The Pokémon video games include a large variety of "held items" that, when held by a Pokémon, can boost their stats, give them additional abilities, or improve certain moves’ effectiveness. Eviolite is a held item that boosts a Pokémon’s Defense and Special Defense stats by 50%, but only if that Pokémon can still evolve. When strategically used, Eviolite can turn an unevolved Pokémon into a defensive wall - in some cases making it even stronger than its evolved form. This has led Eviolite to become a popular item for Pokémon originally introduced in every generation.
Described as "a mysterious evolutionary lump," Eviolite can be obtained in every game since Generation 5. Before its introduction, it was usually an obvious choice to evolve most Pokémon for extra strength in battle. Some Pokémon actually become weaker when evolved, however, losing access to certain moves, gaining more type weaknesses, losing stat points, or gaining worse abilities.
One method for creating a strong Pokémon team is to play into each Pokémon’s strengths. Pokémon that have naturally high Defense or Special Defense in their unevolved form are great contenders for Eviolite, as raising a their already high stats by 50% can greatly impact a team’s longevity in battle.
Best Gen 1 Eviolite Pokémon: Chansey
Chansey, a Generation 1 Pokémon, is one of the series' best candidates for Eviolite. Due to its base HP of 250 and Special Defense of 105, it is already defensively strong. Combining this with Eviolite, a Natural Cure or Serene Grace Ability, and moves like Soft-Boiled can make Chansey a particularly tough wall to break through.
Best Gen 2 Eviolite Pokémon: Porygon2
While it may have one of the stranger designs of Generation 2, Porygon2 is a notable fit for Eviolite. When it evolves to Porygon-Z, only its Special Attack and Speed increase, and its Defense and Special Defense actually decrease. Eviolite makes Porygon2 defensively stronger than not only its evolution but other Pokémon as well.
Best Gen 3 Eviolite Pokémon: Dusclops
Generation 3's Dusclops has base Defense and Special Defense stats that are both already high, at 130 each. After evolving into Dusknoir, these stats only increase to 135. A 50% increase in its base stats while holding the Eviolite makes Dusclops a defensive tank, outperforming Dusknoir.
Best Gen 4 Eviolite Pokémon: Munchlax
Snorlax is typically regarded as a dependable Pokémon, but its fan-favorite, Gen 4 pre-evolution, Munchlax, can outclass it in certain ways. When holding Eviolite, Munchax's base-85 Special Defense outdoes Snorlax's, and its Defense is almost equal. With the right Nature and moves, Eviolite Munchlax can be bulkier than its famously bulky evolution.
Best Gen 5 Eviolite Pokémon: Klang
Generation 5 not only introduced Eviolite but Klang, a great Eviolite user. Its evolution, Klinklang, only gets a slight increase in base Defense, while its HP and Special Defense remain the same, so holding Eviolite makes Klang defensively stronger.
Best Gen 6 Eviolite Pokémon: Doublade
Generation 6's Doublade already has a very strong base Defense stat of 150, but it has a relatively low Special Defense of 49. Eviolite raises both of these, transforming Doublade into a defensive wall - especially with its nine resistances and three immunities.
Best Gen 7 Eviolite Pokémon: Dartrix
When holding Eviolite, Dartrix of Generation 7 has a defensive advantage over its evolution, Decidueye. Dartrix’s high Defense stats, paired with an Attack of 107, can help it develop into a well-rounded Pokémon for any team.
Best Gen 8 Eviolite Pokémon: Galarian Corsola
Lastly, Galarian Corsola from Generation 8 can outdo its evolution, Cursola, in defenses. With base Defense and Special Defense stats of 100, Eviolite ensures this Pokémon's ability to hold its own in battle.