Delving Deep: Unveiling the Mystery of Pokémon #901 – Ursaluna!
Pokémon #901 is Ursaluna, a dual-type Normal/Ground Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This imposing creature is an evolution of Ursaring, but unlike many Pokémon evolutions, achieving this form requires a very specific set of circumstances and is steeped in the lore of the Hisui region (the ancient Sinnoh region). Ursaluna is more than just another entry in the Pokédex; it represents a fascinating blend of gameplay mechanics, regional history, and thoughtful character design.
Ursaluna: More Than Meets the Eye
Ursaluna isn’t just a bigger, stronger Ursaring. Its design reflects its role and habitat. Its hunched posture, mud-caked fur, and heightened sense of smell all contribute to its identity as a Pokémon intimately connected to the land. In Legends: Arceus, you even utilize Ursaluna as a ride Pokémon, sniffing out hidden treasures buried beneath the earth. This gameplay mechanic cleverly incorporates Ursaluna’s biology and its connection to the Hisuian landscape. Its dual Normal/Ground typing is also important, opening up a range of moveset options and strategic considerations in battles. Finally, Scarlet and Violet have given us Bloodmoon Ursaluna, another version with different mechanics and backstory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ursaluna
Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to explore Ursaluna and its implications more thoroughly.
How do I evolve Ursaring into Ursaluna?
Evolving Ursaring into Ursaluna is a unique process. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you need a Peat Block and a full moon in the Crimson Mirelands. A Peat Block is a rare item found by digging with Ursaluna itself in the Crimson Mirelands or as a random drop from Graveler. Once you have the Peat Block, travel to the Crimson Mirelands at night when there’s a full moon. Select the Peat Block from your inventory and use it on Ursaring. If the conditions are right, it will evolve into Ursaluna.
Can I evolve Ursaring into Ursaluna in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
You can transfer an Ursaluna from Legends: Arceus into Scarlet and Violet using Pokémon HOME, but the evolution process itself is not possible in those games except for Bloodmoon Ursaluna. The Peat Block mechanic and the Crimson Mirelands full moon condition are specific to Legends: Arceus.
What is Bloodmoon Ursaluna?
Bloodmoon Ursaluna is a special form of Ursaluna introduced in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero: The Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It is a Ground/Normal type like its Hisuian counterpart, but it has a different appearance, ability, and movepool. Bloodmoon Ursaluna is a fixed encounter, part of a side quest in the Kitakami region and cannot be evolved. Unlike the Hisuian variant, Bloodmoon Ursaluna’s gender is specified as male.
Where can I find a Peat Block in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
You can find Peat Blocks in a couple of ways. The most common method is by digging for treasure with Ursaluna in the Crimson Mirelands. Focus your digging near cliffsides for a better chance. You can also occasionally obtain Peat Blocks by defeating or catching Graveler and their evolutions.
Is Ursaluna a Hisuian regional variant?
Ursaluna is considered a new evolution introduced in the Hisui region. While Ursaring existed before, Ursaluna is a unique form that evolved in response to the specific environment and conditions of Hisui. So, while not technically a regional variant (like Hisuian Growlithe), it’s closely tied to the Hisuian ecosystem.
What are Ursaluna’s type and abilities?
Hisuian Ursaluna is a Normal/Ground-type Pokémon. Its abilities are Guts, Bulletproof, and Unnerve (Hidden Ability). Bloodmoon Ursaluna is also a Normal/Ground-type Pokémon. Its ability is Mind’s Eye, which allows Normal-type moves to hit Ghost-type Pokémon and prevents accuracy reduction.
Can Ursaluna be shiny?
Yes, Ursaluna can be shiny. However, obtaining a shiny Ursaluna requires either evolving a shiny Ursaring (meeting the Peat Block and full moon requirements) or obtaining one through other game specific methods. The shiny form changes the brown fur to a darker, more grayish tone. Keep in mind that Bloodmoon Ursaluna is shiny locked and cannot be obtained as a shiny.
Can Ursaluna learn Earthquake?
Yes! Ursaluna has access to many powerful moves, including Earthquake, making it a formidable offensive threat. This Ground-type move, combined with its high Attack stat, allows it to deal significant damage to opposing Pokémon.
What is Ursaluna’s role in Pokémon Legends: Arceus gameplay?
Beyond being a collectible Pokémon, Ursaluna plays a crucial role as a ride Pokémon in Legends: Arceus. Its powerful sense of smell allows the player to dig up hidden items buried throughout the Hisui region. This is essential for finding crafting materials, evolution items (like the Peat Block itself!), and other valuable resources.
How does Ursaluna compare to other Ground-type Pokémon?
Ursaluna stands out among other Ground-types due to its unique evolution method and its dual Normal/Ground typing, offering a different set of strengths and weaknesses. It also has a very strong attack stat, access to strong moves and better defense. It combines high attack with moderate speed, and has great overall coverage.
What is the origin of Ursaluna’s name and design?
Ursaluna’s name is a combination of “Ursa” (Latin for bear) and “Luna” (Latin for moon), referencing its bear-like appearance and its association with the full moon during evolution. Its mud-caked design alludes to its role as a digger and its connection to the earth. Bloodmoon’s name is a combination of “Blood” and “Moon” alluding to its coloring.
Is Ursaluna a good competitive Pokémon?
Hisuian Ursaluna can be a very effective Pokemon with the right build and the right team. Its high attack and strong movepool make it a formidable offensive threat. However, its moderate speed can be a disadvantage. Bloodmoon Ursaluna has very high special attack and HP, but its special defense is low. It is also extremely slow.
What Pokémon evolve into Ursaring?
Teddiursa evolves into Ursaring starting at level 30. Ursaring, in turn, evolves into Ursaluna under the specific conditions previously mentioned in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Ursaring does not evolve into Bloodmoon Ursaluna. Bloodmoon Ursaluna can be found in Kitakami in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
How do you switch between Ursaluna and other ride Pokémon in Legends: Arceus?
In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can switch between Ursaluna and other ride Pokémon using the D-Pad. Simply press right on the D-Pad to cycle through your available ride Pokémon, and then press the + button to summon the selected Pokémon.
Why is Ursaluna such a popular Pokémon?
Ursaluna’s popularity stems from several factors: its unique evolution method, its distinct design, its role as a ride Pokémon, and its competitive viability. It embodies the innovative spirit of the newer Pokémon games, blending established mechanics with fresh ideas. The lore surrounding it adds a layer of depth and intrigue. Its inclusion in both Legends: Arceus and the Scarlet and Violet DLC has exposed it to a wide player base, solidifying its place as a fan favorite. Finally, the Games Learning Society helps contribute to people learning more about Pokemon and the franchise.
Ursaluna is a fascinating addition to the Pokémon universe, showcasing how gameplay mechanics, regional lore, and thoughtful design can come together to create a memorable and engaging creature. From its unique evolution process to its role as a ride Pokémon, Ursaluna has earned its place as a beloved character in the hearts of Pokémon fans everywhere. To further explore the educational aspects of gaming and its impact on learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.