So for fun, I decided to look through every single three-stage evolutionary line that has existed over the generations, and how many of them are archetypes, and how many aren't within the archetypes. I also went down the evolution methods for each stage and how each of the three-stage evos have their evolutions triggered.
Evolution is always an exciting prospect, but in most cases many lines are two-stage: a Pokemon evolves once, and that's it. Some, however, are three-stage families who evolve twice from their base form. And those are by far the most exciting prospects: to evolve a Pokemon from a weak base form to a decent middle form to a powerful final form is an incredibly rewarding prospect, and you are gifted with some powerful Pokemon in the end. But let's look down all of them over the years and the various three-stage families we've seen.
GEN 1
->(Level 16)
->(Moon Stone)
->(Level 16)
->(Moon Stone)
Gonna talk about these two together since they're more or less two variants of the same thing. The Nidorans are obtained pretty early, and evolve once around 12-14 levels after being caught, but then evolve again via a stone, the Moon Stone which is obtained pretty early, and thus they reach their full potential quite fast. I don't think any three-stage family has ever been like the Nidos really.
->(Level 21)
->(Leaf Stone)
->(Level 21)
->(Leaf Stone)
Version-exclusive pair, Oddish and Bellsprout basically function identically. Like the Nidos they're a stone-based evolution for their final form, despite evolving relatively early for the first evolution, from the minimum Level 12 taking around 9 levels. After that, they can learn a stronger STAB attack at Level 38 but if they evolve via Stone they stop learning moves whatsoever.
->(Level 25)
->(Water Stone)
A peculiar in that aside from Blastoise, Poliwag was the only Water-type three-stage evolutionary line in Gen 1. For a mid-game Pokemon it evolves at a pretty low level, but it reaches its final form via stone, upon which its level-up learnset in RBY would change.
->(Level 16)
->(Trade)
->(Level 28)
->(Trade)
->(Level 25)
->(Trade)
->(Level 25)
->(Trade)
These four are all grouped together as the original trade evolutions. They are all found at different points in the game, evolve once at various levels, but evolve again when traded to someone else. Like how the other four above these five reach their final form via stone, these four need to be traded in order to reach their full potential (in other words, you need friends ahahahaha).
Notes:
Total number of three-stage lines: 16
Starters: 3
Birds: 1
Bugs: 2
Pseudo-Legendary: 1
Non-Archetype: 9
As the first generation, it seems there were a variety of three-stage lines. The ones that originated generational archetypes are the only ones who evolve by level-up all the way: the starters, Pidgey, Caterpie, Weedle, and Dratini. The rest who did not originate future generation archetypes all reach their final form either via an evolutionary stone or via trading, which is an interesting design choice.
GEN 2
Notes:
Total number of three-stage lines: 13
Starters: 3
Pseudo-legendary: 1
Non-archetype (Original): 2
Non-archetype (Cross-Generation Evolution): 7
Gen 2 stands out for not using an early bird or a set of early game bugs: this is likely because Johto was an extension/sequel of Kanto and thus Pidgey and Caterpie/Weedle returned to reprise their roles in GSC from the original. So all we have in terms of archetypes we have new starters and a new pseudo-legendary. We only have two original non-archetype three-stage lines, but both are standard level-up evolution lines all the way through, unlike with Gen 1. We have many cross-generational evolutions who evolve in different ways, some of them include level-up with the friendship mechanic that was introduced in Gen 2.
GEN 3
Notes:
Total number of three-stage families: 16
Starters: 3
Early Route Bugs: 2
Pseudo-Legendaries: 2
Non-Archetype (Original): 8
Non-Archetype (Cross-Generational): 1
We see a fairly high number of three-stage evolution families in Gen 3, and many who are totally original three-stage families. Unlike with Gen 1, the non-archetypal ones are mostly fully conforming to traditional evolution levels without evolutionary stone, friendship mechanics, or trade, but the point at which they reach their full potential varies from family to family.
GEN 4
Notes:
Total number of three-stage families: 17
Starters: 3
Early Route Birds: 1
Pseudo-Legendaries: 1
Non-Archetype (Original): 1
Non-Archetype (Cross-Gen Evolutions): 11
Gen 4 is hard carried by having so many cross-gen evolutions adding an additional stage to already existing lines. In terms of original lines, however, it has very few considering Gen 4 introduced very few completely original Pokemon, with only one original non-archetype three-stage line.
GEN 5
->(Level 16)
->(Level 32)
Doggo is a unique early route encounter, with Lillipup standing out as an animal who is a housepet, rather than one based on a random wild critter you meet in your backyard. It has a very starter-esque evolutionary curve, needing 12-14 levels from one you meet on Route 1 to evolve once, then 16 levels to reach its final form.
->(Level 25)
->(Trade)
->(Level 25)
->(Trade)
These two are being grouped together as two of the few trade evolutions of Gen 5, and the obvious expies to Machamp and Golem of Gen 1. They are both obtained fairly early with minimum obtainable levels in the low teens, so needing around 10+ levels to evolve once...then it's on you to find a friend you can trade with to get them to evolve once again.
->(Level 25)
->(Level 36)
It's one of the early-game three-stage lines...a little similar to Poliwag, but unlike it, the Tympole line follows traditional level-up evolution all the way through. Takes around 13 levels from the point you get one to evolve once, then 11 to evolve again.
->(Level 29)
->(Level 40)
A unique three-stage evolutionary line. The lowest possible level you can obtain one is 15 in BW1, and possibly Level 20 if you wait until the Desert Resort. Either way, it's spending 14 levels max, 8-9 levels minimum as Sandile, then takes 11 levels as Krokorok before finally evolving into Krookodile.
->(Level 32)
->(Level 41)
->(Level 32)
->(Level 41)
A version-exclusive pair of three-stage Psychic-type lines who follow entirely parallel evolutionary tracts. They are found not long after Sandile can be first encountered, at a minimum level of 19, and have slightly higher evolution levels than the Sandile line, spending around 13 levels as Gothita or Solosis, then 9 levels as Gothorita or Duosion.
->(Level 35)
->(Level 47)
A mid-game three-stage Ice-type, but the evolutionary levels are stretched out pretty wide. Vanillite can be obtained as low as Level 20, thus taking 15 levels from there to evolve into Vanillish, then needing an addition 12 to evolve into Vanilluxe.
->(Level 38)
->(Level 49)
Another mid-game three-stage line, with Klink's minimum level in BW1 being Level 24, thus needing 14 levels from there to evolve into Klang, then 11 levels to evolve into Klinklang.
->(Level 39)
->(Thunder Stone)
This is one of two three-stage lines in Gen 5 that reaches its final form via an evolutionary stone. Tynamo needs 12 levels to evolve from the level it can be caught (Level 27) to evolve into Eelektrik, but can evolve into Eelektross instantly. There is a catch though: Eelektrik is the only one in the line capable of learning moves via level-up, and it has some nifty ones at 49 and 54 in Acid Spray and Coil that may be worth waiting for, so the choice is yours whether you wanna evolve it right away and get a free power boost, or wait until then and spend 10-15 levels with Eelektrik.
->(Level 41)
->(Dusk Stone)
Another of the two that reaches its final form via stone, though Litwick still takes a while to evolve once, needing 15 levels from its minimum level to evolve. From there it can evolve into Chandelure at any point provided you have a Dusk Stone.
->(Level 38)
->(Level 48)
One of the strangest non-archetypal three-stage evolutionary families, with Axew reaching its first form within 8 levels after being caught, and then 10 levels to evolve again into Haxorus. Because it's a Dragon-type and evolves pretty late, it falls into the trap of Flygon of "mistaken for a pseudo-legendary but it isn't". It does fall short in that regard, not having the BST and also far from being the latest bloomer in Gen 5's roster, with many two-stage lines such as Mienshao, Bisharp, Mandibuzz, Braviary, and Volcarona fully evolving later than it, not to mention Klinklang edges it out in terms of how late it evolves.
Notes:
Total number of three-stage families: 19
Starters: 3
Early Route Birds: 1
Early Route Bugs: 2
Pseudo-Legendary: 1
Non-Archetype: 12
A lot of three-stage lines, and many who don't fall into archetypes. Only four of them follow stone or trade evolutions to reach their final forms, while the rest are standard level-up evolutions. Unlike Gen 3, the levels are far more fine-tuned to the point each line debuts in BW1, with a consistent trend of needing 10-15 levels in the first stage, and around 10 levels in the second stage to fully evolve. Of course, this means the later a three-stage line shows up in BW1, the higher the evolution levels are.
