Onix is a formidable Rock and Ground-type Pokémon known for its impenetrable defense and overwhelming power. Its intimidating presence and unique design have solidified its status as a fan-favorite since the early days of the Pokémon franchise. In Pokémon Sword, evolving Onix into its powerful evolution, Steelix, has traditionally required trading with another trainer. However, not every player has access to trading capabilities or the desire to rely on external resources. In this article, we will explore alternative methods to evolve Onix in Pokémon Sword, allowing trainers to obtain the mighty Steelix through various in-game methods. Whether you’re an ardent collector striving to complete your Pokédex or a trainer seeking to strengthen your competitive roster, these alternative evolution methods will open new avenues for you to evolve your Onix and unleash the true potential of this extraordinary Pokémon.
Method 2: Maxing friendship level with Onix
A. Importance of friendship level in evolution
One alternative method for evolving Onix in Pokemon Sword without trading is by maxing its friendship level. Friendship, also known as happiness, plays a crucial role in evolving certain Pokemon, including OnBy increasing its friendship level to the maximum, Onix can evolve into Steelix.
B. Activities to increase friendship level with Onix
To increase friendship with Onix, trainers can engage in various activities with their Pokemon. These activities include battling with Onix, using healing items on it, leveling it up, and walking long distances while it is in the trainer’s party. Additionally, giving Onix massages at the Hammerlocke’s Pokemon Center or providing it with vitamins like Protein or Iron can also boost its friendship level.
C. Step-by-step guide on evolving Onix with max friendship
To evolve Onix through max friendship, follow these steps:
1. Add Onix to your team: Ensure that Onix is in your current party.
2. Engage in battles: Participate in battles and let Onix fight against opponents to gain experience points and increase its level.
3. Use healing items: Whenever Onix sustains damage during battles, use healing items like potions or revives to restore its health.
4. Keep Onix in the party: Keep Onix in your active party and take it along with you on your journey. This will allow it to accumulate walking distance, which contributes to friendship growth.
5. Give massages: Visit Hammerlocke’s Pokemon Center and talk to the NPC near the entrance. Choose the option to give a massage to one of your Pokemon, and select OnThis will further increase its friendship level.
6. Monitor friendship level: Use the Soothe Bell item, which can be obtained from a girl in Ballonlea, to monitor your Onix’s friendship level. The bell makes the friendship increase slightly faster.
7. Level up Onix: Continue battling and using healing items until Onix reaches the required friendship level for evolution.
8. Evolution into Steelix: Once Onix’s friendship reaches its maximum level, it will evolve into Steelix upon leveling up.
By following these steps and investing time into building a strong bond with Onix, trainers can successfully evolve it without the need for trading.
Method 2: Maxing Friendship Level with Onix
Friendship is an important aspect in the world of Pokémon, and it plays a significant role in the evolution of certain Pokémon species, including OnMaxing out the friendship level with your Onix is another viable method to evolve it into Steelix without the need for trading. In this section, we will explore the importance of friendship level in evolution, activities to increase friendship level with Onix, and provide a step-by-step guide on evolving Onix with maximum friendship.
A. Importance of Friendship Level in Evolution
Friendship, also known as happiness, is a measure of the bond between a trainer and their Pokémon. Certain Pokémon require a high friendship level to evolve, and Onix is one of them. By increasing Onix’s friendship level, you can trigger its evolution into Steelix.
B. Activities to Increase Friendship Level with Onix
There are several activities and actions you can undertake to raise the friendship level of your Onix:
- Leveling up your Onix through battles.
- Using healing items on your Onix, such as potions or berries.
- Having Onix participate in Pokémon Camp and playing with it using toys.
- Keeping Onix in your party and walking long distances together.
- Avoiding fainting your Onix in battles.
By consistently engaging in these activities and providing positive experiences for your Onix, its friendship level will steadily increase over time.
C. Step-by-Step Guide on Evolving Onix with Max Friendship
To evolve Onix into Steelix through maximum friendship, follow these steps:
- Ensure that your Onix is in your active party.
- Engage in battles and level up your Onix.
