How to Evolve Boldore into Gigalith in Pokemon: A Comprehensive Guide

Evolving Pokemon is a cornerstone of the Pokemon experience. Some evolutions are simple, achieved by leveling up. Others require specific items, locations, or even special conditions. Boldore, the Rock-type Pokemon, falls into the latter category. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step explanation of how to evolve Boldore into the powerful Gigalith, covering methods applicable across various Pokemon games.

## Understanding Boldore and Gigalith

Before diving into the evolution process, let’s understand these two Rock-type Pokemon better:

* **Boldore:** This is the evolved form of Roggenrola, characterized by its orange, crystal-like growths and sturdy build. It’s known for its physical strength and resilience.
* **Gigalith:** The final evolution of Roggenrola, Gigalith is a massive, imposing Rock-type with incredible Attack and Defense stats. It boasts enhanced crystal formations and a more aggressive appearance.

## The Trade Evolution Mechanic

Boldore evolves into Gigalith via **trade**. This is a specific evolution method that requires you to trade your Boldore to another player. Once the trade is complete, Boldore will automatically evolve into Gigalith for the player receiving it. It’s important to understand that the trade needs to be completed for the evolution to trigger. Simply initiating a trade and then canceling it will not work.

This mechanic has been present in the Pokemon games since their inception and adds a social element to the gameplay. It often encourages players to interact and collaborate with each other.

## General Steps for Trade Evolution (Applicable Across Most Games)

Regardless of the specific Pokemon game you’re playing, the general steps for trade evolution remain consistent:

1. **Catch or Evolve Boldore:** Obviously, you’ll need to have a Boldore in your party or PC box. You can typically find Roggenrola in caves, mines, or rocky areas, and then evolve it into Boldore by leveling it up to level 25. The specific location where you can catch Roggenrola and the level required for evolution vary slightly between different games, but the general approach is the same.

2. **Find a Reliable Trading Partner:** This is the most crucial step. You need to find someone you trust to trade with. Since you’ll be sending them your Boldore, you want to be sure they will trade it back to you (as Gigalith, preferably!). This can be a friend, family member, or a trusted member of the Pokemon community. Communication and trust are essential. Some online communities and forums are dedicated to facilitating Pokemon trades.

3. **Ensure Both Players Have Necessary Requirements:**
* **Nintendo Switch Online (For Switch Games):** For Pokemon games on the Nintendo Switch (e.g., Sword, Shield, Scarlet, Violet), both players must have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to access online trading features. This is a paid service required for online multiplayer functionality.
* **Game-Specific Requirements:** Some games might have specific progress requirements before trading becomes available. For example, you might need to reach a certain point in the storyline or obtain a specific item (like the Pal Pad in older DS games) before you can trade with other players.

4. **Initiate the Trade:** The specific steps to initiate a trade vary depending on the game. Here’s a breakdown for some common Pokemon games:

* **Pokemon Sword and Shield:**
* Press the `Y` button to open the Y-Comm menu.
* Connect to the internet (if you’re trading with someone online).
* Select “Link Trade”.
* Set a Link Code (a four-digit code) and share it with your trading partner. This ensures that only you and your partner connect to the trade.
* Wait for your trading partner to enter the same Link Code.
* Once connected, select Boldore from your party or PC boxes and offer it for trade.

* **Pokemon Scarlet and Violet:**
* Press the `X` button to open the Main Menu.
* Select “Poke Portal”.
* Select “Link Trade”.
* Set a Link Code (a four-digit code) and share it with your trading partner.
* Wait for your trading partner to enter the same Link Code.
* Once connected, select Boldore from your party or PC boxes and offer it for trade.

* **Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!:**
* Press the `X` button to open the menu.
* Select “Communicate”.
* Select “Play With Others”.
* Choose “Nearby Player” (for local trade) or “Faraway Player” (for online trade). For online trade, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
* Select a link code consisting of pictures of Pokemon.
* Wait for your trading partner to enter the same link code.
* Once connected, select Boldore from your party or PC boxes and offer it for trade.

* **Pokemon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon:**
* Go to the Festival Plaza.
* Connect to the internet (if you’re trading with someone online).
* Select “Trade”.
* Select “Link Trade”.
* Find your trading partner’s name on the list and select it.
* Confirm the trade and select Boldore to offer.

