How to Get an Umbreon on Pokemon Go: The Ultimate 2025 Evolution Guide & Troubleshooting

Getting an Umbreon on Pokemon Go can feel frustrating when your Eevee keeps evolving into the wrong Pokémon. Whether you’re a returning player confused by the mechanics or someone with a precious shiny Eevee you can’t afford to waste, this comprehensive guide will guarantee your success. Unlike other evolution guides that only tell you the steps, we’ll show you exactly why evolutions fail and how to troubleshoot every common problem that players face when trying to get an Umbreon on Pokemon Go.

Key Takeaways

• Two guaranteed methods exist: The one-time “Tamao” name trick and the repeatable buddy walking method • Most failures happen because: Players don’t understand the 10km walking requirement or evolve at the wrong time of day • Umbreon is worth the effort: It’s a top-tier defender in PvP leagues with excellent bulk and strategic value • Common mistakes include: Un-buddying Eevee before evolution or confusing Pokémon Go mechanics with mainline games • Success requires: 25 Eevee candy, proper timing, and following the exact steps for your chosen method

Content Gaps We’re Filling

Based on analysis of top-ranking content, this guide addresses three critical gaps that existing articles miss:

1. Comprehensive Troubleshooting: Most guides explain the “how” but ignore the “why not” – we provide definitive solutions for every common failure scenario
2. Quick-Reference Checklist: A scannable verification system for players who need immediate confirmation before evolving
3. Strategic PvP Analysis: In-depth coverage of Umbreon’s competitive value and optimal movesets that other guides only mention briefly

Quick-Start Checklist: Guaranteed an Umbreon Evolution on Pokemon Go

Before evolving your Eevee, verify ALL conditions are met:

Method 1: Name Trick (One-Time Only)

• You have NOT used “Tamao” name trick before
• Eevee is renamed to exactly “Tamao” (case-sensitive)
• You have 25+ Eevee candy
• Evolution button shows Umbreon silhouette

Method 2: Buddy Walking (Repeatable)

• Eevee is currently your active buddy
• You’ve walked exactly 10km+ with this Eevee as buddy
• You’ve earned 2+ Eevee candy from walking
• It’s nighttime in-game (dark sky visible)
• You have 25+ Eevee candy
• Evolution button shows Umbreon silhouette (not “?”)

Method 1: The One-Time Umbreon Name Trick on Pokemon Go

The easiest way to get your first an Umbreon on Pokemon Go is through the nickname method, honoring Tamao from the Pokémon anime series. This method is 100% guaranteed but can only be used once per Eeveelution type.

Step-by-Step Name Trick Process

1. Select your target Eevee – Choose wisely, as this is your only free Umbreon
2. Rename to “Tamao” – Tap the pencil icon next to Eevee’s name
3. Type exactly “Tamao” – Capital T, lowercase remainder (case matters)
4. Verify the evolution preview – The evolution button should show Umbreon’s silhouette
5. Evolve immediately – Tap evolve and confirm with 25 candy

Critical Warning: Each Eeveelution name trick works only once. After using “Tamao,” you cannot use it again for another Umbreon. The complete list of Eevee evolution methods shows all available nickname tricks.

Method 2: The Buddy & Walking Evolution (The Repeatable Method)

This is the primary long-term method for obtaining multiple Umbreon. While more complex than the name trick, it can be repeated infinitely and gives you complete control over the process.

Step 1: Set Eevee as Your Buddy

Navigate to your Eevee’s profile and tap “Make Buddy.” This Eevee must remain your active buddy throughout the entire walking process and during evolution.

Step 2: Walk at Least 10km and Earn 2 Candies

The walking requirement is strict and non-negotiable. You must:

• Walk a minimum of 10 kilometers with this specific Eevee as your buddy
• Earn at least 2 Eevee candy from walking (Eevee gives 1 candy per 5km walked)
• Keep this Eevee as your active buddy for the entire distance

Pro Tip: Check your progress on Eevee’s buddy screen. You’ll see “Total distance walked” and can verify candy earnings in your journal.

Step 3: Evolve at Night (In-Game)

Timing is absolutely critical for Umbreon evolution. The game must show:

• Dark/night sky in the overworld map
• Nighttime lighting on your avatar and surroundings
• Umbreon silhouette on the evolution button (never a question mark)

Important: This refers to in-game time based on your real-world location, not your phone’s clock setting. Understanding game mechanics helps avoid timing confusion.

Step 4: Ensure Eevee is STILL Your Buddy

Before tapping evolve, double-check that your target Eevee remains your active buddy. If you’ve switched buddies, the evolution will randomize to Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon.

