How to catch and evolve Shelmet, Karrablast in Pokemon

Can’t figure out how to evolve your Karrablast and Shelmet in Pokemon Sword and Shield? That’s understandable, because while it isn’t difficult to do so once you understand the process, not everyone knows how.

Pokemon has a long tradition of adding new ways for Pokemon to evolve. Originally this was just a matter of trading Pokemon, but each generation adds a new wrinkle to evolving Pokemon. Held items, leveling up in specific locations, and even holding the gaming device upside down have been used to add unique methods to evolving Pokemon.

Shelmet and Karrablast arguably have the most interesting method for evolution yet. It takes a very specific set of circumstances to evolve them, and players are rewarded if they take the extra steps to do so. Here’s how to catch and evolve Shelmet and Karrablast in Pokemon Sword and Shield, as well as in Scarlet and Violet.

Where to catch Shelmet and Karrablast in Pokemon Sword and Shield

Shelmet and Karrablast can be caught on Route 7 in either Pokemon Sword or Shield.

While one might expect the Pokemon would be version-exclusives, both Pokemon are available in either gen-eight game. The two Pokemon are relatively rare spawns in tall grass, appearing only 5% of the time. Players can double their chances of getting a spawn by making curry.

Alongside Route 7, Shelmet and Karrablast have the chance of appearing in the Wild Area of Pokemon Sword and Shield. They both appear in the Hammerlocke Hills, Motostoke Riverbank, and Bridge Field areas of the Wild Area. They appear during rain in Hammerlocke Hills and Motostoke Riverbank, while they appear in overcast conditions in Bridge Field.

How to evolve Shelmet and Karrablast in Pokemon Sword and Shield, GO

Players can evolve Shelmet and Karrablast by trading one of these Pokemon for the other with another trainer.

If one trainer trades away a Shelmet for a Karrablast, the Karrablast will evolve into Escavalier after the trade is complete. Meanwhile, the incoming Shelmet will evolve into Accelgor for the other trainer.

This method for evolving Shelmet and Karrablast has been the standard since the introduction of the duo, and this will likely be the case in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet as well. The only game where the duo can evolve differently is Pokemon GO.

In Pokemon GO, players can evolve Shelmet and Karrablast by trading them or by using 200 candies. While this isn’t the highest asking price in the game, it does give players an incentive to simply trade to evolve them rather than grinding to get the 200 required candies.