How to Cancel a Pokémon Evolution: A Comprehensive Guide

Evolution is a cornerstone mechanic in the Pokémon franchise. It’s the process by which Pokémon grow stronger and often change their appearance, abilities, and even types. While evolution is generally desirable, there are situations where you might want to prevent a Pokémon from evolving. Perhaps you prefer the design of its pre-evolution, you want it to learn specific moves earlier, or you’re aiming for a unique strategy in battle. Fortunately, the Pokémon games provide a way to cancel an evolution, though the method has varied slightly across different generations.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the methods of canceling an evolution in various Pokémon games, providing detailed steps and explanations for each.

Why Cancel an Evolution?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore why you might want to cancel an evolution:

* **Aesthetic Preference:** Some trainers simply prefer the look of a Pokémon’s pre-evolution form. For example, some might favor Pikachu over Raichu, or Scyther over Scizor.
* **Movepool Considerations:** Pokémon learn moves at different levels depending on their evolution stage. A pre-evolution might learn a valuable move much earlier than its evolved form. Canceling evolution allows the Pokémon to learn these moves sooner, giving you a competitive edge.
* **Competitive Battling:** In some competitive formats, lower-stage Pokémon with the Eviolite item can be surprisingly effective. Eviolite boosts the Defense and Special Defense of a Pokémon that is not fully evolved, making it a formidable tank.
* **Nuzlocke Challenges:** In a Nuzlocke run, specific strategies or move availability might necessitate keeping a Pokémon unevolved for longer.
* **Collection Purposes:** Some players enjoy collecting Pokémon in their various forms, and that includes keeping some at their pre-evolutionary stages.

Methods for Canceling Evolution

The primary method for canceling an evolution in the Pokémon games involves pressing a specific button during the evolution sequence or giving the Pokémon an Everstone to hold. Let’s look at the methods in detail:

1. Pressing the ‘B’ Button

This is the most common and classic method for canceling an evolution. During the evolution animation, repeatedly pressing the ‘B’ button on your Nintendo DS, 3DS, or Switch (depending on the game) will interrupt the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

* **Trigger the Evolution:** Level up your Pokémon, use a evolution stone (like a Thunder Stone on Pikachu), or meet any other evolution requirement.
* **Initiation of Evolution:** After meeting the condition, the evolution sequence will begin.
* **Press ‘B’ Repeatedly:** As the screen flashes and the music changes, repeatedly and rapidly press the ‘B’ button on your console. Keep pressing it throughout the entire animation.
* **Successful Cancellation:** If you press ‘B’ fast enough and consistently, a message will appear saying something like, “[Pokémon’s name] is trying to evolve! Cancel the evolution?”
* **Confirmation:** Select “Yes” to cancel the evolution. If you fail to press ‘B’ sufficiently, the evolution will proceed.
* **Repeat if Necessary:** Your Pokémon will try to evolve again the next time it levels up or meets the evolution requirement. You’ll need to repeat the process each time if you want to keep it from evolving.

**Games Where the ‘B’ Button Method Works:**

This method works in most main series Pokémon games, including:

* Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow
* Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal
* Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
* Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
* Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
* Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
* Pokémon Black and White
* Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
* Pokémon X and Y
* Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
* Pokémon Sun and Moon
* Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
* Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!
* Pokémon Sword and Shield
* Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
* Pokémon Legends: Arceus (Evolution is different in this game, see below).
* Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

2. Using the Everstone

The Everstone is an item that prevents a Pokémon from evolving as long as it is held. This is a more convenient and reliable method than repeatedly pressing the ‘B’ button, especially if you plan to keep the Pokémon unevolved for an extended period. Here’s how to use it:

* **Obtain an Everstone:** Everstones can be found in various locations throughout the games. The method of obtaining an Everstone varies game to game, so check online resources or in-game guides on how to acquire the Everstone in the specific version you are playing.

Examples of Everstone locations:

* **Pokémon Sword and Shield:** The Everstone can be found in the Turffield Stadium. You can find the Everstone on the left side, near the railing.
* **Pokémon Scarlet and Violet:** You can buy an Everstone in Delibird Presents shops in Mesagoza, Levincia and Cascarrafa after getting 3 gym badges.
* **Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee:** You can find an Everstone by talking to a trainer at the Pokémon Center in Pewter City.
* **Give the Everstone to the Pokémon:** Open your bag, select the Everstone, and choose “Give.” Select the Pokémon you want to prevent from evolving.
* **Level Up or Meet Evolution Conditions:** With the Everstone held, the Pokémon can level up, use evolution stones, or meet other evolution conditions without evolving. The evolution will be automatically canceled.
* **Remove to Evolve:** If you later decide you want the Pokémon to evolve, simply remove the Everstone from it. The next time it meets the evolution requirements, it will evolve (unless you press ‘B’).

**Advantages of Using an Everstone:**

* **Convenience:** It’s a passive method, so you don’t have to worry about repeatedly pressing ‘B’ during evolution sequences.
* **Reliability:** It guarantees that the Pokémon will not evolve as long as it holds the Everstone.
* **Flexibility:** You can easily remove the Everstone if you decide you want the Pokémon to evolve later.

