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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIn Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen, special evolutions use one of three triggers: an evolution stone, a level-up after reaching the required friendship, or a trade. Ten species evolve by trading: four evolve when the trade completes, while six must hold a specific item. The tables below cover the trade roster and the stone examples confirmed here; friendship and Pokédex restrictions matter too.
Which Pokémon evolve by trading?
For the ten trade evolutions listed below, the trade is the trigger. In the six item-based cases, the Pokémon must be holding the named item when traded; that item is consumed when the evolution completes. The player who receives the evolving Pokémon registers both species as caught in the Pokédex.
| Starting Pokémon | Evolution | Trade requirement | Restriction or caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haunter | Gengar | Trade; no evolution item required | Remove held items first: Haunter loses any item it holds when it evolves. |
| Kadabra | Alakazam | Trade; no evolution item required | Remove held items first: Kadabra loses any item it holds when it evolves. |
| Graveler | Golem | Trade; no evolution item required | Remove held items first: Graveler loses any item it holds when it evolves. |
| Machoke | Machamp | Trade; no evolution item required | Remove held items first: Machoke loses any item it holds when it evolves. |
| Scyther | Scizor | Trade while holding a Metal Coat | Evolution can fail before you obtain the National Pokédex because Scizor is outside the Kanto Pokédex. |
| Onix | Steelix | Trade while holding a Metal Coat | Evolution can fail before you obtain the National Pokédex because Steelix is outside the Kanto Pokédex. |
| Slowpoke | Slowking | Trade while holding a King’s Rock | Slowking is outside the Kanto Pokédex; the National Pokédex restriction can apply. |
| Poliwhirl | Politoed | Trade while holding a King’s Rock | Politoed is outside the Kanto Pokédex; the National Pokédex restriction can apply. |
| Porygon | Porygon2 | Trade while holding an Up-Grade | Porygon2 is outside the Kanto Pokédex; the National Pokédex restriction can apply. |
| Seadra | Kingdra | Trade while holding a Dragon Scale | Kingdra is outside the Kanto Pokédex; the National Pokédex restriction can apply. |
Remove items from the four item-free trade evolutions
In Generation III, Kadabra, Machoke, Graveler, and Haunter evolve when traded even if they are holding an item—and permanently lose that item in the process. This includes items that are not evolution requirements, such as an Everstone. Take anything valuable off those four Pokémon before trading. This warning is specific to those four species; it does not mean every trade evolution discards its held item.
Check the National Pokédex restriction
FireRed and LeafGreen can prevent an evolution into a species outside the Kanto Pokédex until you obtain the National Pokédex. Onix evolving into Steelix is a documented example. If an item-based trade does not produce the expected evolution, check whether you have the National Pokédex rather than assuming the held item was wrong.
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Trading on original Game Boy Advance hardware
On compatible original Game Boy Advance systems and cartridges, a Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable is one route for local trading. Verify that the specific systems and cartridges are compatible before connecting them. This hardware advice does not establish compatibility with newer platforms.
How friendship evolutions work
A friendship evolution occurs when a Pokémon that has reached the required friendship level gains a level. In Generations II through VII, the threshold is 220 friendship. Golbat evolves into Crobat this way in FireRed and LeafGreen.
Eevee cannot evolve into Espeon or Umbreon in these games
Although Eevee can evolve into Espeon or Umbreon in games that support the relevant conditions, FireRed and LeafGreen have no time feature. Eevee therefore cannot evolve locally into either form in these titles. An Espeon or Umbreon can be traded into them, but trading one in does not add the missing evolution trigger.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which evolution stones are relevant?
The classic Kanto evolution-stone families are Fire, Water, Thunder, Leaf, and Moon Stones. In FireRed and LeafGreen, the games refer to these items as “element Stones.” Use the required stone on a compatible Pokémon to trigger its evolution.
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Confirmed Fire Stone examples are Vulpix to Ninetales, Growlithe to Arcanine, and Eevee to Flareon. A complete stone-to-species roster and item-acquisition locations are not established here, so the examples should not be treated as a full list.
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Choose the method that matches the evolution
- Stone: Use the corresponding element Stone on a compatible Pokémon. The confirmed examples above cover Fire Stone evolutions.
- Friendship: Once the Pokémon reaches the friendship threshold, gain a level. Golbat to Crobat is an example.
- Trade: Trade the Pokémon, adding the listed held item first when its evolution requires one. Remove valuable items from Haunter, Kadabra, Graveler, and Machoke before trading.
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