Can You Evolve Slowpoke Without Isle of Armor?
Yes, you can evolve Slowpoke without owning the Isle of Armor DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield. However, the method you’ll need to use depends on which evolution you’re aiming for. Let’s break it down.
Evolving Slowpoke: Two Paths, Different Requirements
Slowpoke has two potential evolutions: Slowbro and Slowking. While obtaining a regular Slowbro has always been possible in the base game of Pokémon Sword and Shield, evolving Slowpoke into Galarian Slowbro or Galarian Slowking requires the Isle of Armor or Crown Tundra DLC, respectively.
Obtaining Regular Slowbro
To evolve Slowpoke into Slowbro in the base game of Pokémon Sword and Shield, you simply need to raise it to level 37. This method has nothing to do with the Isle of Armor and is available to all players regardless of whether they own the DLC or not. Once Slowpoke reaches level 37, it will automatically evolve into Slowbro.
The DLC Dependency of Galarian Forms
The key difference lies in obtaining the Galarian forms of Slowbro and Slowking. These evolutions are intrinsically tied to the content within the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra DLCs. Galarian Slowpoke itself is available in the base game via specific Max Raid Battles and in certain parts of the Galar region. However, to evolve it into Galarian Slowbro, you need the Isle of Armor. To evolve it into Galarian Slowking, you need the Crown Tundra DLC.
Evolving Galarian Slowpoke: Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra Exclusives
Evolving Galarian Slowpoke into Galarian Slowbro requires the Galarica Cuff. This item can only be obtained within the Isle of Armor. You’ll need to collect Galarica Twigs scattered around the island and exchange them for the Galarica Cuff. Similarly, evolving Galarian Slowpoke into Galarian Slowking needs the Galarica Wreath, obtained within the Crown Tundra DLC by collecting Galarica Twigs and trading them. Therefore, evolving Galarian Slowpoke into either of its Galarian evolutions requires their respective DLC.
In short, you can evolve Slowpoke without the Isle of Armor, but only into the regular Slowbro. The Galarian forms are locked behind the DLC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Slowpoke evolution, providing more details and addressing common concerns:
1. Can I catch Slowpoke in the base game of Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Yes, Slowpoke is available in the base game through certain Max Raid Battles and in the overworld near Knickpoint Rock in the Wild Area.
2. How do I get Galarian Slowpoke without the Isle of Armor?
Galarian Slowpoke is also available in the base game through Max Raid Battles. It can also be found in the overworld after you’ve started the Isle of Armor DLC content even if you don’t own the DLC itself.
3. What level does Slowpoke evolve into Slowbro?
Slowpoke evolves into Slowbro at level 37.
4. What is the Galarica Cuff and how do I get it?
The Galarica Cuff is an item required to evolve Galarian Slowpoke into Galarian Slowbro. It can only be obtained in the Isle of Armor by collecting Galarica Twigs and trading them to an NPC on the island.
5. How many Galarica Twigs do I need for the Galarica Cuff?
You need eight Galarica Twigs to exchange for the Galarica Cuff.
6. Where can I find Galarica Twigs?
Galarica Twigs are scattered throughout the Isle of Armor. They are often found near trees and along the shoreline.
7. What is the Galarica Wreath and how do I get it?
The Galarica Wreath is an item required to evolve Galarian Slowpoke into Galarian Slowking. It can only be obtained in the Crown Tundra by collecting Galarica Twigs and trading them to an NPC on the island.
8. How many Galarica Twigs do I need for the Galarica Wreath?
Just like the Galarica Cuff, you need eight Galarica Twigs to exchange for the Galarica Wreath.
9. Where can I find Galarica Twigs in the Crown Tundra?
Similarly to the Isle of Armor, Galarica Twigs are scattered throughout the Crown Tundra. Search near trees, frozen lakes, and other prominent landmarks.
10. Can I trade a Galarian Slowpoke to someone who doesn’t have the Isle of Armor?
Yes, you can trade a Galarian Slowpoke to someone who doesn’t have the Isle of Armor. However, they will not be able to evolve it into Galarian Slowbro or Galarian Slowking without the respective DLCs.
11. If I get a Galarian Slowbro or Galarian Slowking through trade, can I use it even if I don’t own the DLC?
Yes, if you receive a Galarian Slowbro or Galarian Slowking through trade, you can use it in your game, even if you do not own the Isle of Armor or Crown Tundra. The DLC is only required for the evolution process.
12. Can I use Slowpoke or its evolutions in competitive battles without owning the DLC?
Yes, you can use Slowpoke, Slowbro, Galarian Slowpoke, Galarian Slowbro, and Galarian Slowking in competitive battles, provided you have access to them through trading or having captured them (Galarian Slowpoke). Access to the evolution materials (Galarica Cuff and Galarica Wreath) still requires the respective DLCs.
13. Are there any differences between regular Slowbro and Galarian Slowbro other than appearance?
Yes, there are differences. Galarian Slowbro has a different typing (Poison/Psychic instead of Water/Psychic) and different stats, abilities, and movepools compared to the original Slowbro.
14. Are there any differences between regular Slowking and Galarian Slowking other than appearance?
Similar to the Slowbro evolution, Galarian Slowking has a different typing (Poison/Psychic instead of Water/Psychic) and different stats, abilities, and movepools compared to the original Slowking.
15. If I buy the Isle of Armor DLC after catching Galarian Slowpoke, can I then evolve it?
Yes, absolutely! Once you purchase the Isle of Armor, you can then collect Galarica Twigs, obtain the Galarica Cuff, and evolve your Galarian Slowpoke into Galarian Slowbro. The same logic applies to Galarian Slowking and the Crown Tundra.
In conclusion, while evolving Slowpoke into the classic Slowbro is accessible to all Pokémon Sword and Shield players, unlocking the Galarian evolutions necessitates venturing into the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra DLCs. Understanding these requirements ensures you can strategically plan your team and pursue the specific Slowpoke evolution you desire.