Pokémon Sun and Moon players discover the key — and shortcut — to Pokémon’s happiness

Pokémon, like all beings, just want to be happy. Sun and Moon players have found a quick and easy way to increase their monsters’ happiness, making certain ones way easier to evolve.

Pokémon like Pichu, Munchlax and Eevee require a high level of affection for their trainers before they can turn into Pikachu, Snorlax, Espeon or Umbreon, respectively. A trick making the rounds on Reddit stands to do just that in less time than usual. Here are the steps, courtesy of user Leafeon111:

1. Find two TMs that your Pokemon can learn (for example I used Echoed Voice and Protect)

2. Replace one of their moves with one TM

3. Replace the move taught with one TM with the other TM

4. Repeat step 3 for 5 - 10 minutes

5. Level up your Pokemon

Other players have corroborated this method, reporting that they’ve got newly evolved Pikachu on their hands in no time. With these classic Pokémon being rare, if not impossible, to find on their own in Sun and Moon, it’s important to max out their pre-evolved forms’ happiness level as trainers aim to complete their Pokédexes.

The evolution-by-friendship method is one of Pokémon’s more obtuse challenges, but it’s also the one with the greatest rewards. If they choose to go the traditional route and not by this shortcut, players will find themselves spending hours in the Pokémon Refresh mode, petting their Pokémon to build up a relationship. Not only does a trainer end up with a stronger Pokémon in exchange for some extra cuddle time with their team, but they craft an indelible bond with their Pokémon, who grow willing to stand by them until the bitter end.