Ralts’ evolution is unique in that it has two final stages: Gardevoir or Gallade. The former is a fairy-type and the latter is a fighting-type, but both also fall under the psychic category. Getting your hands on Gardevoir is straightforward, but if you want Gallade, things are a bit more complex. Either way, we’re here to tell you how to evolve Kirlia.
But before we do that, allow us to explain how to evolve Primeape, how to evolve Finizen, how to evolve Charcadet, how to evolve Inkay, how to evolve Pawmo, how to evolve Sneasel, and how to evolve Togepi, so you can both get powerful Pokémon and fill out your Pokédex. Or, if you’re after some suggestions on who to add to your team, take a look at our fire Pokémon, dark Pokémon, psychic Pokémon, ice Pokémon, ghost Pokémon, steel Pokémon, and water Pokémon guides.
Here’s all you need to know about Ralts’ evolutions.
Who is Ralts?
Ralts comes in at number 280 in the Pokédex, making it a Hoenn native. The horns on its head allow this Pokémon to sense the emotions of people, though it rarely presents itself to others, but if it does and you have a positive disposition, you just might make yourself a new friend. It attunes itself to the emotions of its trainer, so if you’re in a great mood, you’ll have a very jovial Ralts on your hands – totally adorable. Of course, this does also mean that if you’re having a bad day, so is your pal. Go on, smile.
Who is Kirlia?
At number 281, Ralts’ evolution, Kirlia sits. It’s believed that Kirlia grows to be incredibly beautiful should it be surrounded by positive emotions courtesy of its trainer. Better still, you can tell how joyful it is as it starts to spin around and dance.
How do I evolve Ralts?
You just need to reach level 20 to evolve your Ralts into Kirlia. That’s right, the first part of this puzzle is as easy as it gets. It’s not until you try to get the stage three evolution, Gardevoir or Gallade, that things become a bit more complicated.
If you want to catch Ralts, you can find one in:
- Sword and Shield – Dappled Grove, North Lake Miloch, Rolling Fields, South Lake Miloch, Watchtower Ruins, West Lake Axewell, Bridge Field, Hammerlock Hills, Lake of Outrage, Motorstoke Riverbank, Stony Wilderness, Rolling Fields, and Stony Wilderness
- Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl – Route 203, Route 204, and the Grand Underground (Fountainspring Cave, Dazzling Cave, Stargleam Cavern)
- Legends Arceus – Shrouded Ruins, Gapejaw Bog, Heart’s Crag, and Snowpoint Temple
- Scarlet and Violet – South Province (Area One, Lost Platos)
Ralts is easy to catch, the issue is that it tends to mimic Abra and run before the battle can even commence. So, alongside pokéballs, bring some patience.
How do I evolve Kirilia into Gardevoir?
To evolve Kirlia into Gardevoir you need to reach level 30. That’s it, do that and you get one of the best fairy Pokémon out there.
Can a male Ralts turn into Gardevoir?
Yes, both female and male Ralt’s can evolve into Gardevoir, though males do have a second option in the form of Gallade.
Where can I catch Kirlia?
The best places to find Kirlia are:
- Sword and Shield – Rolling Fields, Bridge Field, Lake of Outrage, Motostoke Riverbank, Watchtower Ruins, and Stony Wilderness
- Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl – Route 203, Route 204, and the Grand Underground (Dazzling Cave and Stargleam Cave)
- Legends Arceus – Shrouded Ruins, Heart’s Crag, and Snowpoint Temple
- Scarlet and Violet – South Province (Cortondo), East Province (Area Two and Levincia), West Province (Porto Marinada), North Province (Montenevera and Dalizapa Passage), East Province (Area Three), and Tera Raid Battles
Where can I get Gardevoir?
You know what, why even bother with all of this evolve malarkey? Just skip ahead and catch yourself a Gardevoir. No, I’m not making that up, you really can catch Gardevoir out in the wild in several games, you can find it in:
- Sword and Shield – Lake of Outrage, Dusty Bowl, Bridge Field, Hammerlocke Hills, Motostoke Riverbank, Rolling Fields, Stony Wilderness, and Watchtower Ruins
- Legends: Arceus – Alabaster Icelands (Heart’s Crag and Lake Acuity)
- Scarlet and Violet – North Province (Glaseado Mountain) and Terra Raid Battles
If you want Gardevior in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl you have no choice but to evolve Kirlia. Still, if you opt to try and catch it in the other Switch games, ensure you have plenty of great balls and ultra balls.
How do I evolve Kirlia into Gallade?
To evolve Kirlia into Gallade, it needs to be a male, and you must give it a dawn stone. The level Kirlia is at doesn’t matter, though you may want to hold off until you get all of the moves you want him to have before evolving it into the fighting Pokémon.
This is where you can find dawn stones in the Pokémon Switch games:
- Sword and Shield – Giant’s Cap, Lake of Outrage, and Bridge Field
- Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl – Route 225, Mount Coronet, or Pokémon with the pickup ability may gather one for you
- Legends Arceus – Galaxy Hall, Obsidian Fieldlands, Coronet Highlands, Alabaster Icelands, Jubilife Village, and space-time distortions
- Scarlet and Violet – East Province (Area Three), West Province (Area Three), catch 270 Pokémon, Porto Marinado auction, and Glaseado Mountain
How do I evolve Kirlia in Pokémon Go?
Just like in the main games, there are two different methods to evolve Kirlia depending on if it’s Gallade or Gardevoir that you’re after. If it’s the latter, you need to give a Kirlia 100 candy, while to get Gallade, you need to give a male Kirlia 100 candy and a Sinnoh stone. To get a Sinnoh stone, you need to be trainer level ten and claim one through research breakthrough rewards. However, it’s possible to get them through trainer battles, too.
Gardevoir or Gallade
If you don’t care about completing your Pokédex, and would rather just complete the Ralts evolution line once, you likely want to know who’s better out of Gardevoir and Gallade. The first thing to do is consider that while both fall under the psychic banner, Gardevoir is also a fairy-type while Gallade is a fighting-type.
With that in mind, you can choose who you want based on the weak spot in your team. Alternatively, you can pick out of the two based on who does the most damage. If you want a buddy that uses their special attacks to cause serious damage, it’s Gardevoir you want. If you prefer physical attacks, get Gallade.
With that, you know how to get Ralt’s evolutions. To fill out your Pokédex even further, check out our Rockruff evolution, Salandit evolution, Scyther evolution, Dreepy evolution, Bisharp evolution, Happiny evolution, Girafarig evolution, and Wurmple evolution guides.