Evolution

Evolution (進化 Shinka; Dub: Digivolution) is the process in which Digimon undergo a radical reconfiguration of their body structure data and transform into a new, stronger species of Digimon. Most Digimon can evolve into a wide variety of Digimon, and what they evolve into can be influenced both by the environment they are exposed to and by their various inherent traits. There are many methods by which Digimon can evolve, with many different requirements.

Evolution is measured by a Digimon's Evolution Stage. Most Digimon species belong to one of six Evolution Stages, and when they evolve, it is typically to a Digimon of a higher Evolution Stage than their previous form.

As part of their life cycle, all Digimon undergo evolution in the wild over time, and they usually stay evolved. However, Digimon can also draw power from the energy, emotions, and/or willpower of humans to evolve much faster. Tamers and Chosen Children use their bonds with their partner Digimon, together with their Digivices (and sometimes, other items), to temporarily evolve their Digimon into more powerful forms.

Overview

Natural Evolution

All Digimon naturally consume ("load") data, including the data of other Digimon which they have defeated, to sustain themselves. When they have loaded large enough amounts of data, they may undergo evolution. What a Digimon evolves into is determined by numerous factors. The most common of these factors are:

Field	Environmental influence	Prowess and innate abilities
Fields are categories that sort Digimon by biological traits that they have in common, like element and species, so a Digimon will usually evolve into a Digimon of the same Field as itself.	Digimon can evolve to adapt to the environment in which they live.	Some evolutions only become available to a Digimon if they are sufficiently skilled, talented, or strong.
Example: →	Example: →	Example: →
Floramon can evolve into Kiwimon. Both belong to the Jungle Troopers Field.	Snow Goburimon and Hyougamon are subspecies of Goburimon and Orgemon that have evolved to adapt to extreme cold.	Only Commandramon who are skilled enough to pass the Selection-D test can evolve into Sealsdramon.
How it is raised	Intake of specific data	Modification
The quality of care and attention that a Digimon receives when it is being raised affects how it will evolve.	Exposure to, or consumption of, human data or programs can cause evolution into a Digimon based on that data.	Some evolutions come from a Digimon altering itself or being altered by an outside force, such as other Digimon, humans, or viruses.
Example:	Example: ↙      ↓      ↘	Example: →
A Digimon will evolve into Numemon if care mistakes are made when raising it.	Pulsemon evolves into various Digimon using different sources of exercise data: Bulkmon from body composition monitors, Exermon from yoga lesson data, and Runnermon from a treadmill.	By mechanizing its body, Greymon evolves into Metal Greymon.

These factors mean that any two Digimon who start off as the same species can evolve in completely different directions from each other depending on the life that they live. The diversity of evolution pathways is a survival strategy that allows Digimon to adapt and endure the harsh, survival-of-the-fittest environment of the Digital World. In Digimon Adventure, Gennai says that there is no "right" or "wrong" in evolution in and of itself.

There can be other factors involved in different stories. For example, in Digimon Savers: Another Mission, the influence of the Dark Area is altering the evolutionary trees of Digimon so that they are evolving into many different forms.

Evolving again gets harder and harder with each Evolution Stage that a Digimon reaches, because each new Stage requires more and more data than the last. There are fewer and fewer Digimon of each subsequent level, and the majority of Digimon in the wild do not evolve any further than the Adult level.

Partner Digimon Evolution

A Digivice, activating the evolution of a partner Digimon.

It is common in Digimon media for Digimon to draw strength and energy from humans. For example, many early episodes of Digimon Savers tell stories about Digimon who have infiltrated the Real World and are feeding on the emotions of troubled people. Humans who are partnered with Digimon and have a Digivice, like Tamers and Chosen Children, are able to use their energy to artificially trigger a temporary evolution of their partner Digimon to a higher Evolution Stage. These evolutions are generally short-lived and only last for one or two battles. After the battle, they will usually devolve back to the form that they regularly inhabit when their human partner is not evolving them (almost always of the Child level).

The ability of a human to evolve their partner Digimon is typically based on the bond that the two share, and on the emotional state and maturity of the human partner. When both their relationship and their mindsets are healthy, they are able to evolve, and as they improve, they become able to evolve into stronger and stronger Digimon. It is also common for the human partner to acquire and use items and other powers to facilitate their partner Digimon's evolution.

Example: + ↓	Example: + ↓	Example: + ↓
In Digimon Adventure, Kido Jou's Ikkakumon can super-evolve into Zudomon using Jou's Crest of Sincerity.	In Digimon Tamers, Matsuda Takato can use Matrix Evolution to fuse with his partner Digimon, Guilmon, and become Dukemon.	In Digimon Adventure V-Tamer 01, Yagami Taichi uses the Digimental to evolve Zeromaru (Ulforce V-dramon) into Ulforce V-dramon Future Mode.

In Digimon anime productions, there are two traditions relating to evolution. One, the evolution of partner Digimon into their regular evolved forms is usually depicted with reusable stock footage that showcases the evolution process in a long and flashy way that is unique to that particular Digimon series. Two, a partner Digimon who is undergoing evolution will call out to announce that they are evolving. Sometimes, the human partner will also call out something for the process. Only a few partner Digimon do not do this at all: Wallace's Terriermon, and the two Pawn Chessmon who are partnered with Kurosaki Miki and Shirakawa Megumi.

Evolving by Combining

Another way to evolve is for two Digimon to combine together and create a single Digimon of greater power. The concept of evolving in this way was introduced in 1998 in the Digimon Pendulum series of virtual pets. There are several named methods of evolution that work by combining multiple Digimon: Jogress Evolution, fusion, DigiXros, and (for Appmon) AppGattai.

Jogress Evolution (ジョグレス進化 Jyoguresu shinka; Dub: DNA Digivolution/Jogress Digivolution)	Fusion (合体 Gattai; Dub: DNA Digivolution/DigiFuse)	DigiXros (デジクロス Dejikurosu; Dub: DigiFuse)
Two Digimon combine together to evolve into a new, stronger Digimon. Usually, this Digimon is of a higher Evolution stage than either of the constituent Digimon.	Two Digimon combine together to evolve into a new, stronger Digimon of the same Evolution Stage as the constituent Digimon.	Main article: DigiXros One lead Digimon temporarily combines with one or more other Digimon ("DigiXros Units") to create a composite Digimon, where the other Digimon form equipment, new attributes and/or new body parts for the lead Digimon.
Example: + ↓	Example: + ↓	Example: + ↓
Two Adult Digimon, XV-mon and Stingmon, Jogress Evolve to become Paildramon, a Perfect Digimon.	Two Ultimate Digimon, War Greymon and Metal Garurumon, fuse to become Omegamon, a stronger Ultimate Digimon.	Two Digimon, Shoutmon and Ballistamon, DigiXros to become Shoutmon X2. Ballistamon forms a suit of armor for Shoutmon.
AppGattai (アプ合体 Apu gattai)
Two Appmon combine together to evolve into a new Appmon of a higher Grade.
Example: + ↓
Two Standard Grade Appmon, Gatchmon and Navimon, AppGattai to become DoGatchmon, a Super Grade Appmon.

