Can You Buy Ice Stones in Pokémon Violet? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is: No, you cannot directly purchase Ice Stones in Pokémon Violet from shops like Delibird Presents. However, there is a way to acquire them through auction, offering an alternative, if unpredictable, method. This guide delves into the intricacies of obtaining Ice Stones, their uses, and everything else you need to know about these crucial evolutionary items in Pokémon Violet.

Understanding the Ice Stone Hunt

While strolling into a store and buying an Ice Stone outright would be convenient, Pokémon Violet takes a different approach. Ice Stones are primarily found in the wild, specifically within the snowy reaches of Glaseado Mountain. These sparkling treasures lie scattered across the landscape, rewarding exploration and a keen eye. But what if you’re short on time or just unlucky in your searches? This is where the Porto Marinada auction house comes into play.

The Porto Marinada Auction: A Gamble for Ice Stones

The auction house in Porto Marinada presents an alternative means of acquiring Ice Stones. However, be warned: it’s a gamble. Unlike readily available items at Delibird Presents, Ice Stones only appear sporadically in the auction rotation. When one does show up, you’ll need to outbid other NPCs to claim it. This can quickly escalate into a Poké Dollar bidding war, potentially costing you hundreds or even thousands of hard-earned currency.

Strategies for the Auction House

• Check Regularly: Visit the Porto Marinada auction house frequently to see if an Ice Stone is available. The inventory changes regularly.
• Come Prepared: Ensure you have a substantial amount of Poké Dollars before entering an auction.
• Be Patient: Don’t overbid impulsively. Observe the bidding patterns of the NPCs to gauge a reasonable price.
• Consider Alternatives: If the bidding gets too high, it might be more efficient to return to Glaseado Mountain and search for one in the wild.

The Glaseado Mountain Expedition: Nature’s Ice Stone Stash

The most reliable (albeit potentially time-consuming) way to obtain Ice Stones is by venturing into the Glaseado Mountain region. This snowy area to the north is teeming with Ice-type Pokémon and, more importantly, scattered Ice Stones.

Tips for Ice Stone Hunting on Glaseado Mountain

• Explore Thoroughly: Ice Stones can be found hidden in various locations throughout Glaseado Mountain. Check behind rocks, near ledges, and in less-traveled areas.
• Look for Sparkling Spots: Keep an eye out for the telltale sparkling spots on the ground, which often indicate the presence of an item, including Ice Stones.
• Utilize Koraidon/Miraidon: These legendary Pokémon can help you traverse the mountainous terrain more quickly and efficiently.
• Weather Conditions: While Ice Stones are always present, visibility can be significantly impacted by weather. Consider adjusting your search based on the current conditions.

Why You Need Ice Stones: Evolution Power

Ice Stones are crucial for evolving specific Pokémon, unlocking their full potential. In Pokémon Violet, these include:

• Eevee: Use an Ice Stone on Eevee to evolve it into the elegant Glaceon, an Ice-type powerhouse.
• Cetoddle: Transform Cetoddle into the colossal Cetitan, a formidable Ice-type Pokémon.
• Crabrawler: Evolve Crabrawler into Crabominable, a Fighting/Ice-type that packs a serious punch.

Alternative Ways to Get Stones in Pokémon Violet

While you can’t buy Ice Stones in stores, other evolutionary stones are available for purchase after progressing in the game. These can be directly bought from Delibird Presents shops once you’ve defeated a certain number of gyms.

• Delibird Presents: Sells common stones like Fire Stones, Thunder Stones, Water Stones, and Leaf Stones after you’ve earned a few gym badges.
• Static Spawns: Some stones can be found as static spawns in specific locations around the Paldea region.
• Pokédex Rewards: Completing certain milestones in your Pokédex can reward you with various items, including evolutionary stones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ice Stones in Pokémon Violet

Here are 15 frequently asked questions, shedding light on the various aspects of Ice Stones in Pokémon Violet.

1. Can I find Ice Stones anywhere other than Glaseado Mountain?

While it’s theoretically possible for Ice Stones to appear as random drops elsewhere, Glaseado Mountain is the primary and most reliable location for finding them in the wild. Porto Marinada Auction House is a gamble, but worth checking out.

2. How often do Ice Stones appear at the Porto Marinada auction?

There’s no set schedule for Ice Stone appearances at the auction. It’s entirely random, so you’ll need to check frequently to increase your chances of finding one.

3. How much should I expect to pay for an Ice Stone at auction?

The price can vary wildly depending on the competition from other bidders. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand Poké Dollars. Prepare a healthy war chest!

4. Is there a guaranteed Ice Stone spawn location on Glaseado Mountain?

Unfortunately, there’s no single guaranteed spawn location for Ice Stones. They appear in various spots, requiring thorough exploration.

5. What level should my Pokémon be before evolving them with an Ice Stone?

The level of your Pokémon doesn’t matter when using an Ice Stone. As long as you have the stone, you can evolve the compatible Pokémon regardless of its current level.

6. Can I use an Ice Stone to evolve other Pokémon besides Eevee, Cetoddle and Crabrawler?

No. The Ice Stone specifically evolves Eevee into Glaceon, Cetoddle into Cetitan, and Crabrawler into Crabominable.

7. Do I need to hold an Ice Stone for my Pokémon to evolve?

No. The Ice Stone is a consumable item. You use it directly on the Pokémon you want to evolve.

8. Are there any other ways to get Glaceon, Cetitan, and Crabominable without using an Ice Stone?

No. Using an Ice Stone is the only way to evolve these specific Pokémon.

9. What if I accidentally sell or lose my Ice Stone?

You’ll need to re-obtain another Ice Stone, either by searching Glaseado Mountain or waiting for one to appear at the Porto Marinada auction. Make sure to keep an eye on your inventory.

10. Does weather affect the spawn rate of Ice Stones on Glaseado Mountain?

There’s no confirmed evidence that weather directly affects the spawn rate, but visibility is decreased during blizzards, making them harder to find.

11. Are Ice Stones version-exclusive in Scarlet and Violet?

No. Ice Stones are available in both Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.

12. Can I trade Ice Stones with other players?

Yes. You can trade Ice Stones with other players online or locally, allowing you to obtain one if you’re having difficulty finding one yourself.

13. Do shiny Pokémon affect the spawn rates of Ice Stones?

Shiny Pokémon do not influence the spawn rates of Ice Stones. They’re separate game mechanics.

14. Will there be other Pokémon in the future that will evolve with Ice Stones?

That’s always a possibility with future game updates or installments! Keep an eye out.

15. Where can I learn more about the mechanics of Pokémon games?

If you are interested in how people learn while playing games like Pokemon, check out the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion: The Icy Path to Evolution

While the lack of a direct purchase option for Ice Stones in Pokémon Violet might seem inconvenient, it encourages exploration and adds an element of chance to the game. Whether you brave the snowy peaks of Glaseado Mountain or try your luck at the Porto Marinada auction, obtaining an Ice Stone is a rewarding endeavor that unlocks the potential of some truly powerful Pokémon. Happy hunting, Trainers!