- Use healing items, such as potions or berries, on your Onix.
- Take Onix to Pokémon Camp and play with it using toys.
- Keep Onix in your party and walk long distances together.
- Continue to engage in positive interactions and avoid letting Onix faint in battles.
- Monitor Onix’s friendship level by checking the friendship checker NPC in Hammerlocke.
- Once Onix’s friendship level is at its highest, it will evolve into Steelix upon leveling up.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can evolve your Onix into Steelix solely through maxing out its friendship level. This method provides an alternative to trading and allows you to strengthen your Pokémon team without relying on external assistance.
RecommendedMethod 3: Maxing affection level through Pokemon Camp
A. Explanation of affection level and its impact on evolution
In Pokemon Sword, affection level is a measure of the bond between a trainer and their Pokemon. When a Pokemon has a high affection level, it gains several benefits, such as increased experience points, higher critical hit ratio, and the ability to endure attacks that would normally faint it. Affection level also plays a crucial role in the evolution process of certain Pokemon, including Onix.
B. How to increase affection level through Pokemon Camp
One of the most effective ways to increase affection level is by spending quality time with your Onix in the Pokemon Camp. Pokemon Camp allows trainers to interact and bond with their Pokemon in a relaxed environment. To increase affection level, follow these steps:
1. Set up a Pokemon Camp: Find an appropriate camping spot in the Galar region and set up your Pokemon Camp.
2. Interact with Onix: Once inside the camp, talk, play, and cook curry with OnInteracting with it regularly will increase its affection towards you.
3. Play with toys: Use various toys available in the camp to engage Onix in play. This will further strengthen your bond with it.
4. Feed Onix: Prepare and serve its favorite curry or other high-quality treats. A full belly will bring greater happiness and affection.
5. Battle together: Take Onix into battles and train it. Winning battles with your Pokemon by your side will foster a deeper connection between you two.
C. Step-by-step guide on evolving Onix with max affection
To evolve Onix into Steelix through max affection level, follow these steps:
1. Ensure that Onix has reached a sufficient level (Onix evolves into Steelix when traded holding a Metal Coat item).
2. Increase Onix’s friendship level (affection) by following the steps mentioned in section III, Method 2.
3. Determine the specific time for evolution: In some cases, Onix evolves into Steelix when it levels up during the day, while in others, it might require nighttime leveling up. Make sure to level up Onix accordingly.
4. Level up Onix: Engage in battles or use rare candies to level up Onix until it evolves into Steelix.
By maxing out the affection level of your Onix through Pokemon Camp activities and ensuring it reaches the necessary level, you can evolve it into a formidable Steelix without the need for trading. This method allows trainers to unlock the full potential of Onix and add the powerful Steelix to their team.
Method 4: Trading within the same game
A. Exploring the possibilities of trading with a friend who also has Pokemon Sword
Trading has always been an integral part of the Pokemon experience, allowing players to obtain rare and exclusive Pokemon that they may not be able to obtain on their own. While the previous methods have focused on evolving Onix without trading, Method 4 presents an alternative option by exploring the possibilities of trading with a friend who also has Pokemon Sword.
In Pokemon Sword, players have the ability to trade Pokemon with others who are playing the same game. This opens up a world of opportunities for Onix evolution, as players can find a friend who is willing to trade their Steelix or a Metal Coat to help evolve their own Onix.
B. Step-by-step guide on trading and evolving Onix through in-game trades
To trade and evolve your Onix through in-game trades, follow these steps:
1. Find a friend who has Pokemon Sword and is willing to trade with you. This can be someone you know personally or someone you meet through online communities or forums.
2. Make sure both players have a stable internet connection and are ready to trade.
3. Open the Y-Comm menu by pressing the Y button on your Nintendo Switch.
4. Select the Link Trade option to initiate the trade.
5. Connect with your friend by eTher entering their Link Code or selecting their name from the list of available players.