GEN 6
->(Level 19)
->(Shiny Stone)
If we don't count the myriad of Mega Evolutions that Gen 6 introduced, this is one of two non-archetype three-stage evolutionary lines introduced in Gen 6: one that is obtained fairly early too. Flabebe reaches its final form via an evolutionary Stone as well: though considering the way it's placed in X and Y, that means Floette spends around 10 levels or so before a player would reach the point of Route 12 where your first Shiny Stone awaits.
->(Level 35)
->(Dusk Stone)
This is the other of the two non-archetype three-stage families introduced in X and Y. Honedge is obtained at around Level 12 in these games, taking a grand total of 23 levels to evolve once, then needing a Dusk Stone to evolve again. The Dusk Stone doesn't show up until...close to the 8th Gym, so it's also spending a great deal of time as a Doublade.
Notes:
Total number of three-stage families: 8
Starters: 3
Early Route Bird: 1
Early Route Bug: 1
Pseudo-Legendary: 1
Non-Archetype: 2
For a generation that introduced a very small number of original Pokemon, the number of three-stage families is just as small. You have the typical archetype checklist filled out, then two non-archetype families, both of which are stone based.
GEN 7
Notes:
Total number of three-stage families: 10
Starters: 3
Early Route Bird: 1
Early Route Bug: 1
Pseudo-Legendary: 1
Non-Archetype (Original): 1
Non-Archetype (Regional Form): 2
Non-Archetype (Special): 1
Not much more than Gen 6, considering Alola's roster of new Pokemon was also relatively small. For usual non-archetype three-stage families, we only have one, but another two count with a regional forms, and we have one case of a legendary three-stage family, a first for the series and still a unique case to this day.
GEN 8
Notes:
Total number of three-stage families: 16
Starters: 3
Starters (Regional Forms): 3
Early Route Bird: 1
Early Route Bug: 1
Pseudo-Legendary: 1
Pseudo-Legendary (Regional Forms): 1
Non-Archetype (Original): 3
Non-Archetype (Cross-Generation): 3
If you throw regional forms and cross-generational evolutions into the mix, Gen 8 as a whole introduced a handful of three-stage families between SwSh and PLA. SwSh brought with it its own set of starters, an early route bird, an early route bug, and a pseudo-legendary, and PLA also brought regional forms of past starters and a pseudo-legendary to bring more to the mix. We have three original three-stage families introduced this gen, and three cross-generational three-stage families between SwSh and PLA, with two of them from the former, one from the latter, and Obstagoon, Mr. Rime, and Ursaluna are certainly welcome additions to take former two-stage families and make them three-stage families.
Also, for a bit of extra fun, I decided to look through the experience groups every three-stage family has been in.
So anyway...what are your thoughts on all the three-stage evolution families that have existed? Do you think they've introduced enough each generation? And what are your thoughts on the variety of evolution techniques that have existed for every three-stage family that has existed thus far?
No matter what you think, feel free to discuss!
Evolution is always an exciting prospect, but in most cases many lines are two-stage: a Pokemon evolves once, and that's it. Some, however, are three-stage families who evolve twice from their base form. And those are by far the most exciting prospects: to evolve a Pokemon from a weak base form to a decent middle form to a powerful final form is an incredibly rewarding prospect, and you are gifted with some powerful Pokemon in the end. But let's look down all of them over the years and the various three-stage families we've seen.
GEN 1
Starters
->(Level 16)
->(Level 32)
->(Level 16)
->(Level 36)
->(Level 16)
->(Level 36)
The original three starters. They evolve at every point by standard level-up really: starting at Level 5, they evolve after 11 levels, then evolve again after 16 levels (Venusaur) or 20 levels (Charizard and Blastoise) respectively.
Early Route Bird
->(Level 18)
->(Level 36)
Pidgeot being the first early route bird of the series, it's pretty much akin to a second starter of sorts in terms of evolutionary progression. It evolves at Level 18, with the minimum level it is obtained at in its debut game at Level 2, meaning 16 Levels from the point it is caught to Level 18, then another 18 levels to evolve again into Pidgeot.
Early Route Bug
->(Level 7)
->(Level 10)
->(Level 7)
->(Level 10)
Pretty much the originators of another archetypal three-stage evolutionary line, and another early game one at that: Caterpie and Weedle. These guys have a distinct gimmick as a three-stage line, being obtained at a minimum level of 3, evolving at Level 7 after four levels, then again after three levels at Level 10. It is clear this type of three-stage family evolves so quickly and in such a way as a sort of tutorial to evolution: they undergo the insect metamorphosis phase of larva->pupa->imago very quickly before any of your other Pokemon, like your starter, Pidgey, or Rattata evolve even once and this communicates the concept of evolution in a way that's intuitive to a kid.
Pseudo-Legendary
->(Level 30)
->(Level 55)
The final "archetype" three-stage evolution family, the Dratini line. Known as the original of the pseudo-legendary archetype, also known in recent times as the "late bloomer" by merchandise as these lines have the distinct honor of having the highest evolution level to reach the final form of any Pokemon in the generation: in this case, Dragonite is the latest to fully evolve of all the original 151 at Level 55. Dratini itself is obtainable at Level 15, but needs 15 levels from there to evolve once, then an additional 25 levels to evolve again, basically taking a loong time in each stage.
The original three starters. They evolve at every point by standard level-up really: starting at Level 5, they evolve after 11 levels, then evolve again after 16 levels (Venusaur) or 20 levels (Charizard and Blastoise) respectively.
Early Route Bird
Pidgeot being the first early route bird of the series, it's pretty much akin to a second starter of sorts in terms of evolutionary progression. It evolves at Level 18, with the minimum level it is obtained at in its debut game at Level 2, meaning 16 Levels from the point it is caught to Level 18, then another 18 levels to evolve again into Pidgeot.
Early Route Bug
Pretty much the originators of another archetypal three-stage evolutionary line, and another early game one at that: Caterpie and Weedle. These guys have a distinct gimmick as a three-stage line, being obtained at a minimum level of 3, evolving at Level 7 after four levels, then again after three levels at Level 10. It is clear this type of three-stage family evolves so quickly and in such a way as a sort of tutorial to evolution: they undergo the insect metamorphosis phase of larva->pupa->imago very quickly before any of your other Pokemon, like your starter, Pidgey, or Rattata evolve even once and this communicates the concept of evolution in a way that's intuitive to a kid.
Pseudo-Legendary
The final "archetype" three-stage evolution family, the Dratini line. Known as the original of the pseudo-legendary archetype, also known in recent times as the "late bloomer" by merchandise as these lines have the distinct honor of having the highest evolution level to reach the final form of any Pokemon in the generation: in this case, Dragonite is the latest to fully evolve of all the original 151 at Level 55. Dratini itself is obtainable at Level 15, but needs 15 levels from there to evolve once, then an additional 25 levels to evolve again, basically taking a loong time in each stage.
Gonna talk about these two together since they're more or less two variants of the same thing. The Nidorans are obtained pretty early, and evolve once around 12-14 levels after being caught, but then evolve again via a stone, the Moon Stone which is obtained pretty early, and thus they reach their full potential quite fast. I don't think any three-stage family has ever been like the Nidos really.
Version-exclusive pair, Oddish and Bellsprout basically function identically. Like the Nidos they're a stone-based evolution for their final form, despite evolving relatively early for the first evolution, from the minimum Level 12 taking around 9 levels. After that, they can learn a stronger STAB attack at Level 38 but if they evolve via Stone they stop learning moves whatsoever.
A peculiar in that aside from Blastoise, Poliwag was the only Water-type three-stage evolutionary line in Gen 1. For a mid-game Pokemon it evolves at a pretty low level, but it reaches its final form via stone, upon which its level-up learnset in RBY would change.
These four are all grouped together as the original trade evolutions. They are all found at different points in the game, evolve once at various levels, but evolve again when traded to someone else. Like how the other four above these five reach their final form via stone, these four need to be traded in order to reach their full potential (in other words, you need friends ahahahaha).
Notes:
Total number of three-stage lines: 16
Starters: 3
Birds: 1
Bugs: 2
Pseudo-Legendary: 1
Non-Archetype: 9
As the first generation, it seems there were a variety of three-stage lines. The ones that originated generational archetypes are the only ones who evolve by level-up all the way: the starters, Pidgey, Caterpie, Weedle, and Dratini. The rest who did not originate future generation archetypes all reach their final form either via an evolutionary stone or via trading, which is an interesting design choice.
