Devolution: Difference between revisions

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[[File:DevolutionSprayBaseSet72.jpg|thumb|right|{{TCG ID|Base Set|Devolution Spray|72}}, one of the few methods of inducing devolution in the TCG]]
[[File:Slowbro losing Shellder.png|thumb|200px|Slowbro losing Shellder]]
 
'''Devolution''' (Japanese: '''退化''' ''degeneration'') is the process of an [[Evolution|evolved]] {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} reverting to its previous form. This is not nearly as well-known among the fandom as evolution is, due to devolution being impossible within the {{pkmn|games}} and {{pkmn|anime}}. In most media in which it exists, devolution is not nearly as commonplace as evolution, and is generally brought about mainly through artificial means, such as sprays or genetic engineering.
'''Devolution''' (Japanese: '''退化''' ''degeneration'') is the process of an [[Evolution|evolved]] {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} reverting to its previous form. This is not nearly as well-known among the fandom as evolution is, due to devolution being impossible within the {{pkmn|games}} and {{pkmn|anime}}. In most media in which it exists, devolution is not nearly as commonplace as evolution, and is generally brought about mainly through artificial means, such as sprays or genetic engineering.


==In the games==
==In the games==
While devolution is not possible within the games, the notion is referred to by {{p|Slowbro}}'s numerous [[Pokédex]] entries. Said entries claim that if the {{p|Shellder}} falls off, the Slowbro turns back into a Slowpoke. A similar situation applies to {{p|Exeggutor}}, as it is stated in its Pokédex entries that if one of its heads fall off it becomes an {{p|Exeggcute}}. However, no Pokémon can devolve in any Pokémon game, with the exception of {{cat|TCG video games}}, which contain cards that can cause devolution.
[[File:Slowking losing Shellder.png|left|thumb|250px|Slowking losing Shellder]]
While devolution is not possible within the [[core series]] games, the notion is referred to by {{p|Slowbro}}'s numerous [[Pokédex]] entries. Said entries claim that if the {{p|Shellder}} falls off, the Slowbro turns back into a Slowpoke. It is said that if {{p|Slowking}} loses its Shellder, it forgets everything it has learned.<ref>[http://www.pokemon.jp/special/yadon_paradise/illustrated/ 絵で見るヤドンずかん|  ヤドンパラダイス|ポケモンだいすきクラブ]</ref>
 
A similar situation applies to {{p|Exeggutor}}, as it is stated in its Pokédex entries that if one of its heads were to fall off, it would become an {{p|Exeggcute}}.
 
===Pokémon Mystery Dungeon===
The only Pokémon games in which devolution is possible are games from the [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series]] games of the [[Nintendo 3DS]].
 
In [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity]], the Devolve Orb is a [[Wonder Orb]] that devolves all enemies in the room.
 
In [[Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon]], the player and their partner evolve and devolve three times during the game's main story by the effect of [[Harmony Scarf|Harmony Scarves]] they wear. This evolution is unlike regular evolution, as Pokémon with a middle evolutionary stage will skip right into their final evolution. It is explained in-game that the scarves were made from the [[Tree of Life]], and their power activates when the scarves are brought close enough to the tree itself. This ability is lost when the scarves are sacrificed after clearing the [[Purifying Cave]] to bring the player's partner back.
 
===Pokémon Trading Card Game===
Pokémon cards can devolve in {{cat|Pokémon Trading Card Game video games}}, which contain cards that can cause devolution.
{{-}}


==In the anime==
==In the anime==
In the Pokémon anime, there has never been an instance of devolution at all. Moreover, {{an|Brock}} explicitly states in ''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]'' that evolution cannot be reversed, effectively confirming the nonexistence of devolution within the anime.
In the [[Pokémon anime]], there has never been an instance of devolution at all. Moreover, {{an|Brock}} explicitly states in ''[[EP014|Electric Shock Showdown]]'' that evolution cannot be reversed, effectively confirming the nonexistence of devolution within the anime. This was reconfirmed in ''[[XY052|A Stealthy Challenge!]]'', where {{an|Bonnie}} asked {{TP|Ash|Frogadier}} to devolve into {{p|Froakie}} so she could see it evolve again, but {{an|Clemont}} explained that it doesn't work that way.


