If you’re playing one of the mainline Pokémon games and you have a spooky member of the team called Pumpkaboo, you may be wondering how to evolve it. Below is a clear and easy‐to‐read guide on how to evolve it into its next form, what to watch out for, and some tips so you can do it smoothly.
Pumpkaboo is a Ghost/Grass‐type Pokémon introduced in Generation VI. It has a special appearance: a pumpkin body and ghostly innards, and it comes in four size variations (Small, Average/Medium, Large, Super). Each size looks slightly different and sometimes has minor stat differences.
How to Evolve Pumpkaboo
The evolution of Pumpkaboo is not tied to reaching a certain level. Instead, the method is:
- In most of the main series games (for example, in Pokémon X/Pokémon Y, and in Pokémon Sword/Pokémon Shield) you must trade Pumpkaboo with another player to make it evolve into Gourgeist.
- The level of Pumpkaboo doesn’t matter for the evolution—whether it’s level 5 or level 50, once you trade it, it evolves.
- After the trade, you can have the other player send Gourgeist back to you if you prefer.
So simply put: catch or obtain a Pumpkaboo → trade it—with no other special condition needed → it evolves into Gourgeist.
Why the trade method?
Some facts that explain why it evolves by trading:
- Trainers have reported that even high‐level Pumpkaboo will not evolve on its own despite gaining levels, because the trigger is the trade.
- The same size variant of Pumpkaboo will evolve into the same size variant of Gourgeist: for example, a Small Pumpkaboo becomes a Small Gourgeist.
- Because of the size system and trade evolution, many players coordinate trades just for this evolution line.
Important details you should know
When you evolve Pumpkaboo, keep in mind the following:
- Size matters: As mentioned, Pumpkaboo comes in Small, Average/Medium, Large, and Super (sometimes called Jumbo) size categories. After evolution, Gourgeist keeps the size variant it had as Pumpkaboo.
- Stats difference: Different sizes may have slightly different stat spreads (for example, larger size might have higher HP but lower Speed). So if you’re looking for a competitive build, check which size you caught.
- Moves and abilities: Evolving via trade does not change the fact that your Pokémon can still learn moves and hatch in eggs, but you should check move‐learnsets of Gourgeist if you want a particular move. Some trainers prefer to wait until after key moves are learned to evolve.
- Hidden ability and forms: Some sizes/form variants may have different access to hidden abilities. If you’re hunting a particular ability, you may want to check if the size variant allows it.
- Game versions: While trade evolution is standard in many main series games, different spin‐offs or mobile games (for example, Pokémon GO) may have alternate methods like candy evolution. So always check your version’s mechanics.
Step‐by‐step: Evolving Pumpkaboo
Here’s a simple checklist you can follow:
- Capture or obtain a Pumpkaboo.
- Verify its size (Small, Medium/Average, Large, or Super).
- Ensure you have access to a trade (local link, online link, or willing friend).
- Trade Pumpkaboo. As soon as the trade completes, Pumpkaboo will evolve into Gourgeist.
- If you want, have the new Gourgeist traded back to your original game.
- Check that Gourgeist has the size variant you wanted and learn or teach the moves/EV train if you plan to use it.
