What Pokémon Go Upgrade Items Are and How to Use Them Effectively

Upgrade items in Pokémon Go are special materials needed to evolve certain Pokémon that can't evolve using candies alone. These items enable evolutions for Pokémon like Scyther, Onix, and Eevee, unlocking forms that improve your team. Knowing what upgrade items are, which types exist, when to use them, and how to get them helps you evolve key Pokémon efficiently and strengthen your lineup.

What exactly are Pokémon Go upgrade items and why do they matter?

Upgrade items are special objects you collect in Pokémon Go that let you evolve specific Pokémon species that require more than candies to evolve. Unlike standard evolutions that only need candies, these items serve as an additional requirement to trigger the evolution. They expand the range of Pokémon you can evolve and help you build a stronger, more diverse team. Without upgrade items, some Pokémon would remain in their basic forms, limiting your options for battles, gyms, and raids. For instance, Onix evolves into Steelix only when you use a Metal Coat along with candies. Upgrade items are essential for completing your Pokédex and powering up your collection.

Which upgrade items exist and what do they do?

There are several upgrade items in Pokémon Go, each tied to evolving certain Pokémon. The main ones are:

• Metal Coat: Evolves Onix into Steelix and Scyther into Scizor.
• Dragon Scale: Evolves Seadra into Kingdra.
• Sun Stone: Evolves Gloom into Bellossom and Sunkern into Sunflora.
• King's Rock: Evolves Poliwhirl into Politoed and Slowpoke into Slowking.
• Up-Grade: Evolves Porygon into Porygon2.
• Sinnoh Stone: Used for evolving several Sinnoh-region Pokémon, like Roselia into Roserade and Dusclops into Dusknoir.

Each item is single-use and consumed when you evolve a Pokémon. For example, to evolve Seadra into Kingdra, you need a Dragon Scale and enough candies. These items are rare, so use them wisely.

How do you use upgrade items to evolve or strengthen your Pokémon?

To evolve a Pokémon using an upgrade item, follow these steps:

1. Open your Pokémon collection and select the Pokémon you want to evolve.
2. Check if the Pokémon requires an upgrade item for evolution; this is shown on the evolution screen.
3. Make sure you have both the necessary candies and the required upgrade item in your inventory.
4. Tap the evolve button. The game will consume the upgrade item and candies to complete the evolution.

Use upgrade items on Pokémon that will strengthen your team or help complete your Pokédex. Avoid using them on common or low-CP Pokémon unless you want to fill your Pokédex. Also, consider waiting for events that increase evolution bonuses or reduce candy costs to get the most out of your upgrade items.

Where and how can you get more upgrade items without wasting resources?

Upgrade items are less common than regular items, so collecting them efficiently is important. The main sources are:

• Spinning PokéStops and Gyms: These sometimes drop upgrade items, especially if you spin many daily.
• Completing Field Research Tasks: Some tasks reward upgrade items.
• Participating in Special Events: Events often increase upgrade item drop rates or offer them as rewards.
• Receiving Gifts from Friends: Occasionally, gifts contain upgrade items.

To maximize your chances, focus on spinning stops in areas with many PokéStops, complete research tasks that offer upgrade items, and play actively during events with boosted drop rates. Save upgrade items for key evolutions rather than using them immediately.

What are some common myths or mistakes about upgrade items you should avoid?

One common myth is that all Pokémon need upgrade items to evolve, but only a few do; most evolve with candies alone. Another mistake is thinking upgrade items can be reused; they are consumed each time you evolve a Pokémon. Some players wrongly believe upgrade items can power up Pokémon, but they only apply to evolution. Avoid rushing to evolve every eligible Pokémon just because you have an upgrade item. It's often better to wait until you have a Pokémon with higher Combat Power or better IVs to get more value from the evolution. Lastly, don’t confuse these upgrade items with evolution stones from the main series games; Pokémon Go uses a specific set of items with clear purposes.

Conclusion

Upgrade items let you evolve certain Pokémon that candies alone can't evolve, helping you expand your team and complete your Pokédex. You can find them through PokéStops, research tasks, events, and gifts. Use them carefully on Pokémon that will benefit most, and save them for the right moments to get the best results. Understanding how these items work and when to use them will improve your gameplay and help you build a stronger collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use upgrade items to evolve any Pokémon?

No. Upgrade items are only needed for specific Pokémon species that require them in addition to candies. Most Pokémon evolve using candies alone.

Do upgrade items get consumed when I use them?

Yes, upgrade items are single-use and are consumed during the evolution process.

Can I find upgrade items in Poké Balls or gifts?

You can’t find upgrade items inside Poké Balls. Occasionally, gifts from friends may contain upgrade items. The main sources are PokéStops, research tasks, and special events.

Are upgrade items used for powering up Pokémon?

No. Upgrade items are only used for evolving certain Pokémon, not for powering them up.