Evolution in Pokemon isn’t just a level-up incentive but a rite of passage. It’s the moment your adorable pal transforms into a stronger, sleeker, and much cooler version of itself. It's exciting!
But sometimes, that excitement turns into "huh?". There are evolutions out there that feel like someone just mashed together two totally unrelated designs.
And today, we’re diving into those evolutions that no matter how much we justify, still don’t make any dang sense.
Pokemon Evolutions In Video Games That Don't Make Sense
Remoraid evolving into Octillery is probably the most notorious head-scratcher. Then there’s Dragonair turning into Dragonite, which feels like a serene dragon suddenly decided to cosplay as Barney’s class-B cousin. And we can’t forget Clamperl, which goes from a shellfish to two wildly different eels.
Confused, yet? Let’s unpack these and more as we dive into the most baffling evolutionary leaps in Pokemon history.
Clamperl to Huntail and Gorebyss
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+ 11Clamperl is a clam as it has a pearl, and it's not complicated. Then suddenly, with the right item, it evolves into either Huntail or Gorebyss. Long, serpentine, deep-sea fish Pokemon.
There’s nothing visually or thematically connecting Clamperl to either evolution. Sure, evolution in nature is surprising, but this feels more like a biological dice roll.
Carvanha to Sharpedo
click to enlarge+ 11Carvanha is a piranha, while Sharpedo is a shark. You don't need a marine biology degree to know these are two entirely different species. Sure, they both have sharp chompers and like to bite stuff, but come on. Evolution should build upon an idea, not rewrite it.
Sharpedo’s design is awesome, no doubt, but how it came from a piranha is still baffling.
Trumbeak to Toucannon
click to enlarge+ 11The Pikipek line starts great. Pikipek to Trumbeak is great and logical. From a woodpecker to a bigger woodpecker. Then comes Toucannon, who flies in like he wandered in from a completely different game. Suddenly, it's not just a toucan with an explosive beak.
This evolution feels less like a step forward and more like a wild jump across bird families and gimmicks.
Dewott to Samurott
click to enlarge+ 11Oshawott’s line was themed around samurai and Dewott, wielding shells like dual blades absolutely showcases that idea. But then Samurott arrives, and it's suddenly a quadrupedal sea lion with a mustache.
What happened to the sleek, dual-blade slasher? Why did it suddenly get on all fours when evolution should make it more agile and practical? But no, apparently, bipedalism and weapon-wielding make less sense.
Vibrava to Flygon
click to enlarge+ 11Trapinch to Vibrava is very nice. A grounded antlion pup turning into an insectoid dragonfly. Then Vibrava evolves into Flygon, and the insect motif just flies out of the bug hive.
Flygon is now a green, goggled dragon with practically no ties to its previous forms. It looks like it belongs in an entirely different evolutionary line. It’s cool, don’t get us wrong, but thematically? Very huge evolutionary leap.
Wingull to Pelipper
click to enlarge+ 11Wingull has a slick and simple design. A seagull with a splash of personality. Then it evolves into Pelipper, and suddenly it’s a goofy pelican with a mouth that looks like it could store an entire school of Wishiwashi.
Wingull had a great pun; Pelipper feels like someone mashed the words “pelican” and “zipper” and called it a day. At least Pelipper held its own in competitive battles.
Crabrawler to Crabominable
click to enlarge+ 11Crabrawler looked like it was going somewhere special lore-wise. A beat-up, determined crab boxer with swollen fists and a fighting spirit. Instead, we got its evolution, Crabominable, a yeti crab with ice abilities.
The typing shift is fine, but there’s no in-game lore explaining why this hot-blooded brawler suddenly wanted to let it go. This could’ve been a cool and interesting redemption arc.
Graveler to Golem
click to enlarge+ 11Geodude to Graveler is a perfect progression. The rocky boy grows more arms, becomes bulkier, and rolls around like a boulder with fists. Then it evolves to Golem looking like a ninja turtle had a rock-themed costume party.
Gone are Graveler’s additional arms. In their place, stubby limbs and a reptilian head that feels totally unrelated.
Dragonair to Dragonite
click to enlarge+ 11Few evolutions have sparked more confusion than this. Dratini to Dragonair is gorgeous and thematic. Long, serpentine dragons with mystical beads and smooth skin. Then Dragonite crashes the party looking like a derpy dragon mascot.
And it's orange. It has arms and legs. And worst of all, it completely abandons the sleek aesthetic its pre-evolutions had. It's strong, but it's lost.
Remoraid to Octillery
click to enlarge+ 11This one might be the most infamous. Remoraid is a tiny fish based on a remora, a fish that clings to sharks. Then boom (sound pun intended). Octillery, a red, tank-like octopus.
The designers say it’s a firearm reference, from pistol to tank, but biologically, it just makes zero sense. How do you go from fish to mollusk with zero transition in between?
click to enlarge+ 11Pokemon evolution is a cornerstone of the franchise and one of the main reasons we bond with our team. It should reflect transformation and progression. But sometimes, Game Freak decides to throw logic out the window and just go full random mode.
And maybe that’s part of the charm. After all, what’s Pokemon without a little bit of madness in the mix?
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