Pokemon Go Trade Evolutions: How It Works And Which Pokemon Evolve By Trading

TL;DR

  • Trade evolution removes candy costs for specific Pokemon when received through trades
  • Only Alolan Graveler, Gurdurr, Karrablast qualify for candy-free evolution via trading
  • The feature works retroactively for previously traded eligible Pokemon in your collection
  • Item-based trade evolutions like Scyther to Scizor still require candy investment
  • Strategic trading partnerships can help complete evolution lines faster and cheaper

Pokemon Go has revolutionized evolution mechanics by introducing a strategic trading system that mirrors features from the mainline Pokemon games. This innovative approach allows trainers to bypass traditional candy requirements for specific species, creating new opportunities for collection completion and team building.

The trading evolution system functions differently than conventional Pokemon evolution methods. When you exchange eligible Pokemon with another trainer, the received creature becomes exempt from candy costs for its next evolution. This mechanic provides significant resource savings while encouraging social interaction within the Pokemon Go community. Understanding these mechanics can dramatically reduce your candy expenditure and accelerate your Pokedex completion progress.

Unlike main series Pokemon games where trade evolution is mandatory for certain species, Pokemon Go offers this as an alternative method. Previously, monsters like Alolan Graveler required standard candy investments regardless of acquisition method. Now, receiving these Pokemon through trades completely eliminates their evolution costs, essentially providing free evolution opportunities that conserve valuable resources for other purposes.

One of the most valuable aspects of this system is its retroactive application. If you’ve previously acquired trade-eligible Pokemon through past exchanges, their evolution requirements have automatically been adjusted. This means you don’t need to retrade Pokemon already in your collection to benefit from the candy cost removal.

The trade evolution feature currently applies to a carefully curated selection of Pokemon that originally required trading in the main series games. These specific creatures benefit from the candy cost elimination when obtained through player exchanges:

  • Alolan Graveler → Alolan Golem
  • Gurdurr → Conkeldurr
  • Karrablast → Escavalier

It’s crucial to understand the limitations of this system. Several Pokemon that evolve through trading while holding specific items in mainline titles do not qualify for candy-free evolution in Pokemon Go. Species like Scyther evolving into Scizor or Onix transforming into Steelix still demand standard candy investments regardless of how you acquire them. The current implementation focuses exclusively on Pokemon that evolved through basic trading without item requirements in the original games.

Recent Generation 5 introductions including Boldore, Gurdurr, Karrablast, and Shelmet have integrated seamlessly into this updated evolution framework. However, trainers should note that certain Gen 5 Pokemon require specialized evolution items like the Unova Stone rather than benefiting from trade evolution mechanics.

Maximizing the benefits of trade evolution requires strategic planning and understanding of game economics. Establish trading partnerships with reliable friends who play regularly to ensure consistent access to evolution-eligible Pokemon. Coordinate trades to exchange species that benefit both participants’ collection goals while minimizing stardust costs through increasing friendship levels.

A common mistake trainers make involves attempting to evolve Pokemon that don’t qualify for trade benefits. Remember that only the specifically listed species—Alolan Graveler, Gurdurr, and Karrablast—receive candy cost elimination. Always verify a Pokemon’s eligibility before investing time in trading arrangements.

For optimal resource management, focus on trading for evolution-stage Pokemon rather than their basic forms. This approach saves both the candy required for initial evolution and the subsequent trade evolution, effectively doubling your resource efficiency. This strategic approach mirrors advanced tactics found in our Class Guide for maximizing character progression in other games.

Future updates may expand the trade evolution system to include additional species or introduce held item mechanics similar to main series games. Monitoring official announcements and community resources like our Complete Guide sections will help you stay informed about mechanic changes.

Time investment for building effective trading networks typically ranges from 2-4 weeks to establish reliable partners and increase friendship levels for reduced stardust costs. The long-term benefits significantly outweigh this initial time commitment, especially for trainers focused on completing their Pokedex.

Action Checklist

  • Identify trading partners with complementary Pokemon needs and establish regular exchange schedules
  • Verify Pokemon eligibility for trade evolution (Alolan Graveler, Gurdurr, Karrablast only)
  • Check previously traded Pokemon in your collection for retroactive candy cost removal
  • Focus on trading for evolution-ready forms to maximize candy savings across multiple evolution stages
  • Increase friendship levels with key trading partners to reduce stardust costs for future exchanges

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