Evolution stones are special items in the Pokémon world that can be used to evolve certain Pokémon instantly, often opening up new evolutionary paths that don't depend on leveling up or trading. Obtaining these stones is crucial for completing your Pokédex and building a strong team.
How to Get Evolution Stones
You can obtain evolution stones through various methods across different Pokémon games, ranging from purchasing them in shops to finding them hidden in the environment. The specific availability and methods can vary by game title.
1. Purchasing from In-Game Shops
One of the most straightforward ways to acquire evolution stones is by buying them from special vendors or shops within the game.
- Delibird Presents (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet): In the Paldea region, you can regularly purchase a variety of evolution stones from any Delibird Presents store. This includes essential stones like the Thunder Stone, Leaf Stone, Water Stone, and Fire Stone, allowing you to evolve Pokémon such as Pikachu, Eevee, and Capsakid.
- Other General Stores: Many other Pokémon games feature general stores or specialty shops where evolution stones become available for purchase as you progress through the story or after earning specific gym badges.
2. Finding Them in the Wild or Overworld
Exploration is often rewarded with valuable items, including evolution stones, hidden in plain sight or tucked away in obscure corners of the map.
- Sparkling Spots: Look for sparkling spots on the ground, especially in caves, forests, or around mountainous regions. Interacting with these spots often yields hidden items, sometimes including evolution stones.
- Item Balls: Evolution stones can be found inside standard Poké Balls scattered across routes, dungeons, and cities. Thoroughly explore every area to discover these hidden treasures.
- Specific Locations: Certain games place specific stones in fixed locations, such as the Moss Rock for the Leaf Stone or the Ice Rock for the Ice Stone.
3. Mining and Digging
Some Pokémon titles incorporate mechanics where players can dig for items, and evolution stones are a common find.
- Underground (Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum): The Grand Underground is a prime example where players can use a pickaxe to mine walls, unearthing various treasures, including all types of evolution stones.
- Excavation Sites: Other games might feature specific areas or mini-games dedicated to digging for items.
4. Battle Rewards and Item Drops
Occasionally, evolution stones can be obtained as rewards from battles or as items held by wild Pokémon.
- Wild Pokémon Holds: Certain wild Pokémon have a chance to be holding specific evolution stones. Using moves like "Thief" or having a Pokémon with the "Frisk" ability can help you identify and acquire these items.
- Trainer Battles/Raid Battles: In some instances, defeating powerful trainers or participating in special raid battles might grant evolution stones as rewards.
5. In-Game Events and Gifts
Keep an eye out for special in-game events, promotions, or non-player characters (NPCs) who might give away evolution stones.
- Mystery Gift: Event distributions sometimes include sets of evolution stones.
- NPC Gifts: Friendly NPCs might give you an evolution stone as a thank-you or for completing a small task.
6. Trading with Other Players
If you're having trouble finding a specific stone, trading with friends or other players online is always an option. Many players collect extra stones and might be willing to trade them for other items or Pokémon.
Common Evolution Stones and Their Uses
Here's a quick overview of some popular evolution stones and the types of Pokémon they typically evolve:
| Evolution Stone | Common Pokémon Evolutions (Examples) | How it Generally Works |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Stone | Eevee → Flareon, Growlithe → Arcanine | Provides the heat necessary for Fire-type Pokémon to evolve. |
| Water Stone | Eevee → Vaporeon, Poliwhirl → Poliwrath | Facilitates the evolution of Water-type Pokémon. |
| Thunder Stone | Eevee → Jolteon, Pikachu → Raichu | Used to evolve Electric-type Pokémon. |
| Leaf Stone | Eevee → Leafeon, Gloom → Vileplume | Triggers the evolution of Grass-type Pokémon. |
| Moon Stone | Clefairy → Clefable, Nidorina → Nidoqueen | Often used for Pokémon associated with the night or lunar cycles. |
| Sun Stone | Gloom → Bellossom, Sunkern → Sunflora | Used for Pokémon associated with daylight or solar energy. |
| Shiny Stone | Togetic → Togekiss, Roselia → Roserade | Evolves Pokémon that gain a more "radiant" or elegant form. |
| Dusk Stone | Murkrow → Honchkrow, Misdreavus → Mismagius | Used for Pokémon associated with darkness or the night. |
| Dawn Stone | Kirlia (male) → Gallade, Snorunt (female) → Froslass | Specific to gendered evolutions for Pokémon typically associated with morning or light. |
| Ice Stone | Eevee → Glaceon, Galarian Darumaka → Galarian Darmanitan | Used for Ice-type Pokémon, often found in cold regions. |
Tips for Efficient Stone Farming
- Explore Thoroughly: Leave no stone unturned! Check every corner of every area.
- Use Item-Finding Abilities: Pokémon with abilities like Pickup (which can randomly find items after battle) or Frisk (which reveals held items) can be incredibly helpful.
- Check In-Game Shops Regularly: Vendors often restock or expand their inventory as you progress, so revisit them often.
- Consult Online Guides: For specific game titles, online resources like Bulbapedia or Serebii.net can provide precise locations and methods for finding each stone.
By utilizing these various methods, you'll be well-equipped to find the evolution stones you need to strengthen your team and complete your Pokémon journey.