A Monmon Memo!! column from 2018 establishes an official distinction between Jogress and fusion that is based on whether or not the combined Digimon is of a higher Evolution Stage than the two constituent Digimon: if it is higher, it is Jogress. If the Stage does not change, it is fusion. However, it is common for this distinction to be ignored entirely and for the terms to be used interchangeably by different Digimon productions (e.g. Omegamon is frequently referred to as the result of a Jogress, although in a lot of these instances Omegamon is stated to be a "Super Ultimate" Digimon, which in those instances is considered to be a higher level). There is often no distinction at all in English media, where both cases are usually just called "DNA Digivolution".

The word "Jogress" (sometimes spelled "Jogres") is a portmanteau of the English words "joint" and "progress", as in the two Digimon who undergo this evolution can be described as getting stronger (progressing) together (jointly).

Both Jogresses and fusions generally only involve two Digimon, but there are some Digimon who are formed by the combination of more than two other Digimon, such as Ultimate Chaosmon and Omegamon: Merciful Mode. Jogressing and fusing are often portrayed as giving the consciousnesses of the constituent Digimon equal control of the new form, unlike DigiXrossing, where there is one clear leader who is controlling the new form.

The act of a Tamer undoing a Jogress and splitting the combined Digimon back into its constituent Digimon is called Partition (パーティション Pātishon). Similarly, the act of splitting up a DigiXrossed Digimon back into its constituents is called Xros Open (クロス・オーペン Kurosuōpen).

Unlike Digimon combining, AppGattai is virtually the only way to become a stronger Appmon. An Appmon Chip can be used instead of an active Appmon. It is possible for an AppGattai to fail and result in a weak Appmon (Sukashimon for AppGattai between Standard Grade Appmon, and Damedamon between Super Grade Appmon).

Mode Change

Mode Change (モードチェンジ Mōdochenji) is an evolution-like ability that is available to certain Digimon species which have multiple forms, or "Modes". When a Digimon undergoes a Mode Change, they transform into another mode of that species. This usually does not change their Evolution Stage, but there are some Modes that do (e.g. Lucemon).

Mode Changes generally do one of three things:

A direct power-up that gives the Digimon brand-new abilities or equipment, or greater power.	A change between equipment that they already have. The Digimon can make this change at will.	A change of stance or body plan. The Digimon can make this change at will.
Example: →	Example: ⇄ ⇄	Example: ⇄
When Metal Greymon Mode Changes into Metal Greymon: Alterous Mode, it acquires the weapon Alterous and several new attack techniques.	Using its Extend Transmitter, Justimon can Mode Change between three arms with different powers: the Accel Arm, the Blitz Arm, and the Critical Arm.	The bipedal Duftmon can Mode Change into the quadrupedal Duftmon: Leopard Mode.

Armor Evolution

Armor Evolution (アーマー進化 Āmā shinka; Dub: Armor Digivolution) is an ancient pseudo-evolutionary process in which a Digimon uses the power of a Digimental to evolve into an Armor Digimon. Digimentals and Armor Evolution are a technology that was developed by ancient Digimon to compensate for their limited evolution options and limited likelihood of ever evolving, but the technology is now lost.

Armor Evolution is less of a strain on a Digimon than regular evolution. Different Digimon have different affinities with the Digimentals, and trying to force a Digimon to use a Digimental will trigger an adverse reaction in the Digimental's power and cause it to run wild. Good affinity between Digimental and Digimon will result in an Armor Digimon of greater power, sometimes even Ultimate-class power. The power of Armor Digimon can vary considerably, so some are categorized as belonging to an Evolution Stage of equivalent power for clarity.

Each Digimental is associated with an elemental type, so using a Digimental results in a Digimon that uses that element.

It is possible to evolve into Armor Digimon without using Digimentals.

Example:
V-mon can evolve into many Armor Digimon depending on which Digimental it uses.
+ ↓	+ ↓	+ ↓
If it uses the Digimental of Courage, it becomes Fladramon, a fire-elemental Armor Digimon.	If it uses the Digimental of Miracles, it becomes Magnamon, a metal-elemental Armor Digimon.	If it uses the Digimental of Hope, it becomes Sagittarimon, a holy-elemental Armor Digimon.

X-Antibody and Evolution

Main article: X-Antibody

One side effect of the X-Antibody is its ability to cause special evolutions in Digimon. When the levels of X-Antibody present in a Digimon's body reach a second threshold, they extract latent data from the Digimon's Digicore and use that to evolve the Digimon into a new form that expresses that latent data.

X-Evolution (ゼヴォリューション Zevoryūshon; Dub: (TBA))	Death-X-Evolution (デクスリューション Dekusuryūshon; Dub: (TBA))
A Digimon evolves into a special X-Antibody variant of itself due to the X-Antibody modifying its DigiCore.	The Death-X gives a Digimon a powerful survival instinct, which forces it to continues to exist after death as an Undead Type.
Example: →	Example: →
The X-Antibody causes Monzaemon to X-Evolve into Monzaemon (X-Antibody).	DORUmon can undergo Death-X-Evolution to become Death-X-DORUgamon, the Death-X counterpart of DORUgamon.

Other Types of Evolution

Blast Evolution (ブラストエヴォリューション Burasutoevoryūshon; Dub: Blast Digivolution)	Dark Evolution (暗黒進化 Ankoku shinka; Dub: Dark Digivolution)	Death Evolution ((TBA))
The Digimon temporarily evolves into a powerful form that they are at the time otherwise unable to access. Ultimates who Blast Evolve become other Ultimates.	Main article: Dark Evolution Due to a powerful negative or sinister influence, a Digimon evolves into a Digimon that is destructive and uncontrollable.	When a Digimon dies, it transforms into another Digimon (usually an Undead or Ghost Type).
Example: →	Example: →	Example: →
In the Pendulum X 3.0, a Tiger Vespamon can Blast Evolve into Magnamon (X-Antibody) when the device's XAI is orange.	Feelings of anger and hatred cause Lopmon to undergo a Dark Evolution to Wendimon.	When a Togemon dies due to unforeseen circumstances, it will supposedly undergo Death Evolution into Ponchomon.
Mutation (変異 Hen'i; Dub: (TBA))
The effects of Infection or distortions causes the Digimon to undergo a mutation into a Digimon that is destructive and uncontrollable.
Example: →
In Digimon Adventure tri., Meicoomon mutates into Meicrackmon: Vicious Mode.