GEN 2
Starters
->(Level 16)
->(Level 32)
->(Level 14)
->(Level 36)
->(Level 18)
->(Level 30)
As usual, the starters. The evolution levels are all over the place, however, with Cyndaquil evolving first the earliest but reaching its final form the latest, needing 9 levels from Level 5 to become Quilava, but 22 levels to evolve into Typhlosion. Totodile on the other hand evolves once the latest of the three, needing 13 levels to evolve into Croconaw, but evolves the earliest of any starter to date, needing only 12 levels to evolve into Feraligatr. Chikorita takes a comfortable middle ground, needing 11 levels to evolve into Bayleef, then evolving again at Level 32 into Meganium after 16 levels.
Pseudo-Legendary
->(Level 30)
->(Level 55)
The only other "archetypal" three-stage line from the Gen 2 games is the pseudo-legendary, being Tyranitar. Its evolution levels are identical to Dragonite, with its minimum obtainable level being 15, so it pretty much follows the same evolutionary tract and length of time needed in each stage as Dratini before it.
As usual, the starters. The evolution levels are all over the place, however, with Cyndaquil evolving first the earliest but reaching its final form the latest, needing 9 levels from Level 5 to become Quilava, but 22 levels to evolve into Typhlosion. Totodile on the other hand evolves once the latest of the three, needing 13 levels to evolve into Croconaw, but evolves the earliest of any starter to date, needing only 12 levels to evolve into Feraligatr. Chikorita takes a comfortable middle ground, needing 11 levels to evolve into Bayleef, then evolving again at Level 32 into Meganium after 16 levels.
Pseudo-Legendary
The only other "archetypal" three-stage line from the Gen 2 games is the pseudo-legendary, being Tyranitar. Its evolution levels are identical to Dragonite, with its minimum obtainable level being 15, so it pretty much follows the same evolutionary tract and length of time needed in each stage as Dratini before it.
Original Three-Stage Families
->(Level 15)
->(Level 30)
One of the few totally original non-archetypal three-stage evolutionary lines in Gen 2, the Mareep line is a standout in Johto for being an early Electric-type who sort of grows with you over the course of the game, evolving once at Level 15, nine levels away from its minimum obtainable level at 6, then evolving 15 levels later again at Level 30.
->(Level 18)
->(Level 27)
The other totally original non-archetypal three-stage evolutionary line in Gen 2. Hoppip, Skiploom, and Jumpluff. From the minimum Level Hoppip is obtainable at, Level 6, it evolves 12 levels later into Skiploom, then needs 9 levels to evolve into Jumpluff.
Three-Stage by Cross-Generational Evolutions
->(Level 22)
->(High Friendship)
Crobat took a rather annoying two-stage bat line and made a compelling third evolution to the annoying Zubat line really. It also was one of the Gen 2 mons who was designed to showcase the then new friendship mechanic in Gen 2. Yep. No standard evo level, no stone, no trade. Evolve when leveling it up with a high friendship rating, in other words, if the Golbat loves you so much, it'll evolve!
->(High Friendship)
->(Thunder Stone)
->(High Friendship)
->(Moon Stone)
->(High Friendship)
->(Moon Stone)
Here we have pre-evolutions to former two-stage lines, as opposed to Crobat being an evolution to one. Pichu, Cleffa, and Igglybuff were some of the new Baby Pokemon introduced in Gen 2 to showcase the Breeding mechanic, with them in the mix there is no standard evolution level for any members of these lines. Level up once via friendship, then evolve again via stone.
->(Level 21)
->(Sun Stone)
->(Level 25)
->(Trade holding King's Rock)
Two lines who were originally three-stage evolution lines to begin with, but gained an alternate third evolution in Gen 2. Oddish gained an alternate final form in Bellossom, who evolves with a new, different, evolutionary stone from Vileplume, while Poliwhirl received a more intuitive final form from Poliwrath in the form of Politoed, who ends up being one of the first trade evolutions who needs to be traded holding a specific item in order to evolve.
->(Level 32)
->(Trade holding Dragon Scale)
Another case of a former two-stage line having an additional third stage added in Gen 2 with Kingdra. Unlike Crobat who was a friendship-based evolution, Kingdra reaches its final form when it's traded holding a specific item.
One of the few totally original non-archetypal three-stage evolutionary lines in Gen 2, the Mareep line is a standout in Johto for being an early Electric-type who sort of grows with you over the course of the game, evolving once at Level 15, nine levels away from its minimum obtainable level at 6, then evolving 15 levels later again at Level 30.
The other totally original non-archetypal three-stage evolutionary line in Gen 2. Hoppip, Skiploom, and Jumpluff. From the minimum Level Hoppip is obtainable at, Level 6, it evolves 12 levels later into Skiploom, then needs 9 levels to evolve into Jumpluff.
Three-Stage by Cross-Generational Evolutions
Crobat took a rather annoying two-stage bat line and made a compelling third evolution to the annoying Zubat line really. It also was one of the Gen 2 mons who was designed to showcase the then new friendship mechanic in Gen 2. Yep. No standard evo level, no stone, no trade. Evolve when leveling it up with a high friendship rating, in other words, if the Golbat loves you so much, it'll evolve!
Here we have pre-evolutions to former two-stage lines, as opposed to Crobat being an evolution to one. Pichu, Cleffa, and Igglybuff were some of the new Baby Pokemon introduced in Gen 2 to showcase the Breeding mechanic, with them in the mix there is no standard evolution level for any members of these lines. Level up once via friendship, then evolve again via stone.
Two lines who were originally three-stage evolution lines to begin with, but gained an alternate third evolution in Gen 2. Oddish gained an alternate final form in Bellossom, who evolves with a new, different, evolutionary stone from Vileplume, while Poliwhirl received a more intuitive final form from Poliwrath in the form of Politoed, who ends up being one of the first trade evolutions who needs to be traded holding a specific item in order to evolve.
Another case of a former two-stage line having an additional third stage added in Gen 2 with Kingdra. Unlike Crobat who was a friendship-based evolution, Kingdra reaches its final form when it's traded holding a specific item.
Notes:
Total number of three-stage lines: 13
Starters: 3
Pseudo-legendary: 1
Non-archetype (Original): 2
Non-archetype (Cross-Generation Evolution): 7
Gen 2 stands out for not using an early bird or a set of early game bugs: this is likely because Johto was an extension/sequel of Kanto and thus Pidgey and Caterpie/Weedle returned to reprise their roles in GSC from the original. So all we have in terms of archetypes we have new starters and a new pseudo-legendary. We only have two original non-archetype three-stage lines, but both are standard level-up evolution lines all the way through, unlike with Gen 1. We have many cross-generational evolutions who evolve in different ways, some of them include level-up with the friendship mechanic that was introduced in Gen 2.
GEN 3
Starters
->(Level 16)
->(Level 36)
->(Level 16)
->(Level 36)
->(Level 16)
->(Level 36)
The usual starters. This time the evolution levels are consistent with every line: Level 16 for the first evolution, Level 36 for the second. 11 Levels from Level 5 to evolve once, another 20 to evolve again.
Early Route Bugs
->(Level 7)
->(Level 10)
->(Level 7)
->(Level 10)
The early route Bug: unlike with Butterfree and Beedrill, we have two branches stemming from the same base stage of Wurmple, where it evolves randomly into either Silcoon or Cascoon at Level 7, then three levels later into Beautifly or Dustox respectively.
Pseudo-Legendary
->(Level 30)
->(Level 50)
->(Level 20)
->(Level 45)
Gen 3 has the honor of introducing two pseudo-legendary/late bloomer lines: one is a typical draconic pseudo-legendary akin to Dragonite and Tyranitar, and follows a similar evolutionary tract, but Bagon reaches its final form Salamence 5 levels earlier than Tyranitar or Dragonite. Metagross evolves a bit earlier too, and Beldum reaches its first evolution earlier, though it still takes just as much time to reach it as the others do in their debut games as it is obtained at a low Level 5.
The usual starters. This time the evolution levels are consistent with every line: Level 16 for the first evolution, Level 36 for the second. 11 Levels from Level 5 to evolve once, another 20 to evolve again.
Early Route Bugs
The early route Bug: unlike with Butterfree and Beedrill, we have two branches stemming from the same base stage of Wurmple, where it evolves randomly into either Silcoon or Cascoon at Level 7, then three levels later into Beautifly or Dustox respectively.
Pseudo-Legendary
Gen 3 has the honor of introducing two pseudo-legendary/late bloomer lines: one is a typical draconic pseudo-legendary akin to Dragonite and Tyranitar, and follows a similar evolutionary tract, but Bagon reaches its final form Salamence 5 levels earlier than Tyranitar or Dragonite. Metagross evolves a bit earlier too, and Beldum reaches its first evolution earlier, though it still takes just as much time to reach it as the others do in their debut games as it is obtained at a low Level 5.