3. Cancelling Evolution in Specific Games: Special Cases and Considerations

While the ‘B’ button and Everstone methods are generally consistent across the series, some games have unique aspects regarding evolution that require special attention.

* **Pokémon Legends: Arceus:**

* Evolution is handled differently in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Pokémon do not automatically evolve upon leveling up. Instead, you must manually trigger evolution from the menu once the Pokémon has met the required level or condition. This means you have complete control over when a Pokémon evolves.
* To evolve a Pokémon, open your satchel, select the Pokémon, and choose “Evolve” if the option is available. If you don’t select “Evolve”, the Pokemon will not evolve.
* The Everstone still works in this game and can be used to further prevent evolution.
* **Trade Evolutions:**

* Some Pokémon evolve when traded while holding a specific item (e.g., Haunter evolving into Gengar when traded). To prevent these evolutions, simply don’t trade the Pokémon or don’t have it hold the required item during the trade.
* **Friendship Evolutions:**

* Some Pokémon evolve based on their friendship level (e.g., Eevee evolving into Espeon or Umbreon). To prevent these evolutions, avoid activities that raise friendship, such as using them in battles, giving them items, or keeping them in your party. If you are trying to evolve one to another evolution form, you need to control the friendship level by using specific actions, or activities to either lower or increase their friendship level.
* **Location-Based Evolutions:**

* Some Pokémon evolve only when leveled up in a specific location (e.g., Magneton evolving into Magnezone near a special magnetic field). To prevent these evolutions, avoid leveling up the Pokémon in that specific location.
* **Day/Night Evolutions:**

* Some Pokemon must level up during a specific time, like Eevee becoming Espeon in the day. To prevent it, make sure you level up the respective Pokemon at the opposite time.

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

* **Accidentally Evolving a Pokémon:**

* If you accidentally let a Pokémon evolve, there’s no way to revert it back to its pre-evolution form in the core Pokémon games. The only exception is in some spin-off titles or through glitches (which are not recommended due to the risk of corrupting your game).
* **’B’ Button Not Working:**

* Ensure that you are pressing the ‘B’ button rapidly and consistently throughout the entire evolution animation. It requires a fast and persistent input.
* Check your controller or console for any issues with the ‘B’ button. If the button is faulty, it may not register your inputs correctly.
* **Forgetting to Re-equip the Everstone:**

* If you remove the Everstone from a Pokémon for any reason, remember to re-equip it before leveling up or meeting any other evolution conditions. Otherwise, the Pokémon will evolve.
* **Confusion with Evolution Methods:**

* Double-check the specific evolution method for the Pokémon you are trying to prevent from evolving. Some Pokémon have unique requirements that you need to be aware of.

Advanced Strategies and Tips

* **Using Everstone in Breeding:**

* If you want to breed a Pokémon with a specific nature, give an Everstone to the parent Pokémon with the desired nature. This increases the chance that the offspring will inherit the same nature.
* **Strategic Move Learning:**

* Plan your move learning carefully. Look up the level-up movepools of both the pre-evolution and the evolved form to determine which moves you want to learn at which stage. Use the ‘B’ button or Everstone to control when the Pokémon evolves, ensuring it learns the desired moves at the optimal time.
* **Eviolite Usage:**

* If you plan to use a pre-evolution Pokémon with Eviolite in competitive battles, consider its stats, movepool, and typing carefully. Not all pre-evolutions are good Eviolite users. Look for Pokémon with decent base stats in Defense and Special Defense, access to useful support moves, and a favorable type matchup against common threats.
* **EV Training and IV Breeding:**

* When training a pre-evolution Pokémon for competitive use, pay attention to its Effort Values (EVs) and Individual Values (IVs). Maximize its relevant stats through EV training and breed for optimal IVs to make it as strong as possible.
* **Team Synergy:**

* Consider how the pre-evolution Pokémon fits into your overall team strategy. Does it provide valuable support, coverage, or utility? Does it synergize well with other team members? A well-integrated pre-evolution can be a powerful asset, even if it’s not fully evolved.

Conclusion

Canceling an evolution in Pokémon games can be a strategic choice driven by aesthetic preferences, movepool considerations, or competitive advantages. By mastering the ‘B’ button method, utilizing the Everstone, and understanding the nuances of evolution in different games, you can effectively control when and if your Pokémon evolve. Whether you’re aiming for a unique battle strategy, completing a Nuzlocke challenge, or simply prefer the look of a pre-evolution, these techniques will empower you to play the game your way. Remember to plan ahead, consider your team composition, and have fun experimenting with different strategies. Happy training!

Where to Find More Information

* **Serebii.net:** A comprehensive resource for all things Pokémon, including detailed information on evolution methods, movepools, and item locations.
* **Bulbapedia:** Another excellent Pokémon wiki with in-depth articles on various aspects of the games.
* **Smogon University:** A competitive Pokémon resource with analyses of Pokémon, strategies, and team building.

By using this guide, you will be well-equipped to manage the evolutions of your Pokemons with ease and efficiency.