Evolving Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon is a popular goal for many Pokémon trainers. These evolutions, known for their unique typings and abilities, can be valuable additions to any team. Many players wonder if it’s possible to obtain these evolutions at the lowest levels, and fortunately, it is! This guide will clarify how to evolve Eevee into Espeon and Umbreon at a low level by focusing on Pokémon happiness, also known as friendship.
Understanding Pokémon Happiness for Evolution
Happiness is a hidden stat in Pokémon games that reflects how much a Pokémon likes its trainer. For Eevee to evolve into Espeon or Umbreon, it needs to reach a high happiness level. In Goldenrod City, you can find a Happiness Rater, located north of the bike shop. This NPC will assess your lead Pokémon’s happiness and provide feedback based on different phrases. Here’s a breakdown of what her sentences mean in terms of happiness points:
- “It looks really happy! It must love you a lot.” (Happiness: 250-255)
- “I get the feeling that it really trusts you.” (Happiness: 200-249)
- “It’s friendly toward you. It looks sort of happy.” (Happiness: 150-199)
- “It’s quite cute.” (Happiness: 100-149)
- “You should treat it better. It’s not used to you.” (Happiness: 50-99)
- “It doesn’t seem to like you at all. It looks mean.” (Happiness: 0-49)
To evolve into Espeon or Umbreon, Eevee needs to reach a happiness level within the “It looks really happy! It must love you a lot.” or “I get the feeling that it really trusts you.” range.
Methods to Increase Eevee’s Happiness
Raising Eevee’s happiness can be achieved through various in-game actions. Here are effective methods to quickly boost your Eevee’s happiness:
- Walking: Taking steps with Eevee in your party increases happiness gradually. Every 256 steps taken can raise happiness by 1 or 2 points.
- Massage: Massages significantly boost happiness. In Veilstone City, a massage service is available. This is also referenced as the haircut service in the underground tunnel of Goldenrod City in Johto games. Massages can increase happiness by 3 to 5 points, or even 5 to 6 points at the Ribbon Syndicate.
- Using Vitamins: Items like Protein, Iron, Calcium, etc., raise happiness by 2 to 6 points.
- Gaining a Level: Leveling up your Eevee also increases happiness by 2 to 6 points.
- Using EV Berries: Berries that reduce Effort Values (EVs) like Pomeg, Kelpsy, Qualot, Hondew, Grepa, and Tamato Berries also increase happiness by 2 to 6 points.
- Using Healing Items: Using Potions, Antidotes, and other healing items can provide a small happiness boost of 1 to 2 points.
It’s worth noting that catching Eevee in a Luxury Ball or Friend Ball can provide starting happiness bonuses. A Luxury Ball increases happiness gains, while a Friend Ball sets Eevee’s initial happiness much higher, around 200.
Achieving a Level 2 Espeon or Umbreon
Despite some misconceptions, it is indeed possible to get a level 2 Espeon or Umbreon. By catching a low-level Eevee and focusing on maximizing its happiness through the methods above before leveling it up through battles, you can control its evolution level. Specifically:
- Catch a low-level Eevee: Obtain an Eevee at its base level.
- Maximize Happiness: Utilize walking, massages, and items to raise Eevee’s happiness to the maximum level without battling to gain EXP.
- Evolve at the Right Time: Once happiness is high, level up Eevee during the day to evolve it into Espeon, or level it up during the night to evolve it into Umbreon. Ensure this level up is what triggers the evolution.
By diligently increasing happiness before battling, you can successfully evolve Eevee into Espeon or Umbreon at a very low level, even as low as level 2 if you are patient and dedicated to walking and happiness-boosting methods! This approach provides a unique challenge and reward for dedicated Pokémon trainers aiming for specific team compositions early in their game.
