Here’s how to use Linking Cords in Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Pokemon Legends: Arceus introduces revolutionary changes to evolution mechanics, with the Linking Cord representing one of the most significant gameplay innovations for solo trainers.

This groundbreaking title marks the first Pokemon adventure in years designed primarily as a single-player experience. While limited multiplayer trading exists, the complete Pokedex can now be accomplished entirely through individual effort.

Longtime series veterans may find this concept surprising, given that trading assistance has been essential for completing the national collection since the original Game Boy releases. Beyond version-exclusive creatures, trade evolution requirements have defined certain species development from the franchise’s inception.

The Linking Cord directly addresses this historical dependency. This comprehensive guide covers optimal usage techniques, strategic acquisition methods, and advanced farming tactics.

Mastering Linking Cord Evolution Techniques

The Linking Cord represents a transformative evolution item within Pokemon Legends: Arceus that enables development of species previously requiring trade transactions. Its design pays homage to the original Nintendo Game Link Cable accessory used with the classic Game Boy system.

To activate a Linking Cord, navigate to your inventory menu, choose the “Use” option, then select the target Pokemon from your party. The interface clearly indicates eligible candidates with a distinctive blue “Usable” indicator adjacent to compatible creatures.

Trainers can employ Linking Cords to evolve four specific species: Graveler into Golem, Kadabra into Alakazam, Haunter into Gengar, and Machoke into Machamp. Currently, these represent the exclusive Pokemon benefiting from this method, though future updates could expand compatibility to include species like Gigalith, Conkeldurr, Gourgeist, or Trevenant.

Strategic evolution timing significantly impacts your team’s combat readiness. Avoid evolving key battlers during critical story missions when you need their current move sets and stats. Instead, plan evolutions during exploration phases or after securing replacement team members.

Notably absent from this roster are Pokemon such as Electabuzz and Magmar that previously evolved through held item trading. These evolution-triggering items have been converted into consumable evolution tools similar to elemental stones. For instance, Onix transforms into Steelix through direct Metal Coat application rather than equipment and exchange.

Advanced Linking Cord Acquisition Strategies

Early-game Linking Cord farming becomes highly efficient through strategic exploitation of space-time distortions within the Obsidian Fieldlands region. These temporal anomalies provide consistent access to evolution items without multiplayer dependencies.

Space-time distortions represent timed environmental events that spawn groups of regionally non-native Pokemon species. Beyond unique creature encounters, they reliably drop various evolution materials including elemental stones, Magmarizers, Electirizers, and additional rare items. Conspicuously missing from these drops are Peat Blocks used for specific ground-type evolutions.

Common farming mistakes include abandoning distortion zones prematurely or failing to prepare adequate healing items. Optimal strategy involves arriving with empty inventory space, multiple Pokeball types, and a balanced team capable of handling unexpected aggressive encounters.

Complementing space-time distortions, Linking Cords remain available for purchase using Merit Points at the trading post located in Jubilife Village. This facility sits strategically positioned between the Galaxy Team headquarters building and the combat training grounds. Each Linking Cord costs 1,000 Merit Points, currency obtained exclusively through recovering lost satchels scattered throughout the wilderness areas.

Advanced optimization involves tracking distortion spawn patterns—they typically appear every 10-40 minutes of active gameplay. Remain in the zone during their active phase to maximize item collection opportunities from both ground spawns and defeated Pokemon.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Here’s how to use Linking Cords in Pokemon Legends: Arceus Master the Linking Cord evolution system in Pokemon Legends: Arceus with expert strategies and acquisition methods