bronzor and Sinistea respectfully, so it could take a while.
2Bisharp
Evolution Requirement: When Levelled Up After Defeating Three Bisharp That Hold The Leaders Crest
Pawniard and Bisharp were introduced inPokemon BlackandWhite, and have always been fairly good Pokemon. InScarletandViolet, however, they received a newevolution in the form of Kingambit, who has become one of the strongest Pokemon in the game, making it well worth its unusual method of evolution.
In order to evolve a Bisharp, it must defeat 3 special wild Bisharp, and then level up. These Bisharp are the ones that are surrounded by Pawniard in the wild. Any Bisharp standing by itself will not work. The best place to find them is in North Province Area 2, but it can take a while to get them to spawn, making this one of the more complicated evolution processes in the game.
1Gimmighoul
Evolution Requirement: When Leveled Up When The Player Has 999 Gimmighoul Coins
Gimmighoul is a very unique Pokemon that appears throughout the game in several ways. In its roaming form, it can often be found standing around the open world on rocks or signposts. Meanwhile, its chest form can be found at the top of certain towers all over Paldea.
In order to evolve Gimmighoul into the very powerful Gholdengo, all these overworld Gimmighoul are going to be important. Interacting with roaming Gimmighoul will award 1-200 Gimmighoul coins, and defeating/catching the chest form will award 10-777 coins. Only once 999 coins are collected can a Gimmighoul evolve upon leveling up, making it easily the hardest Pokemon in the franchise to evolve.
