My Bayleef is at level 56 and she still won’t evolve! I know she isn’t holding an Everstone, too. Could this be related to the seasons? Thanks bill

Does she want to evolve, anonymous? Sometimes, pokémon resist evolution on their own out of their own personal preference. (Some do this better than others, which is why an everstone isn’t always needed.) If she seems to be under a lot of stress, that could be it. It’s important to talk to her, then, to determine her wants and needs, and if she does indeed want to remain a bayleef, get her an everstone to help her.

On that note, it’s true that her environment could also factor into an actual inability to evolve. Evolution takes a lot of energy, so it’s easiest for grass-types like your bayleef to evolve in spring or summer. Alternatively, pollution and stress also stunt evolution, so if you live in the city, consider a trip out to the country. You’ll need at least a week of relaxation before your bayleef would be ready to evolve.

Best of luck, anonymous! (…although as a tangent, it always confuses me that some trainers refer to battling prowess and experience with levels. Maybe I’ve lost touch with the trainer system, but I will never make heads or tails of that…)

Hi there, could you give me some advice? Is there any way to alter the fragrance that my Bayleef gives off? It’s a nice enough smell but it makes my Aggron and Flareon quite antsy and I don’t think I can afford the repair costs they have another go at each other (there’s still a large section of missing and scorched wall that needs to be fixed). I don’t want to part with any of them but this is really not something I want to deal with too much longer

Unfortunately, anonymous, bayleef’s signature aroma comes from its leaves and thus can only be influenced by location and temperature at the time of their growth. However, it’s possible to slightly alter the biochemistry (and thus odor) of bayleef’s main body simply by changing its diet. Strong-tasting, pungent foods, such as those that contain tamato berries or garlic, are particularly recommended for this purpose, but be warned that this may result in an unappealing smell for you, as the smell from bayleef’s leaves may intermingle with its body. Additionally, these changes tend to be temporary unless you’re consistent with what you feed bayleef.

I wish you godspeed, anonymous.

The Chikorita Line

In honor of the recently registered Alola dex, Bill and I have agreed that it would be appropriate to present you with a new series of entries, spanning all of the starters we have yet to cover. We hope you enjoy. —LH

Chikorita
The Leaf Pokémon
Type: Grass
Official Registration #: 152
Entry: One of three pokémon traditionally offered to new trainers at the beginning of their journeys in Johto. Generally affectionate and even-tempered, chikorita enjoy waving their head leaves to emit a sweet, calming aroma during battle with the hopes of pleasing a new friend. Unfortunately, trainers should be aware that by “a new friend,” the writer means “their opponent” and that the first gym in the traditional Johtonian circuit specializes in things with type advantages and an appetite for chikorita meat.

Bayleef
The Leaf Pokémon
Type: Grass
Official Registration #: 153
Entry: The evolved form of chikorita, by battle experience. As a bayleef ages, the aroma that wafts from the leaves around its neck grow stronger and more potent. While these leaves have been historically collected to brew stimulating teas, the scent alone is enough to increase adrenaline and drive anyone who can smell it to fight. It should be noted that “anyone who can smell it” also applies to the bayleef itself, so trainers should take caution when teaching this pokémon moves such as Body Slam.

Meganium
The Herb Pokémon
Type: Grass
Official Registration #: 154
Entry: The evolved form of bayleef, by battle experience. Meganium’s fragrance has the fantastic abilities to revive dead plants, revitalize weary spirits, and calm even the most aggressive foes. However, it should be noted that just because it has these effects on those surrounding a meganium, it has no effect on the meganium itself. Thus, despite having the ability to lull its enemies into a peaceful stupor, be warned that meganium is one of the most aggressive fully-evolved starter pokémon available and that it both can and very likely will Body Slam you into the ground for accidentally stepping on that lovely dandelion it had just revived.