* **Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire / X and Y:**
* Open the Player Search System (PSS) on the bottom screen of your Nintendo 3DS.
* Connect to the internet (if you’re trading with someone online).
* Find your trading partner on the list of friends or acquaintances.
* Select their name and initiate a trade.
* Confirm the trade and select Boldore to offer.

* **Older Games (e.g., Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver):**
* Go to a Pokemon Center.
* Talk to the person at the counter on the second floor to access the Global Trade System (GTS) or the Wireless Club (for local trades).
* For trading with a specific friend, exchange Friend Codes (found in your Trainer Card).
* Register your friend’s Friend Code in your Pal Pad.
* Go to the Wireless Club (if trading locally) or use the GTS (if trading online).
* Initiate the trade with your registered friend.

* **Emulator and ROM Hacks:**
* Trading functionality in emulators can be complex and may not be natively supported. You might need to use specific plugins or modifications that allow for link cable emulation or online trading.
* Check the documentation and forums related to your specific emulator for instructions on setting up trading.

5. **Confirm the Trade:** Once both players have selected the Pokemon they want to trade, confirm the trade. A confirmation screen will appear showing you the Pokemon you’re receiving and the Pokemon you’re sending.

6. **Boldore Evolves!** As soon as the trade is completed, Boldore will evolve into Gigalith for the player who receives it.

7. **Trade Back (If Necessary):** If you want to keep the Gigalith for yourself, have your trading partner trade it back to you after it evolves. This requires a second trade.

## Specific Game Considerations and Tips

While the general steps are consistent, here are some considerations and tips for specific Pokemon games:

* **Pokemon Sword and Shield / Scarlet and Violet:** These games offer easier online trading through the Y-Comm and Poke Portal, respectively. The Link Code system makes it easier to connect with specific friends. Remember the Nintendo Switch Online subscription is a must.

* **Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!:** Trading uses a picture-based link code, making it visually distinctive. Online trade requires Nintendo Switch Online.

* **Pokemon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon:** The Festival Plaza can be a bit confusing to navigate initially. Make sure you’re connected to the internet within the Plaza to see other players.

* **Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire / X and Y:** The Player Search System (PSS) is relatively straightforward. Ensure you’ve added your trading partner as a friend in your 3DS friends list for easier connection.

* **Older Games (e.g., Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver):** Trading in these games is more complex due to the Friend Code system and the use of the Wireless Club/GTS. It requires more coordination with your trading partner.

* **Pokemon GO:** Boldore *cannot* be evolved into Gigalith via trade in Pokemon GO. In Pokemon GO, Boldore evolves into Gigalith by using 200 Roggenrola Candies. There is no trade evolution mechanic for this specific Pokemon in Pokemon GO.

## Overcoming the Trading Hurdle

The trade evolution requirement can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have friends who play Pokemon or if you’re playing older games where online services have been discontinued. Here are some strategies for overcoming this:

* **Online Pokemon Communities:** There are numerous online forums, Discord servers, and subreddits dedicated to Pokemon trading. These communities are excellent places to find reliable trading partners. Be sure to read the community rules and guidelines before participating.

* **Local Game Stores:** Check if your local game store hosts Pokemon trading events or has a community of players who might be willing to help.

* **Family and Friends:** Even if your family and friends aren’t avid Pokemon players, they might be willing to help you out with a quick trade if you explain the situation.

* **Multiple Consoles (For Some Games):** If you own multiple Nintendo Switch consoles and have Nintendo Switch Online on both, you can trade with yourself. This requires owning two copies of the game or having a friend temporarily lend you their console and game.

* **GTS Alternatives (For Some Games/ROM Hacks):** Some ROM hacks offer alternative ways to evolve trade-dependent Pokemon, such as using specific items or leveling up in a particular location. Check the documentation for the ROM hack you’re playing to see if such options exist. Many also have their own built in trading systems.