Original Three-Stage Lines
->(Level 14)
->(Water Stone)
->(Level 14)
->(Leaf Stone)
A version-exclusive pair of three-stage families. These follow a lot of Gen 1's stone-based three-stage evolutions, are in theory closest in behavior to the Nidos of Gen 1 albeit in their debut game they function differently since their respective evolutionary stones are found a lot later. They reach their first evolutionary stage very early, then their final form via stone.
->(Level 20)
->(Level 30)
Ralts is an early-game Pokemon who is a three-stage line that is...very peculiar. It evolves at fairly reasonable levels all the way, at Level 20 for the first after 16 levels from its minimum obtainable level (Level 4), then evolving again 10 levels later. The biggest thing that distinguishes this line is how utterly weak the first two stages are, with Gardevoir being a substantial power jump from Kirlia.
->(Level 18)
->(Level 36)
Another standard evolution line...one that acts strange but follows a standard evolutionary curve, despite the oddities with changing an ability in the middle stage (as well as moves) then reverting back to its original ability in the final form, with Slaking being stupidly powerful despite not being a Legendary.
->(Level 20)
->(Level 40)
For how early Whismur is obtained in RSE, its evolutionary levels are surprisingly stretched out over a long course of time. It evolves once at Level 20, then again 20 levels later at Level 40.
->(Level 32)
->(Level 42)
The only thing I can say here is that Aron takes a surprisingly long time from its minimum obtainable level to evolve once into Lairon, though it makes up for it by only needing 10 levels from Lairon to become Aggron.
->(Level 35)
->(Level 45)
A fairly late evolving but level-up based three-stage evolutionary family. Funnily enough, because it's a Dragon-type and evolves pretty late it often gets mistaken for a pseudo-legendary despite being statistically weaker and being in a different experience group from a real pseudo-legendary, even though Flygon is a pretty awesome Pokemon in its own right.
->(Level 32)
->(Level 44)
One of the few Ice-type three stage lines, and the first one ever created in history, the Spheal line also happens to exemplify the "Ice-type lateness" syndrome in its own evolution levels, as it evolves once pretty late, and evolves into its final form Walrein at a fairly high level as well.
Cross-Generation Evolutions
->(High Friendship)
->(Level 18)
One of the very few cross-generational baby Pokemon pre-evolutions Gen 3 introduced, Azurill turns the Marill family into a three-stage one. Given Marill evolves...surprisingly early, this line stands out as a fairly early bloomer, and one who wasn't all that good in its early days (but has progressively become much stronger over time with the physical/special split, abilities, and the Fairy-type all giving it boons to turn it into a genuinely usable Pokemon in combat).
A version-exclusive pair of three-stage families. These follow a lot of Gen 1's stone-based three-stage evolutions, are in theory closest in behavior to the Nidos of Gen 1 albeit in their debut game they function differently since their respective evolutionary stones are found a lot later. They reach their first evolutionary stage very early, then their final form via stone.
Ralts is an early-game Pokemon who is a three-stage line that is...very peculiar. It evolves at fairly reasonable levels all the way, at Level 20 for the first after 16 levels from its minimum obtainable level (Level 4), then evolving again 10 levels later. The biggest thing that distinguishes this line is how utterly weak the first two stages are, with Gardevoir being a substantial power jump from Kirlia.
Another standard evolution line...one that acts strange but follows a standard evolutionary curve, despite the oddities with changing an ability in the middle stage (as well as moves) then reverting back to its original ability in the final form, with Slaking being stupidly powerful despite not being a Legendary.
For how early Whismur is obtained in RSE, its evolutionary levels are surprisingly stretched out over a long course of time. It evolves once at Level 20, then again 20 levels later at Level 40.
The only thing I can say here is that Aron takes a surprisingly long time from its minimum obtainable level to evolve once into Lairon, though it makes up for it by only needing 10 levels from Lairon to become Aggron.
A fairly late evolving but level-up based three-stage evolutionary family. Funnily enough, because it's a Dragon-type and evolves pretty late it often gets mistaken for a pseudo-legendary despite being statistically weaker and being in a different experience group from a real pseudo-legendary, even though Flygon is a pretty awesome Pokemon in its own right.
One of the few Ice-type three stage lines, and the first one ever created in history, the Spheal line also happens to exemplify the "Ice-type lateness" syndrome in its own evolution levels, as it evolves once pretty late, and evolves into its final form Walrein at a fairly high level as well.
Cross-Generation Evolutions
One of the very few cross-generational baby Pokemon pre-evolutions Gen 3 introduced, Azurill turns the Marill family into a three-stage one. Given Marill evolves...surprisingly early, this line stands out as a fairly early bloomer, and one who wasn't all that good in its early days (but has progressively become much stronger over time with the physical/special split, abilities, and the Fairy-type all giving it boons to turn it into a genuinely usable Pokemon in combat).
Notes:
Total number of three-stage families: 16
Starters: 3
Early Route Bugs: 2
Pseudo-Legendaries: 2
Non-Archetype (Original): 8
Non-Archetype (Cross-Generational): 1
We see a fairly high number of three-stage evolution families in Gen 3, and many who are totally original three-stage families. Unlike with Gen 1, the non-archetypal ones are mostly fully conforming to traditional evolution levels without evolutionary stone, friendship mechanics, or trade, but the point at which they reach their full potential varies from family to family.
GEN 4
Starters
->(Level 18)
->(Level 32)
->(Level 14)
->(Level 36)
->(Level 16)
->(Level 36)
The usual starter trio. Evolution levels are once again inconsistent, with each of them reaching their first evolution at varying points, but Turtwig reaches Torterra at an earlier level than the other two reach Infernape and Empoleon, respectively.
Early Route Bird
->(Level 14)
->(Level 34)
After many generations, the three-stage early route bird spawns into an archetype at last with Staraptor being the successor to Pidgeot. Starly reaches each of its stages at an earlier point than Pidgey does, with Starly needing at most 12 levels to evolve once, and an additional 20 to evolve into Staraptor. It follows a starter-esque evolutionary curve like Pidgeot did.
Pseudo-Legendary
->(Level 24)
->(Level 48)
The typical late bloomer/pseudo-legendary of the lot. The Gible family incidentally reaches each form earlier than most pseudo-legendaries barring Beldum, with Gible being obtainable at Level 15-17, needing 7-9 levels to evolve once into Gabite, then around 24 to evolve into Garchomp. It spends the longest amount of time as Gabite, incidentally enough, before finally reaching its final form.
The usual starter trio. Evolution levels are once again inconsistent, with each of them reaching their first evolution at varying points, but Turtwig reaches Torterra at an earlier level than the other two reach Infernape and Empoleon, respectively.
Early Route Bird
After many generations, the three-stage early route bird spawns into an archetype at last with Staraptor being the successor to Pidgeot. Starly reaches each of its stages at an earlier point than Pidgey does, with Starly needing at most 12 levels to evolve once, and an additional 20 to evolve into Staraptor. It follows a starter-esque evolutionary curve like Pidgeot did.
Pseudo-Legendary
The typical late bloomer/pseudo-legendary of the lot. The Gible family incidentally reaches each form earlier than most pseudo-legendaries barring Beldum, with Gible being obtainable at Level 15-17, needing 7-9 levels to evolve once into Gabite, then around 24 to evolve into Garchomp. It spends the longest amount of time as Gabite, incidentally enough, before finally reaching its final form.
Original Three-Stage Lines
->(Level 15)
->(Level 30)
Probably the only original three-stage non-archetype family introduced in Sinnoh, Shinx is one of the standout early-game Pokemon and follows a starter-esque evolutionary curve, incidentally identical to Mareep's evolution levels, and both are Electric-type. Luxray might as well be the Ampharos of Sinnoh in that regard.
Three-Stage by Cross-Generational Evolutions
->(High Friendship during the Day)
->(Shiny Stone)
Take a former single stage Pokemon, one who was unremarkable in just about every word, give it both a pre-evolution and an evolution at once, and bam! Now you have a memorable three-stage evolutionary line. None of the stages are traditional level-up evolutions, with Budew needing to achieve high friendship with its Trainer to evolve, then it evolves again via stone. It is an early game three-stage line, but one that stands out in Sinnoh, much moreso than in Hoenn.
->(Hold Oval Stone during the Day)
->(High Friendship)
A case of a three-stage family where each stage was introduced in a different generation, but its first time being such is in Gen 4 itself. Happiny being a pre-evolution introduced in Gen 4, and Blissey being an evolution introduced in Gen 2.
->(Level 30)
->(Level-up in magnetic field/Thunder Stone)
Nothing to say here other than Magnezone is one of many new third evolutions added to former two-stage lines, with a location-based evolution which is the first time this was the case for any Pokemon.