==In the manga==
==In the manga==
===In [[Pokémon Adventures]]===
[[File:Devolution Adventures.png|thumb|220px|Eevee devolving in Pokémon Adventures]]
Before [[Vee]], {{adv|Red}}'s {{p|Eevee}}, evolved into {{p|Espeon}}, it had been the subject of an experiment by [[Team Rocket]], which allowed it to evolve into any of its three [[Eeveelutions|evolutions]] that were known at the time. It was also able to devolve back into an Eevee and evolve into a different Eeveelution. Although this does mean that devolution is possible in this series, the artificial means through which this was achieved and the lack of any other instances of devolution suggest that it may not be possible through natural means.
===In the Pokémon Adventures manga===
Before [[Vee]], {{adv|Red}}'s {{p|Eevee}}, evolved into {{p|Espeon}}, he had been the subject of an experiment by [[Team Rocket]], which allowed him to evolve into any of his three [[Eeveelution|evolutions]] that were known at the time. He was also able to devolve back into an Eevee and evolve into a different Eeveelution. Although this does mean that devolution is possible in [[Pokémon Adventures]], the artificial means through which this was achieved and the lack of any other instances of devolution suggest that it may not be possible through natural means.


===In [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]]===
===In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga===
In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga, unlike any other media, Pokémon are capable of devolving just as easily as they evolve. This became especially evident when [[Isamu Akai's Clefairy]] and {{TP|Isamu Akai|Pikachu}} evolve into {{p|Clefable}} and {{p|Raichu}} respectively, then revert to their original forms, as well as when [[Kai Midorikawa]]'s Charmander evolved into {{TP|Kai Midorikawa|Charizard}} and then back into Charmander.
Unlike any other media, Pokémon are capable of devolving just as easily as they evolve in [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]]. This became especially evident when [[Red's Clefairy]] and {{TP|Red|Pikachu|Pikachu (Pocket Monsters)}} evolve into {{p|Clefable}} and {{p|Raichu}} respectively, then revert to their original forms, as well as when {{OBP|Green|Pocket Monsters}}'s {{p|Charmander}} evolved into {{TP|Green|Charizard}} and then turned back into Charmander.
{{-}}


==In the TCG==
==In the TCG==
In the TCG, devolution is perfectly possible, albeit not at a player's whim. Devolution must be induced by the effects of an attack, a {{TCG|Pokémon Power|Poké-Power}}, or a {{TCG|Trainer card}}. Examples include {{TCG ID|Wizards Promo|Mew|8}}'s [[Mew (Wizards Promo 8)#Card text|Devolution Beam]], {{TCG ID|Rising Rivals|Flareon|19}}'s [[Flareon (Rising Rivals 19)#Card text|Undevelop]], and the {{TCG ID|Base Set|Devolution Spray|72}}. Such instances are extremely uncommon.
[[File:DevolutionSprayDragonsExalted113.jpg|thumb|200px|{{TCG ID|Base Set|Devolution Spray|72}}, one of the few methods of inducing devolution in the TCG]]
In the TCG, devolution is perfectly possible, albeit not at a player's whim. Devolution must be induced by the effects of an attack, a {{TCG|Pokémon Power|Poké-Power}}, or a {{TCG|Trainer card}}. Examples include {{TCG ID|Wizards Promo|Mew|8}}'s Devolution Beam attack, {{TCG ID|Rising Rivals|Flareon|19}}'s Undevelop Poké-Power, and the {{TCG ID|Base Set|Devolution Spray|72}}. Such instances are extremely uncommon. The following is a list of cards that can achieve devolution.
 
