Conquering Machamp in Pokémon Legends: Arceus – No Trading Required!
So, you’re yearning for the raw power of Machamp in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, but the thought of trading makes you recoil? Fear not, fellow trainer! Gone are the days of desperately searching for reliable trade partners. In Arceus, you can obtain a Machamp without engaging in a single trade. Here’s the key: evolve a Machoke using a Linking Cord. You can purchase this item at the Trading Post in Jubilife Village using Merit Points, which you earn by finding lost satchels throughout the Hisui region. Once you have the Linking Cord, simply use it on your Machoke to trigger the evolution.
Getting Your Hands on a Machoke
First things first, you’ll need a Machoke. Fortunately, Machop and Machoke are relatively common Pokémon in several areas. Here’s where you can find them:
- Obsidian Fieldlands: Look around the Rambler’s Battleground and Oreburrow Tunnel.
- Crimson Mirelands: Check the Sludge Mound area.
- Coronet Highlands: Explore the Bolderoll Slope and Cloudcap Pass.
You can either catch a Machoke directly or catch a Machop and level it up to level 28 to evolve it into Machoke. Catching is often faster, but evolving a Machop lets you train it to your desired level.
Acquiring the Elusive Linking Cord
The Linking Cord is the magical item that bypasses the traditional trade evolution method. Here’s how to get one:
- Trading Post: Visit the Trading Post in Jubilife Village. It’s located north of the Galaxy Hall. Talk to Simona, the vendor. She sells the Linking Cord for 1000 Merit Points.
- Merit Points: You earn Merit Points by finding lost satchels scattered across the Hisui region. These satchels belong to other players who have fainted. When you find one, you’ll receive Merit Points that can be used at the Trading Post. Check your map frequently for satchel icons.
- Distortions: Space-time distortions sometimes contain evolution items as well. This is a much less reliable method, but if you’re lucky, you might find a Linking Cord within one of these rifts.
Evolving Machoke into Machamp
Once you have the Linking Cord and a Machoke, the final step is simple:
- Open your bag and find the Linking Cord.
- Select “Use” and target your Machoke.
- Watch as your Machoke evolves into the mighty Machamp!
Congratulations, you now have a Machamp without trading!
FAQs: Mastering the Machamp Acquisition in Arceus
Here are some frequently asked questions to further solidify your understanding of obtaining Machamp in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
1. Is it possible to catch a Machamp in the wild in Arceus?
Yes, it is! In the Alabaster Icelands, specifically on the path leading up to the Icepeak Arena, you can encounter a level 70 Alpha Machamp. However, be prepared for a tough battle! You’ll also need to be at least Rank 6 to catch it.
2. What rank do I need to be to catch Alpha Machamp?
You need to be at least Rank 6 to catch the Alpha Machamp in the Alabaster Icelands.
3. How do I earn Merit Points quickly in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
The most efficient way to earn Merit Points is to actively search for lost satchels. Fly around using Braviary to quickly scan large areas. Focus on areas where players frequently faint, such as near challenging Pokémon or dangerous terrain. Keep an eye out for satchel icons on your map.
4. Are there any other ways to get a Linking Cord besides the Trading Post?
While the Trading Post is the most reliable method, you can also occasionally find Linking Cords inside space-time distortions. However, this is a much less predictable approach.
5. Can I trade Pokémon with myself in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
While there isn’t a direct method to trade with yourself on a single Nintendo Switch without extra hardware (another Switch), the game’s design encourages solo play. Given the Linking Cord mechanic, it is now redundant.
6. Can I get all the trade evolution Pokémon without trading in Arceus?
Yes! Pokémon Legends: Arceus has made it possible to obtain all Pokémon that previously required trading to evolve, such as Gengar and Alakazam, without trading. This is thanks to items like the Linking Cord, Electirizer, Magmarizer, and Protector, which can be purchased from the Trading Post.
7. What level does Machop evolve into Machoke?
Machop evolves into Machoke at level 28.
8. What are space-time distortions, and how do I find them?
Space-time distortions are rifts that appear randomly throughout the Hisui region. They are announced by a notification on your screen and a visible distortion in the sky. Inside these distortions, you’ll find rare Pokémon and valuable items, including evolution items like the Linking Cord.
9. What other Pokémon can be evolved using the Linking Cord?
The Linking Cord can be used to evolve Pokémon that traditionally require trading, such as:
- Kadabra (into Alakazam)
- Haunter (into Gengar)
- Graveler (into Golem)
- Machoke (into Machamp)
10. Is Machamp a good Pokémon to use in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
Yes! Machamp is a powerful Fighting-type Pokémon with high attack stats. It’s effective against Rock, Steel, Ice, Normal, and Dark-type Pokémon, making it a valuable addition to your team.
11. Where can I find a list of all the evolution items in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
A comprehensive list of all evolution items and their locations can be found on various online resources, such as Serebii.net or Bulbapedia. These sites provide detailed information about Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
12. Does weather affect the appearance rate of space-time distortions?
While not definitively confirmed, some players believe that certain weather conditions may increase the likelihood of space-time distortions appearing. Experiment and see if you notice any patterns.
13. What is the best starter Pokémon to choose in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
There’s no single “best” starter, as each has its strengths and weaknesses. Oshawott is generally considered a balanced choice, while Rowlet offers a unique dual-typing early on, and Cyndaquil provides strong Fire-type coverage. Choose the one that appeals to you most!
14. Can I re-battle the Alpha Machamp if I accidentally knock it out?
Yes, Alpha Pokémon will respawn in their locations after a certain amount of time has passed. You can return to the Icepeak Arena to try catching the Alpha Machamp again.
15. How can gaming, like playing Pokemon Arceus, impact learning?
Games like Pokémon Legends: Arceus can significantly impact learning by fostering problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and resource management. They also encourage exploration, discovery, and a sense of achievement. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) explores these intersections in depth. GamesLearningSociety.org is a community of scholars and game designers who understand the important relationships between games and learning.
Evolving a Machoke into a Machamp without trading is straightforward in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Obtain the Linking Cord, and you’re good to go. Now, get out there and catch ’em all!