Appearances

Anime

Digimon Adventure original continuity

In Digimon Adventure, Digimon Adventure 02, Digimon Adventure tri., and Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna, the ability to evolve is mostly tied to both the strength of the bond between the Chosen Child and their Digimon, and to the maturity and psychological growth of the Chosen Children themselves. For example:

• The Crests that are required for super evolution embody a trait that each child displayed when they were younger, and unlocking super evolution requires bringing out the best of those qualities in themselves for the right reasons, rather than misusing them.
• The ability to Jogress requires that each pair of Chosen Children "synchronize" with each other, and truly understand their thoughts and feelings.
• Agumon -Yuki no Kizuna- and Gabumon -Yujo no Kizuna- are the result of the deep bond that the two Digimon share with Yagami Taichi and Ishida Yamato.

Evolution can also be triggered, especially for the first time, when a Chosen Child is in danger. Their partner Digimon will evolve to protect them. The Chosen Children become aware of this, and on one occasion Yagami Taichi unsuccessfully tries to exploit this to force Greymon to super evolve.

Higher levels of evolution also often require some sort of intervention by some other force. For instance, the Chosen Children initially required physical Crests to unlock super evolution. Agumon and Gabumon needed to be shot with arrows of hope and light by Angemon and Angewomon to fulfill a prophecy and unlock their Ultimate forms, and it took one of Qinglongmon's DigiCores for Paildramon to become able to evolve to Imperialdramon: Dragon Mode.

Evolving requires a great amount of energy, and higher levels require higher amounts of energy. As a result, when partner Digimon super evolve to Perfect or higher, it is common for them to devolve to their Baby II forms when they are finished, and when they Jogress to Perfect or higher, they usally revert to their Baby I forms. The exception is Tailmon, who usually just devolves back to Tailmon and only rarely devolves to Plotmon. She attributes this to her having greater self-discipline than the other partner Digimon. The energy requirements also mean that generally, the Digimon cannot evolve if they are hungry, and that they must rest to recover the energy needed to evolve the next time.

Several Digimon who are not partner Digimon also undergo evolution in the various series:

• As foretold in a prophecy, Vamdemon is resurrected in the evolved form of Venom Vamdemon after his defeat in "All Perfects Attack! Sparkling Angewomon". In the climax of Digimon Adventure 02, his spirit (possessing Oikawa Yukio) evolves again into Belial Vamdemon after he consumes the Dark Seeds implanted in several children.
• After his defeat by Yagami Taichi and Metal Greymon, Etemon is eventually reborn as Metal Etemon.
• Leomon gains the ability to Warp Evolve into Saber Leomon due to his repeated exposure to the light of the Chosen Children's Digivices. However, he has poor control over his evolution and cannot maintain the Saber Leomon form for long.
• A Kuramon that hatched on the Internet evolves by eating data and causing havoc worldwide, going through the forms of Tsumemon, Keramon, Infermon (skipping the Adult level), and Diablomon. That Diablomon is later reborn, and the many Kuramon that it spawns all fuse together in the real world to evolve into Armagemon.
• Huckmon is able to freely evolve into Jesmon and devolve back into Huckmon.

Types of Evolution in the Digimon Adventure original continuity
Type	Description	Digimon's Call	Example	First Appearance
Evolution (進化 Shinka; Dub: Digivolution)	A Digimon evolves from the Baby II level to the Child level, or from Child to the Adult level.	「(x)、進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), evolve...! (y)!") (Dub: "(x) Digivolve to...! (y)!")	Palmon → Togemon	Digimon Adventure: "Adrift?! The Island of Adventure!"
Dark Evolution (暗黒進化 Ankoku shinka; Dub: Dark Digivolution)	Main article: Dark Evolution A Digimon evolves into a powerful but malicious and uncontrollable form due to a negative or dark influence (e.g. intense negative emotions or abusive tactics from their Chosen Child, the negative feelings of the Digimon themself, being forced to by the Digimon Kaiser using an Evil Ring or Evil Spiral).	N/A	Greymon → Skull Greymon	Digimon Adventure: "Dark Evolution! Skull Greymon"
Super Evolution (超進化 Chō shinka; Dub: Digivolution)	An Adult Digimon evolves into a Perfect Digimon, using the activated power of a Crest (either a physical Crest in a Tag, or the essence of it that resides in the Chosen Child). Digivice changes: The Digivice enters an activated state, where it changes color to (usually) match the Chosen Child's crest.	「(x)、超進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), super-evolve...! (y)!") (Dub: "(x) Digivolve to...! (y)!")	Kabuterimon → Atlur Kabuterimon	Digimon Adventure: "Perfect Evolution! Metal Greymon"
Warp Evolution (ワープ進化 Wāpu shinka; Dub: Warp Digivolution)	A Digimon evolves directly to the Ultimate level by skipping at least one level (e.g. Child to Ultimate, Adult to Ultimate). Digivice changes: The Digivice enters an activated state, where it changes color to (usually) match the Chosen Child's crest.	「(x)、ワープ進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), warp-evolve...! (y)!") (Dub: "(x) Warp Digivolve to...! (y)!")	Gabumon → Metal Garurumon	Digimon Adventure: "Revival! The Devil Venom Vamdemon"
Fusion (合体 Gattai; Dub: DNA Digivolution)	Two Digimon of any level, most commonly Ultimate, combine into a stronger Ultimate Digimon. This combined Digimon is controlled by the consciousnesses of both component Digimon, who work together.	N/A	War Greymon + Metal Garurumon → Omegamon	Digimon Adventure: Our War Game!
Armor Evolution (アーマー進化 Āmā shinka; Dub: Armor Digivolution)	A Child or de-powered Adult Digimon evolves into an Armor Digimon, using a Digimental.	「(x)、アーマー進化…！ (epithet), (y)！」 ("(x), armor-evolve...! (epithet), (y)!") (Dub: "(x) Armor Digivolve to...! (y), (epithet)!")	Hawkmon → Shurimon	Digimon Adventure 02: "The Inheritor of Courage"
Jogress Evolution (ジョグレス進化 Jyoguresu shinka; Dub: DNA Digivolution)	Two Adult Digimon combine into a Perfect Digimon. This combined Digimon is controlled by the consciousnesses of both component Digimon, who act as one. Digivice changes: Both Digivices enter an activated state where they both change into an identical color scheme that features colors associated with both participating Chosen Children.	「(x)！ (y)！ ジョグレス進化…！ (z)！」 ("(x)! (y)! Jogress-evolve...! (z)!") (Dub: "(x)! (y)! DNA Digivolve to...! (z)!")	Ankylomon + Angemon → Shakkoumon	Digimon Adventure 02: "Jogress Evolution, Two Hearts become One"
Ultimate Evolution (究極進化 Kyūkyoku shinka; Dub: Mega Digivolution)	A Perfect Digimon evolves into an Ultimate Digimon.	「(x)、究極進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), ultimate-evolve...! (y)!") (Dub: "(x) Mega Digivolve to...! (y)!")	Angewomon → Holydramon	Digimon Adventure 02: "Everyone Advance Out! Imperialdramon"
Mode Change (モードチェンジ Mōdochenji; Dub: Mode Change)	A Digimon shifts into an alternate mode of the same species.	「(x)、モードチェンジ…！ (y)！」 ("(x), mode change...! (y)!") (Dub: "(x) Mode Change to...! (y)!")	Imperialdramon → Imperialdramon: Fighter Mode	Digimon Adventure: "Invasion of the Demon Army"