{{cardlist/header|Related cards|Psychic|char=yes}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|Base Set|Devolution Spray|72}}|type=Item|enset=Base Set|enrarity=Rare|ennum=72/102|enset2=Dragons Exalted|enrarity2=Uncommon|ennum2=113/124|jpsetlink=Base Set|jpset=Expansion Pack|jprarity=Rare|jpset2=Dragon Blast|jprarity2=Uncommon|jpnum2=048/050}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|Wizards Promo|Mew|8}}|type=Psychic|enset=Wizards Black Star Promos|ennum=8|enset2=Wizards Black Star Promos|ennum2=9|jpsetlink2=Fossil|jpset2=Mystery of the Fossils|jprarity2=Rare Holo}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|Neo Discovery|Hyper Devolution Spray|73}}|type=Trainer|enset=Neo Discovery|enrarity=Uncommon|ennum=73/75|jpsetlink=Neo Discovery|jpset=Crossing the Ruins...|jprarity=Uncommon|jpset2=Pokémon Web|jprarity2=Uncommon|jpnum2=031/048}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|PLAY Promo|Mew ex|7}}|type=Psychic|jpset=PLAY Promotional cards|jpnum=007/PLAY}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|EX Holon Phantoms|Mew ex|100}}|type=Psychic|enset=EX Holon Phantoms|enrarity=Rare Holo ex|ennum=100/110|jpsetlink=Gift Box Mew • Lucario|jpset=Mew Quarter Deck|jpnum=003/015}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|Rising Rivals|Flareon|19}}|type=Fire|enset=Rising Rivals|enrarity=Rare|ennum=19/111|jpsetlink=Rising Rivals|jpset=Bonds to the End of Time|jprarity=Rare|jpnum=011/090}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|Rising Rivals|Jolteon|26}}|type=Lightning|enset=Rising Rivals|enrarity=Rare|ennum=26/111|jpsetlink=Rising Rivals|jpset=Bonds to the End of Time|jprarity=Rare|jpnum=028/090}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|Rising Rivals|Vaporeon|34}}|type=Water|enset=Rising Rivals|enrarity=Rare|ennum=34/111|jpsetlink=Rising Rivals|jpset=Bonds to the End of Time|jprarity=Rare|jpnum=014/090}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|Unleashed|Jirachi|1}}|type=Psychic|enset=Unleashed|enrarity=Rare Holo|ennum=1/95|jpsetlink=Leafeon vs Metagross Expert Deck|jpset=Metagross Deck|jpnum=006/014|enset2=Call of Legends|enrarity2=Rare Holo|ennum2=11/95}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|Dragons Exalted|Golurk|59}}|type=Psychic|enset=Dragons Exalted|enrarity=Rare Holo|ennum=59/124|jpset=Dragon Blade|jprarity=R|jpnum=023/050|enset2=Boundaries Crossed|enrarity2=Rare Secret|ennum2=150/149|jpset2=Freeze Bolt|jprarity2=UR|jpnum2=064/059}}
{{cardlist/footer|Psychic}}


The following cards can achieve devolution:
==References==
{| {{bluetable}}
<references/>
|- style="background: #{{tcg Trainer color}};"
!Name
!Type
!Level
!Rarity
!Set
!Set no.
|-
|rowspan="2"| {{TCG ID|Wizards Promo|Mew|8}} ||rowspan="2"| {{e|Psychic}} ||rowspan="2"| 23 ||rowspan="2"| - ||rowspan="2"| {{TCG|Wizards Black Star Promos}} || 8
|-
| 9
|-
| {{TCG ID|Base Set|Devolution Spray|72}} || T || - || {{rar|Rare}} || {{TCG|Base Set}} || 72/102
|-
| {{TCG ID|Neo Discovery|Hyper Devolution Spray|73}} || T || - || {{rar|Uncommon}} || {{TCG|Neo Discovery}} || 73/75
|-
| {{TCG ID|PLAY Promo|Mew ex|7}} || {{e|Psychic}} || - || - || {{TCG|PLAY Promotional cards}} || 007/PLAY
|-
| {{TCG ID|EX Holon Phantoms|Mew ex|100}} || {{e|Psychic}} || - || {{rar|Rare Holo ex}} || {{TCG|EX Holon Phantoms}} || 100/110
|-
| {{TCG ID|Rising Rivals|Flareon|19}} || {{e|Fire}} || 38 || {{rar|Rare}} || {{TCG|Rising Rivals}} || 19/111
|-
| {{TCG ID|Rising Rivals|Jolteon|26}} || {{e|Lightning}} || 43 || {{rar|Rare}} || {{TCG|Rising Rivals}} || 26/111
|-
| {{TCG ID|Rising Rivals|Vaporeon|34}} || {{e|Water}} || 48 || {{rar|Rare}} || {{TCG|Rising Rivals}} || 34/111
|-
|rowspan=2| {{TCG ID|Unleashed|Jirachi|1}} ||rowspan=2| {{e|Psychic}} ||rowspan=2| - ||rowspan=2| {{rar|Rare Holo}} || {{TCG|Unleashed}} || 1/95
|-
| {{TCG|Call of Legends}} || 11/95
|}


[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[it:Devoluzione]]

Revision as of 04:45, 22 May 2017

Slowbro losing Shellder

Devolution (Japanese: 退化 degeneration) is the process of an evolved Pokémon reverting to its previous form. This is not nearly as well-known among the fandom as evolution is, due to devolution being impossible within the games and anime. In most media in which it exists, devolution is not nearly as commonplace as evolution, and is generally brought about mainly through artificial means, such as sprays or genetic engineering.