->(Level 42)
->(Trade holding Protector)
Probably the strangest addition of a three-stage line considering Rhydon is statistically quite strong, but it's one that isn't unwelcome: Rhyperior is very much an upgrade from Rhydon and is basically a better Rhydon combat-wise, regardless of how you feel about its design.
->(Level 30)
->(Trade holding Electirizer)
->(Level 30)
->(Trade holding Magmarizer)
A counterpart duo since the beginning, and like with Blissey, each stage was introduced in a different generation. From a pair of single stage Pokemon in Electabuzz and Magmar, then becoming two-stage Pokemon in Gen 2, and it all comes full force in Gen 4 with two powerful evolutions who are also trade evolutions with certain items. While they weren't bad Pokemon to begin with, their evolutions definitely brought with them cool designs and while one of them is infamously disappointing competitively, they are pretty great for in-game runs now if you can trade.
->(High Friendship)
->(Shiny Stone)
One of Gen 2's most iconic Pokemon, yet underwhelming historically, getting a much-needed boost in the form of a third stage in Togekiss. The most iconic Baby Pokemon of all is worth raising in Platinum all thanks to a third stage, if you can get ahold of a Shiny Stone you're in luck.
->(Level 33)
->(Level up knowing Ancient Power)
Probably one of the cases where the middle stage gets overshadowed a lot if you know what you're doing: in Platinum you could evolve Swinub in one level then Piloswine just as quickly, although in HGSS and later games this may take longer.
->(Trade holding Up-Grade)
->(Trade holding Dubious Disc)
Probably the most funny and bizarre three-stage evolution line of all time. Each stage was introduced in a different generation, but all evolutions involve trade in one form or another. Trade once with one item, trade again with yet another. Assuming no touch trades, this means one person could have a Porygon, then the next day someone else will have a Porygon2, and someday yet another person will end up with this same individual Porygon as a Porygon-Z. Talk about weird.
->(Level 20)
->(Dawn Stone+Male)
One of the few cases of an alternate third evolution being added to an already existing three-stage line. Gallade is unique as an alternate evolution to Gardevoir since Kirlia could evolve into Gallade practically instantly, but only male Kirlia have this privilege, females will only get to evolve into Gardevoir and will have to wait 10 levels to do so.
->(Level 37)
->(Trade holding Reaper Cloth)
Arguably one of the most bizarre additions for a new evolution, Dusknoir takes a tanky Ghost-type and evolves into one that has a bit more of an offensive presence considering Dusclops is a pretty weak Pokemon offensively, so it's not a totally useless evolution really. It has some offensive punch combined with its bulk which can work just fine in-game in Platinum if you're up for that, and it also takes the honor of the first Ghost-type three stage family since Gengar after several generations of Gengar being the sole three-stage Ghost-type.
Probably the only original three-stage non-archetype family introduced in Sinnoh, Shinx is one of the standout early-game Pokemon and follows a starter-esque evolutionary curve, incidentally identical to Mareep's evolution levels, and both are Electric-type. Luxray might as well be the Ampharos of Sinnoh in that regard.
Three-Stage by Cross-Generational Evolutions
Take a former single stage Pokemon, one who was unremarkable in just about every word, give it both a pre-evolution and an evolution at once, and bam! Now you have a memorable three-stage evolutionary line. None of the stages are traditional level-up evolutions, with Budew needing to achieve high friendship with its Trainer to evolve, then it evolves again via stone. It is an early game three-stage line, but one that stands out in Sinnoh, much moreso than in Hoenn.
A case of a three-stage family where each stage was introduced in a different generation, but its first time being such is in Gen 4 itself. Happiny being a pre-evolution introduced in Gen 4, and Blissey being an evolution introduced in Gen 2.
Nothing to say here other than Magnezone is one of many new third evolutions added to former two-stage lines, with a location-based evolution which is the first time this was the case for any Pokemon.
Probably the strangest addition of a three-stage line considering Rhydon is statistically quite strong, but it's one that isn't unwelcome: Rhyperior is very much an upgrade from Rhydon and is basically a better Rhydon combat-wise, regardless of how you feel about its design.
A counterpart duo since the beginning, and like with Blissey, each stage was introduced in a different generation. From a pair of single stage Pokemon in Electabuzz and Magmar, then becoming two-stage Pokemon in Gen 2, and it all comes full force in Gen 4 with two powerful evolutions who are also trade evolutions with certain items. While they weren't bad Pokemon to begin with, their evolutions definitely brought with them cool designs and while one of them is infamously disappointing competitively, they are pretty great for in-game runs now if you can trade.
One of Gen 2's most iconic Pokemon, yet underwhelming historically, getting a much-needed boost in the form of a third stage in Togekiss. The most iconic Baby Pokemon of all is worth raising in Platinum all thanks to a third stage, if you can get ahold of a Shiny Stone you're in luck.
Probably one of the cases where the middle stage gets overshadowed a lot if you know what you're doing: in Platinum you could evolve Swinub in one level then Piloswine just as quickly, although in HGSS and later games this may take longer.
Probably the most funny and bizarre three-stage evolution line of all time. Each stage was introduced in a different generation, but all evolutions involve trade in one form or another. Trade once with one item, trade again with yet another. Assuming no touch trades, this means one person could have a Porygon, then the next day someone else will have a Porygon2, and someday yet another person will end up with this same individual Porygon as a Porygon-Z. Talk about weird.
One of the few cases of an alternate third evolution being added to an already existing three-stage line. Gallade is unique as an alternate evolution to Gardevoir since Kirlia could evolve into Gallade practically instantly, but only male Kirlia have this privilege, females will only get to evolve into Gardevoir and will have to wait 10 levels to do so.
Arguably one of the most bizarre additions for a new evolution, Dusknoir takes a tanky Ghost-type and evolves into one that has a bit more of an offensive presence considering Dusclops is a pretty weak Pokemon offensively, so it's not a totally useless evolution really. It has some offensive punch combined with its bulk which can work just fine in-game in Platinum if you're up for that, and it also takes the honor of the first Ghost-type three stage family since Gengar after several generations of Gengar being the sole three-stage Ghost-type.
Notes:
Total number of three-stage families: 17
Starters: 3
Early Route Birds: 1
Pseudo-Legendaries: 1
Non-Archetype (Original): 1
Non-Archetype (Cross-Gen Evolutions): 11
Gen 4 is hard carried by having so many cross-gen evolutions adding an additional stage to already existing lines. In terms of original lines, however, it has very few considering Gen 4 introduced very few completely original Pokemon, with only one original non-archetype three-stage line.
GEN 5
Starters
->(Level 17)
->(Level 36)
->(Level 17)
->(Level 36)
->(Level 17)
->(Level 36)
Evolution levels between the three starters are consistent once more and follow the standard evolutionary curve: 12 levels from Level 5 to evolve once, then 19 levels from there to evolve again.
Early Route Bird
->(Level 21)
->(Level 32)
The standard three-stage early route bird returns, although Pidove reaches its first form later than Pidgey or Starly before it. Granted, in BW1 context, it is obtained at Level 8, needing 13 levels from there, so it evens out, but this is less the case in BW2.
Early Route Bug
->(Level 20)
->(High Friendship)
->(Level 22)
->(Level 30)
The early-game bug pair, but these two break tradition and aren't like Butterfree and Beedrill in terms of power or evolution level, presumably because this time around the elemental monkeys are Gen 5's tutorial Pokemon. These two evolve relatively quickly from their obtained level, at 15, compared to their other Gen 5 contemporaries, needing only 5-7 levels to do so, and from there Whirlipede spends 8 levels before evolving again, while Swadloon could arguably evolve as early as Level 27-29 depending on how well you manage its friendship. While not extremely early bloomers, they do go through their entire evolutionary family quite quickly compared to other Gen 5 Pokemon.
Pseudo-Legendary
->(Level 50)
->(Level 64)
Let's take the concept of late-bloomer, and take it to the extreme, yeah? Deino is a different direction from past pseudo-legendaries, instead being found at Level 38-40, then needing extremely high evolution levels to compensate. It takes around 12 levels to evolve once from its minimum obtainable level, then an additional 14 to evolve again, but nonetheless it has the highest evolutionary level of every Pokemon ever. But damn, once you do get there, it's worth it, I tell ya!
Evolution levels between the three starters are consistent once more and follow the standard evolutionary curve: 12 levels from Level 5 to evolve once, then 19 levels from there to evolve again.
Early Route Bird
The standard three-stage early route bird returns, although Pidove reaches its first form later than Pidgey or Starly before it. Granted, in BW1 context, it is obtained at Level 8, needing 13 levels from there, so it evens out, but this is less the case in BW2.