6. Once the trade has been initiated and both players have confirmed, select your Onix to be traded.
7. Coordinate with your friend to ensure that they trade you eTher a Steelix or a Metal Coat.
8. After the trade is completed, your Onix will evolve into Steelix if you received a Steelix, or you can use the Metal Coat on your Onix to trigger its evolution into Steelix.
9. Congratulations! You have successfully evolved your Onix through in-game trades.
Trading with a friend who also has Pokemon Sword not only allows you to evolve your Onix, but it can also strengthen your friendship and create a more enjoyable multiplayer experience. It is important to note that trading can only occur between players who have the same game version, in this case, Pokemon Sword.
While trading may not be the preferred method for everyone, it provides an alternative option for players who are unable to evolve their Onix through the other methods discussed in earlier sections. By exploring the possibilities of trading, trainers can expand their collection and strengthen their team with a powerful Steelix.
Method 5 – Battle Tower evolution method
A. Introduction to the Battle Tower and its role in Pokemon Sword
The Battle Tower is a crucial location in Pokemon Sword that offers a challenging battling experience for trainers looking to test their skills. It is known for its tough battles against powerful trainers and provides various rewards for successful victories. Apart from being an epicenter for battles, the Battle Tower also offers a unique opportunity for trainers to evolve certain Pokemon, including Onix.
B. Guide on battling and evolving Onix through the Battle Tower
To evolve Onix through the Battle Tower, trainers must follow these steps:
1. Defeat the main storyline: Before accessing the Battle Tower, trainers must first complete the main storyline of Pokemon Sword and become the Champion of the Galar region. This accomplishment allows trainers to unlock and participate in the Battle Tower challenges.
2. Reach the Battle Tower: Once the main storyline is completed, trainers can travel to Wyndon, the city where the Battle Tower is located. The Battle Tower can be found in the northern part of the city.
3. Choose your format: The Battle Tower offers different formats for trainers to compete in, such as Single Battles and Double Battles. Determine your preferred format and select it to begin your battle journey.
4. Build a strong team: As the battles at the Battle Tower are challenging, it is crucial to assemble a team of powerful and well-trained Pokemon. Ensure that your team has a variety of types and moves to counter different opponents effectively.
5. Battle your way to victory: Engage in battles against formidable trainers at the Battle Tower. Each victory will grant you Battle Points (BP), which can be exchanged for various items and services within the Battle Tower.
6. Obtain the required item: To evolve Onix, you will need a specific item called the Metal Coat. This item can be obtained by exchanging BP at the Battle Tower’s BP Shop. Save up your BP until you have enough to purchase the Metal Coat.
7. Evolve Onix: With the Metal Coat in your possession, give it to Onix to hold. Then, engage in battles at the Battle Tower to level up your OnAfter reaching a certain level, Onix will evolve into its evolved form – Steelix.
By participating in battles at the Battle Tower and strategically training your Onix, you can successfully evolve it into Steelix, further enhancing your Pokemon team.
Overall, the Battle Tower serves not only as a challenging battleground but also as a valuable location for evolving certain Pokemon, offering trainers an alternative method to evolve their Onix without the need for trading.
Method 7: Evolution through Surprise Trades
A. Explanation of Surprise Trades and their potential for Onix evolution
In the world of Pokémon Sword, Surprise Trades are a feature that allows players to engage in random trades with other trainers around the globe. This feature creates an exciting opportunity for trainers seeking to evolve their Onix without the need for traditional trading methods. By utilizing Surprise Trades, trainers can increase their chances of acquiring the necessary trade evolution item or simply receive an already evolved Steelix directly.
Surprise Trades operate by connecting trainers anonymously and exchanging Pokémon without prior negotiations or communication. Trainers select a Pokémon from their party to trade and are then matched with another trainer who has also chosen a Pokémon for trade. Once the trade is initiated, both trainers exchange their chosen Pokémon, resulting in a surprise element as trainers do not know which Pokémon they will receive until the trade is completed.
For trainers looking to evolve their Onix into Steelix, Surprise Trades offer the possibility of receiving a Steelix directly from another trainer who is willing to trade one. This eliminates the need for obtaining the trade evolution item, Metal Coat, altogether. Additionally, Surprise Trades provide an opportunity to receive an Onix holding the Metal Coat, which can be utilized to evolve one’s own Onix.
