Hey there, fellow Pokémon trainers! Ever get stuck in Pokémon Blazing Emerald and wonder how to evolve those awesome trade-evolution Pokémon? Well, you're in the right place! We're diving deep into the world of the Link Stone, the key to unlocking the true potential of some of your favorite Pokémon in this fantastic ROM hack. So, grab your Poké Balls, and let's get started. This guide is your ultimate companion to understanding the Link Stone and how to use it effectively in Blazing Emerald!

What is the Link Stone in Pokémon Blazing Emerald?

Alright, first things first: What exactly is the Link Stone? In the original Pokémon Emerald game, certain Pokémon required trading to evolve. Think of Pokémon like Kadabra, Graveler, and Haunter. Blazing Emerald, being a ROM hack, offers a clever solution to this trade evolution limitation: the Link Stone. The Link Stone acts as a special item that allows you to trigger the evolution of Pokémon that would normally require a trade. This is fantastic news, right? Now you don't need to find someone to trade with, and you can evolve all those Pokémon on your own. It's a game changer, truly. Using the Link Stone is pretty straightforward, and we'll cover the steps in detail later, so stay tuned!

Imagine finally being able to evolve your Haunter into Gengar without needing to find a trade partner. Or evolving your Kadabra into Alakazam. It opens up so many possibilities and allows you to experience the full potential of your team. This item removes the need for external factors and puts the power of evolution directly in your hands. This is one of the many reasons why Blazing Emerald is such a popular ROM hack, as it takes a classic game and makes it even more accessible and enjoyable for all players. The Link Stone is not just an item; it's a doorway to a new level of Pokémon mastery. With this tool, you're not just playing the game; you're truly experiencing it.

Why the Link Stone is Important

• Accessibility: The primary reason the Link Stone is so important is that it makes evolution much more accessible. You don't need friends, the internet, or any extra hassle. You just need the stone!
• Completeness: It allows you to complete your Pokédex, which is a major goal for many trainers. You can catch 'em all without relying on trades.
• Team Building: You can build the ultimate team with any Pokémon you want. This gives you more strategic flexibility and allows you to tailor your team to your own style of play.
• Enjoyment: This small but significant addition drastically enhances the overall gameplay experience. You are in control of your Pokémon's evolution.

Where to Find the Link Stone

Now, the million-dollar question: Where do you get your hands on this precious Link Stone? Don't worry, it's not hidden away in some super-secret location. The Link Stone is obtainable in a way that is logical within the context of the game. You will get the link stone in the game after beating the fifth gym, this is the earliest point you can obtain it. In general, finding the Link Stone follows the core gameplay loop, but you should still keep an eye out for any side quests or other ways to obtain the stone.

Detailed Location Guide

• After Beating the Fifth Gym: The game gives you the Link Stone at this point. After defeating the fifth gym leader, you'll be directed to a specific location in the game. Once you arrive at this location, you will be given the Link Stone by an NPC or find it in a treasure chest.
• Post-Game: After you have completed the main storyline, you may find additional Link Stones at other locations, as a reward for completing other side quests, or from certain NPCs in the post-game content.
• Check Shops: Keep an eye on any shops or vendors in the game. They may be selling the Link Stone at certain points in the game.

How to Use the Link Stone

Alright, you've got the Link Stone! Now what? Don't worry; the process is super easy. Here's a step-by-step guide to evolve your trade-evolution Pokémon using the Link Stone. Once you have the Link Stone, the process is simple and intuitive, so even new players can master it quickly.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Obtain the Link Stone: Make sure you have the Link Stone in your bag. If you've just received it after the fifth gym, it should already be in your inventory. Double-check your key items, just in case!
2. Select the Pokémon: Go to your Pokémon party and select the Pokémon you wish to evolve. Make sure it's one that normally evolves through trade (like Kadabra, Graveler, etc.).
3. Use the Link Stone: Open your bag and navigate to your Key Items. Select the Link Stone and choose the Pokémon you want to use it on.
4. Confirm the Evolution: The game will prompt you to confirm if you want to use the Link Stone on the selected Pokémon. Confirm that you want to start the evolution sequence.
5. Watch the Magic!: The evolution sequence will start! Enjoy the animation as your Pokémon transforms into its evolved form.
6. Enjoy Your New Pokémon: After the evolution, your new and improved Pokémon will be ready to join your team. You're ready to continue your journey with a stronger Pokémon!

