Pok�mon GO Evolution Guide: Candy, Requirements, and CP

To evolve a Pok�mon in Pok�mon GO, open its detail page and review the Evolve button. The game shows the Candy cost and any additional requirement, such as an evolution item, Buddy task, trade history, time of day or nearby Lure Module.

Old �evolution coefficient� tables should not be used to predict exact CP. They were built around early stats and a small launch roster, and Pok�mon GO has since rebalanced stats, added forms and introduced many new evolution paths.

What evolution changes

The Pok�mon becomes the next species or selected branch in its family.
Its base stats and CP change to match the evolved species.
Its available Fast and Charged Attacks usually change.
Its individual values, level, Shiny status and most identifying history remain with it.
The evolution is recorded in the Pok�dex if it is new to the account.

Evolution is permanent. You cannot return the Pok�mon to its earlier stage, so confirm the species, form and branch before spending resources.

What evolution does not guarantee

A higher evolution is not automatically the best choice for every battle format. The result may exceed a GO Battle League CP cap, and its new moves may not be the ones you want. A large CP increase also does not replace type effectiveness, move quality or a defined team role.

Historical Pok�mon GO evolution and CP multiplier chart

The archived chart above is useful as a record of an early approach, but its fixed multipliers, maximum CP values and �good CP to evolve� thresholds are not current decision rules.

Common evolution requirement types

Requirement	How it works	What to check
Candy only	Spend family Candy shown on the button	Enough Candy and the correct form
Evolution item	Spend Candy plus an item	The exact item displayed
Trade benefit	An eligible traded Pok�mon may evolve for no Candy at that step	Trade eligibility and one-way trade rule
Buddy task	Complete a stated activity while the Pok�mon meets the Buddy condition	Progress counter on the detail page
Time or environmental condition	Evolve during the stated time or near the required Lure	Map state and enabled Evolve button
Branching evolution	Choose among more than one result	Silhouette, button label and special condition

Examples of evolution families

These examples show the main structures rather than every Pok�mon currently available.

Three-stage families

First stage	Second stage	Final stage
Bulbasaur	Ivysaur	Venusaur
Charmander	Charmeleon	Charizard
Squirtle	Wartortle	Blastoise
Caterpie	Metapod	Butterfree
Weedle	Kakuna	Beedrill
Pidgey	Pidgeotto	Pidgeot
Abra	Kadabra	Alakazam
Machop	Machoke	Machamp
Gastly	Haunter	Gengar
Dratini	Dragonair	Dragonite

Branching families

Eevee: has several possible evolutions with different conditions. Use the silhouette and displayed button rather than relying on a nickname trick repeatedly.
Oddish: Gloom can evolve into Vileplume or Bellossom under different item requirements.
Poliwag: Poliwhirl can evolve into Poliwrath or Politoed.
Slowpoke: available forms can lead to different Slowbro or Slowking results and may require a task.
Tyrogue: its evolution is influenced by appraisal-related stats.

Later evolutions added to older families

A first-generation species may have an evolution introduced in a later region. Examples include Rhydon to Rhyperior, Seadra to Kingdra, Scyther to Scizor, Onix to Steelix and Magneton to Magnezone. That is another reason a table limited to the original 151 is incomplete.

How to decide whether to evolve

Choose the goal. Decide whether the result is for the Pok�dex, raids, PvP or collection.
Appraise the Pok�mon. IV priorities differ between raids and CP-capped leagues.
Check the form. Regional, costume, Shadow and other forms may have different restrictions.
Review the branch. Confirm the exact silhouette or name before tapping.
Check event moves. Some evolutions can learn a featured move only during a stated event window.
Protect the CP cap. Use the game's displayed information and a current format reference before evolving a league candidate.

Evolve first or power up first?

For a normal species, reaching the same final Pok�mon level generally costs the same resources regardless of order. Evolving first is often practical because it lets you confirm the final species and moves before investing additional Stardust.

Do not evolve only because an old chart labels the current CP �great� or �enough.� The better choice depends on the final species, current battle use, event timing and the resources shown in the app.