How to Evolve Cosmog into Solgaleo or Lunala: A Comprehensive Guide
Cosmog, the Nebula Pokémon, is a unique and fascinating creature in the Pokémon universe. Its evolution into either the majestic Solgaleo (in the mainline games) or the ethereal Lunala (also in the mainline games) is a rewarding journey. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step required to evolve your Cosmog, covering both the core games and Pokémon GO, with detailed instructions and helpful tips.
Understanding Cosmog and its Evolutions
Before diving into the evolution process, let’s understand what makes Cosmog and its evolved forms so special:
* **Cosmog:** A Psychic-type Pokémon that is extremely rare and mysterious. It’s known for its vulnerability and tendency to teleport when in danger. Cosmog is also known as the ‘Progenitor’.
* **Cosmoem:** The evolved form of Cosmog. It is a Psychic-type Pokémon. It is the ‘Protostar’ Pokemon. It is a dense, shell-like form, preparing for its final evolution.
* **Solgaleo:** A Psychic/Steel-type Pokémon representing the sun. Known as the “Sunne Pokémon,” it is said to devour light and radiate it as energy. In Pokémon lore, it’s an emissary of the sun, capable of creating Ultra Wormholes.
* **Lunala:** A Psychic/Ghost-type Pokémon representing the moon. Known as the “Moone Pokémon,” it absorbs light and converts it into energy. In Pokémon lore, it’s an emissary of the moon, capable of creating Ultra Wormholes.
The evolution path of Cosmog depends on the game you are playing and, in the core series games, the specific version of the game.
Evolving Cosmog in the Core Series Games (Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon)
The evolution process in the core series games is straightforward but requires patience and reaching specific level milestones. Note that which legendary Pokemon Cosmog evolves into is version-dependent.
**Step 1: Obtain Cosmog**
The method for obtaining Cosmog varies slightly depending on the game:
* **Pokémon Sun and Moon:**
* After becoming the Champion, head to the Altar of the Sunne (in Sun) or the Altar of the Moone (in Moon) via the Ultra Wormhole that appears at the Lake of the Sunne/Moone. You must travel to the opposite world (Sun players go to the Moon world, Moon players to the Sun world) by going through the portal at the Lake of the Sunne/Moone.
* Go to the Lake of the Sunne (if you are playing Pokemon Moon) or the Lake of the Moone (if you are playing Pokemon Sun) and you will encounter a Cosmog.
* You can catch this Cosmog, which will be at level 5. You’ll need an open space in your party to receive Cosmog.
* **Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon:**
* The process is similar to Sun and Moon. After becoming the Champion, travel through the Ultra Wormhole at the Altar of the Sunne/Moone to the opposite world.
* Go to the Lake of the Sunne (if you are playing Pokemon Ultra Moon) or the Lake of the Moone (if you are playing Pokemon Ultra Sun).
* You’ll encounter a Cosmog at level 5 and can catch it if you have an open slot in your party.
**Step 2: Level Up Cosmog to Level 43**
Cosmog evolves into Cosmoem at level 43. The best way to level up Cosmog is through battles. However, Cosmog is incredibly weak and has limited moves in its early levels. Therefore, consider the following strategies:
* **Exp. Share:** Make sure the Exp. Share is turned on. This will allow Cosmog to gain experience even if it doesn’t participate directly in battles. The Exp. Share is obtained early in the game.
* **Switch Training:** Start battles with Cosmog and immediately switch it out for a stronger Pokémon. Cosmog will still gain experience due to Exp. Share, and your stronger Pokémon can handle the battle.
* **Rare Candies:** If you have Rare Candies, using them on Cosmog will instantly level it up. Rare Candies can be found throughout the game world, obtained from events, or purchased from the Battle Tree (post-game).
* **Lucky Egg:** Equipping Cosmog with a Lucky Egg will boost the experience it gains by 50%. Lucky Eggs are more difficult to obtain, often requiring specific side quests or trading.
* **Trainer Battles:** Re-battling trainers via the VS. Seeker or similar items can provide a consistent source of experience.
**Step 3: Evolve Cosmoem into Solgaleo or Lunala at Level 53**
Once Cosmog reaches level 43 and evolves into Cosmoem, the next step is to level up Cosmoem to level 53. Cosmoem is still relatively weak, so continue using the same strategies as with Cosmog (Exp. Share, switch training, Rare Candies, Lucky Egg). Now here is where it gets tricky and version-dependent.
* **Pokémon Sun:** Level up Cosmoem to Level 53 during the day to evolve it into Solgaleo.
* **Pokémon Moon:** Level up Cosmoem to Level 53 during the night to evolve it into Lunala.
* **Pokémon Ultra Sun:** Level up Cosmoem to Level 53 during the day to evolve it into Solgaleo.
* **Pokémon Ultra Moon:** Level up Cosmoem to Level 53 during the night to evolve it into Lunala.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Time of Day:** The time of day in the game must match the version you’re playing. Sun and Ultra Sun require daytime, while Moon and Ultra Moon require nighttime. The game determines the time of day based on your Nintendo 3DS system’s internal clock.
* **Affection:** While affection (from Pokémon Amie/Refresh) doesn’t directly impact the evolution, having high affection can grant benefits like increased critical hit rate or dodging attacks, which can indirectly help in battles to level up Cosmog.
* **Location:** The location where you level up Cosmoem doesn’t matter. You can level it up anywhere in the game world as long as it’s during the correct time of day.
Evolving Cosmog in Pokémon GO
The evolution of Cosmog in Pokémon GO is different from the core series games, involving special research tasks and in-game mechanics. Here’s a detailed guide:
**Step 1: Obtain Cosmog through Special Research**
Cosmog was initially introduced into Pokémon GO as part of a special research storyline called “A Cosmic Companion.” This research questline was available to all players during specific events. Keep an eye out for future events or special research tasks that may offer another opportunity to obtain Cosmog if you missed the initial one.
