How to Get Espeon in Pokémon GO: Complete Evolution Guide (2025)

Getting Espeon in Pokémon GO can be confusing if you don’t know the exact requirements. Unlike random Eevee evolutions, Espeon requires specific conditions to be met. There are two reliable methods: the one-time nickname trick using “Sakura” and the repeatable buddy system method that requires walking 10km during daytime. This guide covers both methods plus troubleshooting for failed attempts.

Key Takeaways

• Quick Method: Rename any Eevee to “Sakura” and evolve (works only once per account) • Repeatable Method: Walk 10km with Eevee as buddy, earn 2 candies, then evolve during daytime • Common Failure: Evolution button must show Espeon silhouette, not question mark • Time Requirement: Must evolve during in-game daytime hours for Espeon • GPS Stability: Strong signal required for buddy distance tracking and time detection

Method 1: The One-Time Sakura Name Trick

The fastest way to get your first Espeon is through Niantic’s hidden nickname easter egg. This method guarantees an Espeon evolution but can only be used once per account.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Select Your Eevee: Choose the Eevee you want to evolve (save this for a high-IV or shiny Eevee)
2. Rename to Sakura: Tap the pencil icon next to the name and change it to “Sakura”
3. Verify the Silhouette: Confirm the evolution button shows Espeon’s silhouette instead of a question mark
4. Evolve: Use 25 Eevee candy to complete the evolution

⚠️ Critical Warning: This nickname trick works only once per account. Plan accordingly and use it on your best Eevee.

All Eeveelution Nicknames

Method 2: The Repeatable Buddy Evolution System

After using the name trick, this is your only way to get additional Espeon. This method mimics the friendship evolution mechanic from core Pokémon games but uses Pokémon GO’s buddy system.

Detailed Requirements

The buddy evolution requires precise execution of four critical steps:

1. Set Eevee as Your Buddy

• Select your chosen Eevee and set it as your active buddy
• Important: Eevee must remain your buddy throughout the entire process

2. Walk 10 Kilometers and Earn 2 Candies

• Walk a total of 10km while Eevee is your buddy
• Critical Detail: You must earn exactly 2 Eevee candies during this walk
• The game tracks candy earnings, not just distance
• Check your buddy’s summary screen to verify both distance and candy count

3. Evolve During Daytime

• Evolution must occur when the game map shows daytime environment
• Game time corresponds to your real-world local time
• Maintain stable GPS signal during evolution

4. Confirm Espeon Silhouette

• Before evolving, verify the button shows Espeon’s outline
• If it shows a question mark, the conditions haven’t been met
• The evolution will be random if conditions aren’t satisfied

Evolution Requirements Summary

Troubleshooting Failed Espeon Evolutions

Many trainers experience failed evolutions despite following guides. Here’s a comprehensive troubleshooting checklist based on common community-reported issues:

Pre-Evolution Checklist

✓ Buddy Status Verification

• Is Eevee still your active buddy at evolution time?
• Switching buddies, even temporarily, can reset progress

✓ Candy Count Confirmation

• Have you earned exactly 2 Eevee candies from walking?
• Distance alone isn’t enough – candy earnings trigger the friendship requirement

✓ Time of Day Verification

• Is your game map showing bright, daytime colors?
• The game uses your device’s local time and GPS location

✓ Evolution Button Check

• Does the evolve button show Espeon’s silhouette?
• A question mark indicates random evolution

✓ GPS Signal Stability

• Is your GPS signal strong and stable?
• Poor signal can interfere with distance tracking and time detection

Common Error Solutions

Problem: “I walked 10km but didn’t get Espeon” Solution: Check if you earned 2 candies. Restart the app to refresh distance tracking.

Problem: “Evolution button still shows question mark” Solution: Ensure Eevee is your active buddy and you’ve met all requirements. Wait for the button to update.

Problem: “Evolved during day but got random evolution” Solution: Your GPS may have been unstable. Try in an area with better signal reception.

For more detailed troubleshooting strategies, community members have documented extensive solutions for Pokémon GO Battle League issues that apply to evolution mechanics.

Espeon’s Combat Stats and Movesets

For trainers interested in Espeon’s battle performance, here’s the essential data:

Base Stats

Recommended Movesets

Espeon excels as a Psychic-type attacker in raids against Fighting and Poison-type opponents. While it faces competition from other Psychic types like Mewtwo and Alakazam, Espeon remains accessible and effective for most trainers.

Special Events and Evolving Game Mechanics

Pokémon GO’s evolution requirements can change during special events. During Community Day events, the buddy walking requirement for Espeon and Umbreon has been reduced from 10km to as little as 1km. These events may also grant exclusive moves upon evolution.

Stay Updated: Always check the official Pokémon GO blog before major events to see if evolution bonuses are active. The game’s mechanics evolve constantly, and what works today may have shortcuts available tomorrow.

Advanced Tips for Serious Trainers

IV Optimization Strategy

• Save the name trick for a perfect IV or shiny Eevee
• Use the buddy method for multiple high-IV Espeon
• Check IVs before committing to the 10km walk

Meta Considerations

Espeon’s role in the current meta is primarily as a raid attacker. In PVP formats, other Eeveelutions like Umbreon often perform better due to their defensive capabilities.

Candy Management

• Each buddy evolution requires significant walking time
• Plan your buddy rotations efficiently
• Consider using Pinap berries when catching Eevee to maximize candy gains

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get multiple Espeon? Yes, after using the one-time name trick, you can get unlimited Espeon using the repeatable buddy system method.

Does the buddy trick always work? The buddy method is reliable when executed correctly. Most failures result from missing a step, such as not keeping Eevee as your buddy at evolution time or insufficient candy earnings.

What’s the best time to evolve Eevee into Espeon? Any time during in-game daytime works. The game determines day/night based on your local time and GPS location.

Why did my evolution fail even though I walked 10km? The evolution depends on earning 2 candies, not just distance. Verify the candy count on your buddy’s summary page and ensure the Espeon silhouette appears before evolving.

Can I use the name trick multiple times? No, each Eeveelution name trick works only once per account. This includes Sakura for Espeon.

Do I need to keep the nickname “Sakura” after evolution? No, you can rename your Espeon immediately after evolution. The nickname only affects the evolution process.

What happens if I evolve at night with the buddy method? You’ll get Umbreon instead of Espeon. Time of day is crucial for determining which evolution you receive.

Can GPS issues affect my evolution? Yes, poor GPS signal can interfere with both distance tracking and time-of-day detection, potentially causing evolution failures.

Conclusion

Getting Espeon in Pokémon GO is straightforward once you understand the mechanics. Use the Sakura name trick for your first Espeon, then rely on the buddy system for additional ones. Remember that successful buddy evolution requires walking 10km, earning 2 candies, maintaining buddy status, and evolving during daytime with a stable GPS connection.

The key to success is patience and attention to detail. Verify each requirement before attempting evolution, and don’t hesitate to restart the app if distance or candy tracking seems inaccurate. With these methods mastered, you’ll have reliable access to one of the strongest Psychic-type attackers in the game.

Ready to start your Espeon evolution journey? Choose your best Eevee and begin with the name trick, or start walking with your buddy if you’ve already used it.

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.