B. How to utilize Surprise Trades effectively for Onix evolution
To effectively utilize Surprise Trades for Onix evolution, trainers should follow these steps:
1. Acquire an Onix: Obtain an Onix through catching one in the wild or receiving it through other in-game methods.
2. Train and level up Onix: Ensure that the Onix obtained is sufficiently high level to increase its desirability for other trainers.
3. Initiate a Surprise Trade: Access the Y-Comm feature in Pokémon Sword, select Surprise Trade, and choose the Onix for trade.
4. Wait for a trade partner: The game will search for another trainer looking to trade and once a suitable match is found, the trade will proceed automatically.
5. Evolve the received Pokémon: Once the trade is completed, check the Pokémon received. If it is a Steelix, congratulations! You have successfully evolved your Onix without the need for trading or using the Metal Coat. If the Pokémon received is an Onix holding the Metal Coat, simply equip it to your own Onix and level it up to trigger the evolution.
Surprise Trades offer an exciting and unpredictable method for evolving your Onix into a powerful Steelix without relying on traditional trading methods. Make the most of this feature by engaging in trades frequently and being open to the unexpected. With patience and luck, you can obtain the evolved Steelix you desire for your team.
Method 7: Hosting Link Battles for Evolution
A. Utilizing Link Battles to evolve Onix
Link Battles in Pokémon Sword are not only a great way to test your battling skills against friends and other trainers, but they can also be used to evolve certain Pokémon, including OnBy hosting your own Link Battles, you can create a controlled environment and increase your chances of triggering Onix’s evolution.
To start, make sure you have a reliable internet connection and access to the Nintendo Switch Online service. This will allow you to connect with other trainers globally and host Link Battles.
B. Step-by-step guide on hosting successful Link Battles for evolution
1. Prepare your team: Before hosting a Link Battle, ensure that you have Onix in your party. It’s also a good idea to have a well-rounded team to put up a strong fight against your opponents.
2. Access the Y-Comm: In Pokémon Sword, press the Y button to open the Y-Comm menu. From there, choose the option to connect to the internet.
3. Start the Link Battle: Once you are connected to the internet, select the Link Battle option. You will then have the choice to host a Single Battle, Double Battle, or Multi Battle. Select the option that best suits your preferences.
4. Waiting and matchmaking: After choosing the battle format, you will be matched with potential opponents who are looking for a battle. The process may take some time, so be patient and wait for a trainer to join your battle.
5. Battle and evolve: Once an opponent joins your Link Battle, engage in a friendly battle. During the battle, make sure your Onix gains enough experience to level up. As soon as it reaches the required level, its evolution into Steelix will trigger, thus completing the evolution process without the need for trading.
6. Post-battle rewards: After the battle, you will earn post-battle rewards, including Battle Points (BP) that can be redeemed for various items and Pokémon. Take advantage of these rewards to further strengthen your team.
By hosting Link Battles and ensuring that Onix gains the necessary experience points, you can evolve it into Steelix without the need for trading. This method not only eliminates the reliance on trading partners but also allows you to strengthen your battling skills and gain valuable rewards in the process. So, gather your team, connect to the internet, and host some Link Battles to evolve your Onix into a formidable Steelix!
Method 9: Evolving through Max Raid Battles
A. Overview of Max Raid Battles and their role in evolution
Max Raid Battles are a new feature introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield that allow players to team up with others to battle against powerful Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokemon. These battles take place in the Wild Area’s Max Raid Dens, where players can encounter and challenge these formidable opponents. While Max Raid Battles are primarily known for their rewards and the opportunity to catch rare Pokemon, they can also be utilized to evolve certain Pokemon, including Onix.
In the case of Onix, participating in Max Raid Battles can trigger its evolution into SteelBy joining a Max Raid Battle and defeating a Dynamax or Gigantamax Onix, players have a chance to receive an item called the Rock Incense as a reward. The Rock Incense is crucial for Onix’s evolution, as it is required to evolve Onix into Steelix.