Early Route Bug
The early-game bug pair, but these two break tradition and aren't like Butterfree and Beedrill in terms of power or evolution level, presumably because this time around the elemental monkeys are Gen 5's tutorial Pokemon. These two evolve relatively quickly from their obtained level, at 15, compared to their other Gen 5 contemporaries, needing only 5-7 levels to do so, and from there Whirlipede spends 8 levels before evolving again, while Swadloon could arguably evolve as early as Level 27-29 depending on how well you manage its friendship. While not extremely early bloomers, they do go through their entire evolutionary family quite quickly compared to other Gen 5 Pokemon.
Pseudo-Legendary
Let's take the concept of late-bloomer, and take it to the extreme, yeah? Deino is a different direction from past pseudo-legendaries, instead being found at Level 38-40, then needing extremely high evolution levels to compensate. It takes around 12 levels to evolve once from its minimum obtainable level, then an additional 14 to evolve again, but nonetheless it has the highest evolutionary level of every Pokemon ever. But damn, once you do get there, it's worth it, I tell ya!
Doggo is a unique early route encounter, with Lillipup standing out as an animal who is a housepet, rather than one based on a random wild critter you meet in your backyard. It has a very starter-esque evolutionary curve, needing 12-14 levels from one you meet on Route 1 to evolve once, then 16 levels to reach its final form.
These two are being grouped together as two of the few trade evolutions of Gen 5, and the obvious expies to Machamp and Golem of Gen 1. They are both obtained fairly early with minimum obtainable levels in the low teens, so needing around 10+ levels to evolve once...then it's on you to find a friend you can trade with to get them to evolve once again.
It's one of the early-game three-stage lines...a little similar to Poliwag, but unlike it, the Tympole line follows traditional level-up evolution all the way through. Takes around 13 levels from the point you get one to evolve once, then 11 to evolve again.
A unique three-stage evolutionary line. The lowest possible level you can obtain one is 15 in BW1, and possibly Level 20 if you wait until the Desert Resort. Either way, it's spending 14 levels max, 8-9 levels minimum as Sandile, then takes 11 levels as Krokorok before finally evolving into Krookodile.
A version-exclusive pair of three-stage Psychic-type lines who follow entirely parallel evolutionary tracts. They are found not long after Sandile can be first encountered, at a minimum level of 19, and have slightly higher evolution levels than the Sandile line, spending around 13 levels as Gothita or Solosis, then 9 levels as Gothorita or Duosion.
A mid-game three-stage Ice-type, but the evolutionary levels are stretched out pretty wide. Vanillite can be obtained as low as Level 20, thus taking 15 levels from there to evolve into Vanillish, then needing an addition 12 to evolve into Vanilluxe.
Another mid-game three-stage line, with Klink's minimum level in BW1 being Level 24, thus needing 14 levels from there to evolve into Klang, then 11 levels to evolve into Klinklang.
This is one of two three-stage lines in Gen 5 that reaches its final form via an evolutionary stone. Tynamo needs 12 levels to evolve from the level it can be caught (Level 27) to evolve into Eelektrik, but can evolve into Eelektross instantly. There is a catch though: Eelektrik is the only one in the line capable of learning moves via level-up, and it has some nifty ones at 49 and 54 in Acid Spray and Coil that may be worth waiting for, so the choice is yours whether you wanna evolve it right away and get a free power boost, or wait until then and spend 10-15 levels with Eelektrik.
Another of the two that reaches its final form via stone, though Litwick still takes a while to evolve once, needing 15 levels from its minimum level to evolve. From there it can evolve into Chandelure at any point provided you have a Dusk Stone.
One of the strangest non-archetypal three-stage evolutionary families, with Axew reaching its first form within 8 levels after being caught, and then 10 levels to evolve again into Haxorus. Because it's a Dragon-type and evolves pretty late, it falls into the trap of Flygon of "mistaken for a pseudo-legendary but it isn't". It does fall short in that regard, not having the BST and also far from being the latest bloomer in Gen 5's roster, with many two-stage lines such as Mienshao, Bisharp, Mandibuzz, Braviary, and Volcarona fully evolving later than it, not to mention Klinklang edges it out in terms of how late it evolves.
Notes:
Total number of three-stage families: 19
Starters: 3
Early Route Birds: 1
Early Route Bugs: 2
Pseudo-Legendary: 1
Non-Archetype: 12
A lot of three-stage lines, and many who don't fall into archetypes. Only four of them follow stone or trade evolutions to reach their final forms, while the rest are standard level-up evolutions. Unlike Gen 3, the levels are far more fine-tuned to the point each line debuts in BW1, with a consistent trend of needing 10-15 levels in the first stage, and around 10 levels in the second stage to fully evolve. Of course, this means the later a three-stage line shows up in BW1, the higher the evolution levels are.
GEN 6
Starters
->(Level 16)
->(Level 36)
->(Level 16)
->(Level 36)
->(Level 16)
->(Level 36)
The good ol' starter trio. Like with Hoenn and Unova, they've stuck to keeping the starter evolution levels consistent across the trio, at Level 16 for the first evolution, then Level 36 for the second evolution.
Early Route Bird
->(Level 17)
->(Level 35)
Gen 6 continues a now generational trend of a three-stage regional bird, with the Fletchling line following a very starter-esque evolutionary curve like its predecessors. It evolves a little later than the actual starters but a level earlier for the second evolution.
Early Route Bug
->(Level 9)
->(Level 12)
There is one regional early route bug in Kalos, but it follows the more Butterfree/Beedrill esque evolve all the way early on path unlike Leavanny and Scolipede. That said, Scatterbug evolves a little later than those before it, then again three levels later into Vivillon.
Pseudo-Legendary
->(Level 40)
->(Level 50 while raining in overworld)
X and Y brings another pseudo-legendary...who also reaches its first evolution a bit late, evolving around 10 levels after it can be caught at Level 30, then another 10 after that while it's raining in the overworld. That's a surprisingly short amount of time in each stage for pseudo-legendaries historically, but hey, it is what it is.
The good ol' starter trio. Like with Hoenn and Unova, they've stuck to keeping the starter evolution levels consistent across the trio, at Level 16 for the first evolution, then Level 36 for the second evolution.
Early Route Bird
Gen 6 continues a now generational trend of a three-stage regional bird, with the Fletchling line following a very starter-esque evolutionary curve like its predecessors. It evolves a little later than the actual starters but a level earlier for the second evolution.
Early Route Bug
There is one regional early route bug in Kalos, but it follows the more Butterfree/Beedrill esque evolve all the way early on path unlike Leavanny and Scolipede. That said, Scatterbug evolves a little later than those before it, then again three levels later into Vivillon.
Pseudo-Legendary
X and Y brings another pseudo-legendary...who also reaches its first evolution a bit late, evolving around 10 levels after it can be caught at Level 30, then another 10 after that while it's raining in the overworld. That's a surprisingly short amount of time in each stage for pseudo-legendaries historically, but hey, it is what it is.
If we don't count the myriad of Mega Evolutions that Gen 6 introduced, this is one of two non-archetype three-stage evolutionary lines introduced in Gen 6: one that is obtained fairly early too. Flabebe reaches its final form via an evolutionary Stone as well: though considering the way it's placed in X and Y, that means Floette spends around 10 levels or so before a player would reach the point of Route 12 where your first Shiny Stone awaits.
This is the other of the two non-archetype three-stage families introduced in X and Y. Honedge is obtained at around Level 12 in these games, taking a grand total of 23 levels to evolve once, then needing a Dusk Stone to evolve again. The Dusk Stone doesn't show up until...close to the 8th Gym, so it's also spending a great deal of time as a Doublade.
Notes:
Total number of three-stage families: 8
Starters: 3
Early Route Bird: 1
Early Route Bug: 1
Pseudo-Legendary: 1
Non-Archetype: 2
For a generation that introduced a very small number of original Pokemon, the number of three-stage families is just as small. You have the typical archetype checklist filled out, then two non-archetype families, both of which are stone based.
GEN 7
Starters
->(Level 17)
->(Level 34)
->(Level 17)
->(Level 34)
->(Level 17)
->(Level 34)
We continue with the trio of Alola starters. They follow a slightly adjusted evolution curve, evolving at Level 17 for the first evolution but universally earlier than typical for a starter, at Level 34, spending 17 levels in the second stage.
Early Route Bird
->(Level 14)
->(Level 28)
Probably the earliest evolving early route bird of all, reaching its final form at Level 28 after 14 levels as Trumbeak, who evolves at Level 14, meaning a maximum of 12 levels as Pikipek.