Digimon Tamers

In Digimon Tamers, the source of all evolution is the Digi-Entelechy, or "light of evolution". The existence of the Digi-Entelechy is what enables Digimon to evolve. Before the start of the series, the Digi-Entelechy is transformed into Culumon by the Digignomes in accordance with the wishes of Qinglongmon, who wanted to prevent any evolution from occurring to avoid provoking the D-Reaper. As a result, normally no Digimon evolve at all, but sometimes Culumon accidentally causes evolutions to occur around him just by emotionally reacting to events around him (sadness, curiosity, etc.)

As the series progresses, the Tamers become able to trigger evolutions at will by Slashing certain cards. They use the "Super Evolution Plug-In S" card (St-100) to evolve their Digimon to the Adult level, and Blue Cards to evolve them to the Perfect Level. Sometimes, when they do this, it is shown that the slashing of the card has triggered Culumon into using his powers on the partner Digimon.

Devolution is also significantly harder in Tamers. Unlike in other series, where a partner Digimon is likely to devolve as soon as the action is over, it is common for the Tamers' partner Digimon to remain in their evolved forms (mainly Adult) for hours at a time afterward with no way to force themselves to devolve, even if their Tamer is no longer present. Lee Jianliang theorizes that it is entirely possible for their Digimon to remain evolved indefinitely, but that after a while it becomes too hard to maintain an evolved form, so they devolve into a more stable form.

Several wild and/or Tamer-less Digimon evolve in the series. This is usually caused by Culumon's power.

• A Dark Tyranomon in the Digital World evolves into Metal Tyranomon and destroys a Maildramon that was chasing Culumon. The cause of this evolution is unknown, although it coincides with this exact evolution and fight outcome occurring in a Digital Monster Card Game match played between Matsuda Takato and Shiota Hirokazu.
• A Wild One Goblimon who Realizes in Shinjuku evolves into Fugamon when Culumon unintentionally activates some of its power.
• Impmon evolves into Beelzebumon for the first time when he makes a deal with Caturamon to be endowed with Zhuqiaomon's power, in exchange for eliminating the Tamers and their Partner Digimon. The next time that Impmon takes this form, he does it through the power of his rekindled bond with his Tamers, Ai and Makoto.
• While playing with some Digignomes, Culumon unintentionally causes three Woodmon to evolve into Jyureimon.
• Culumon unintentionally causes hundreds of Chrysalimon who are fighting Beelzebumon to fuse into one giant Infermon.
• With the assistance of the Digignomes, Culumon intentionally uses its Shining Evolution to cause many Digimon around the Digital World to evolve to the Ultimate level to help fight the D-Reaper. These Digimon include three Diablomon (from the fusion of hundreds of Chrysalimon), a Metal Seadramon, a Mugendramon, a Gran Kuwagamon, a Griffomon, at least five Pukumon, a Hououmon, a Boltmon, a Plesiomon, and a Marin Angemon (who becomes Kitagawa Kenta's partner Digimon).

Types of Evolution in Digimon Tamers
Type	Description	Digimon's Call	Example	First Appearance
Evolution (進化 Shinka/エヴォリューション Evoryūshon; Dub: Digivolution)	A Child Digimon evolves into an Adult Digimon, using Culumon's power.	「(x)、進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), evolve...! (y)!") (Dub: "(x) Digivolve to...! (y)!")	Terriermon → Galgomon	Digimon Tamers: "Renamon vs Guilmon! Battle is a Digimon's Life"
Matrix Evolution (マトリックス・エヴォリューション Matorikkusu evoryūshon; Dub: Matrix Digivolution)	A Child or Adult Digimon evolves into a Perfect Digimon, using Culumon's power via a Blue Card.	「(x)、進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), evolve...! (y)!") (Dub: "(x) Matrix Digivolve to...! (y)!")	Growmon → Megalo Growmon	Digimon Tamers: "Stand Up Tamer! The Super Evolved Megalo Growmon"
Dark Evolution (暗黒進化 Ankoku shinka; Dub: Dark Digivolution)	Main article: Dark Evolution A Digimon evolves into a powerful but uncontrollable form due to the intense anger and negativity of their Tamer.	N/A	Megalo Growmon → Megidramon	Digimon Tamers: "The Kindhearted Hero Leomon Dies!"
Matrix Evolution (マトリックス・エヴォリューション Matorikkusu evoryūshon; Dub: Biomerge Digivolution)	A Child or Perfect Digimon evolves into an Ultimate Digimon by fusing with their Tamer.	「(x)、進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), evolve...! (y)!") (Dub: "(x) Biomerge to...! (y)!")	Makino Ruki + Renamon → Sakuyamon	Digimon Tamers: "The Name's Dukemon! The True Ultimate Evolution"
Mode Change (モードチェンジ Mōdochenji)	A Digimon shifts into a more powerful mode of the same species.	「(y)！」 ("(y)!") (Dub: (TBA))	Dukemon → Dukemon: Crimson Mode	Digimon Tamers: "Connected Hearts: The Revival of Beelzebumon"

Digimon Frontier

Digimon Frontier focuses on the use of the twenty Legendary Spirits to transform into Hybrid Digimon in a process called "Spirit Evolution". Both human Chosen Children and ordinary Digimon are capable of Spirit Evolution. The series focuses on six human Chosen Children who use Spirits.

In addition to the human cast's use of Spirits, there are several supporting Digimon characters who undergo evolutions, including both regular evolutions and use of Spirits to become Hybrid Digimon.

• Cherubimon created four of the five Evil Warriors (Mercuremon, Ranamon, Grottomon, and Arbormon) by bonding Spirits to Digimon.
  • On one occasion, Mercuremon also fuses with the scanned data of Seraphimon to evolve into Black Seraphimon, in a process that he announces as "Advent of the Fallen Angel" (「堕天使降臨」 Datenshi kourin).
• A Shamamon finds the Beast Spirit of Fire in the temple where he works as a fortune teller, and is involuntarily bonded to it and evolves into Vritramon. He runs wild until Kanbara Takuya (as Agnimon) subdues and purifies him and takes the Beast Spirit.
• A Gottsumon who had befriended Minamoto Kouji evolves into Insekimon so that he can help Kouji (as Magna Garurumon) fight Lord Knightmon. He devolves back to Gottsumon when Lord Knightmon severely injures him.
• Murmukusmon is able to Slide Evolve between the forms of Darcmon, Hippogriffomon, and Murmukusmon at will.