B. How to find and participate in Max Raid Battles for Onix evolution
To find Max Raid Battles, players need to explore the Wild Area and look for glowing red dens scattered throughout the region. These dens indicate the presence of a Max Raid Battle. By interacting with these dens, players can join a lobby where they can eTher invite their friends or have other players join their party. Once the battle begins, players must work together to defeat the Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokemon.
To increase the likelihood of encountering Onix in a Max Raid Battle, players should look for dens that display the silhouette of OnThese dens have a higher chance of containing Onix battles. Additionally, using Watts to activate a Wishing Piece on a den will guarantee that it contains a Max Raid Battle.
After successfully defeating the Dynamax or Gigantamax Onix in a Max Raid Battle, players will have a chance to receive the Rock Incense as a reward. Once in possession of the Rock Incense, players can then use it on their Onix to trigger its evolution into Steelix.
By utilizing Max Raid Battles, players have an alternative method to evolve Onix into Steelix without the need for trading. This method not only provides an exciting multiplayer experience but also rewards players with powerful items and rare Pokemon. So gather your team and head into the Wild Area to challenge Onix in a Max Raid Battle for a chance to evolve this mighty Rock and Ground type Pokemon.
**Method 10: Utilizing the Pokemon Home app**
**A. Explanation of the Pokemon Home app and its features**
The Pokemon Home app is a versatile tool that allows players to trade and transfer Pokemon between different games. It serves as a central hub for managing your Pokemon collection across multiple platforms, including Pokemon Sword. In addition to trading, the app also offers various features such as the Global Trade System (GTS), Wonder Box, and Room Trade.
The GTS is particularly useful for evolving Onix without the need for trading with another player directly. With the GTS, you can search for specific Pokemon that you want and specify what you are willing to trade in return. This means you can search for trainers willing to trade their Steelix for your Onix or a compatible Pokemon. By using this method, you can acquire a Steelix without the need for a traditional trade.
**B. How to trade and evolve Onix through the Pokemon Home app**
To utilize the Pokemon Home app for evolving Onix, follow these steps:
1. Download and install the Pokemon Home app on your device and log in with your Nintendo account.
2. Connect your Pokemon Sword game to the app by selecting the “Nintendo Switch Connect” option in the menu.
3. In the app’s main menu, select the “GTS” option to access the Global Trade System.
4. Search for Steelix or any other desired Pokemon that can evolve from Onix.
5. Choose the Onix you want to trade in return for the Steelix or compatible Pokemon.
6. Specify any additional preferences or criteria for your desired trade.
7. Submit your trade request and wait for another player to accept it.
8. Once the trade is successful, you will receive the traded Pokemon, allowing you to evolve your Onix into Steelix.
It’s important to note that the Pokemon Home app requires a paid subscription for certain features, including the GTS. However, the app offers a free version that allows for basic trading and limited storage.
By utilizing the Pokemon Home app and its trading features, players can evolve their Onix into Steelix without the need for a traditional trade. This method provides an alternative for those who may not have access to other players for in-game trades or trading via other methods.
Method 10: Utilizing the Pokemon Home app
A. Explanation of the Pokemon Home app and its features
The Pokemon Home app is a cloud-based service that allows players to trade, store, and transfer their Pokemon between different games. It is available on various platforms, including Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android devices. With the Pokemon Home app, players have the opportunity to evolve their Onix without having to trade with other players.
The Pokemon Home app serves as a hub for managing your Pokemon collection, offering features such as the National Pokedex, Wonder Box, GTS, Room Trade, and Friend Trade. These features provide players with various methods to trade and evolve their Onix.
B. How to trade and evolve Onix through the Pokemon Home app
To evolve your Onix using the Pokemon Home app, follow these steps:
1. Download and install the Pokemon Home app on your chosen platform.
2. Sign in to your Nintendo Account or create a new one if you don’t have an account.
3. Set up your Pokemon Home account and link it to your Pokemon Sword game.
4. Transfer your Onix from Pokemon Sword to the Pokemon Home app using the “Move” feature.
5. Use the Pokemon Home app’s GTS (Global Trading System) feature to search for a Steelix trade. Select the criteria for the desired Pokemon you want to trade for, such as level, gender, or specific Pokemon species.
