Pokemon Go took the world by storm on its initial release, but it has been steadily receiving updates and improvements for the years that followed. Recently, Pokemon from the Unova generation have been added. These Pokemon were first featured in the generation 5 games, “Pokemon Black” and “Pokemon White“. With the addition of these powerful new Pokemon, a new method of evolution has been added to the game.

What Is A Unova Stone?

A Unova Stone, when used in conjunction with the requisite amount of Pokemon Candies, is an item that allows for the evolution of a Unova-native Pokemon. This evolution stone is used in place of a fire, water, leaf, thunder, moon, dusk, or shiny stone.

When Pokemon Go first released, Pokemon that evolved through the use of a stone instead evolved with Candies alone. When the Pokemon from the Johto region were added, the update included the Sun Stone to evolve certain Gen 2 Pokemon. In the Unova region update, the Unova Stone has been added as a unique evolution method. Unlike the Sun Stone, the Unova Stone only works on Gen 5 Pokemon and is exclusive to Pokemon Go.

How Can You Get One?

Pokemon Go has two different methods for acquiring a Unova Stone. Neither of these methods are guaranteed to provide a Unova Stone, but each has a chance of yielding one. For your best odds of getting one, experiment to see which will give you the best results.

1. Research Breakthrough

You can earn a Research Breakthrough in Pokemon Go once every week, by completing a Research Task at least once every day. Upon completing the seventh Research Task, the player is rewarded with rare items, currency, and potentially a rare Pokemon spawning. There is a chance that the Research Breakthrough reward will include a Unova Stone, but it also could be a Sun Stone, or another item entirely. Even if you don’t receive a Unova Stone, you are sure to get something useful.

2. Rocket Battles

When you fight against Team Rocket in Pokemon Go, you will receive a reward for winning. If you can manage to take out one of the three Rocket Generals, Sierra, Arlo, or Cliff, you may be able to earn a Unova Stone. You also have a chance of winning a Unova Stone from the boss of Team Rocket himself, Giovanni. These fights are difficult, but fun, and the rewards are well worth the effort.

Unova Stone Evolution Compatibility

Unova Stones allow you to evolve a Unova Pokemon that requires an elemental stone in the main series games. All stone-evolution Pokemon from Unova use it, except for Lilligant and Whimsicott. Both of which require a Sun Stone to evolve.

Eelektrik, Lampent, Mincinno, Munna, Panpour, Pansage, and Pansear all require a Unova Stone. In the main series games, these Pokemon would require a Thunder Stone, Dusk Stone, Shiny Stone, Moon Stone, Water Stone, Leaf Stone, and Fire Stone, respectively. Each of these Pokemon can potentially be very powerful, if raised right.

Candies Are Required

In addition to the Unova Stone itself, you will need a good amount of Pokemon Candies. Eelektrik and Lampent are part of a three-stage line, so they require 100 candies each to evolve.

Mincinno, Munna, Panpour, Pansage, and Pansear are two-stage Pokemon, and only need 50 candies each.

You can get these Candies by capturing multiples of the basic stage Pokemon, or by setting the Pokemon as your walking companion.

Will Other Pokemon Need A Unova Stone In The Future?

While it is impossible to say for sure, it is likely that no other Pokemon will need a Unova Stone to evolve. The only Gen 5 Pokemon not included in Pokemon Go are alternate forms, which do not traditionally require a Stone to be obtained.