Pokémon Odyssey · Guide
Pokémon Odyssey Upgrade Location: How to Evolve Porygon
Upgrade is an evolution item used to evolve Porygon into Porygon2 in Pokémon Odyssey. Unlike the usual main-series method, you do not need to trade Porygon while it holds the item. Open your Bag, use Upgrade on Porygon, and the evolution begins.
What Does Upgrade Do?
Upgrade is a direct-use evolution item. Its purpose is simple: it evolves Porygon into Porygon2.
In the original Pokémon games, Porygon normally needs to be traded while holding Upgrade. Pokémon Odyssey removes that trading requirement and lets you evolve it from the Bag instead. This makes the Porygon line available to players using an emulator or playing without another device.
| Pokémon | Item needed | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Porygon | Upgrade | Porygon2 |
| Porygon2 | Dubious Disc | Porygon-Z |
Porygon’s v4.1.1 Pokédex entry confirms the chain: Porygon evolves with Upgrade, and Porygon2 evolves with Dubious Disc.
How to Evolve Porygon Into Porygon2 in Pokémon Odyssey
Follow these steps to use Upgrade:
- 1
Obtain a Porygon through its special event, gift, or trade-sidequest availability.
- 2
Get an Upgrade item.
- 3
Open the in-game Bag.
- 4
Select Upgrade from the Items pocket.
- 5
Choose Porygon from your party.
- 6
Confirm the evolution.
- 7
Porygon will evolve into Porygon2.
You do not need to give Upgrade to Porygon as a held item, and you do not need to trade it with another player.
If the item cannot be used, make sure you selected Porygon. Upgrade does not evolve Porygon2; Porygon2 requires a Dubious Disc for its final evolution.
How to Get Porygon
Porygon is not a normal grass, cave, water, or fishing encounter in Pokémon Odyssey. The current Pokédex labels it Event / Gift only and links its availability to a Trade – Sidequest.
This means you should not expect to find Porygon while searching ordinary encounter areas. Instead, progress through quests, speak to NPCs, and check trade-related side content as you explore Talrega.
| Pokémon | Availability | How to obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Porygon | Event / Gift only | Trade-sidequest or special event |
| Porygon2 | Not listed in wild encounters | Evolve Porygon with Upgrade |
| Porygon-Z | Not listed in wild encounters | Evolve Porygon2 with Dubious Disc |
The available documentation does not identify the exact trade-sidequest NPC or location, so check your active quests and relevant NPC dialogue before assuming Porygon can be found in the wild.
Where to Get Upgrade
The v4.1.1 item list records Upgrade from three shop sources and one fixed item location in Pokemon Odyssey. This means players can find one through exploration and can also obtain more from certain shops once those vendors are available.
Because the index does not display the exact shop names or fixed pickup location in its summary, avoid relying on random FireRed item-cheat codes or unverified location claims. Shop inventory may depend on story progress, the settlement you have reached, or available store upgrades.
| Source type | Availability | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed pickup | 1 location | A one-time Upgrade can be collected during exploration |
| Shop | 3 sources | Upgrade can be purchased from multiple vendors later in the game |
Check shops when you unlock a new settlement or return after completing important story objectives. This is the safest way to look for an additional Upgrade if you have already used the first one.
Can You Buy Upgrade In Pokémon Odyssey?
Yes. The Pokémon Odyssey v4.1.1 item reference lists Upgrade as available through three shop sources.
However, this does not mean every Poké Mart sells it from the beginning. Availability can depend on where you are in the story or which shop you have unlocked. If you cannot find Upgrade early in the game, continue progressing through Talrega and check later vendors.
This also means you do not need to save your only Upgrade forever. Once the relevant shops become available, you may be able to buy another one for a future Porygon.
Upgrade, Dubious Disc, and Porygon-Z
Upgrade is the first item needed for the Porygon line. The second item is Dubious Disc, which evolves Porygon2 into Porygon-Z.
| Form | Type | Evolution method | Main role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porygon | Normal | Use Upgrade | Early form with useful special attacks and recovery |
| Porygon2 | Normal | Use Dubious Disc | Middle evolution |
| Porygon-Z | Normal | Final form | High Special Attack and improved Speed |
Porygon-Z is a Normal-type Pokémon with 135 Special Attack and 90 Speed in the Odyssey data. It can have Trace or Adaptability, and its level-up moves include Recover, Tri Attack, Psychic, Thunderbolt, Nasty Plot, Pain Split, and Hyper Beam.
Dubious Disc is also listed as available from one fixed location and one shop source in v4.1.1.
Is Porygon Worth Evolving?
Porygon can be useful, but its evolved forms offer a stronger long-term role for teams that need a Normal-type special attacker.
The base form has 85 Special Attack, 75 Special Defense, and access to moves such as Psybeam, Recover, Shock Wave, Signal Beam, Tri Attack, Psychic, and Thunderbolt. Its two abilities are Trace and Adaptability.
Porygon-Z improves this role substantially. Its 135 Special Attack makes it much stronger with special moves, while 90 Speed helps it act earlier against more opponents. Trace can copy an opposing ability, while Adaptability increases the power of same-type attacks such as Tri Attack.
Porygon-Z is a good choice if your team needs:
- A strong special attacker.
- A Normal-type Pokémon with Ghost immunity.
- Flexible coverage through Electric- and Psychic-type moves.
- A Pokémon that can use Recover for staying power.
- A partner that can contribute damage in Double Battles.
Before using Upgrade, consider whether Porygon fits your team. It is not required for every playthrough, but it can become a valuable special attacker when fully evolved.
Upgrade Not Working
If Upgrade does not evolve your Pokémon, check the following:
- Make sure you are using Upgrade on Porygon, not Porygon2.
- Confirm that Upgrade is in the Bag and not being treated as a held item.
- Check that you have not confused Upgrade with Dubious Disc.
- Make sure your Porygon is in your active party when using the item.
- Restart your emulator if the Bag menu does not respond correctly.
- Avoid using item-modifier cheat codes for Upgrade unless they were personally tested in Pokémon Odyssey v4.1.1.
Porygon2 requires Dubious Disc, not another Upgrade. If you already evolved Porygon once, find or buy a Dubious Disc to complete the line.
Pokémon Odyssey Upgrade FAQ
What does Upgrade do in Pokémon Odyssey?
Upgrade evolves Porygon into Porygon2.
Does Porygon need to be traded?
No. Pokémon Odyssey allows Porygon to evolve directly through the Upgrade item.
Where can I get Upgrade?
The v4.1.1 item list records one fixed Upgrade location and three shop sources.
Can I buy Upgrade in Pokémon Odyssey?
Yes. Upgrade is listed as a shop item from three sources, although the relevant vendors may only become available later in the game.
How does Porygon2 evolve into Porygon-Z?
Use a Dubious Disc on Porygon2.
Is Porygon-Z good in Pokémon Odyssey?
Porygon-Z is a strong special attacker with 135 Special Attack, 90 Speed, Trace or Adaptability, and broad special-move coverage.
Conclusion
Upgrade is the item needed to begin Porygon’s evolution line in Pokémon Odyssey. Obtain Porygon through its special trade-sidequest or event availability, use Upgrade to evolve it into Porygon2, then use Dubious Disc to reach Porygon-Z.
With one fixed pickup and three shop sources in v4.1.1, Upgrade is an item worth checking for as you progress through Talrega — especially if you want a powerful Normal-type special attacker for your team.