**Step 2: Complete Special Research Tasks**
The “A Cosmic Companion” research tasks require you to complete various objectives, such as catching specific types of Pokémon, spinning PokéStops, and battling in raids. Completing these tasks progresses the storyline and unlocks new stages of the research.
**Step 3: Evolve Cosmog into Cosmoem using Candies**
After progressing through the research tasks, you’ll eventually reach a point where you can evolve your Cosmog into Cosmoem. This evolution requires Cosmog Candies, which are obtained by:
* **Catching Cosmog:** Each time you catch a Cosmog (if available through events), you’ll receive a certain number of Candies.
* **Transferring Cosmog:** Transferring Cosmog to Professor Willow will give you one Candy.
* **Walking with Cosmog as your Buddy:** Set Cosmog as your buddy Pokémon, and you’ll earn Candies as you walk a certain distance.
* **Rare Candies:** Rare Candies can be used as a universal Candy for any Pokémon, including Cosmog. Rare Candies are obtained through raids, research tasks, and special events.
To evolve Cosmog into Cosmoem, you need **25 Cosmog Candies.**
**Step 4: Evolve Cosmoem into Solgaleo or Lunala using Candies (Version Dependent!)**
This is the crucial step. You must progress further in the special research to unlock the ability to evolve Cosmoem. Cosmoem requires 100 Cosmog Candies to evolve. Once you have that, you can evolve Cosmoem into either Solgaleo or Lunala. Here’s how it works:
* **Seasonal Evolution:** The form Cosmoem evolves into is based on the *in-game season*. During certain seasons, only Solgaleo will be available. During others, only Lunala will be available. Check the in-game news and event details during the evolution period to see which evolution is currently active.
* **Evolution Button:** When you select Cosmoem, the evolve button will show either the silhouette of Solgaleo or Lunala, depending on which one is available for the current season. If the button shows Solgaleo, it will evolve into Solgaleo. If it shows Lunala, it will evolve into Lunala.
**Important Considerations for Pokémon GO:**
* **Limited-Time Availability:** Cosmog and its Candies have been primarily available through special research and events, meaning they may not always be accessible. Stay updated on Pokémon GO news and announcements for opportunities to obtain them.
* **Candy Management:** Carefully manage your Cosmog Candies. Consider using Pinap Berries when catching Cosmog to double the Candy you receive. Prioritize walking with Cosmog as your buddy to earn Candies efficiently.
* **Research Tasks:** Pay close attention to the requirements of the special research tasks. Some tasks may require specific Pokémon or actions, so plan accordingly.
* **Stardust cost:** Evolving Cosmoem will cost stardust, in addition to the Candy requirements.
Tips and Tricks for Evolving Cosmog
Regardless of whether you’re playing the core series games or Pokémon GO, here are some general tips and tricks to help you evolve Cosmog more efficiently:
* **Patience:** Evolving Cosmog, especially in the core series games, requires patience. It’s a weak Pokémon that takes time to level up. Don’t get discouraged; stay persistent.
* **Resource Management:** Manage your resources carefully, whether it’s Rare Candies in the core series or Cosmog Candies in Pokémon GO. Use them wisely to accelerate the evolution process.
* **Community Resources:** Take advantage of online communities, forums, and guides. Other players may have valuable tips and strategies to share.
* **Stay Informed:** Keep yourself informed about Pokémon GO events and research tasks. This will help you obtain Cosmog and its Candies when they’re available.
* **Consider IVs/Stats:** In Pokemon GO, consider the IVs (Individual Values) of your Cosmog *before* evolving it. Use an IV checker app or website to determine its potential. While you can’t choose which Cosmog you get, if you have more than one, evolve the one with the best IVs for optimal performance in battles.
* **Weather Boost in Pokemon GO:** In Pokemon GO, Psychic-type Pokemon are boosted in Windy weather. If you find Cosmog spawning during Windy weather, it will have a higher CP and level, making it slightly easier to power up. Ghost-type and Steel-type are boosted in Fog and Snow weather respectively, so Lunala and Solgaleo receive boosts in those weather conditions.
* **Team Up (Pokemon GO):** If you are struggling with raids to earn rare candy to evolve Cosmog, team up with other players. Raid battles are much easier with a group, increasing your chances of success and earning valuable rewards.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
* **Cosmog Not Appearing (Core Series):** Ensure you’ve completed the main storyline and visited the Altar of the Sunne/Moone in the opposite world after becoming Champion.
* **Time of Day Issues (Core Series):** Double-check your Nintendo 3DS system’s internal clock settings. Make sure the time is accurate and matches the version of the game you’re playing.
* **Cosmog Not Evolving (Pokémon GO):** Ensure you have enough Cosmog Candies and have progressed far enough in the special research. The evolution button will only appear when all requirements are met.
* **Event Availability (Pokémon GO):** If you missed the initial Cosmog event, keep an eye on Pokémon GO news for future opportunities. Niantic often brings back past Pokémon through special events.
* **Candy Shortage (Pokemon GO):** This is a very common problem. Focus on walking with Cosmog as your buddy, using Pinap Berries when catching Cosmog from research encounters, and participating in any events that offer Cosmog Candy as a reward. Don’t be afraid to use Rare Candies if you’re close to the required amount.
## Conclusion
Evolving Cosmog into Solgaleo or Lunala is a rewarding journey that requires patience, dedication, and careful planning. Whether you’re exploring the Alola region in the core series games or venturing out into the world of Pokémon GO, following these detailed steps and tips will help you unlock the power of these legendary Pokémon. Good luck, and enjoy your adventures!