Evolution
Many species of Pokémon, as they grow stronger, can evolve (Japanese: 進化 shinka) into different creatures, possibly changing their appearance, moves, stats, types or even their demeanor.
Stages of evolution
The most common form of Pokémon evolution is a simple three-stage method, an example of which would be Bulbasaur's evolutionary chain.
| Stage 1 | → | Stage 2 | → | Stage 3 |
| Bulbasaur | Ivysaur | Venusaur |
There are also two-stage chains, and in the world of Pokémon, there are some species that never evolve.
Branched evolution
Some Pokémon can evolve into two or more different species of Pokémon depending on the circumstances. An example of this would be Oddish's evolutionary chain.
| Oddish | |
| Gloom (Lv21) | |
| Vileplume (Leaf Stone) |
Bellossom (Sun Stone) |
Eevee currently holds the record for branched evolution by being able to evolve into seven different Pokémon depending on location, time of day & tameness, or evolutionary stone used. Pokémon that evolve from Eevee in this way are known as Eeveelutions.
Several other Pokémon have branches in their evolutionary chain, see List of Pokémon with branched evolutions for the full list.
Methods of evolution
- Main article: Methods of evolution