Ralts evolves into Kirlia at level 20, and Kirlia then evolves into either Gardevoir at level 30 or Gallade when exposed to a Dawn Stone. This branching evolution path makes the Ralts line one of the more interesting families to track in the Pokemon Trading Card Game, as collectors need to account for three distinct final forms rather than a straightforward linear progression. The gender of your Ralts matters significantly here: while male Ralts can become either Gardevoir or Gallade, female Ralts can only evolve into Gardevoir.
First introduced in Generation 3 with Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire in 2002, Ralts has remained a fan favorite for over two decades. The entire evolutionary line carries the Psychic/Fairy typing (with Gallade being the exception as Psychic/Fighting), though it’s worth noting that prior to Generation VI, these Pokemon were pure Psychic-types before the Fairy type was added to the games. For card collectors, this typing history means older Ralts cards will show different type symbols than their modern counterparts. This article covers the complete evolution mechanics across mainline games and Pokemon GO, explains the gender requirements that determine which final evolution is possible, and examines how these evolutionary relationships affect card collecting strategies for the Ralts family.
Table of Contents
- How Does Ralts Evolve Into Its Final Forms?
- Type Changes Throughout the Ralts Line’s History
- Ralts Evolution Requirements in Pokemon GO
- Building a Complete Ralts Family Card Collection
- Common Mistakes When Evolving Ralts
- The Unique Egg Group Status of the Ralts Line
- Ralts in Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Future Prospects
- Conclusion
How Does Ralts Evolve Into Its Final Forms?
The Ralts evolution chain operates on two distinct mechanics: level-based evolution and item-based evolution. Ralts evolves into Kirlia simply by reaching level 20 through normal gameplay and experience gain. This intermediate stage then presents trainers with a choice, though that choice depends entirely on the Kirlia’s gender. Any Kirlia, regardless of gender, can evolve into Gardevoir upon reaching level 30. The Gallade branch requires more specific conditions.
Only male Kirlia can evolve into Gallade, and this evolution doesn’t happen through leveling. Instead, trainers must use a Dawn Stone on a male Kirlia, which can occur at any level after the initial evolution from Ralts. This means a freshly evolved level 20 male Kirlia could immediately become Gallade if the trainer has a Dawn Stone available, bypassing the wait to level 30 entirely. For collectors, understanding this split matters because Gallade cards are exclusively tied to what was originally a male Ralts or Kirlia. Meanwhile, Gardevoir cards represent a more universal evolution path. This distinction occasionally appears in card flavor text and artwork, with some Gardevoir cards emphasizing the protective, nurturing aspects associated with the Pokemon’s lore.
Type Changes Throughout the Ralts Line’s History
The Ralts evolutionary family underwent a significant type revision when Generation VI introduced the Fairy type in 2013. Originally pure Psychic-types, Ralts, Kirlia, and Gardevoir all received the secondary Fairy typing. Gallade, however, retained its Psychic/Fighting combination that it had since its introduction in Generation IV. This type discrepancy between the two final evolutions gives them entirely different competitive roles and weaknesses. For TCG collectors, this historical change creates an interesting division in card values and playability.
Pre-Generation VI Ralts cards display only the Psychic type symbol, while modern printings show both Psychic and Fairy affiliations. However, if you’re building a deck around Fairy-type synergies, older Psychic-only Ralts cards won’t qualify for effects that specifically target Fairy Pokemon, even though the current game canon considers Ralts a Fairy-type. The type split between Gardevoir and Gallade also affects which support cards work with each evolution. Psychic-type trainer cards and energy acceleration benefit both, but Fighting-type support only applies to Gallade. Collectors focusing on complete playsets should account for these mechanical differences when acquiring cards from different eras.
Ralts Evolution Requirements in Pokemon GO
pokemon GO handles the Ralts evolution chain differently than the mainline games, using a candy-based system with an additional item requirement for Gallade. Evolving Ralts into Kirlia costs 25 Ralts Candy, a relatively accessible amount through catching wild Ralts or walking with one as your buddy. The second evolution stage costs 100 Candy regardless of which final form you’re pursuing. The critical limitation in Pokemon GO involves how you obtain your Kirlia. Wild-caught Kirlia cannot evolve into Gallade under any circumstances.
If you want a Gallade, you must catch a male Ralts and evolve it through the entire chain yourself. This restriction catches many players off guard, especially those who catch a high-IV male Kirlia in the wild expecting to make it a Gallade. The 100 Candy investment plus a Sinnoh Stone will be wasted if you didn’t start with a Ralts. For Pokemon GO players who also collect physical cards, this mechanic creates an interesting parallel. Just as you need to plan your evolution path from the beginning in the mobile game, building a TCG deck around Gallade requires ensuring you have the right Ralts and Kirlia cards that specifically support evolving into Gallade rather than Gardevoir.
