All 8 Eevee Evolutions in Pokémon, Ranked From Worst to Best

Eevee is an adorable Normal-type Pokémon that first appeared in Pokémon Red and Blue. Its charm and constant presence across the mainline games have made it something like the franchise’s unofficial second mascot. It can also evolve into eight different forms, affectionately called Eeveelutions, and each has its own typing. That makes Eevee a blank canvas for experimenting with different battle styles and strategies.

Of course, the games are only one reason fans love these creatures. Eeveelutions are also hot properties in the Pokémon TCG. Some of the most valuable Eeveelution cards are among the most beautiful and sought-after chase cards the hobby has ever seen.

So which Eeveelution is the best? Any ranking is bound to be deeply subjective, because one trainer’s favorite is another’s least-loved. There are no wrong answers here, and every one of Eevee’s evolutions is a precious angel who deserves protection. Rankings are the whole point of this list, though, so let’s get started.

8. Glaceon

Every Eeveelution is a special snowflake, and for the Ice-type Glaceon that description is literally true. Someone had to land in last place. Despite its graceful design and a formidable base Special Attack of 130, Glaceon drew the short straw (or icicle).

Glaceon debuted in the Generation Four games (Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum). Back then, you could only get one by leveling up an Eevee beside the Ice Rock on Sinnoh’s Route 217, south of Snowpoint City. Later titles streamlined the process. In recent entries such as Pokémon Legends: Z-A, an Ice Stone does the job, as covered in Polygon’s Eevee evolution guide.

7. Leafeon

Choosing between Glaceon and Leafeon is close to a coin toss, since each has real strengths. Glaceon is probably the stronger attacker, thanks to its towering Special Attack and decent bulk. Even so, this writer simply likes Leafeon more and “thinks they’re neat.”

Leafeon and its fellow Generation Four Eeveelution Glaceon have both appeared on several gorgeous full-art Pokémon TCG cards. Two standouts are the Alternate Art Leafeon V from Evolving Skies and the Galarian Gallery Leafeon VSTAR from Crown Zenith.

6. Flareon

The first of the Kanto Eeveelutions shows up fairly early in the countdown. Flareon has always been the weakest and least interesting of Eevee’s original three evolutions.

Its original Jungle card in the Pokémon TCG has the best artwork of the trio, without question. In the video games, though, Flareon has long struggled to stand out. Even a monstrous base Attack of 130 can’t make up for its average Speed and its often disappointing movepool. Its design also lacks the personality of Eevee’s Water- and Electric-type evolutions, not to mention the two Generation Two additions. Sorry, Flareon.

5. Sylveon

The newest Eeveelution arrived in the Generation Six games (Pokémon X and Y). It brought the then-brand-new Fairy typing to Eevee’s growing family tree. Pixilate for the win.

The method for evolving Sylveon has itself evolved over the years, but the core idea is the same. Eevee must be deeply fond of its trainer and know a Fairy-type move when it levels up. At first, you built that bond through Pokémon-Amie, while newer games rely on a high friendship level. Meet the requirements and you’ll own what may be the cutest Eeveelution ever created. Its flowing ribbons and baby-blue eyes make a persuasive case. Once again, there are no wrong answers.

4. Vaporeon

Right in the middle of the pack feels like the perfect home for Vaporeon. It has a towering base HP of 130 and a solid base Special Defense of 95. Together, those stats make it one of the sturdiest Eeveelutions, able to absorb plenty of punishment while dishing out a good deal of its own.

Water is the most common typing in Pokémon, so it only makes sense that Eevee would have an aquatic evolution. Vaporeon looks like a graceful cross between a fox and a mermaid. The design is wonderfully simple but distinctive enough to hold its own among Eevee’s iconic original trio.

3. Jolteon

As the fastest Eeveelution, Jolteon is a textbook glass cannon. It can outspeed countless opponents and hit them hard with a base Special Attack of 110. The catch is its paper-thin bulk, including a base HP of just 65.

Even so, Jolteon’s spiky, electrified look is fantastic, and battling with Eevee’s Electric-type evolution is still great fun. Just keep healing items close at hand, because Jolteon really doesn’t like getting hit. Also, Jolteon Gold Star is a true work of art.

2. Umbreon

The Generation Two games, Gold and Silver, added two new branches to Eevee’s evolutionary tree. Umbreon was arguably the more intriguing of the pair. It introduced the Dark typing, and you obtained it by leveling up a very friendly Eevee at night.

Umbreon has a sleek black coat, glowing yellow rings, and excellent defensive stats, which have made it a fan favorite for decades. Its modest offense can stretch battles out, but its staying power and wide range of support options still make for an interesting playstyle in the games.

Umbreon’s popularity carries over into the Pokémon TCG, where it features on some of the most coveted modern grails. Examples include the legendary “Moonbreon” from Evolving Skies (Umbreon VMAX Alternate Art) and the eye-catching “Sunbreon” from Prismatic Evolutions (Umbreon ex Special Illustration Rare). Both sell for well into four figures even ungraded, and pristine graded copies go for far more.

The craze for Umbreon cards has reached remarkable levels. One collector reportedly swapped a $130,000 car for a stash of miscut Evolving Skies cards showing an unusual Umbreon VMAX. That’s a steep price to pay for Eevee’s charming Dark-type evolution.

1. Espeon

Espeon, Eevee’s Psychic-type evolution, has arguably the most elegant and striking design in the whole Eeveelution family. It’s also a fearsome special attacker. Its base Special Attack of 130 ties Glaceon for the best among Eeveelutions, and its excellent base Speed of 110 lets it knock out many foes before they can strike back.

Umbreon has a gorgeous look, sturdy defenses, and a cool typing. Its supportive role in battle just isn’t as satisfying as Espeon’s raw offensive power. Espeon hits hard and fast, and the mix of speed, special attacks, and the ever-handy Magic Bounce ability makes it a joy to use in the games.

In the Pokémon TCG, Espeon’s chase cards aren’t quite as famous as those of its nocturnal sibling. Even so, stunning pieces like Espeon ex from Unseen Forces and the Holo Aquapolis Espeon make it a prime target for collectors. The latter comes from the same set as the magnificent Crystal Lugia, which recently matched its $360,000 auction record. That is further proof of how enduring the appeal of the TCG‘s early e-Reader era remains.

Eight evolutions, eight devoted fan clubs, and not a chance that everyone agrees. Who knew one little Normal-type could spark so much debate?

Source: Polygon