It's important to remember that the Link Stone only works on Pokémon that evolve through trade. Trying to use it on other Pokémon won't do anything. The game is designed to guide you through the process, so you shouldn't have any trouble. The game will prompt you to make sure you want to use it before starting the process, so you don't need to worry about accidentally wasting it. Just make sure the Pokémon you want to evolve is in your party, and the Link Stone is in your bag.

Pokémon That Evolve with the Link Stone

So, which Pokémon can you actually evolve with the Link Stone in Blazing Emerald? Here's a list of the usual suspects – the Pokémon that originally required trading to evolve: Be ready to add these fantastic Pokémon to your team using the Link Stone. Keep in mind that ROM hacks can sometimes have variations, but this list covers the standard trade evolutions.

• Kadabra (evolves into Alakazam)
• Graveler (evolves into Golem)
• Haunter (evolves into Gengar)
• Machoke (evolves into Machamp)
• Boldore (evolves into Gigalith)
• Gurdurr (evolves into Conkeldurr)
• Scyther (evolves into Scizor)
• Onix (evolves into Steelix)
• Clamperl (evolves into Huntail or Gorebyss)
• Porygon (evolves into Porygon2)
• Porygon2 (evolves into Porygon-Z)

This list should help you prepare. If you have any of these Pokémon in your team, you will want to get your hands on the Link Stone. The advantage of trade evolution Pokémon is that they can be incredibly strong, providing excellent stats, move pools, and typing. Having these Pokémon will significantly improve your team's strength and give you a tactical edge. These evolutions are a crucial part of completing your Pokédex and experiencing everything Blazing Emerald has to offer.

Tips and Tricks for Using the Link Stone

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of your Link Stone experience. Remember, preparation is key, so make sure you're ready for the evolution process.

Level Up Before Evolution

Before evolving, consider leveling up your Pokémon. That way, it'll learn some of the best moves right after evolving. It’s always satisfying to get a fully evolved Pokémon ready to battle, with all the best moves. This tactic will ensure that your Pokémon is ready to go when the evolution is complete. You can also customize your team’s move sets.

Plan Your Team

Think about how you want to build your team. Evolving trade Pokémon can significantly change your team composition. Consider the type matchups and the movesets each Pokémon will have after evolution. This planning will give you an edge in battles. Consider the types and strengths of the different Pokémon so that you can create a team with complementary strengths. A team with good type coverage will give you an advantage against many opponents.

Check Evolution Movesets

Before evolving, check the moves that your Pokémon will learn upon evolving. Make sure the moves are valuable and fit your strategy. If the moves don’t fit, it might be better to teach it a TM or adjust your team’s build in other ways.

Keep Extra Stones

If you find additional Link Stones during your journey, keep them. You never know when you might need them for a new Pokémon or for future team-building strategies.

Conclusion: Evolve and Conquer!

So, there you have it, folks! The Link Stone is your best friend in Pokémon Blazing Emerald when it comes to evolving those Pokémon that traditionally required trading. By following this guide, you should be well on your way to mastering the Link Stone and evolving your favorite Pokémon in no time. Go out there, catch 'em all (or, you know, evolve 'em all), and have a blast with Pokémon Blazing Emerald. This is the beauty of the Link Stone; it allows players to experience the complete roster of Pokémon without needing to jump through hoops.

This small item drastically changes the game and makes it far more enjoyable. Good luck, trainers, and happy evolving! Remember to enjoy the journey, experiment with different team compositions, and most importantly, have fun playing. The world of Pokémon Blazing Emerald is waiting for you to explore it, and with the Link Stone, you are one step closer to Pokémon mastery!