Early Route Bug
->(Level 20)
->(Level up in magnetic field or Thunder Stone)
Another case of a late-evolving early route Bug-type, who evolves once at Level 20 after...quite a long time as Grubbin. Charjabug evolves in a magnetic field: in SM, this is extremely late in the game, in USUM, it can feasibly happen mid-game after around, say, 9-10 levels as Charjabug. In Sword and Shield this becomes a stone evo, so you could feasibly evolve Charjabug whenever you want and have a Vikavolt.
Pseudo-Legendary
->(Level 35)
->(Level 45)
The Alola pseudo-legendary. Its evolution levels are pretty reasonable for a pseudo-legendary in a vacuum, but in the context of SM and USUM themselves it comes off as a bit undercooked: Jangmo-o comes in the low 40s, meaning it evolves once practically instantly after one level and then after a few levels Hakamo-o is out of sight and out of mind, and you'll have a Kommo-o. Kinda underwhelming for a pseudo-legendary: fortunately Sword and Shield's Isle of Armor introduces Jangmo-o at levels between 19 and 24, meaning you can enjoy the full extent of each stage in Sword and Shield if you have Sword, with around, say 11-16 levels with Jangmo-o and 10 with Hakamo-o.
We continue with the trio of Alola starters. They follow a slightly adjusted evolution curve, evolving at Level 17 for the first evolution but universally earlier than typical for a starter, at Level 34, spending 17 levels in the second stage.
Early Route Bird
Probably the earliest evolving early route bird of all, reaching its final form at Level 28 after 14 levels as Trumbeak, who evolves at Level 14, meaning a maximum of 12 levels as Pikipek.
Early Route Bug
Another case of a late-evolving early route Bug-type, who evolves once at Level 20 after...quite a long time as Grubbin. Charjabug evolves in a magnetic field: in SM, this is extremely late in the game, in USUM, it can feasibly happen mid-game after around, say, 9-10 levels as Charjabug. In Sword and Shield this becomes a stone evo, so you could feasibly evolve Charjabug whenever you want and have a Vikavolt.
Pseudo-Legendary
The Alola pseudo-legendary. Its evolution levels are pretty reasonable for a pseudo-legendary in a vacuum, but in the context of SM and USUM themselves it comes off as a bit undercooked: Jangmo-o comes in the low 40s, meaning it evolves once practically instantly after one level and then after a few levels Hakamo-o is out of sight and out of mind, and you'll have a Kommo-o. Kinda underwhelming for a pseudo-legendary: fortunately Sword and Shield's Isle of Armor introduces Jangmo-o at levels between 19 and 24, meaning you can enjoy the full extent of each stage in Sword and Shield if you have Sword, with around, say 11-16 levels with Jangmo-o and 10 with Hakamo-o.
Normal Original Pokemon
->(Level 18)
->(Level up knowing Stomp)
Tsareena, or by extension the Bounsweet family, holds the honor as the only "non-legendary", non-archetype, three-stage family in Gen 7 that is a totally original line. Bounsweet isn't found below its evolution level which means it evolves pretty quick: unless you get the one from the trade who is Level 16 and evolves within two levels of being given to you. From there, Steenee levels up knowing a certain move: it happens to learn this move at Level 29 in SM and USUM, basically making Level 29 its honorary evolution level, 11 levels from when it first becomes Steenee.
Regional Forms
->(High Friendship)
->(Thunder Stone)
I guess it's just one Alolan form of the final form but it might as well count for Alola. Raichu receives an Alolan form, even though its pre-evolutions remain the same, making this an honorary three-stage line for Gen 7, but not an original one.
->(Level 25)
->(Trade)
Geodude's line follows the same evolution methods as its Kantonian brethren, and is the only other "new" three-stage family among non-archetypes that Alola introduced, but since it might as well be a new Pokemon despite being a regional form I might as well include it.
Special Case
->(Level 43)
->(Level 53, depends on version)
Cosmog is an extremely unusual case: this is the first time any legendary Pokemon have been part of an evolutionary line, let alone the cover legendary duo. Cosmog evolves once fairly late, then 10 levels later it evolves into the cover legendary at Level 53...a first and an unusual case.
Tsareena, or by extension the Bounsweet family, holds the honor as the only "non-legendary", non-archetype, three-stage family in Gen 7 that is a totally original line. Bounsweet isn't found below its evolution level which means it evolves pretty quick: unless you get the one from the trade who is Level 16 and evolves within two levels of being given to you. From there, Steenee levels up knowing a certain move: it happens to learn this move at Level 29 in SM and USUM, basically making Level 29 its honorary evolution level, 11 levels from when it first becomes Steenee.
Regional Forms
I guess it's just one Alolan form of the final form but it might as well count for Alola. Raichu receives an Alolan form, even though its pre-evolutions remain the same, making this an honorary three-stage line for Gen 7, but not an original one.
Geodude's line follows the same evolution methods as its Kantonian brethren, and is the only other "new" three-stage family among non-archetypes that Alola introduced, but since it might as well be a new Pokemon despite being a regional form I might as well include it.
Special Case
Cosmog is an extremely unusual case: this is the first time any legendary Pokemon have been part of an evolutionary line, let alone the cover legendary duo. Cosmog evolves once fairly late, then 10 levels later it evolves into the cover legendary at Level 53...a first and an unusual case.
Notes:
Total number of three-stage families: 10
Starters: 3
Early Route Bird: 1
Early Route Bug: 1
Pseudo-Legendary: 1
Non-Archetype (Original): 1
Non-Archetype (Regional Form): 2
Non-Archetype (Special): 1
Not much more than Gen 6, considering Alola's roster of new Pokemon was also relatively small. For usual non-archetype three-stage families, we only have one, but another two count with a regional forms, and we have one case of a legendary three-stage family, a first for the series and still a unique case to this day.
GEN 8
Starters
->(Level 16)
->(Level 35)
->(Level 16)
->(Level 35)
->(Level 16)
->(Level 35)
The starter trio of Gen 8's base game, Sword and Shield. Their evolution curve is pretty standard as usual.
Starters (Regional Forms)
->(Level 17)
->(Level 36)
->(Level 17)
->(Level 36)
->(Level 17)
->(Level 36)
The Hisui trio of starters from Legends: Arceus, with Cyndaquil's evolution level to evolve into Quilava elevated to 17 to match Rowlet and Oshawott, and Dartrix's evolution level to reach final form Decidueye elevated to 36 to match Typhlosion and Samurott. The original mid-evos and base evos are the same as their originals, but they have final Hisuian forms, so they are here as their own proper trio of starters rather than a mix/match of old starters.
Early Route Bird
->(Level 18)
->(Level 38)
Galar's regional bird follows the classic early game bird evolutionary tract, spending 16 or so levels as Rookidee, then 20 levels as Corvisquire before finally evolving into Corviknight.
Early Route Bug
->(Level 10)
->(Level 30)
Another unusual early game Bug that evolves pretty late into its final form: it does evolve into its base form quite early and possesses a weak movepool before its final form. It spends 20 levels in its middle stage as Dottler, and around 8 as Blipbug. Orbeetle can be reached around mid-game at earliest in Sword and Shield.
Pseudo-Legendary
->(Level 50)
->(Level 60)
Galar, or Sword and Shield, introduces a new original pseudo-legendary line in the form of the Dreepy line. It has obscenely high evolution levels, evolving once at Level 50: if you get one from a Wild Area den, you spend around, say, 13 levels with Dreepy before it evolves once, if you find one at the Lake of Outrage, level it up once and wazoo. Drakloak spends at most 10 levels in its form before it finally evolves into Dragapult.
Pseudo-Legendary (Regional Form)
->(Level 40)
->(Level 50 while raining)
Legends: Arceus also brings us our first regional form of a pseudo-legendary, this one being Goodra. It follows the same evolution methods as its original Kalosian brethren, even if Hisuian Sliggoo and Goodra have different typings and different stat builds from the Kalosian breeds. I cannot say at what point Goomy is obtainable in Legends, however.
The starter trio of Gen 8's base game, Sword and Shield. Their evolution curve is pretty standard as usual.
Starters (Regional Forms)
The Hisui trio of starters from Legends: Arceus, with Cyndaquil's evolution level to evolve into Quilava elevated to 17 to match Rowlet and Oshawott, and Dartrix's evolution level to reach final form Decidueye elevated to 36 to match Typhlosion and Samurott. The original mid-evos and base evos are the same as their originals, but they have final Hisuian forms, so they are here as their own proper trio of starters rather than a mix/match of old starters.
Early Route Bird
Galar's regional bird follows the classic early game bird evolutionary tract, spending 16 or so levels as Rookidee, then 20 levels as Corvisquire before finally evolving into Corviknight.