Types of Evolution in Digimon Frontier
Type	Description	Chosen Child's Call	Example	First Appearance
Spirit Evolution (スピリット・エヴォリューション Supiritto evoryūshon; Dub: Spirit Evolution)	A human or Digimon evolves into an Adult-class Human Form Hybrid Digimon, or a Perfect-class, Beast Form Hybrid Digimon, by bonding with one Legendary Spirit.	「スピリット・エヴォリューション！ (y)！」 ("Spirit Evolution! (y)!") (Dub: "Execute! Spirit Evolution! (y)!")	Orimoto Izumi + Human Spirit of Wind → Fairimon	Digimon Frontier: "The Legendary Warrior! Agnimon of Flame"
Slide Evolution (スライド・エヴォリューション Suraido evoryūshon; Dub: Slide Evolution)	a) A Hybrid Digimon who possesses another Legendary Spirit of the same element as their current form activates that Spirit to evolve into the corresponding Hybrid Digimon without reverting to their base form. b) A non-Hybrid Digimon who has access to multiple forms, both of the same and of different levels, transitions into another form.	「(x)、スピリット・エヴォリューション！ (y)！」 ("(x), Slide Evolution! (y)!") (Dub: (TBA))	Löwemon + Beast Spirit of Darkness → Kaiser Leomon	Digimon Frontier: "The Five Legendary Warriors VS The New Warrior!"
Double Spirit Evolution (ダブル・スライド・エヴォリューション Daburu supiritto evoryūshon; Dub: Fusion Evolution)	A Chosen Child who possesses two Legendary Spirits of the same element evolves into an Ultimate-class, Fusion Form Hybrid Digimon by bonding with both Spirits. The ability to Double Spirit Evolve is granted by Seraphimon's DigiTama.	「ダブル・スピリット・エヴォリューション！ (y)！」 ("Double Spirit Evolution! (y)!") (Dub: "Execute! Fusion Evolution! (y)!")	Minamoto Kouji + (Human Spirit of Light + Beast Spirit of Light) → Beowolfmon	Digimon Frontier: "Double Spirit Miracle! Beowolfmon is Born"
Hyper Spirit Evolution (ハイパー・スピリット・エヴォリューション Haipā supiritto evoryūshon; Dub: Unified Spirit Evolution)	A Chosen Child evolves into an Ultimate-class, Transcendent Form Hybrid Digimon by bonding with ten Legendary Spirits in certain combinations. The ability to Hyper Spirit Evolve is restricted to Chosen Children who own D-Scanners that Ofanimon has upgraded.	「ハイパー・スピリット・エヴォリューション！ (y)！」 ("Hyper Spirit Evolution! (y)!") (Dub: "Unity execute! Unified Spirit Evolution! (y)!")	Kanbara Takuya + (Human Spirit of Fire + Beast Spirit of Fire + Human Spirit of Wind + Beast Spirit of Wind + Human Spirit of Ice + Beast Spirit of Ice + Human Spirit of Earth + Beast Spirit of Earth + Human Spirit of Wood + Beast Spirit of Wood) → Kaiser Greymon	Digimon Frontier: "Spirits Become One! Takuya and Kouji's Ultimate Evolution!"
Ancient Spirit Evolution (エンチェント・スピリット・エヴォリューション Enchento supiritto evoryūshon; Dub: Ancient Spirit Evolution)	One or more Chosen Children, or an already-evolved Hybrid Digimon, evolves into Susanoomon by bonding together with all twenty Legendary Spirits.	「エンチェント・スピリット・エヴォリューション！ スサノオモン！」 ("Ancient Spirit Evolution! Susanoomon!") (Dub: "Execute! Ancient Spirit Evolution! Susanoomon!")	(Kanbara Takuya + Minamoto Kouji + Shibayama Junpei + Orimoto Izumi + Himi Tomoki + All 20 Legendary Spirits) → Susanoomon	Digimon Frontier: "Light and Darkness are One! Kouichi's Last Wish"

Digimon Savers

A key theme of Digimon Savers is the influence of human emotions on Digimon. Digisoul is a power that comes from human emotion, and Digimon respond to that power. Tamers must learn to focus their emotions and Digisoul, and direct it toward a clear purpose, in order to evolve their partner Digimon. Evolution is initiated by manifesting their Digisoul as an aura around themselves, and then charging it into their Digivice iC.

Savers also features a high number of enemy Digimon who evolve. Many of these are Digimon who have infiltrated the real world and are feeding on the negative emotions of humans, whose dark wishes they are often trying to fulfill.

• A Kunemon uses Takashi's resentment of having to look after the chickens at Daimon Chika's school to evolve into Flymon.
• Agumon's Baby Burner attack accidentally causes three Petit Meramon to fuse together and evolve into Meramon.
• A Drimogemon evolves into Digmon in the Digital World.
• An Elecmon that has fed on power lines evolves into a black Garurumon.
• A Keramon that was manipulating chart data for Hanamura Neon evolves into Chrysalimon when Neon is enraged.
• When Mercurimon tries to force Piyomon to forget about Chika, he evolves into Aquilamon and runs wild. He evolves again into Garudamon in his mad desperation to find Chika. Later, after being reborn, Piyomon's bond with Chika allows him to evolve into Garudamon again.
• Mercurymon's servant, Gottsumon, is able to evolve into his "true form", Insekimon.

