What level does fossil Pokemon evolve?

Unearthing Evolution: Cracking the Code on Fossil Pokémon Level-Ups

Fossil Pokémon! Just the name conjures up images of dusty labs and long-extinct creatures brought back to life. These ancient Pokémon are a real draw for any trainer. You find a fossil, bring it to the right place, and bam! A Pokémon from a bygone era is ready to join your team. But here’s the thing every trainer wants to know: at what level do these resurrected relics actually evolve? Well, for most of them, there’s a pretty standard answer. But, as you might expect with Pokémon, there are a few curveballs thrown in along the way.

The Magic Number: Level 40

Okay, so the majority of fossil Pokémon hit their evolutionary stride at level 40. Simple as that. We’re talking about some of the OG fossils here:

• Omanyte evolves into the tentacled terror, Omastar, at level 40. These Rock/Water-types, inspired by ammonites, were some of the very first fossil Pokémon we ever saw, way back in Generation I. I remember being so stoked when I finally got my Omastar!
• Kabuto morphs into Kabutops at level 40. Sharing that same Rock/Water combo, Kabuto and Kabutops always reminded me of something you’d find in a really old science textbook. Think trilobites and horseshoe crabs.
• Moving ahead to Generation III, we have Lileep evolving into Cradily at level 40. These Rock/Grass-types always struck me as a bit odd, but they’re based on crinoids – sea lilies – so that explains the plant-like vibe.
• And then there’s Anorith, who becomes Armaldo at level 40. Also from Generation III, these Rock/Bug-types are based on anomalocaris, which, let me tell you, was one seriously scary-looking ancient sea predator.

When Level 40 Isn’t the Answer

Now, here’s where things get a little more interesting. While level 40 is the most common evolution point, there are a few rebels that do their own thing:

• Cranidos smashes its way into Rampardos at level 30. This headbutting Rock-type from Generation IV is basically a Pokémon version of a pachycephalosaurus.
• Shieldon digs in and evolves into Bastiodon at level 30. Also from Generation IV, Shieldon and Bastiodon are Rock/Steel-types that clearly take their cues from ceratopsians, like Triceratops. They’re like walking fortresses!
• Tyrunt transforms into Tyrantrum at level 39… but only during the daytime! This Rock/Dragon-type, a Generation VI addition, is, of course, inspired by the king himself: Tyrannosaurus Rex. Talk about a dramatic evolution!
• And let’s not forget Archen, who takes to the skies as Archeops at level 37. These Rock/Flying-types from Generation V are based on the Archaeopteryx, one of the earliest known birds.

The Non-Evolvers and the Fossil Fusions

Of course, not every fossil Pokémon goes through an evolution. Aerodactyl, that fearsome Rock/Flying type from way back in Generation I, is a perfect example. It gets a Mega Evolution, sure, but that’s just a temporary boost, not a permanent change.

Then, Generation VIII threw us a real curveball with those four fossil Pokémon that are basically Frankenstein’s monsters made of fossils. I’m talking about Dracozolt, Arctozolt, Dracovish, and Arctovish. You get them by combining different fossils, which is a cool idea, but they don’t evolve at all.

Digging Deeper

No matter when they evolve (or don’t!), fossil Pokémon bring a really cool sense of history to the Pokémon world. Knowing when they evolve and what makes them tick can really help you build a killer team and appreciate just how much the Pokémon world has changed over time. So, get out there, find those fossils, and bring these ancient creatures back to life!