In the games

Slowking losing Shellder

While devolution is not possible within the core series games, the notion is referred to by Slowbro's numerous Pokédex entries. Said entries claim that if the Shellder falls off, the Slowbro turns back into a Slowpoke. It is said that if Slowking loses its Shellder, it forgets everything it has learned.[1]

A similar situation applies to Exeggutor, as it is stated in its Pokédex entries that if one of its heads were to fall off, it would become an Exeggcute.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon

The only Pokémon games in which devolution is possible are games from the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series games of the Nintendo 3DS.

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity, the Devolve Orb is a Wonder Orb that devolves all enemies in the room.

In Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, the player and their partner evolve and devolve three times during the game's main story by the effect of Harmony Scarves they wear. This evolution is unlike regular evolution, as Pokémon with a middle evolutionary stage will skip right into their final evolution. It is explained in-game that the scarves were made from the Tree of Life, and their power activates when the scarves are brought close enough to the tree itself. This ability is lost when the scarves are sacrificed after clearing the Purifying Cave to bring the player's partner back.

Pokémon Trading Card Game

Pokémon cards can devolve in Pokémon Trading Card Game video games, which contain cards that can cause devolution.

In the anime

In the Pokémon anime, there has never been an instance of devolution at all. Moreover, Brock explicitly states in Electric Shock Showdown that evolution cannot be reversed, effectively confirming the nonexistence of devolution within the anime. This was reconfirmed in A Stealthy Challenge!, where Bonnie asked Frogadier to devolve into Froakie so she could see it evolve again, but Clemont explained that it doesn't work that way.

In the manga

Eevee devolving in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Before Vee, Red's Eevee, evolved into Espeon, he had been the subject of an experiment by Team Rocket, which allowed him to evolve into any of his three evolutions that were known at the time. He was also able to devolve back into an Eevee and evolve into a different Eeveelution. Although this does mean that devolution is possible in Pokémon Adventures, the artificial means through which this was achieved and the lack of any other instances of devolution suggest that it may not be possible through natural means.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Unlike any other media, Pokémon are capable of devolving just as easily as they evolve in Pokémon Pocket Monsters. This became especially evident when Red's Clefairy and Pikachu evolve into Clefable and Raichu respectively, then revert to their original forms, as well as when Green's Charmander evolved into Charizard and then turned back into Charmander.

In the TCG

Devolution Spray, one of the few methods of inducing devolution in the TCG

In the TCG, devolution is perfectly possible, albeit not at a player's whim. Devolution must be induced by the effects of an attack, a Poké-Power, or a Trainer card. Examples include Mew's Devolution Beam attack, Flareon's Undevelop Poké-Power, and the Devolution Spray. Such instances are extremely uncommon. The following is a list of cards that can achieve devolution.

Related cards
Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format.
Cards listed with a green background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.
Card Type English
Expansion
Rarity # Japanese
Expansion
Rarity #
Devolution Spray I Base Set Rare 72/102 Expansion Pack Rare  
Dragons Exalted Uncommon 113/124 Dragon Blast Uncommon 048/050
Mew Psychic Wizards Black Star Promos   8      
Wizards Black Star Promos   9 Mystery of the Fossils Rare Holo  
Hyper Devolution Spray T Neo Discovery Uncommon 73/75 Crossing the Ruins... Uncommon  
      Pokémon Web Uncommon 031/048
Mew ex Psychic       PLAY Promotional cards   007/PLAY
Mew ex Psychic EX Holon Phantoms Rare Holo ex 100/110 Mew Quarter Deck   003/015
Flareon Fire Rising Rivals Rare 19/111 Bonds to the End of Time Rare 011/090
Jolteon Lightning Rising Rivals Rare 26/111 Bonds to the End of Time Rare 028/090
Vaporeon Water Rising Rivals Rare 34/111 Bonds to the End of Time Rare 014/090
Jirachi Psychic Unleashed Rare Holo 1/95 Metagross Deck   006/014
Call of Legends Rare Holo 11/95      
Golurk Psychic Dragons Exalted Rare Holo 59/124 Dragon Blade R 023/050
Boundaries Crossed Rare Secret 150/149 Freeze Bolt UR 064/059
 


References