Building a Complete Ralts Family Card Collection
Collecting the entire Ralts evolutionary line requires tracking cards across four distinct Pokemon: Ralts, Kirlia, Gardevoir, and Gallade. Each has received numerous printings since their respective introductions, with Gardevoir generally commanding higher prices due to its popularity and frequent appearance as a competitive deck centerpiece. Ralts and Kirlia, as pre-evolutions, typically hold lower individual values but remain essential for anyone building evolution-based decks. The value comparison between Gardevoir and Gallade cards often favors Gardevoir, largely due to Gardevoir’s more prominent role in competitive play throughout TCG history. Gardevoir-GX and Gardevoir VMAX saw significant tournament success, driving demand for those specific cards and their associated evolution lines.
Gallade has had fewer breakout competitive moments, though it maintains a dedicated collector following due to its distinctive Psychic/Fighting typing and knight-like aesthetic. When purchasing Ralts family cards, consider whether you’re collecting for display, competitive play, or investment. Display collectors might prioritize full-art versions and alternate art treatments across all four Pokemon. Competitive players need playable versions of whichever evolution they’re building around. Investment-focused collectors should note that Gardevoir has historically held value better due to its broader appeal and more frequent high-rarity printings.
Common Mistakes When Evolving Ralts
The most frequent error trainers make involves gender assumptions with the Gallade evolution. Many players assume that male Kirlia must become Gallade or that female Kirlia can somehow access that evolution through special means. Neither is true. Male Kirlia can freely evolve into Gardevoir at level 30 just like females, and no item, trade, or special condition allows female Kirlia to become Gallade. The limitation is absolute. Another common mistake occurs in Pokemon GO, where players use their Sinnoh Stone on a wild-caught male Kirlia only to discover the Gallade evolution option isn’t available.
This wastes both the rare evolution item and the 100 Candy investment. Always verify that your Kirlia was evolved from a Ralts you caught yourself before committing resources to the Gallade evolution path. The game provides no warning before you make this irreversible mistake. In the TCG, deck builders sometimes include Gallade evolution cards without ensuring their Ralts and Kirlia cards support that evolution path. Some Kirlia cards have abilities or text that specifically reference evolving into Gardevoir, which can create confusion during gameplay. Always read the full card text on your pre-evolutions to confirm they work with your intended final-stage Pokemon.
The Unique Egg Group Status of the Ralts Line
As of Generation VIII, Ralts and its evolutionary relatives hold a unique distinction in Pokemon breeding mechanics. They are the only Pokemon that belong to both the Amorphous and Human-Like Egg Groups simultaneously. This dual classification reflects the design philosophy behind the Ralts line, which combines ethereal, ghostly qualities with humanoid proportions and emotional intelligence.
For collectors interested in Pokemon lore, this unique status adds to the Ralts family’s appeal. Card artwork often emphasizes these dual aspects, with some illustrations highlighting the flowing, formless qualities of Ralts and Kirlia while others focus on the more humanoid, relatable expressions these Pokemon display. Gardevoir in particular frequently appears in artwork that emphasizes its protective, almost parental relationship with trainers.
Ralts in Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Future Prospects
The entire Ralts evolutionary line appears in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, released in 2025, confirming the family’s continued relevance in modern Pokemon releases. This inclusion suggests we can expect new Ralts family cards tied to promotional events and set releases connected to the game. Historically, mainline game releases drive significant TCG product launches, often featuring Pokemon prominently displayed in that game’s marketing.
For collectors watching market trends, new game appearances typically generate renewed interest in a Pokemon’s card history. Ralts family cards from earlier sets may see price increases as new players discover the evolutionary line through Legends: Z-A and seek out older, potentially more valuable printings. The family’s consistent popularity across two decades suggests it will remain a staple of Pokemon TCG releases for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
The Ralts evolution chain offers one of Pokemon’s more interesting branching paths, splitting into the elegant Psychic/Fairy Gardevoir or the martial Psychic/Fighting Gallade depending on gender and evolution method. Understanding these mechanics matters for both gameplay and collecting, as the requirements differ between mainline games and Pokemon GO, and the historical type changes affect how older cards interact with modern deck-building strategies.
For collectors, the Ralts family represents a manageable but rewarding focus area. Four Pokemon with decades of card printings provide plenty of variety without the overwhelming scope of larger evolutionary families. Whether you’re drawn to Gardevoir’s competitive history, Gallade’s unique typing, or simply want to complete the full evolutionary line, knowing how these Pokemon connect helps you make informed decisions about which cards to pursue and what prices represent fair value.
