New item are to replace trade evolutions according to Pokémon Legends: Arceus leaks

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the latest Pokémon series entry and will be released on Jan. 28, 2022. But a lot of information has leaked ahead of its release. This includes new Pokémon, changes to moves, and new features. One new feature is a change to trade evolutions.

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, players will reportedly can use an item called the Linking Cord to evolve Pokémon that normally requires trading to evolve. This includes Pokémon like Gengar, Machoke, Alakazam, and Golem. Players can still trade these Pokémon to evolve them though if they want.

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One thing to note is that Pokémon such as Magmar and Scyther that require to be traded while holding a specific item, the Magmarizer and Metal Coat respectively, do not evolve through the Linking Cord. Instead, players simply need to use their trade items to evolve them.

The Linking Cord is a one-time use item, so players will need to collect a handful if they want to evolve all their trade Pokémon. Still, this is great news as trade evolution has been a mechanic since the beginning of Pokémon and many trainers consider it a gimmick.

The addition of the Linking Cord means players no longer have to rely on trading to evolve their Pokémon. Though it is still an option for those who prefer the classic method.

For more information on Pokémon, check out Pokémon-specific battle themes leak in huge Pokémon Legends: Arceus content drop and Hisuian Pokémon leak for Pokémon GO before Pokémon Legends: Arceus Releases on Pro Game Guides.