Pokémon Sword and Shield: How to catch and evolve Eevee

Gigantamax Eevee in Pokemon Sword and Shield
(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)

Eevee is one of the most popular Pokémon throughout the series, and there's always a bit of mystery surrounding how to acquire its many different evolutions. There are eight different Eeveelutions in Pokémon Sword and Shield that can be caught or evolved differently. Here is how to catch Eevee, followed by how to evolve Eevee in Pokémon Sword and Shield, which is one of the best Nintendo Switch games available, to fill out your collection.

What you'll need

Pokémon Sword

Pokémon Sword $56 at Amazon

Want to catch Zacian? Pokémon Sword is a fantastic mainline Pokémon game set in the Galar region which is loosely based on the United Kingdom.

Pokémon Shield

Pokémon Shield $50 at Amazon

Maybe you prefer Zamazenta? Shield can often be found for slightly cheaper than Sword, so for those on a budget, this is the game for you.

Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch Lite $189 at Amazon

A lighter console that is perfect for smaller hands. If you're only looking for a handheld Pokémon experience for that nostalgic feel then the Lite is a better bang for your buck.

Is there a new Eeveelution in Sword and Shield?

Unfortunately, there aren't any new Eeveelutions in Gen 8. However, you can catch Eevee and all eight of its pre-existing Eeveelutions in Sword and Shield.

While there are 18 different Pokémon types, only half of them have received an affiliating Eevee-related evolution. Of the ones that we haven't seen, I'd especially love to see a Dragon-type, Ghost-type, and Flying-type Eeveelution. Maybe we'll see one of these in the next core Pokémon game.

Where to find Eevee in Pokémon Sword and Shield

(Image credit: iMore)

Eevee can be found in the grass on Route 4 at any time during the day or night. You'll arrive at Route 4 after taking the train from Wedgehurst.

Eevee is very elusive, so it's going to take a while for it to appear. Keep wandering around in the tall yellow grass and keep an eye out for those adorable tell-tale ears sticking out.

How to catch Eevee in Pokémon Sword and Shield

(Image credit: iMore)
  1. Enter into a Pokémon battle with Eevee.
  2. Weaken it with one of your Pokémon until its HP is in the 'red' zone.
  3. Throw a Poké Ball and hope for the best!

How to evolve Eevee in Pokémon Sword and Shield

(Image credit: iMore)

The pursuit of collecting and evolving every Pokémon is one of the reasons why this is one of the best Nintendo Switch games out there. Eevee has eight Eeveelutions, but each one has a different way of evolving:

Swipe to scroll horizontally
EeveelutionHow to evolve
VaporeonLevel up Eevee until it's at least level 15 and then use a Water Stone.
JolteonLevel up Eevee until it's at least level 15 and then use a Thunder Stone.
FlareonLevel up Eevee until it's at least level 15 and then use a Fire Stone.
LeafeonLevel up Eevee until it's at least level 15 and then use a Leaf Stone.
GlaceonLevel up Eevee until it's at least level 15 and then use an Ice Stone.
EspeonRaise Eevee's friendship level by playing with it and feeding it. The next time Eevee levels up during the day, it'll evolve.
UmbreonRaise Eevee's friendship level by playing with it and feeding it. The next time Eevee levels up at night, it'll evolve.
SylveonTeach Eevee a Fairy-type move and then raise its friendship level by playing with it and feeding it. Once friendship is high enough, it'll evolve.

Where to find stones in Pokémon Sword and Shield

An easy place to find these stones is on the narrow strip of land on the other side of the Lake of Outrage. However, you'll need to be far enough in the game to be able to ride your bike over the water. On this strip of land, you'll find a tall ring of stones. Each one has an element stone next to it.

How to check and quickly increase friendship in Pokémon Sword and Shield

A great way to increase your Pokémon's friendliness in a hurry is by having it hold the Soothe Bell. This is a special item that you get from a blonde-haired woman inside a house in Hammerlocke. The house is immediately on the right once you enter the city. Additionally, another person in the same home can tell you your Pokémon's current friendship level.

Catching Eeveelutions in Pokémon Sword and Shield

(Image credit: iMore)

You'll find one of Eevee's evolutions if you go to the Lake of Outrage section of the Wild Area and head across the water to the ring of stones surrounding a den. A new Eeveelution appears each day, and the one you'll see depends on the weather.

Weather conditions for specific Eeveelutions

Swipe to scroll horizontally
EeveelutionTypeWeather
FlareonFireIntense Sun
JolteonElectricThunderstorms
VaporeonWaterRaining
LeafeonGrassNormal weather
GlaceonIceSnowing/Snowstorm
EspeonPsychicOvercast
UmbreonDarkSandstorm
SylveonFairyHeavy Fog

Evolve them all

Now you know all there is to know about how to catch and evolve Eevee in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Good luck on your journey to becoming the very best trainer. I hope you can capture all of the Pokémon you set your mind to in Sword and Shield. And be sure to check out some of the other best Pokémon games available on Switch — there are too many to count!

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Legendary Pokémon like Zacian and Zamazenta are waiting for you to catch them along with all of the Galarian variants in these fun stories.

Buy Sword from: Amazon | Best Buy | Walmart

Buy Shield from: Amazon | Best Buy | Walmart

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Rebecca Spear
Gaming Editor

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend. 

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