How to Evolve Machoke into Machamp: A Comprehensive Guide

Machoke, the Superpower Pokémon, is a popular choice for trainers looking for a strong Fighting-type addition to their team. However, Machoke requires a specific method to evolve into its final form, the formidable Machamp. This guide will walk you through the various ways to evolve your Machoke into Machamp across different Pokémon games and platforms, ensuring you have a powerful ally ready for battle.

Understanding Machoke and Machamp

Before diving into the evolution methods, let’s briefly understand Machoke and Machamp.

* **Machoke:** A Fighting-type Pokémon known for its immense strength and muscular build. It’s a powerful Pokémon in its own right, but it’s only the middle stage in its evolutionary line.
* **Machamp:** The final evolution of Machop, Machamp boasts incredible strength and four arms, making it a formidable opponent. Its Fighting-type moves can deal significant damage.

Methods to Evolve Machoke into Machamp

Machoke evolves into Machamp through trading. This has been the standard method since the first generation of Pokémon games. However, the specifics vary slightly depending on the game you are playing.

1. Trading in Core Series Pokémon Games (e.g., Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black, White, Black 2, White 2, X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Scarlet, Violet)

The core series games require you to trade your Machoke with another player. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

**Steps:**

1. **Find a Trading Partner:** The most crucial step is finding someone willing to trade with you. This could be a friend, family member, or someone from an online Pokémon community. Ensure they understand that the trade is to evolve your Machoke, and you’ll likely want to trade back afterward unless you both agree otherwise.
2. **Game Compatibility:** Make sure both you and your trading partner have compatible versions of the Pokémon game. Trading is generally restricted to games within the same generation or those that share a common trading system.
3. **Access the Trading Center:** The location of the trading center varies depending on the game.
* **Older Generations (e.g., Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal):** You typically need to visit a Pokémon Center and speak to the attendant at the counter. You may need a Game Link Cable for trading on older consoles like the Game Boy.
* **Later Generations (e.g., Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black, White, Black 2, White 2, X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Scarlet, Violet):** These games often have online trading capabilities via the Global Trade System (GTS) or a similar online service. You’ll usually find the trading options within the Pokémon Center or through the game’s menu.
4. **Initiate the Trade:** Once in the trading center, initiate a trade with your partner. Select Machoke from your party to offer in the trade.
5. **Confirm the Trade:** Review the Pokémon offered by your partner and confirm the trade. Double-check that you are trading the correct Pokémon to the right person.
6. **Evolution:** After the trade is complete, your Machoke will immediately begin to evolve into Machamp. Enjoy the evolution sequence!
7. **Trade Back (Optional):** If you and your partner agreed to trade back, repeat the trading process to return the Machamp to you and the other Pokémon to your partner.

**Important Considerations for Core Series Games:**

* **Connectivity:** Ensure a stable connection during the trade. Disconnections can sometimes result in lost Pokémon or trade errors.
* **Communication:** Communicate clearly with your trading partner throughout the process to avoid any misunderstandings.
* **Trust:** Trading with someone you trust is always recommended, especially if you intend to trade back your Machamp. Online communities can be helpful, but exercise caution when trading with strangers.

2. Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO simplifies the evolution process to some extent, but it still requires trading.

**Steps:**

1. **Become Best Friends (or Trade During Certain Events):** In Pokémon GO, you need to be at least Great Friends (or higher) with another player to trade Pokémon. Increasing your friendship level takes time, as it involves daily interactions like sending gifts, battling together in raids, and battling each other. To reach Great Friends you need at least 1 day of interaction. To reach Ultra Friend, you need at least 7 days of interaction. To reach Best Friends you need at least 30 days of interaction. However, certain events sometimes temporarily lower or eliminate the friendship level requirement for trading.
2. **Be in Close Proximity:** You and your friend must be physically close to each other to initiate a trade. The distance is usually within a few meters.
3. **Access the Trade Menu:** Go to your Friend List in the game and select the friend you want to trade with. Tap the “Trade” button.
4. **Select Machoke:** Choose Machoke from your Pokémon storage to offer in the trade.
5. **Trading Cost:** Trading in Pokémon GO costs Stardust. The amount of Stardust required depends on your friendship level with the other player and the rarity of the Pokémon being traded. Mythical Pokémon, such as Mew or Celebi, and Pokémon you haven’t previously caught usually cost more Stardust to trade.
6. **Confirm the Trade:** Review the Pokémon offered by your partner and the Stardust cost. Confirm the trade to proceed.
7. **Evolution:** Once the trade is complete, your Machoke will evolve into Machamp immediately (without needing any further evolution items, like in some other games).

