Can a past trauma get in the way of a Pokemon evolving via happiness? My Cleffa is from a shelter and I was told he was abused by his old trainer. He’s my baby now and I’ve spoiled him ever since, but recently he’s shown an interest in battling and I’ve started to ease him into it. It might be too early to tell, but I know he loves me a lot already and I’m not seeing any signs yet.

Sometimes, anonymous, but in your case, it’s unlikely. You see, trauma requires a lot of mental healing. Some pokémon never really get over a personal history filled with abuse and neglect, but others do in a very big way. It depends on a number of factors, mainly the degree of abuse, the personality of the pokémon, and the amount of love and patience a trainer shows them. If recovering pokémon can heal enough to open themselves up to their new trainers, they can experience the amount of happiness required for evolution.

In your case, it seems like your cleffa has already made incredible steps to recovery if he loves you deeply already. Continue doing what you’ve been doing to maintain his trust, and do your best to support him on the battlefield. I have no doubt that evolution should be easy for him if you continue to care for him the way you are now.

Best of luck, anonymous!