Troubleshooting: Why Your Eevee Is Not Evolving Into Umbreon

This section addresses the most common failure points that frustrate players attempting Umbreon evolution.

You Have Already Used the Name Trick

Symptoms: Evolution button shows “?” or different Pokémon silhouette despite “Tamao” nickname

Solution: The name trick works only once per evolution type. You must use the buddy walking method for additional Umbreon. Remove the nickname and follow Method 2 instead.

You Didn’t Walk the Full 10km

Symptoms: Evolution button shows “?” despite following buddy steps

How to Check:

1. Go to Eevee’s buddy screen
2. Check “Total distance walked”
3. Verify you’ve earned at least 2 candy from walking

Solution: Continue walking until you reach exactly 10km and earn 2 candy. Distance tracking in Pokémon Go explains how the system calculates buddy distance.

You Evolved at the Wrong Time of Day

Symptoms: Got Espeon instead of Umbreon despite walking 10km

Visual Indicators of Correct Timing:

• Sky appears dark/black in game
• Streetlights are illuminated
• Evolution button shows Umbreon silhouette

Solution: Wait for actual nighttime in your location. The game uses real-world day/night cycles, not arbitrary time ranges.

You Un-Buddied Your Eevee

Symptoms: Evolution randomized to Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon

Solution: The Eevee must be your active buddy during evolution. If you switched buddies, re-select the target Eevee, walk 10km again, and evolve at night while it’s still buddied.

You Are Confusing Pokémon Go with Other Games

Critical Clarification: Pokémon Go evolution mechanics are completely different from mainline games. The following do NOT apply:

• Friendship/Happiness levels – These don’t exist in Pokémon Go
• Specific items – No Moon Shard or friendship items needed
• Leveling up – Evolution only requires candy and method completion
• Time of day leveling – You don’t level up to evolve; you spend candy

Understanding core Pokémon Go differences prevents confusion from other game mechanics.

Umbreon in Battle: Why Its Evolution Is Worth the Effort

Beyond collection completion, Umbreon serves as one of the most valuable Dark-type defenders in competitive play.

Umbreon’s Role in PvP Leagues

Umbreon excels primarily in Great League (1500 CP cap) and Ultra League (2500 CP cap) formats due to its exceptional defensive statistics:

• High HP and Defense stats make it incredibly tanky
• Dark typing resists Ghost and Dark attacks while being weak only to Fighting, Bug, and Fairy
• Low Attack stat allows for optimal stat distribution under CP caps

According to PvPoké rankings, Umbreon consistently ranks in the top 50 Great League Pokémon and serves as a reliable safe switch option.

Best Moveset for Umbreon in PvP

Optimal Great League Moveset:

• Fast Move: Snarl (generates energy quickly)
• Charged Moves: Foul Play + Last Resort

Why This Works:

• Snarl provides excellent energy generation for frequent charged attacks
• Foul Play offers reliable STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) damage
• Last Resort provides coverage against Fighting-types that threaten Umbreon

Umbreon’s Strategic Value and Counters

Umbreon Beats:

• Psychic-types (Cresselia, Deoxys Defense)
• Ghost-types (Haunter, Drifblim)
• Dark-types in mirror matches

Umbreon Loses To:

• Fighting-types (Machamp, Lucario)
• Bug-types (Forretress, Crustle)
• Fairy-types (Azumarill, Clefable)

Strategic team building around Umbreon involves pairing it with Pokémon that can handle its counters effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Successfully evolving Umbreon requires understanding both methods available and avoiding the common pitfalls that catch most players off-guard. The name trick provides instant gratification for your first Umbreon, while the buddy walking method offers unlimited access to one of the game’s premier Dark-type defenders.

Remember that Umbreon’s true value extends beyond simple collection – its exceptional defensive capabilities make it a cornerstone of competitive PvP teams. Whether you’re building your first Great League team or optimizing an existing roster, Umbreon’s reliability and bulk provide consistent performance against the current meta.

Ready to evolve your perfect Umbreon? Follow the quick-start checklist above, choose your method, and join the ranks of trainers wielding one of Pokémon Go’s most strategic Dark-types.

For more Pokémon Go evolution guides and competitive analysis, explore our comprehensive Pokémon strategy section.

Freja Lindholm

As a former QA Lead for a major RPG studio, Freja possesses an unparalleled understanding of game mechanics and systems. She is the architect of our in-depth Game Guides, specializing in creating comprehensive walkthroughs and optimized character builds. Her guides are designed to help players master their favorite games and uncover every hidden secret.