Trade evolutions have always been one of the most “not so easy” parts of Pokemon games. In the core series, some Pokemon can only evolve after being traded to another player. Others are even more specific and need to be traded while holding a special item.
That system can be fun if you have someone to trade with, but it can also be a problem for emulator players, solo players, or anyone who simply wants to complete their team without extra steps. Pokemon Ambrosia makes this much easier.
If you are wondering how to evolve former trade evolution Pokemon in Pokemon Ambrosia, this guide covers everything you need to know about the changes in trade evolutions.
Key Highlights:
- Trade Pokemon evolve in Pokemon Ambrosia by reaching a certain level or using evolution items.
- The best former trade evolutions to use in this ROM hack are Scizor, Kingdra, Gengar, Alakazam, and Electivire.
How to Evolve Trade Pokemon in Pokemon Ambrosia
In this ROM hack, Pokemon that normally evolve through trading no longer require a trade to evolve.
Instead, they now evolve through level-up, evolution stones, or Happiness. This means you can get Pokemon like Alakazam, Machamp, Golem, Gengar, Scizor, Kingdra, Electivire, Magmortar, and Conkeldurr in a normal single-player run.
This is a great quality-of-life change because it lets players complete these evolution lines without needing another player, link cable features, or emulator trading setups.
For most former trade evolution Pokemon, the answer is simple: level them up.
Here’s a complete list of all former trade evolutions in Pokemon Ambrosia compared with their original method in the core games:
| Pokemon | Evolves Into | Original Method | Pokemon Ambrosia Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kadabra | Alakazam | Trade | level 40 |
| Machoke | Machamp | Trade | level 40 |
| Graveler | Golem | Trade | level 40 |
| Haunter | Gengar | Trade | level 40 |
| Poliwhirl | Politoed | Trade with King’s Rock | level 40 |
| Onix | Steelix | Trade with Metal Coat | level 32 |
| Scyther | Scizor | Trade with Metal Coat | Use Sun Stone |
| Seadra | Kingdra | Trade with Dragon Scale | level 40 |
| Porygon | Porygon2 | Trade with Upgrade | level 30 |
| Porygon2 | Porygon-Z | Trade with Dubious Disc | level 40 |
| Feebas | Milotic | Trade with Prism Scale in some games | Happiness anytime |
| Rhydon | Rhyperior | Trade with Protector | level 50 |
| Electabuzz | Electivire | Trade with Electirizer | level 40 |
| Magmar | Magmortar | Trade with Magmarizer | level 40 |
| Gurdurr | Conkeldurr | Trade | level 40 |
Changes in Trade Evolution
Most of the Pokemon that evolved through trading now evolve when they reach level 40 instead. This includes Gengar, Alakazam, Scizor, Kingdra, Electivire, Magmortar, Rhyperior, and Conkeldurr.
Onix is a bit different, as it evolves into Steelix at level 32. Rhydon evolves into Rhyperior at level 50.
Scyther is the main item-based exception. Instead of trading it with a Metal Coat, use a Sun Stone to evolve it into Scizor.
Feebas is handled differently. Instead of needing a Prism Scale trade, it evolves into Milotic through Happiness at any time.
Poliwhirl has two evolution paths. Use a Water Stone for Poliwrath, or level it to 40 for Politoed.
Porygon’s full evolution line is now much easier. Porygon evolves into Porygon2 at level 30, then Porygon2 evolves into Porygon-Z at level 40.
Best Trade Pokemon to Use in Pokemon Ambrosia
Since Pokemon Ambrosia removes the need for trade evolutions, several Pokemon become much easier to use in a normal solo playthrough.
Here are the best Pokemon that offer strong typing, reliable moves, and useful matchups against the Johto Gym Leaders and Elite Four.
- Scyther evolves into Scizor with a Sun Stone. Its Bug and Steel typing gives it many useful resistances. With a moveset like Bullet Punch, X-Scissor, Leech Life, and Swords Dance, Scizor can be lethal against Sabrina’s Psychic-type team and can also perform well against Karen, Pryce, Janine, and Erika. Just be careful around Fire-type moves.
- Kingdra’s Water and Dragon typing gives it great all-around value, especially late in the game. Kingdra’s moveset includes Waterfall, Dragon Pulse, Dragon Claw, Hydro Pump, Dragon Dance, Outrage, Draco Impact, and Draco Meteor. This makes it one of the best choices against Lance’s Dragon team, while its Water moves can also help against Bruno’s Rock types and many gym leaders.
- Gengar is a strong offensive and utility option. With Hypnosis, Will-O-Wisp, Shadow Ball, Sludge Bomb, Dream Eater, Destiny Bond, and Shadow Ball. Ambrosia can’t be beaten with raw power, so having a status specialist like Gengar, who outspeeds most Pokemon and one-shots Psychic types, is awesome.
- Alakazam gives your team a fast special attacker. Besides having one of the widest coverages in the entire game, it also gets useful moves like Recover, Psychic, Calm Mind, and Reflect. It is strong against Poison and Fighting type threats during the main game, but it should avoid Karen’s Dark types.
- Electivire is a great coverage pick and wallbreaker. Thunder Wave, Thunder Punch, Discharge, Thunderbolt, Thunder, and Volt Tackle. Electric coverage is useful against Flying and Water types, making Electivire valuable across both Johto and Kanto.
Also read: Pokemon Ambrosia Guide: All Legendaries and HM Locations
Conclusion
Pokemon Ambrosia makes former trade evolutions much easier and more convenient for solo players. Instead of needing another player, link cable features, or emulator trading, you can now evolve these Pokemon through normal gameplay.
These changes make team building easier and give players more freedom in choosing party members. Keep in mind that Pokemon Ambrosia also has the move relearner item and the rare Ambrosia that will allow you to build the perfect moveset instantly and max out your Pokemon’s stats and Happiness.
If you want more guides, or even cheats, and walkthroughs that will help you in your Pokeadventures, PokeCoders is the best resource.