6. Initiate a trade request and wait for another player to accept your offer.
7. Complete the trade to receive their Pokemon, which will trigger the evolution of your Onix into Steelix.
8. Transfer your newly evolved Steelix back to Pokemon Sword using the “Move” feature in the Pokemon Home app.
By utilizing the Pokemon Home app’s GTS, players can search for and initiate trades for the specific Pokemon they need for evolution, including SteelThis method provides a convenient alternative for evolving Onix without the need for trading with other players directly.
However, it’s important to note that the availability of desired trades may vary, and it may take some time and patience to find the trade you are looking for. Nevertheless, the Pokemon Home app offers a reliable and accessible method for players who wish to evolve their Onix into Steelix without relying on traditional trading methods.
XConclusion
A. Recap of alternative methods for evolving Onix without trading
Throughout this article, we have explored various alternative methods for evolving Onix in Pokemon Sword without the need for trading. From using the Metal Coat item, maxing friendship and affection levels, to utilizing in-game features such as Surprise Trades and the Battle Tower, players have multiple options to obtain the powerful Steelix on their team.
B. The importance of exploring different methods for a complete Pokemon team
By exploring these alternative methods, players can evolve their Onix without relying on trading with other players, ensuring they can complete their Pokemon team and reach their full potential in battles and competitions. Whether it’s through item evolution, building strong relationships with your Pokemon, or utilizing in-game features and apps, there are various paths to evolve your Onix into SteelExperimentation with these methods not only adds depth to the gameplay experience but also offers new strategies and possibilities for creating a well-rounded and formidable Pokemon team.
Conclusion
A. Recap of alternative methods for evolving Onix without trading
In this article, we have explored various alternative methods for evolving Onix in Pokemon Sword without the need for trading. These methods provide players with options to evolve Onix and add the powerful Steelix to their team, even if they don’t have access to trading.
Firstly, we discussed Method 1, which involves using the Metal Coat item. The Metal Coat is a held item that can be given to Onix to evolve it into Steelix when traded. We provided a step-by-step guide on how to obtain the Metal Coat in Pokemon Sword and how to use it to evolve Onix.
Next, we explored Method 2, which focuses on maxing out the friendship level with OnFriendship level plays a crucial role in evolution, and we discussed various activities that can increase friendship, such as leveling up, using certain items, and participating in Pokemon Camp. A detailed step-by-step guide was provided to help players evolve Onix through max friendship.
Method 3 involved increasing the affection level of Onix through Pokemon Camp. Affection impacts evolution and can be raised by spending quality time with Onix in the camp. We explained the process of increasing affection and provided a step-by-step guide on evolving Onix with max affection.
We also mentioned Method 4, which involves trading within the same game. This method can be utilized by finding a friend who also has Pokemon Sword and trading Onix back and forth to trigger its evolution. A step-by-step guide was given on how to trade and evolve Onix through in-game trades.
B. The importance of exploring different methods for a complete Pokemon team
Exploring alternative methods for evolving Onix without trading is crucial for building a complete and powerful Pokemon team. Not every player may have access to trading or may prefer to use different methods for evolution. By understanding and utilizing methods such as using the Metal Coat, maxing friendship and affection levels, participating in Max Raid Battles, trading through the GTS, utilizing the Pokemon Home app, and more, players can ensure they have a diverse team with powerful Pokemon like Steelix.
Using these alternative methods also adds a sense of accomplishment and uniqueness to a player’s journey. It allows players to fully experience the game and its various features without relying solely on trading. By trying different methods, players can also learn more about the game mechanics and develop a deeper understanding of Pokemon evolution.
In conclusion, while trading is a popular method for evolving Onix in Pokemon Sword, there are numerous alternative methods available. By utilizing these methods and exploring all the options, players can evolve Onix into Steelix and create a well-rounded and formidable team without the need for trading.