Vampire Survivors is a difficult roguelite where it helps to know how to evolve items. This can make a huge difference since certain items gain new buffs as well as increased damage. And if you want to win a run, you’ll need to know the right combos for powerful builds. Continue reading our guide for how to evolve and every evolution available.
We try to update this guide as often as new evolutions are added to Vampire Survivors. Whether that’s one of the earliest patches introducing the Garlic evolution or the many new ones added in DLC. Check out our table to learn them all.
How to Evolve – All Evolutions & Combos
How to Evolve in Vampire Survivors
Whether you’ve just started playing or have been for a bit, it’s easy to not know item combinations exist. It relies on a few conditions and getting far enough with the right items to pull off. Fortunately, once you know what to do and what item synergies you need, it’s not too hard. First, you’ll need to make it past the 10-minute mark. You can keep an eye on how long you’ve been alive by checking the timer near the top of your screen.
If you’re struggling to make it this far, you may need to buy some power ups. I’d recommend getting Armor and Move Speed or doubling down on Greed to get coins. Also, you can check our guide on How to Reach Level 99 for some build recommendations. You’ll eventually need to if you want to unlock Arcana cards for unique buffs.
Second, you’ll need to completely max the level of the weapon you want to evolve. As previously mentioned, not every weapon has an evolution, so it’s important to check the list below. For example, you can evolve the Runetracer now but not the Bone.
Third, you’ll need the right item/power up that synergizes with your weapon. For example, the Whip requires the Hollow Heart power up. If you’re playing Vampire Survivors for the first time, you’ll need to survive at least one minute to unlock this item. The achievements list in-game is a good way to find the requirements for unlocking certain content.
And finally, once you have the right items and are past the 10-minute mark, you’ll need to open a chest on the floor. You can get these by killing elite enemies that appear as you get further into a Vampire Survivors run. Such as a giant praying mantis in the Mad Forest or Medusa in the Inlaid Library.
As long as you’ve met the right conditions, the chest will immediately give you the evolved version. In the case of evolving the Whip, you’ll get the Bloody Tear which deals critical damage and leeches health from enemies.
Every Evolution in Vampire Survivors
While most evolutions typically require one item and a power up to combine, there are a few that are unique. One example is the Vandalier evolution where you need to reach max level with the Peachone and Ebony Wings. However, certain other evolutions known as Unions require one item and two power ups. Such as the Phieraggi evolution requiring the Phiera Der Tuphello, Eight The Sparrow, and the Tiragisú.
That’s all there is to this Vampire Survivors guide on how to evolve and every evolution. Feel free to comment below if you have some tips and tricks of your own for surviving the full 30 minutes. My favorite evolutions so far are Gorgeous Moon, Unholy Vespers, and Death Spiral.
Jeff is a journalist with over 10 years of experience writing, streaming, and making content about video games. With an associate degree in journalism, he’s a sucker for RPGs, survival games, roguelikes, and more.
Derek
Thursday 12th of January 2023
You're missing Summon Night + Duplicator as well. I didn't learn anything on your site kiddo, but you're welcome.
Jeffrey Lerman
Thursday 12th of January 2023
Hey Derek, that evolution is already in the guide. I included it next to the Thunder Loop evolution since it uses Duplicator as well. Easy to miss since it's not near the other DLC evolutions though. Regardless, I noticed I was missing a different evolution so I added it in!
Derek
Thursday 12th of January 2023
1 more tip- if you want to beat the 30 min reaper, Evolved Laurel will make it happen and unlock the Reaper as a playable character who begins a run with Death Spiral. Fast-mover as well, so as easy as it sounds to start out with the evolved axes, he can easily run into enemies due to his speed.
Riley
Wednesday 1st of June 2022
Something else to note is that the Laurel and Clock Lancet do have evolution's. In order to get them you have to spend 15 minutes on moongolow, get into the hidden forbidden and run all the way to the end. You'll be given the yellow sign which then allows you to find the passives on any map to evolve the Laurel and Clock Lancet. For the Laurel, you need to grab the Metaglio Left and Metaglio Right. For Clock Lancet you'll need the gold and silver ring. For the evo you have to level all of them to max. The cool thing is once you do so you're pretty much guaranteed to kill death especially if you manage to get both and evo them.
Sera
Thursday 7th of April 2022
To evolve Phiera Der Tuphello with the Eight The Sparrow you need both at level 8 and have also Tiragisú. Then you receive Phieraggi, which is one of the strongest weapons in the game. You also receive back a weapon slot, since Phiera and Sparrow combine into one item. (Similar to Peachone + Ebony Wings = Vandalier)
TLDR: Phiera Der Tuphello + Eight The Sparrow + Tiragisú = Phieraggi
Jeffrey Lerman
Thursday 7th of April 2022
I only just noticed that one last night after adding the Runetracer evolution. Had no idea they added another one like the Vandalier! I'll get this on my own in a little bit and then add it to the list, thank you for the heads up Sera.
Kanekage
Saturday 19th of February 2022
Add to that the Ring of Thunder (8) + Duplicator to get to the Thunder Loop