Types of Evolution in Digimon Savers
Type	Description	Digimon's Call	Example	First Appearance
Evolution (進化 Shinka; Dub: Evolution/Digivolution)	A Child Digimon evolves into an Adult Digimon, using some Digisoul. Tamer's evolution command: 「デジソウル、チャージ！」 ("Digisoul, charge!"; Dub: "DNA, charge!")	「(x)、進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), evolve...! (y)!") (Dub: "(x) Digivolve to...! (y)!")	Falcomon → Peckmon	Digimon Savers: "I am Masaru! Cockatrimon Strikes"
Perfect Evolution (完全進化 Kanzen shinka; Dub: Perfect Evolution/Ultimate Digivolution)	A Child or Adult Digimon evolves into a Perfect Digimon, using a "full charge" of Digisoul. Tamer's evolution command: 「デジソウル、フル・チャージ！」 ("Digisoul, full charge!"; Dub: "DNA, full charge!")	「(x)、進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), evolve...! (y)!") (Dub: "(x) Digivolve to...! (y)!")	Sunflowmon → Lilamon	Digimon Savers: "Masaru's New Power, Evolve! Rize Greymon"
Ultimate Evolution (完全進化 Kyūkyoku shinka; Dub: Ultimate Evolution/Mega Digivolution)	A Child Digimon evolves into an Ultimate Digimon, using an "overdrive" of Digisoul. Tamer's evolution command: 「デジソウル、チャージ！　オーバードライブ！」 ("Digisoul, charge! Overdrive!"; Dub: "DNA, charge! Overdrive!")	「(x)、進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), evolve...! (y)!") (Dub: "(x) Double Warp Digivolve to...! (y)!")	Gaomon → Mirage Gaogamon	Digimon Savers: "Resurrected Digivices, A New Shining Light"
Dark Evolution (暗黒進化 Ankoku shinka; Dub: Dark Digivolution)	Main article: Dark Evolution A Digimon evolves into a powerful but uncontrollable form due to the intense anger and negativity of their Tamer.	N/A	Shine Greymon → Shine Greymon: Ruin Mode	Digimon Savers: "The Day of Parting, The Strongest Enemy - Thoma!"
Burst Evolution (バースト・エヴォリューション Bāsuto evoryūshon; Dub: Burst Evolution/Burst Digivolution)	An Ultimate Digimon evolves into a Burst Mode Ultimate Digimon, using a massive quantity of Digisoul. Tamer's evolution command: 「チャージ！デジソウル・バースト！」 ("Charge! Digisoul Burst!"; Dub: "Charge! DNA... Burst Mode!")	「(x)：バーストモード！」 ("(y): Burst Mode!") (Dub: "(y): Burst Mode!")	Shine Greymon → Shine Greymon: Burst Mode	Digimon Savers The Movie: Ultimate Power! Activate Burst Mode!!
Pseudo Evolution (擬似進化 Gijishinka; Dub: (TBA))	An artificial Adult Digimon evolves into a Perfect Digimon using artificial Digisoul.	N/A	Gizmon: AT → Gizmon: XT	Digimon Savers: "Smash Kurata's Ambition, Yatagaramon takes Flight"
Hyper Bio Evolution (ハイパー・バイオ・エヴォリューション Haipā baio evoryūshon; Dub: Bio Hybrid Digivolution)	A human whose DNA has been infused with the data of an Armor Digimon evolves into that Bio-Hybrid Digimon.	「ハイパー・バイオ・エヴォリューション！ (y)！」 ("Hyper Bio Evolution! (y)!") (Dub: "Bio Hybrid DNA, Charge! (y)!")	Kouki → Bio Thunderbirmon	Digimon Savers: "Pursue Kurata, The Digimon Extermination Scheme Begins!"
Hyper Bio Extra Evolution (ハイパー・バイオ・エキスツラ・エヴォリューション Haipā baio ekisutsura evoryūshon; Dub: (TBA))	A human whose DNA has been infused with the data of an Ultimate Digimon evolves into that Bio-Hybrid Digimon.	「ハイパー・バイオ・エキスツラ・エヴォリューション！ (y)！」 ("Hyper Bio Extra Evolution! (y)!") (Dub: "Bio Hybrid DNA, Full Charge! (y)!")	Nanami → Bio Lotusmon	Digimon Savers: "Genius Showdown! Thoma VS Nanami"

Digimon Xros Wars

The primary focus of Digimon Xros Wars is on its main gimmick of DigiXrossing. The series features DigiXros combinations of more and more Digimon as it goes on. Later in the series, it is common for both Super Evolutions and DigiXrossing to be used together to create even stronger composite Digimon.

Xros Wars does not use the concept of Evolution Stages. Instead, evolution is described as a permanent growth into new forms that Digimon undergo as they age, which takes a very long time. Unlike other Digimon series, evolution as a power available to the human cast and their partner Digimon is entirely absent from the series until "A New Journey!! The Great Tokyo Showdown!!", where Super Evolutions are introduced as the ability to skip over all of the time that is normally needed to evolve and immediately become the mature form that the Digimon will have in the future. As a result, each partner Digimon only has one conventional evolved form (not counting Mode Changes).

Types of Evolution in Digimon Xros Wars
Type	Description	Digimon's Call	Example	First Appearance
DigiXros (デジクロス Dejikurosu; Dub: DigiFuse)	Main article: DigiXros Two or more Digimon are combined into one conglomorate form, which is mostly controlled by one of its constituent Digimon, by one Xros Loader user. Special variants: Double Xros (performed by two Xros Loader users), Great Xros (performed by three or more Xros Loader users), Final Xros (performed using the Code Crown)	「デジクロス！ (z)！」 ("DigiXros! (z)!") (Dub: "DigiFuse! (z)!")	Cutemon + Dondokomon + Knightmon + Pawn Chessmons + Bastemon + Chibi Kamemon + Jijimon → G-Cutemon	Digimon Xros Wars: "Taiki, Go to Another World!"
Super Evolution (超進化 Chō shinka; Dub: (TBA))	A Digimon evolves into the form that they will have in the future.	The Evil Death Generals and the Seven Kingdoms: 「(x)、超進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), super-evolve...! (y)!") (Dub: (TBA)) The Young Hunters who Leapt through Time: 「超進化！ (y)！」 ("Super-evolve! (y)!")	Shoutmon → Omega Shoutmon	Digimon Xros Wars: "A New Journey!! The Great Tokyo Showdown!!"
Mode Change (モードチェンジ Mōdochenji)	A Digimon shifts into a more powerful mode of the same species.	N/A	Arresterdramon → Arresterdramon: Superior Mode	Digimon Xros Wars: "The Golden Insect! The Mystery of Metallife Kuwagamon"

Digimon Universe Appli Monsters

Digimon Universe Appli Monsters has its own version of Evolution Stages, called "Grades", but unlike other Digimon series, there is not quite any directly "evolving" a single Appmon into a single new form. Instead, all progression to higher Grades revolves around two compatible Appmon (or their Appmon Chips) undergoing AppGattai to combine together.

Unlocking a Buddy Appmon's higher-Grade form via AppGattai creates an Appmon Chip of that form, and as the series progresses, that chip (when activated, for instance in an Appmon Band) can be used to Appliarise the Buddy Appmon directly into that form instead of having to AppGattai them again. This basically works how evolution works in other Digimon series.

If a Buddy Appmon is exhausted, they are unable to take their Ultimate Grade form until they have rested and recovered the energy needed to do so.