**Additional Notes for Pokémon GO:**

* **Special Trades:** Certain Pokémon (such as Legendaries or Shinies) require a “Special Trade,” which can only be done once per day per player and costs a significant amount of Stardust.
* **Distance Trading (Temporary Events):** During special events, Niantic sometimes temporarily enables distance trading, allowing you to trade with friends who are not physically nearby. Keep an eye on in-game announcements for these opportunities.
* **Lucky Pokémon:** There is a chance that traded Pokémon will become Lucky Pokémon. Lucky Pokémon require less Stardust to power up, making them valuable assets.

3. Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!

Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! also utilize the trading method.

**Steps:**

1. **Access the Communicate Menu:** Open the game menu and select “Communicate.”
2. **Choose Play with Friends or Play Locally:** Select whether you want to trade with someone nearby (Play Locally) or someone online (Play with Friends). For online trading, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
3. **Enter a Link Code (if Trading Online):** If trading online, you’ll need to enter a Link Code that you and your trading partner agree upon. This ensures that you connect with the correct person.
4. **Initiate the Trade:** Once connected, initiate a trade with your partner. Select Machoke from your party to offer.
5. **Confirm the Trade:** Review the Pokémon offered by your partner and confirm the trade.
6. **Evolution:** After the trade, your Machoke will evolve into Machamp.
7. **Trade Back (Optional):** If you and your partner agreed to trade back, repeat the process.

**Key Considerations for Let’s Go Games:**

* **Nintendo Switch Online:** A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for online trading.
* **Link Codes:** Using Link Codes ensures you trade with the correct person online.

4. Pokémon HOME

While Pokémon HOME doesn’t directly facilitate evolution, it is a cloud-based service that allows you to store and transfer Pokémon between compatible games. This can be useful if you want to transfer a Machoke from one game to another to evolve it.

**How to Use Pokémon HOME:**

1. **Download Pokémon HOME:** Download the Pokémon HOME application on your Nintendo Switch and/or mobile device.
2. **Link Your Accounts:** Link your Nintendo Account to Pokémon HOME.
3. **Transfer Pokémon:** Transfer Machoke from a compatible game (e.g., Pokémon GO, Pokémon Let’s Go, Pokémon Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Scarlet, Violet) to Pokémon HOME.
4. **Transfer to a Game Where Trading is Possible:** Then, transfer Machoke to another compatible game where you can trade (e.g., Pokémon Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Scarlet, Violet).
5. **Trade in the Target Game:** Finally, trade Machoke in the target game to evolve it into Machamp.

**Important Notes for Pokémon HOME:**

* **Subscription:** Some features of Pokémon HOME require a paid Premium subscription.
* **Compatibility:** Ensure that the games you are transferring Pokémon between are compatible with Pokémon HOME.
* **Game Restrictions:** Some Pokémon cannot be transferred between certain games due to game-specific restrictions.

Tips for a Successful Machoke Evolution

* **Plan Ahead:** Before attempting to evolve your Machoke, make sure you have a clear plan and understand the specific requirements for the game you are playing.
* **Communicate Clearly:** If trading with another player, communicate clearly about the trade and whether you intend to trade back.
* **Ensure a Stable Connection:** A stable internet connection is crucial for online trading to avoid disconnections and potential data loss.
* **Trust Your Trading Partner:** Trade with someone you trust, especially if you are trading valuable Pokémon.
* **Check for Events:** Keep an eye out for special events in games like Pokémon GO that may affect trading costs or requirements.
* **Consider Pokémon HOME:** Use Pokémon HOME to transfer your Machoke between games if needed, but be aware of subscription costs and compatibility restrictions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

* **Trade Not Working:** Ensure that both you and your trading partner have a stable internet connection and compatible game versions. Double-check that you are following the correct trading steps for the game.
* **Pokémon Not Evolving After Trade:** Machoke should evolve immediately after being traded. If it doesn’t, double-check that it is indeed a Machoke and not another Pokémon. If the issue persists, try restarting the game.
* **Stardust Costs Too High in Pokémon GO:** Stardust costs in Pokémon GO depend on your friendship level and the rarity of the Pokémon being traded. Increase your friendship level to lower the Stardust cost, or wait for a special event that reduces trading costs.
* **Unable to Connect Online:** Ensure that you have a valid Nintendo Switch Online subscription if trading online in games like Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, or Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Conclusion

Evolving Machoke into Machamp is a straightforward process that primarily involves trading. Whether you’re playing a core series game, Pokémon GO, or Pokémon Let’s Go, understanding the specific requirements and following the steps outlined in this guide will help you successfully obtain a powerful Machamp for your team. Remember to plan ahead, communicate clearly with your trading partner, and ensure a stable connection for a smooth and successful evolution!