Applin’s Arrival in Pokémon GO: A Nostalgic Return of Evolution Items
Pokémon GO is set to introduce its latest creature from Generation VIII, Applin, during the upcoming Sweet Discoveries event, scheduled from April 24 to April 29, 2025. Alongside its debut, players are eager to explore how Applin can evolve with special items and Candy, marking a significant comeback for evolution items in the game after a long hiatus.
Recent examples of collectible evolution items include Zygarde Cells and Gimmighoul Coins, which required players to gather a specific quantity to evolve certain Pokémon. The last consumable evolution item players encountered was the Unova Stone, enabling the evolution of Generation V Pokémon such as Pansage, Pansear, and Panpour.
Sweet Discoveries: Applin Debuts by u/MasonOctopus in TheSilphRoad
Information about Applin’s introduction was shared by u/MasonOctopus on Reddit, who received details through an official email from the game. This announcement also hinted at future appearances of Gossifleur and Tinkaton.
The Pokémon GO community appears enthusiastic about the return of evolution items. User u/Gallad475 expressed the view that this mechanic provides a refreshing alternative to the Buddy tasks that have dominated recent gameplay.
“Interesting Items are back…. Charcadet was a buddy evolution, and we haven’t had Items in half a decade now, after the Unova Stones release. But tbh I do feel it’s a bit of a refresher than the umpteenth Buddy task.”
In response, u/krispyboiz provided a counterpoint, discussing some constraints associated with evolution items.
“I do prefer simpler evolution methods, but I also am not a fan of items. When you have it, it’s super easy, but it’s always annoying when it’s difficult to actually get said item. I’ve seen plenty of threads where people are in desperate need of X evolution item.”
They elaborated further:
“That and they clog up inventory. It’s annoying having to try and keep like 1-2 of each evolution item or however many lol.”
Similarly, Redditor u/KlaymenThompson resonated with this sentiment, reminiscing about the times when significant Pokémon relied on Sinnoh Stones for evolution.
“I remember when there was a bunch of meta-relevant pokemon that needed Sinnoh Stones to evolve (Rhyperior, Electivire, Tangrowth, Togekiss, Honchkrow, Mamoswine, Weavile, Roserade) and I would go weeks without getting one.”
Tracing the History of Evolution Items in Pokémon GO
Evolution items made their debut in Pokémon GO with the introduction of Johto Pokémon. The initial evolution items included:
- Sun Stone: Gloom to Bellossom and Sunkern to Sunflora; subsequently used for Cottonee to Whimsicott, Petilil to Lilligant, and Helioptile to Heliolisk.
- King’s Rock: Used for Poliwhirl to Politoed and Slowpoke to Slowking.
- Metal Coat: Required for Onix to Steelix and Scyther to Scizor.
- Dragon Scale: For Seadra to Kingdra.
- Up-Grade: Enables Porygon to evolve into Porygon2.
Following the introduction of Generation IV Pokémon, the Sinnoh Stone was incorporated, replacing the need for multiple items. A similar integration occurred with the Generation V Pokémon through the Unova Stone.
Pokémon Evolving with Evolution Stones in Pokémon GO
Sinnoh Stone Evolutions:
- Porygon2 to Porygon-Z
- Lickitung to Lickilicky
- Rhydon to Rhyperior
- Tangela to Tangrowth
- Electabuzz to Electivire
- Magmar to Magmortar
- Togetic to Togekiss
- Aipom to Ambipom
- Yanma to Yanmega
- Murkrow to Honchkrow
- Misdreavus to Mismagius
- Gligar to Gliscor
- Sneasel to Weavile
- Piloswine to Mamoswine
- Kirlia to Gallade
- Roselia to Roserade
- Dusclops to Dusknoir
- Snorunt to Froslass
Unova Stone Evolutions:
- Pansage to Simisage
- Pansear to Simisear
- Panpour to Simipour
- Munna to Musharna
- Minccino to Cinccino
- Eelektrik to Eelektross
- Lampent to Chandelure
The return of evolution items in Pokémon GO is generating excitement within the community, as players look forward to methods that enable new strategies and gameplay experiences. For the latest updates, stay tuned.