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Pokémon That Evolve by Trading

Sources checked: September 24, 2026

Trading can trigger evolution, sometimes with a held item or a particular partner. A listed Pokémon does not always require another player: some games provide item-based alternatives.

Ordinary trades

Pokémon: 12

In games using the original method, completing the trade triggers evolution. Check evolution prevention and transfer compatibility before arranging the trade.

#0064KadabraMale

#0067Machoke

#0075Graveler

#0075GravelerAlolan Form

#0710PumpkabooSmall Size

#0710PumpkabooLarge Size

#0710PumpkabooSuper Size

Kadabra→Alakazam

Trade

Machoke→Machamp

Trade

Graveler→Golem

Trade

Graveler (Alolan Form)→Golem (Alolan Form)

Trade

Haunter→Gengar

Trade

Boldore→Gigalith

Trade

Gurdurr→Conkeldurr

Trade

Phantump→Trevenant

Trade

Pumpkaboo→Gourgeist

Trade

Pumpkaboo (Small Size)→Gourgeist (Small Size)

Trade

Pumpkaboo (Large Size)→Gourgeist (Large Size)

Trade

Pumpkaboo (Super Size)→Gourgeist (Super Size)

Trade

Trades with a held item

Pokémon: 15

Equip the required item before trading; merely using it from the bag is not the normal trade method. Some games replace this with direct item use.

Poliwhirl→Politoed

Trade
Hold King's Rock ×1

Slowpoke→Slowking

Trade
Hold King's Rock ×1

Onix→Steelix

Trade
Hold Metal Coat ×1

Scyther→Scizor

Trade
Hold Metal Coat ×1

Seadra→Kingdra

Trade
Hold Dragon Scale ×1

Porygon→Porygon2

Trade
Hold Up-Grade ×1

Feebas→Milotic

Trade
Hold Prism Scale ×1

Clamperl→Huntail

Trade
Hold Deep Sea Tooth ×1

Clamperl→Gorebyss

Trade
Hold Deep Sea Scale ×1

Rhydon→Rhyperior

Trade
Hold Protector ×1

Electabuzz→Electivire

Trade
Hold Electirizer ×1

Magmar→Magmortar

Trade
Hold Magmarizer ×1

Porygon2→Porygon-Z

Trade
Hold Dubious Disc ×1

Dusclops→Dusknoir

Trade
Hold Reaper Cloth ×1

Spritzee→Aromatisse

Trade
Hold Sachet ×1

Swirlix→Slurpuff

Trade
Hold Whipped Dream ×1

Specific trade partners

Pokémon: 2

Karrablast and Shelmet evolve when traded for one another. An ordinary trade with a different species does not satisfy that partner requirement.

#0588Karrablast

#0616Shelmet

Karrablast→Escavalier

Trade for Shelmet

Shelmet→Accelgor

Trade for Karrablast

Alternatives in particular games

Pokémon: 13

Legends: Arceus uses the Linking Cord for its ordinary trade evolutions and direct evolution-item use for held-item cases. These alternatives apply only where the game supports them.

HOME trades do not trigger evolution. In GO, an eligible trade can remove the Candy cost of a later evolution rather than evolving the Pokémon immediately.