Early Route Bug
Another unusual early game Bug that evolves pretty late into its final form: it does evolve into its base form quite early and possesses a weak movepool before its final form. It spends 20 levels in its middle stage as Dottler, and around 8 as Blipbug. Orbeetle can be reached around mid-game at earliest in Sword and Shield.
Pseudo-Legendary
Galar, or Sword and Shield, introduces a new original pseudo-legendary line in the form of the Dreepy line. It has obscenely high evolution levels, evolving once at Level 50: if you get one from a Wild Area den, you spend around, say, 13 levels with Dreepy before it evolves once, if you find one at the Lake of Outrage, level it up once and wazoo. Drakloak spends at most 10 levels in its form before it finally evolves into Dragapult.
Pseudo-Legendary (Regional Form)
Legends: Arceus also brings us our first regional form of a pseudo-legendary, this one being Goodra. It follows the same evolution methods as its original Kalosian brethren, even if Hisuian Sliggoo and Goodra have different typings and different stat builds from the Kalosian breeds. I cannot say at what point Goomy is obtainable in Legends, however.
Original Pokemon
->(Level 18)
->(Level 34)
Rolycoly's line. It's pretty close to a starter-esque evolutionary curve, though from Level 10, the lowest level it can be caught, it spends around 8 levels as Rolycoly, then 16 levels as Carkol before evolving into Coalossal.
->(Level 32)
->(Level 42)
->(Level 32)
->(Level 42)
The other two totally original three-stage families from Gen 8, amounting to three original three-stage lines. These two are a duo of fairies who evolve once at Level 32, then again at 42, seemingly in line with a mid-late game three-stage family. They are obtained in the low 20s at worst if you don't take into account Max Raids, meaning an average Hatenna or Impidimp will spend 10-ish levels before evolving into Hattrem or Morgrem, then 10 levels to evolve once more into Hatterene or Grimmsnarl.
Three-Stage by Cross-Generational Evolutions
->(Level 20)
->(Level 35 at night)
The first of a few cross-generational three-stage families: let's combine a regional form and an additional evolutionary stage! Zigzagoon and Linoone, Hoenn's early route mammals, get Galarian forms who follow the same original evolution level of 20, but now Galarian Linoone can evolve further at Level 35, 15 levels after it previously evolved, into Obstagoon.
->(Level up with Mimic)
->(Level 42)
A weird mix of Galarian form for one stage, and a cross-generational additional stage to create a bizarre three-stage family. Mime Jr. is left as is, with it learning Mimic at Level 32 in Sword and Shield thus making its honorary evolution level in SwSh Level 32, and from there a Galarian Mr. Mime will have to wait 10 levels before evolving further into Mr. Rime.
->(Level 30)
->(Peat Block, Crimson Mirelands)
Gen 8 brings another cross-generation three-stage line...with Legends: Arceus. Unlike Obstagoon or Mr. Rime, Ursaluna adds to its pre-evolution's original form, being a conventional three-stage Pokemon turning the Teddiursa line into a three-stage family, with Ursaring to Ursaluna being a location-based evolution using an item under the full moon, taking advantage of a lot of mechanics unique to Legends, using a special item on it, being at a specific location, and needing a certain time of day and a certain condition in the overworld to evolve.
Rolycoly's line. It's pretty close to a starter-esque evolutionary curve, though from Level 10, the lowest level it can be caught, it spends around 8 levels as Rolycoly, then 16 levels as Carkol before evolving into Coalossal.
The other two totally original three-stage families from Gen 8, amounting to three original three-stage lines. These two are a duo of fairies who evolve once at Level 32, then again at 42, seemingly in line with a mid-late game three-stage family. They are obtained in the low 20s at worst if you don't take into account Max Raids, meaning an average Hatenna or Impidimp will spend 10-ish levels before evolving into Hattrem or Morgrem, then 10 levels to evolve once more into Hatterene or Grimmsnarl.
Three-Stage by Cross-Generational Evolutions
The first of a few cross-generational three-stage families: let's combine a regional form and an additional evolutionary stage! Zigzagoon and Linoone, Hoenn's early route mammals, get Galarian forms who follow the same original evolution level of 20, but now Galarian Linoone can evolve further at Level 35, 15 levels after it previously evolved, into Obstagoon.
A weird mix of Galarian form for one stage, and a cross-generational additional stage to create a bizarre three-stage family. Mime Jr. is left as is, with it learning Mimic at Level 32 in Sword and Shield thus making its honorary evolution level in SwSh Level 32, and from there a Galarian Mr. Mime will have to wait 10 levels before evolving further into Mr. Rime.
Gen 8 brings another cross-generation three-stage line...with Legends: Arceus. Unlike Obstagoon or Mr. Rime, Ursaluna adds to its pre-evolution's original form, being a conventional three-stage Pokemon turning the Teddiursa line into a three-stage family, with Ursaring to Ursaluna being a location-based evolution using an item under the full moon, taking advantage of a lot of mechanics unique to Legends, using a special item on it, being at a specific location, and needing a certain time of day and a certain condition in the overworld to evolve.
Notes:
Total number of three-stage families: 16
Starters: 3
Starters (Regional Forms): 3
Early Route Bird: 1
Early Route Bug: 1
Pseudo-Legendary: 1
Pseudo-Legendary (Regional Forms): 1
Non-Archetype (Original): 3
Non-Archetype (Cross-Generation): 3
If you throw regional forms and cross-generational evolutions into the mix, Gen 8 as a whole introduced a handful of three-stage families between SwSh and PLA. SwSh brought with it its own set of starters, an early route bird, an early route bug, and a pseudo-legendary, and PLA also brought regional forms of past starters and a pseudo-legendary to bring more to the mix. We have three original three-stage families introduced this gen, and three cross-generational three-stage families between SwSh and PLA, with two of them from the former, one from the latter, and Obstagoon, Mr. Rime, and Ursaluna are certainly welcome additions to take former two-stage families and make them three-stage families.
Also, for a bit of extra fun, I decided to look through the experience groups every three-stage family has been in.
Erratic: Hydrapple
Fast: Clefable, Wigglytuff, Azumarill, Togekiss, Dusknoir
Medium Fast: Butterfree, Beedrill, Raichu, Kingdra, Beautifly, Dustox, Magnezone, Electivire, Magmortar, Vivillon, Florges, Aegislash, Toucannon, Vikavolt, Orbeetle, Grimmsnarl, Obstagoon, Mr. Rime, Ursaluna, Pawmot, Annihilape, Kingambit
Medium Slow: All Starters, Pidgeot, Nidoqueen, Nidoking, Vileplume, Victreebel, Poliwrath, Alakazam, Machamp, Golem, Gengar, Ampharos, Jumpluff, Bellossom, Politoed, Exploud, Flygon, Walrein, Staraptor, Luxray, Stoutland, Unfezant, Gigalith, Conkeldurr, Seismitoad, Leavanny, Scolipede, Krookodile, Gothitelle, Reuniclus, Klinklang, Chandelure, Talonflame, Tsareena, Corviknight, Coalossal, Arboliva, Garganacl, Tinkaton
Slow: All pseudo-legendaries, Gardevoir, Slaking, Aggron, Rhyperior, Mamoswine, Gallade, Vanilluxe, Eelektross, Haxorus, Hatterene
Fast: Clefable, Wigglytuff, Azumarill, Togekiss, Dusknoir
Medium Fast: Butterfree, Beedrill, Raichu, Kingdra, Beautifly, Dustox, Magnezone, Electivire, Magmortar, Vivillon, Florges, Aegislash, Toucannon, Vikavolt, Orbeetle, Grimmsnarl, Obstagoon, Mr. Rime, Ursaluna, Pawmot, Annihilape, Kingambit
Medium Slow: All Starters, Pidgeot, Nidoqueen, Nidoking, Vileplume, Victreebel, Poliwrath, Alakazam, Machamp, Golem, Gengar, Ampharos, Jumpluff, Bellossom, Politoed, Exploud, Flygon, Walrein, Staraptor, Luxray, Stoutland, Unfezant, Gigalith, Conkeldurr, Seismitoad, Leavanny, Scolipede, Krookodile, Gothitelle, Reuniclus, Klinklang, Chandelure, Talonflame, Tsareena, Corviknight, Coalossal, Arboliva, Garganacl, Tinkaton
Slow: All pseudo-legendaries, Gardevoir, Slaking, Aggron, Rhyperior, Mamoswine, Gallade, Vanilluxe, Eelektross, Haxorus, Hatterene
So anyway...what are your thoughts on all the three-stage evolution families that have existed? Do you think they've introduced enough each generation? And what are your thoughts on the variety of evolution techniques that have existed for every three-stage family that has existed thus far?
No matter what you think, feel free to discuss!
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