Complete Guide to Special Evolutions in Pokemon Legends Z-A

In Pokemon Legends: Z-A, many Pokemon evolve simply by reaching specific levels. However, a significant number require players to complete certain tasks to trigger their evolution. Some Pokemon need special evolution stones, while others require trading. Additionally, several Pokemon evolve when their bond with their trainer deepens.

Grasping the intricacies of these special evolutions is crucial for successfully completing the Lumiose Pokedex, which features a grand total of 230 Pokemon available at launch. This guide will detail all Pokemon that evolve through trading, unique items and evolution stones, as well as other conditions such as time of day or specific move requirements.

Updated December 12, 2025, by Tom Bowen: The recently released Mega Dimension DLC introduces 21 new special evolutions, increasing the total number of unique evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A to an impressive 64.

Comprehensive List of Pokemon Evolving with Stones and Items

A total of 27 Pokemon can evolve via the application of evolution stones and items. Players can acquire these stones from the Stone Emporium located on Vernal Avenue or discover them within red Pokeballs scattered across Lumiose City. Most evolutions are as straightforward as exposing the unevolved Pokemon to the appropriate stone or item. However, there are exceptions where the Pokemon’s gender also affects the evolution process.

Unevolved Pokemon	Evolution Stone	Evolved Pokemon
Roselia	Shiny Stone	Roses
Staryu	Water Stone	Starmie

Unevolved Pokemon

Evolution Stone

Evolved Pokemon

Roselia

Shiny Stone

Roses

Staryu

Water Stone

Starmie

Players can acquire necessary items such as the Auspicious and Malicious Armor from Side Mission 132 (Bitter Blue Flames vs. Blazing Crimson), while Black Augurite can be collected from gold bonus balls located in Hyperspace Wild Zones.

Pokemon Evolving Through Trading

In total, 13 Pokemon evolve through trading, with eight requiring an item to be held during the trade. Players can make trades with friends or utilize specific Pokemon Legends: Z-A trade codes to trade with other trainers online. When trading, ensure that both the Pokemon being traded and received are holding the necessary items where applicable.

Unevolved Pokemon	Trade Code	Evolved Pokemon
Kadabra	0063-0063	Alakazam

Unevolved Pokemon

Trade Code

Evolved Pokemon

Kadabra

0063-0063

Alakazam

Pokemon Evolving Through Friendship

There are 11 Pokemon known to evolve through fostering strong friendships. Unlike previous games where gameplay mechanics took extensive time, Pokemon Legends: Z-A simplifies this with a cafe mechanic, where players can quickly enhance their Pokemon’s happiness by sharing drinks. This can initiate evolution after just a couple of minutes, costing slightly over one thousand Pokedollars.

Unevolved Pokemon	Requirement(s)	Evolved Pokemon
Budew	High Friendship + Daytime	Roselia

Unevolved Pokemon

Requirement(s)

Evolved Pokemon

Budew

High Friendship + Daytime

Roselia

Additional Special Evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Alongside those previously mentioned, there are 13 Pokemon that can evolve once they reach a designated level, but need to fulfill extra conditions related to the time of day, weather, or the Pokemon in your active team. An example is Inkay, which requires its player to hold the Nintendo Switch upside down to trigger evolution, necessitating handheld mode.