Pokémon Odyssey · Guide
Pokémon Odyssey Link Stone
The Link Stone is an evolution item that stands in for trading. Instead of needing a second player or a second device, use one straight from your Bag to evolve Pokémon like Haunter, Kadabra, Machoke, and Graveler — no trade required.
What a Link Stone Does
In the original games, Pokémon like Haunter and Machoke only evolve when traded to another player. Since a lot of players on an emulator don’t have anyone to trade with, Pokémon Odyssey lets the Link Stone do that job instead.
Open your Bag, select the Link Stone, then choose the Pokémon you want to evolve — it works just like an Evolution Stone. Most standard trade evolutions accept it, but a few trade evolutions that also need a held item (like King’s Rock or Metal Coat) may still work differently. If you’re not sure about one specific Pokémon, check its Pokédex entry first.
How to Use a Link Stone
- 1
Open the in-game Bag.
- 2
Go to the Items or Key Items pocket, depending on where it’s stored.
- 3
Select the Link Stone and choose Use.
- 4
Pick a Pokémon that normally evolves through trading.
- 5
Confirm the evolution when prompted — that’s it.
If the game won’t let you use it on a Pokémon, that Pokémon probably needs a different item or condition instead — see the troubleshooting section below.
Which Pokémon Evolve With a Link Stone
These are the trade evolutions players have confirmed so far.
| Pokémon | Evolves Into | Normally Needs | In Pokémon Odyssey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kadabra | Alakazam | Trade | Link Stone |
| Machoke | Machamp | Trade | Link Stone |
| Graveler | Golem | Trade | Link Stone |
| Haunter | Gengar | Trade | Link Stone |
| Slowpoke | Slowking | Trade holding King’s Rock | Link Stone (double-check in-game) |
| Poliwhirl | Politoed | Trade holding King’s Rock | Link Stone (double-check in-game) |
| Onix | Steelix | Trade holding Metal Coat | May still need Metal Coat |
| Scyther | Scizor | Trade holding Metal Coat | May still need Metal Coat |
Kadabra, Machoke, Graveler, and Haunter are the safest bets — a Link Stone works on all four. For the held-item trade evolutions (Slowpoke, Poliwhirl, Onix, Scyther), try the Link Stone first; if it doesn’t work, you likely still need the original held item.
Where to Find Link Stones
You can get your first Link Stone by the time you reach the Third Stratum — check Level Caps if you’re not sure where that falls in your playthrough.
The Diglett digging minigame is a good source for extra ones after that point, and evolution items also show up in Napier’s shop at Aqua Resort once you’ve progressed far enough in its shop quest.
Since item availability can shift between game versions, it’s worth checking in-game before you commit your only Link Stone to a specific Pokémon.
| Method | Where | Repeatable? |
|---|---|---|
| Found item | By the Third Stratum | No — one-time |
| Diglett digging minigame | Unlocks after the Third Stratum | Yes |
| Napier’s shop | Aqua Resort, after the shop quest | Yes, while in stock |
When to Use a Link Stone
Link Stones are scarce early on, so it’s worth pausing before you use your first one. Save it for a Pokémon where:
- It has a real role on your team, not just a Pokédex entry.
- You need the extra power for an upcoming Captain battle or F.O.E.
- The evolved form learns a move or ability you actually want.
- You already have a repeatable way to get more Link Stones later.
Haunter into Gengar is a common first pick — it turns a mediocre Ghost-type into a fast, hard-hitting one. If you only have one Link Stone, it’s worth comparing your options before spending it.
Link Stone Not Working? Try This
- Double-check the Pokémon actually evolves by trade in the original games.
- If it normally needs a held item too (King’s Rock, Metal Coat), you may still need that item instead.
- Use the Link Stone from your Bag — don’t try to hold it as an item.
- Save your game before testing it on a Pokémon you’re unsure about.
A Link Stone only covers trade evolutions. Anything that evolves by level, friendship, location, or a different stone will still need its usual method.
Want More Detail?
Want more detail? Browse the Pokédex for the full Odyssey creature list, check Level Caps to see how difficulty scales through the story, or head to Cheat Codes if you get stuck. Haven’t downloaded the game yet? Start with the Download & Patch Guide. And if you want to see what’s next, check out Pokémon Odyssey II.
Pokémon Odyssey Link Stone FAQ
What is a Link Stone in Pokémon Odyssey?
An evolution item that replaces trading for Pokémon that would normally need it, like Haunter or Kadabra.
Can Haunter evolve with a Link Stone?
Yes — use one on Haunter and it evolves straight into Gengar.
Where’s the first Link Stone?
By the Third Stratum. After that, the Diglett digging minigame is a repeatable source.
Can I buy Link Stones?
Napier’s shop at Aqua Resort sells evolution items once you’ve progressed its shop quest — check what’s in stock.
Does every trade evolution use a Link Stone?
Mostly, but a few that also need a held item (like Onix or Scyther) may still need that item instead — see the table above.
Should I use my first Link Stone right away?
Only if the evolution is one you’ll actually use. They’re limited early on, so it’s worth deciding which Pokémon you want long-term first.