All Special Evolutions and How to Complete Them in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

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With over 200 Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, completing the Pokédex can be quite challenging. Most Pokémon can be caught or evolved by gaining experience levels, but some require specific conditions to evolve. These requirements vary from simple tasks like using an evolution stone to more complex steps such as reaching a certain friendship level or even flipping your Nintendo Switch upside down. While these tasks aren’t necessarily difficult, Pokémon games don’t always clearly explain what’s needed for each Pokémon to evolve, so players often need a guide to find out.

All Pokémon That Require an Evolution Stone
Using an evolution stone is the easiest special evolution method. If a Pokémon needs a stone, you just buy or find it and then use it from your inventory. The Pokémon will evolve immediately once you do. Here is a list of Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A that need a stone to evolve:

All Pokémon That Must Be Traded to Evolve
Trading is another common way to evolve Pokémon, especially those that don’t evolve through leveling or stones. Typically, this involves sending the Pokémon to someone else while holding an item, then trading it back to you. Since not everyone has someone to trade with, the game assigns special trade codes for each trade-evolved Pokémon. By inputting these codes during Link Play trades, you can trade for the Pokémon you need, and it will evolve once received. You won’t get the exact Pokémon sent out, but you’ll get a similar one that will evolve upon reception.

Most of these traded Pokémon require specific items that can be bought or earned through missions.

All Pokémon That Require High Friendship to Evolve
Friendship is a more subtle evolution method. You increase friendship by bonding with your Pokémon, mainly by adding them to your party and visiting a Café. When you order food and your Pokémon is the active one, you’ll sit at the same table—doing this three or four times usually is enough for the Pokémon to evolve.

All Pokémon with Unique Evolution Conditions
Some Pokémon have very specific evolution requirements that are unique to them. These conditions are usually based on individual traits or actions, such as flipping the Switch upside down or being in a certain weather condition.

Note: When trying to evolve Inkay in handheld mode, your Switch must be in handheld mode with Joy-Cons attached and no other controllers connected. The upside-down motion must be recognized correctly for the evolution to trigger, even if no arrow icon appears.

While some of these requirements can be a bit costly or tricky, completing all of them is necessary if you’re aiming to fill your Pokémon Legends: Z-A Pokédex. If you’re unable to meet certain conditions, trading with other players for fully evolved Pokémon is always an option.

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