Evolving Rockruff into Dusk Form Lycanroc in Sword and Shield: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re aiming to add the elusive Dusk Form Lycanroc to your Pokémon Sword and Shield team? This majestic, sunset-hued beast is indeed a coveted prize. The key to evolving your Rockruff into Dusk Form Lycanroc lies in timing and ability. You need a Rockruff with the Own Tempo ability, which must be leveled up to at least level 25 between 7:00 PM and 7:59 PM in the game. Note that the time must reflect the in-game time of your Nintendo Switch, and the time doesn’t change based on in-game weather or location. Now, let’s dive into the details and answer all your burning questions about this unique evolution.
Understanding Rockruff’s Evolutions
Rockruff is a Rock-type Pokémon known for its adorable appearance and diverse evolutionary paths. It can evolve into three different forms of Lycanroc, depending on the conditions under which it levels up:
- Midday Form: Evolves during the daytime.
- Midnight Form: Evolves during the nighttime.
- Dusk Form: Evolves during the evening (sunset), but only if it has the Own Tempo ability.
The Dusk Form is often considered the most challenging to obtain, as it requires a specific ability and a precise leveling time.
Obtaining a Rockruff with Own Tempo
The most crucial step in getting Dusk Form Lycanroc is finding a Rockruff with the Own Tempo ability. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, the Own Tempo Rockruff was originally distributed through a special event. The current availability of Own Tempo Rockruff is impacted by this past event.
While the event has ended, there are still ways to potentially acquire one:
- Trading: The most reliable method now is to trade with another player who has a Rockruff with the Own Tempo ability. Consider joining online Pokémon communities or forums to find potential trading partners.
- Breeding: If you manage to get your hands on an Own Tempo Rockruff, you can breed it at a Pokémon Nursery to produce more Rockruff with the same ability. Remember that the ability has a chance to be passed down, so it might take some tries.
Evolving Rockruff into Dusk Form
Once you have your Own Tempo Rockruff, the process is straightforward but requires careful timing.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Check the Time: Ensure that your Nintendo Switch system clock is correctly set. The evolution must occur between 7:00 PM and 7:59 PM. Remember that Pokemon Sword and Shield uses your Nintendo Switch time.
-
Level Up Rockruff: Train your Own Tempo Rockruff until it reaches at least level 25. You can do this by battling wild Pokémon, participating in Max Raid Battles, or using Exp. Candies.
-
Evolve During the Correct Time: When the clock strikes 7:00 PM, level up your Rockruff. The best way to do this is often by using an Exp. Candy, as it guarantees a level up at the precise moment.
-
Witness the Evolution: If everything is done correctly, your Rockruff will evolve into the magnificent Dusk Form Lycanroc. Congratulations!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect Ability: Ensure your Rockruff has the Own Tempo ability. If it has another ability, it will evolve into Midday or Midnight Form, depending on the time of day.
- Wrong Time: The evolution must occur between 7:00 PM and 7:59 PM. Even a minute outside this window will result in a different form.
- Level Too Low: Rockruff must be at least level 25 to evolve.
Is Dusk Form Lycanroc Worth the Effort?
Absolutely! Dusk Form Lycanroc is not only a visually stunning Pokémon but also a formidable battler. Its Tough Claws ability boosts the power of its contact moves, making it a potent offensive threat. Combined with its solid Attack and Speed stats, Dusk Form Lycanroc can be a valuable asset to your team.
Now, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about Rockruff and its evolutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I evolve Rockruff into Dusk Form Lycanroc in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, the method to evolve Rockruff into Dusk Form Lycanroc in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is the same as in Sword and Shield. You need a Rockruff with the Own Tempo ability and must level it up to at least level 25 between 7:00 PM and 7:59 PM in the game.
2. What is the best ability for Dusk Form Lycanroc?
The Tough Claws ability is considered the best for Dusk Form Lycanroc. It increases the power of contact moves by 30%, significantly boosting its offensive capabilities.
3. Where can I find wild Dusk Form Lycanroc in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Wild Dusk Form Lycanroc can be found in the North Province (Area One) in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This location is northeast of Grusha and Ryme’s gym. However, finding one can be rare, so evolving your own Own Tempo Rockruff is often more reliable.
4. Is Dusk Form Lycanroc rarer than Midday or Midnight Form?
Yes, Dusk Form Lycanroc is generally considered the rarest of the three forms. This is because it requires a specific ability (Own Tempo) and must be evolved during a narrow time window.
5. How do I breed an Own Tempo Rockruff?
To breed an Own Tempo Rockruff, you need at least one Rockruff with the Own Tempo ability. Place it in a Pokémon Nursery with Ditto or another compatible Pokémon. The offspring have a chance to inherit the Own Tempo ability, but it’s not guaranteed.
6. What are the best moves for Dusk Form Lycanroc?
Some of the best moves for Dusk Form Lycanroc include:
- Accelerock: A Rock-type priority move.
- Stone Edge: A powerful Rock-type move with a high critical hit ratio.
- Swords Dance: Boosts Attack by two stages.
- Crunch: A Dark-type move for coverage.
- Close Combat: A Fighting-type move for coverage, though it lowers Defense and Special Defense.
7. Is Midday or Midnight Lycanroc better than Dusk Lycanroc?
This depends on your team composition and battle strategy. Dusk Lycanroc is often favored due to its Tough Claws ability, which enhances its offensive power. Midday Lycanroc has higher Speed, while Midnight Lycanroc has better Defense.
8. Can I change the time of day in Pokémon Sword and Shield to evolve Rockruff?
No, you cannot directly change the time of day in Pokémon Sword and Shield to specifically control the Rockruff evolution. The game relies on the Nintendo Switch’s system clock. Manipulating the system clock can sometimes have unintended consequences.
9. What are the base stats for Dusk Form Lycanroc?
Dusk Form Lycanroc has the following base stats:
- HP: 75
- Attack: 117
- Defense: 65
- Special Attack: 55
- Special Defense: 65
- Speed: 110
10. What is Ash’s Lycanroc?
Ash’s Lycanroc is a Dusk Form Lycanroc that he caught and raised in the Alola region in the Pokémon anime series. It is a popular character known for its determination and powerful battles.
11. How does weather affect Rockruff’s evolution?
Weather does not directly affect Rockruff’s evolution. The key factors are the specific time of day and the Own Tempo ability.
12. Is there a Dawn Form Lycanroc?
No, there is no official Dawn Form Lycanroc in the Pokémon games or anime.
13. What are the odds of finding a Shiny Own Tempo Rockruff?
Finding a Shiny Own Tempo Rockruff is extremely rare. The odds of finding a Shiny Pokémon are generally 1 in 4096. Add to that the requirement for Own Tempo and evolving at a specific time, and the odds become astronomical.
14. Where can I learn more about Pokémon game mechanics and strategy?
You can explore resources like Bulbapedia, Serebii.net, and various Pokémon community forums. Also, educational organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org examine the learning aspects of games, including the complex systems within Pokémon.
15. Are there any specific locations in Sword and Shield that make Dusk Form evolution easier?
No, the location within the game does not affect Rockruff’s evolution into Dusk Form. As long as you have an Own Tempo Rockruff and level it up between 7:00 PM and 7:59 PM, it will evolve into Dusk Form regardless of where you are in the game.
By following this guide and considering these FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to evolve your Rockruff into the coveted Dusk Form Lycanroc and add a powerful and visually striking Pokémon to your team. Happy training!