## What If Trading Is Truly Impossible? (ROM Hacks and Modified Games)

If you’re playing a ROM hack or a modified version of a Pokemon game and trading is genuinely impossible, there might be alternative methods implemented by the ROM hack creator. These methods could include:

* **Evolution Items:** A specific item that, when used on Boldore, triggers its evolution into Gigalith.
* **Level-Up in a Specific Location:** Leveling up Boldore in a particular area of the game (e.g., a specific cave or building) might trigger its evolution.
* **Increased Level Threshold:** Simply leveling up Boldore to a very high level (e.g., level 70 or 80) might cause it to evolve.
* **Using a Specific Move:** Teaching Boldore a particular move and then leveling up might be the trigger.

Consult the documentation or community forums for the ROM hack you’re playing to find out if any of these alternative evolution methods exist.

## Preparing Your Boldore for Trade

While not strictly necessary for the evolution itself, consider these factors before trading your Boldore:

* **Level:** The level of your Boldore doesn’t affect its evolution, but a higher-level Boldore will result in a higher-level Gigalith after the trade. This can be beneficial for battling.
* **Moveset:** Teach your Boldore beneficial moves before trading it. Gigalith learns some powerful Rock-type moves, so consider teaching Boldore moves that complement its future moveset.
* **Held Item (In Some Games):** Some held items can influence the stats or abilities of the evolved Pokemon. However, for Gigalith, there are no specific held items that directly impact its evolution or stats in a significant way. Some may choose to use items that boost the stat being Gigalith’s attack for an extra bonus.
* **Nickname:** If you want to give your Gigalith a specific nickname, do it before trading Boldore, as the other player won’t be able to rename it if it’s originally your Pokemon.

## Troubleshooting Common Trading Problems

Here are some common problems that can occur during trading and how to troubleshoot them:

* **Connection Issues:**
* Ensure both players have a stable internet connection (for online trades).
* Check your router settings and firewall to make sure they’re not blocking the Pokemon game’s connection.
* Restart your Nintendo Switch or 3DS.
* Try trading at a different time of day when network traffic might be lower.

* **Incorrect Link Code (Sword/Shield/Scarlet/Violet):**
* Double-check that both players have entered the same Link Code.
* Communicate clearly with your trading partner to avoid confusion.

* **Friend Code Issues (Older Games):**
* Verify that both players have correctly entered each other’s Friend Codes in their Pal Pads.
* Make sure you’re both online in the game and that your friend is registered in your Pal Pad.

* **Game Compatibility:**
* Ensure that both players are using the same version of the game (e.g., both using Pokemon Sword or both using Pokemon Ultra Moon). Trading between different generations of Pokemon games is not possible without specific transfer mechanisms (like Pokemon Bank or Pokemon HOME).

* **Trading Restrictions:**
* Some Pokemon might be restricted from trading due to being hacked or modified.
* Ensure that neither player is trying to trade a Pokemon that’s prohibited from being traded.

* **Communication Breakdown:**
* The most important thing is communication. If something isn’t working, talk to your trading partner and try to troubleshoot the issue together. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and frustrations.

## Gigalith: A Powerful Addition to Your Team

Gigalith is a formidable Rock-type Pokemon with excellent Attack and Defense stats. It’s a valuable addition to any team, especially in battles against Fire, Flying, Bug, and Ice-type Pokemon. Its high Attack stat makes it a powerful physical attacker, and its sturdy Defense allows it to withstand significant damage.

Some recommended moves for Gigalith include:

* **Stone Edge:** A powerful Rock-type move with a high critical hit ratio.
* **Rock Slide:** A Rock-type move that hits both opponents in double battles.
* **Earthquake:** A strong Ground-type move that provides excellent coverage against Steel, Rock and Electric types.
* **Heavy Slam:** A Steel-type move that deals more damage the heavier Gigalith is compared to the target.
* **Superpower:** A Fighting-type move for coverage, although it lowers Attack and Defense after use.

## Conclusion

Evolving Boldore into Gigalith requires trading, a unique and sometimes challenging aspect of the Pokemon games. By following the steps outlined in this guide, finding a reliable trading partner, and understanding the specific requirements of your game, you can successfully obtain this powerful Rock-type Pokemon. Whether you’re playing the latest Nintendo Switch titles or revisiting classic games, the joy of completing a trade evolution and adding Gigalith to your team is a rewarding experience.

Remember to be patient, communicate effectively with your trading partner, and enjoy the process of evolving your Pokemon! Happy trading!