Special evolutions
Pokémon GO evolution items list
Some Pokémon need a special item plus candy to evolve. Here is every core evolution item, exactly what it evolves, and how to get hold of it.
Last reviewed: 15 June 2026
Evolution items table
| Item | Evolves | How to obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Stone | Gloom→Bellossom, Sunkern→Sunflora, Cottonee→Whimsicott, Petilil→Lilligant, Helioptile→Heliolisk | PokéStop / Gym spins, research and event rewards. |
| King's Rock | Poliwhirl→Politoed, Slowpoke→Slowking | PokéStop / Gym spins, research and event rewards. |
| Metal Coat | Onix→Steelix, Scyther→Scizor | PokéStop / Gym spins, research and event rewards. |
| Dragon Scale | Seadra→Kingdra | PokéStop / Gym spins, research and event rewards. |
| Up-Grade | Porygon→Porygon2 (then Sinnoh Stone for Porygon-Z) | PokéStop / Gym spins, research and event rewards. |
| Sinnoh Stone | Sneasel→Weavile, Rhydon→Rhyperior, Electabuzz→Electivire, Magmar→Magmortar, Lickitung→Lickilicky, Tangela→Tangrowth, Togetic→Togekiss, Aipom→Ambipom, Yanma→Yanmega, Murkrow→Honchkrow, Misdreavus→Mismagius, Gligar→Gliscor, Piloswine→Mamoswine, Porygon2→Porygon-Z, Kirlia→Gallade, Roselia→Roserade, Dusclops→Dusknoir, Snorunt→Froslass | Weekly Research Breakthrough, Trainer Battles (PvP) and GO Rocket leader battles. |
| Unova Stone | Pansage→Simisage, Pansear→Simisear, Panpour→Simipour, Lampent→Chandelure, Minccino→Cinccino, Eelektrik→Eelektross, Munna→Musharna | Weekly Research Breakthrough and GO Rocket leader battles. |
| Tart Apple | Applin→Flapple | Event-based research and rewards. |
| Sweet Apple | Applin→Appletun | Event-based research and rewards. |
| Syrupy Apple | Applin→Dipplin | Event-based research and rewards. |
Each evolution also costs candy (often 50–100). Item drop rates from spins are low, but you get a guaranteed item from your seventh daily spin streak.
Not an item — a location
Lure Module evolutions
A few Pokémon don't use an item at all. Instead you evolve them while standing near a PokéStop with the right Lure Module active.
| Lure Module | Evolves |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Lure | Magneton→Magnezone, Nosepass→Probopass |
| Mossy Lure | Eevee→Leafeon |
| Glacial Lure | Eevee→Glaceon |
| Rainy Lure | Sliggoo→Goodra |
Niantic adds new regional and special items over time (Galarica items, Augurite and more). For brand-new additions, check the official help pages linked below.
Good to know
Evolution item FAQ
How do I get a Sinnoh Stone?
Sinnoh Stones come from the weekly Research Breakthrough reward and from Trainer Battles (PvP) and Team GO Rocket leader battles — win or lose, there's a chance. They are not sold in the shop.
Why won't my evolution item drop from PokéStops?
Special items have a low spin drop rate. The reliable trick is the daily spin streak: your seventh PokéStop spin in a row each day guarantees an evolution item among the bonus rewards.
Do I still need candy if I use an item?
Yes. The special item is on top of the normal candy cost, which is usually 50 or 100 candy depending on the species.
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