Types of Evolution in Digimon Xros Wars
Type	Description	Appli Drive's Call	Example	First Appearance
AppLink (アプリンク Apurinku)	Two Appmon (one in the form of an Appmon Chip) are linked together into a conglomerate entity by an Appli Drive user. Sometimes, the subordinate Appmon forms weapons, armor or new abilities for the lead Appmon. Other times, the subordinate Appmon appears in a ghostly form floating behind the lead Appmon.	「アプリンク！」 ("AppLink!")	Gatchmon + Messemon → Gatchmon + Messemon	Digimon Universe Appli Monsters: "The Mysterious Navigator! I am Navimon!"
AppGattai (アプ合体 Apu gattai)	Two Appmon (one in the form of an Appmon Chip) are combined into one conglomorate form by an Appli Drive user.	「３－２－１！ アプ合体！ (z)！」 ("3-2-1! AppGattai! (z)!")	Musimon + Recomon → Mediamon	Digimon Universe Appli Monsters: "The Mysterious Navigator! I am Navimon!"
Super Appliarise (超アプリアライズ Chō apuriaraizu)	Main article: Appliarise A Buddy Appmon is directly Appliarised from the Appli Drive in their Super Grade form, using an activated Appmon Chip of that form (usually obtained after a previous successful AppGattai).	「超…！アプリアライズ！ (y)！」 ("Super...! Appliarise! (z)!")	Hackmon → Raidramon	Digimon Universe Appli Monsters: "The Appmons' Aspiration! The Legendary Seven Code Gathering!"
Ultimate Appliarise (極アプリアライズ Kiwami apuriaraizu)	Main article: Appliarise A Buddy Appmon is directly Appliarised from the Appli Drive in their Ultimate Grade form, using an activated Appmon Chip of that form (usually obtained after a previous successful AppGattai).	「極…！アプリアライズ！ (y)！」 ("Ultimate...! Appliarise! (y)!")	Offmon → Shutmon	Digimon Universe Appli Monsters: "Return the Seven Code Appmon! Showdown - Ultimate VS Ultimate!"
God Appliarise (神アプリアライズ Kami apuriaraizu)	Main article: Appliarise A Buddy Appmon is directly Appliarised from the Appli Drive in their God Grade form, using an activated Appmon Chip of that form. The Chip is generated from two Ultimate Grade Chips in the user's Seven Code Band.	「神…！アプリアライズ！ (y)！」 ("God...! Appliarise! (y)!")	Dokamon → Poseidomon	Digimon Universe Appli Monsters: "The Miraculous Final Evolution! The God Appmon Descend!"

Digimon Adventure:

Evolution in Digimon Adventure: works similarly to how it does in the original Digimon Adventure. It is generally triggered by the Chosen Children by their emotional responses and willpower, especially as it relates to their Crest.

Unlike the original Adventure, Adventure: explores the idea of multiple routes of evolution for partner Digimon, as four of them have unlocked an second, alternate evolution to a given Evolution Stage. However, most of these evolutions have only been used once.

When an evolution is triggered, the outer central ring of the Digivice: will light up in a specific pattern that corresponds with the Evolution Stage that the Digimon is undergoing evolution into. It also lights up when their partner Digimon is gaining a temporary power boost from the Chosen Child's/their own determination and emotional drive. The lights are in the color of the Chosen Child's Crest.

Several independent Digimon have undergone evolutions, including many of the series' villains.

• Some Baby II Algomon undergo evolutions into higher levels, including one that evolves into the Ultimate-form Algomon.
• One of the Eyesmon evolves into Orochimon, and then again into Nidhoggmon.
• Devimon evolves twice in his final fight with the Chosen Children: first into Neo Devimon, and then into Done Devimon.
• A Tyumon from Gerbemon's garbage region evolves into Searchmon after Rare Raremon's defeat.
• Millenniumon is resurrected from its Moon=Millenniumon form when it fuses with an incomplete Chimairamon (evolved from Sephirothmon). When Goddramon and Holydramon destroy it, its soul survives and evolves into Zeed Millenniumon.

Types of Evolution in Digimon Adventure:
Type	Description	Digimon's Call	Example	First Appearance
Evolution (進化 Shinka)	A Child Digimon evolves into either an Adult Digimon, or an Armor Digimon (level listed in the show as "???") that is treated as equivalent to Adult. Digivice light-up sequence: Two lights spin around the ring at moderate speed.	「(x)、進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), evolve...! (y)!")	Gabumon → Garurumon	Digimon Adventure:: "Tokyo Digital Crisis"
Fusion (合体 Gattai)	Two Digimon combine into a powerful Ultimate Digimon. Digivice light-up sequence: Two lights of different colors spin rapidly around the ring. Each color is the Crest color of the Chosen Child contributing their partner Digimon to the fusion.	N/A	Greymon + Garurumon → Omegamon	Digimon Adventure:: "War Game"
Super Evolution (超進化 Chō shinka)	An Adult Digimon evolves into a Perfect Digimon. Digivice light-up sequence: Two lights pulse across either side from the bottom of the ring to the top, increasing in speed and frequency.	「(x)、超進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), super-evolve...! (y)!")	Greymon → Metal Greymon	Digimon Adventure:: "The Steel-Solid Super Evolution"
Mode Change (モードチェンジ Mōdochenji)	A Digimon transforms into an alternate mode of the same species.	N/A	Were Garurumon → Were Garurumon: Sagittarius Mode	Digimon Adventure:: "The Tide-turning Update"
Dark Evolution (暗黒進化 Ankoku shinka)	Main article: Dark Evolution A Digimon evolves into a powerful but malicious and uncontrollable form due to a negative or dark influence (e.g. intense negative feelings of the Digimon themself, the influence of miasma).	N/A	Metal Greymon: Alterous Mode → Mugendramon	Digimon Adventure:: "The Final Stage, Done Devimon"
Ultimate Evolution (究極進化 Kyūkyoku shinka)	A Perfect Digimon evolves into an Ultimate Digimon. Digivice light-up sequence: Two lights rotate around the ring at rapidly increasing speed until the entire ring is glowing.	「(x)、究極進化…！ (y)！」 ("(x), ultimate-evolve...! (y)!")	Were Garurumon: Sagittarius Mode → Metal Garurumon	Digimon Adventure:: "The Ultimate, War Greymon"

Manga

Digimon Adventure V-Tamer 01

In Digimon Adventure V-Tamer 01, evolution follows similar rules to the virtual pets. Evolution is generally one-way and relatively permanent, although it can be undone if the Digimon is heavily wounded, and some Digimon can suppress the power of their evolved form and exist in a lower-level form.

A key plot point is the Digimental, an item which has the power to evolve a Digimon into a Super Ultimate form.

