Pokémon That Evolve by Trading: Full List and Items

26 Pokémon evolve when they're traded to another player. Ten just need the trade. The other 16 must hold a specific item, such as a Metal Coat or King's Rock, when they're traded. The evolution happens on the receiving player's screen, and the held item is used up. This list comes from PokéAPI's evolution data, cross-checked against Serebii's evolution item list.

Last checked: November 9, 2026.

Pokémon that evolve by trade alone

Karrablast and Shelmet are a special pair. Each one evolves only when it's traded for the other, so both players get an evolution from the same trade. A Karrablast traded for any other Pokémon stays a Karrablast.

Pokémon that evolve by trade while holding an item

Item-based trade evolutions began in Gold and Silver, which introduced the King's Rock, Metal Coat, Dragon Scale and Upgrade.

Pokémon with more than one option

• Slowpoke: a King's Rock trade gives Slowking. Without a trade it evolves into Slowbro by leveling up, and Galarian Slowpoke uses the Galarica Cuff or Galarica Wreath instead.
• Scyther: a Metal Coat trade gives Scizor, while a Black Augurite gives Kleavor without any trade.
• Clamperl: the item decides the result. A Deep Sea Tooth gives Huntail, a Deep Sea Scale gives Gorebyss.
• Feebas: since Black and White it uses the Prism Scale trade. In Ruby and Sapphire, and in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, it can also evolve by leveling up with high Beauty.

How to trade-evolve a Pokémon

1. Give it the item, if it needs one. Check the tables above, then have the Pokémon hold the item before the trade.
2. Find a trade partner. A friend, a second console you own, or a player online.
3. Trade it. It evolves on your partner's screen as soon as the trade finishes.
4. Get it back. Your partner trades it back to you. It keeps its evolved form, and you're still its Original Trainer.

The most common approach is to trade with someone who also needs a trade evolution, then swap back. That way both of you get an evolved Pokémon from two trades.

Trading in Scarlet and Violet

In Scarlet and Violet, trading starts from the Poké Portal in the main menu. From there you can trade directly with a friend, or join a Union Circle, where you can also trade, battle and explore together. A Union Circle can also be started from any Pokémon Center.

Can you trade-evolve without trading?

In most games, no. You need a second player, or a second console and copy of the game.

The exception is Legends: Arceus. Its Linking Cord item evolves Pokémon that would normally need a trade. You use it from your bag like an evolution stone, with no partner needed. The Linking Cord is only obtainable in Legends: Arceus. You can buy it in Jubilife Village.

Pokémon you evolve in Legends: Arceus can then be moved to Scarlet and Violet through Pokémon HOME, as long as they appear in that game. Our Pokémon HOME transfer guide explains how.

Trade evolutions vs other evolution items

Not every evolution item needs a trade. Stones, apples, armor and teacups are used straight from your bag, and the Razor Claw, Razor Fang and Oval Stone work by leveling up while holding them. See our evolution stones guide for the full list.

Tips before you trade

• Check the item. The Pokémon must hold the exact item, not just have it in your bag.
• Don't trade it away for good by accident. Agree on a trade-back with your partner first.
• Swap out other held items. Make sure it's holding the evolution item, not an Everstone or a battle item you forgot to remove.
• The item is used up. Evolution items are single-use, so you'll need another one for a second evolution.
• Check your game's Pokédex. A Pokémon can only be traded into a game it appears in.

Want to see how your new Gengar or Scizor matches up against other types? Use our Pokémon type calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Which Pokémon evolve by trading?

26 do. Kadabra, Machoke, Graveler, Haunter, Boldore, Gurdurr, Phantump, Pumpkaboo, Karrablast and Shelmet need only a trade. Sixteen others, such as Onix, Scyther and Seadra, must hold an item during the trade.

Do trade evolutions keep the Original Trainer?

Yes. The Pokémon keeps its Original Trainer when it's traded and traded back, so it counts as yours and obeys you normally.

How do you evolve Haunter without trading?

In most games you can't, because Haunter needs a trade. In Legends: Arceus, the Linking Cord evolves it into Gengar without a trade partner.

What item does Scyther need to evolve into Scizor?

A Metal Coat. Scyther has to hold the Metal Coat while it's traded, and it evolves into Scizor on the other player's side.

Do Karrablast and Shelmet both need to be traded?

Yes. They only evolve when traded for each other. Trade a Karrablast for a Shelmet and you'll get an Accelgor while your partner gets an Escavalier.

Is the held item used up when a Pokémon evolves?

Yes. Evolution items work once, so the Metal Coat, King's Rock or other item disappears when the Pokémon evolves. You'll need a new one for every evolution.

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