• Zeromaru, the partner of Yagami Taichi, was born as a Botamon and later evolved into Koromon, Agumon, and V-dramon. As the series progresses, Zeromaru evolves twice more into Aero V-dramon and Ulforce V-dramon, and stays evolved.
• Three Agumon from Holy Angel Castle evolve off-screen into Centalmon, Meramon, and Greymon.
• Lord Holy Angemon is able to assume the evolved form of Seraphimon at will. He usually seals away his ability to evolve to the Ultimate level, as the power that the form radiates is disruptive to others around him. However, after being defeated by Arkadimon Adult, his reduced Winning Percentage means that he is unable to become Seraphimon again, and he instead evolves into Dominimon.
• Leo the Leomon is able to evolve into Panjyamon and Regulumon.
• Before the hatching of Arkadimon, Saiba Neo frequently uses random Digimon that he Jogresses together. He also uses repeated Jogressing and Partitioning of the same Digimon as a tactic in battle, as both processes completely restore the health of the Digimon involved. Digimon that he has Jogressed include:
  • Orgemon + Devimon → Skull Satamon
  • Kuwagamon + Cockatrimon → Megadramon
  • Megadramon + Jyureimon → Deathmon
• Fujimoto Hideto regularly Jogresses his two partners Warg and Melga to form Omegamon. Like Neo, he also uses repeated Jogressing and Partitioning as a tactic to restore their health.

Digimon Next

Like Digimon Savers, evolution in Digimon Next revolves around the use of Digisoul.

Video Games

RPGs

In Digimon role playing games, evolution is usually based on a Digimon's stats. All Digimon have a set list of what they can evolve into, and each form has a set of criteria that must be met before the Digimon can evolve into it. These criteria include the Digimon's level stats that meet or surpass a minimum threshold, and their camaraderie (relationship with the Tamer).

Fighting Games

In the various Digimon fighting games, evolution is usually a power-up that players can use by filling an evolution gauge, then pressing a button. The Digimon will devolve to their previous form when this gauge is emptied again. Depending on the game, once a Digimon is evolved, their gauge either slowly depletes over time, or it loses a little bit every time the Digimon takes damage. The gauge is also filled by scoring hits.

The exception is Digimon Tamers: Battle Spirit. In this game, Culumon will appear about halfway through a match, and the first fighter to touch Culumon will evolve for a twenty-second period, then devolve. Culumon does not reappear, so only one evolution can occur in each match.

Virtual Pets

Evolution is a key part of the life cycle of all Digimon virtual pets. Each day, a Digimon undergoes a cycle of evolution through every form available to it as it is raised. What a Digimon evolves into, and whether it can evolve into higher forms like Perfect and Ultimate, depends on how it is raised: how much it is trained, how well it is cared for, and its ratio of battles that it has won.

Jogress Evolution was introduced in the Digimon Pendulum series. Jogress compatibility, and the resulting Digimon, are based on the combination of attributes of the Digimon being used in the Jogress.

TCG

Digital Monster Card Game

Main article: Digital Monster Card Game#Evolution Phase

In the Digital Monster Card Game, every Digimon card of Level IV (Adult) or higher lits a specific set of Evolution Requirements that includes the Digimon (usually 2-3) that it can be evolved from, and the required costs ("Evolution Requirements") to evolve each Digimon into the new card. Once every turn, players have an opportunity to evolve their current Digimon. This is done in their turn's Preparation Phase by playing the Digimon card to be evolved into their Evolution Box, face-down, and then playing all of the stated costs for that card in the Evolution Requirements Box.

The types of Evolution Requirements that are asked for depend on the card's level.

• Level IV: For each Digimon to evolve from, the card will typically list a combination of ● ("Regular Growth", played oriented horizontally) and × ("Irregular Growth", played oreinted vertically). This means that, for the total number of symbols listed, you draw that many cards from your Net Ocean and, without looking at their faces, play them face-down in the Evolution Requirements box in the right combination.
• Perfect and Ultimate: These cards typically have one of two Evolution Requirements:
  • A "Winning Percentage!" Option Card. There are three "Winning Percentage!" types - 40%, 60%, and 80% - and, as stated in these cards' Effects, the type listed by the card is the minimum winning percentage that can be used. That is, you can use a "Winning Percentage: 80%" card to evolve into a Digimon whose Evolution Requirement asks for "Winning Percentage: 40%!" or "Winning Percentage: 60%!" The effects also require the user to send one card from their hand to the Dark Area (discard it) after evolution is completed.
  • Jogress Evolution. The card will list several pairs of Digimon who can be Jogressed into the card, and in each case, either one of those Digimon must currently in the Digimon box, while the other is played in the Evolution Requirements Box.

On occasion, Evolution Requirements will mandate that a given Digimon card can only be evolved from a Digimon card that belongs to a specific Field, Attribute, or Level. For example, Starter Ver. 6 mostly features Digimon cards that belong to the Virus Busters Field, and many of these require that they be evolved specifically from Digimon cards that also belong to the Virus Busters field, instead of any other field.

There are Option cards that can circumvent standard Evolution Requirements, such as "Aim for the Strongest Evolution!" (St-56), which can be used instead of all other Evolution Requirements to evolve a Digimon. However, some Digimon cards have a special ability that prevents ignoring Evolution Requirements like this.

Some cards have Appearance Requirements or Fusion Requirements, instead of Evolution Requirements. Fusion Requirements work similarly to some Evolution Requirements and ask for specific Option Cards, such as cards that feature Digimentals or Legendary Spirits, to fuse with the player's current Digimon. Appearance Requirements have unique effects that sometimes do not require a specific current Digimon at all.

Digimon Card Game

In the Digimon Card Game, evolution is determined by card color. Any Digimon of a given color can evolve into any other Digimon of a higher Evolution Stage that shares its color. However, several cards also allow a second colour to be used (such as BT3-027 Paildramon, which can evolve from either Blue or Green Digimon), increasing the amount of Digimon that can evolve into them. Furthermore, some Digimon can evolve from Digimon of the same level (for example, BT5-029 Were Garurumon: Sagittarius Mode can evolve from a Level 5 Digimon like itself).

While Digimon can be played from the hand regardless of their level, evolving them properly gives some benefits over just playing a card from the hand:

• Evolving a Digimon has significantly lower Memory cost than directly playing it. The cost is even lower if evolving from a Digimon of the same level, whenever possible.
• Upon evolving a Digimon, the player that evolved must draw a card, increasing their options. This can be done as many times in a turn as the player's Memory, deck and hand allow.
• Many Digimon cards also have an Evolution Base Effect, which is a special effect that the card passes on to any Digimon cards that subsequently evolve from it, so as a Digimon evolves, they can acquire more Evolution Base Effects.

While Digimon cards normally can only evolve from other Digimon cards, some Hybrid Digimon (such as BT4-011 Agnimon) can evolve from Tamer Cards of their colour instead, treating them as Level 3 Digimon cards. Some Tamer cards can even evolve into Digimon by their own effects, such as BT7-085 Kanbara Takuya who can evolve into Kaiser Greymon through its own effect, treating itself as a level 5 Digimon card in the process. In both cases, the mechanic is deeply tied with Digimon Frontier, where humans evolved into Digimon to fight, with every card that allows such an evolution being a Digimon or human featured in said series.

Episode 1 of Fun Digica demonstrates Evolution Base Effects. Garudamon gets two Evolution Base Effects from the Koromon and Agumon cards that it evolved from.

Additional Information

References	Notes