Unlocking Midday Lycanroc in Pokémon Sword & Shield: A Comprehensive Guide
Want to add the swift and sunny Midday Lycanroc to your Pokémon Sword & Shield team? It all hinges on leveling up your Rockruff during the day. Specifically, evolve Rockruff by raising it to level 25 or higher during the daytime hours within the game. The exact time frame depends on your game’s clock, but generally, anything between sunrise and sunset will do the trick.
The Secrets to Daytime Evolution
Setting the Stage for Midday Lycanroc
Evolving Rockruff into its Midday form in Pokémon Sword & Shield is a straightforward process, but here’s a breakdown of the essential steps:
- Obtain a Rockruff: You can find Rockruff in the Wild Area of Pokémon Sword & Shield, particularly in areas like the Motostoke Riverbank. Keep an eye out for it during various weather conditions, though it’s most commonly seen in sunny weather.
- Train Your Rockruff: The key is to level up your Rockruff to at least level 25. Battle wild Pokémon, participate in Max Raid Battles, or use Rare Candies to quickly boost its level.
- Timing is Everything: Ensure you level up Rockruff during the daytime within the game. This typically corresponds to the hours when the in-game sun is visible. If you’re unsure, simply check the sky; if it’s bright and sunny, you’re good to go.
- Initiate the Evolution: Once Rockruff reaches level 25 (or higher) during the day, the evolution sequence will automatically trigger after its last battle or level-up.
Understanding the In-Game Clock
Pokémon Sword & Shield’s in-game clock dictates when Rockruff will evolve into its Midday form. There’s no precise minute-by-minute window, as long as it’s in the game’s daytime cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lycanroc
Here are some common questions related to Lycanroc and its evolution:
1. Can you get all three Lycanroc forms in Pokémon Sword & Shield?
Yes, but with caveats. Midday and Midnight Lycanroc are relatively straightforward, depending on the time of day. However, Dusk Lycanroc is more challenging. To obtain Dusk Lycanroc, Rockruff must have the Own Tempo ability and be leveled up between 5:00 PM and 5:59 PM in-game time. This requires careful timing and a Rockruff with the correct ability.
2. How do you get Rockruff with the Own Tempo ability?
Finding a Rockruff with the Own Tempo ability can be tricky. Event distributions are often the easiest way to get one. Alternatively, you might find one in a Max Raid Battle, but it’s not guaranteed. Keep an eye out for in-game events that increase the spawn rate of Rockruff with its Hidden Ability.
3. What is the rarest Lycanroc form?
Due to the specific timing and ability requirement, Dusk Lycanroc is generally considered the rarest form. Players need a Rockruff with the Own Tempo ability and must evolve it within a very narrow time window.
4. Which Lycanroc form is the strongest?
The “best” Lycanroc form depends on your strategy and team composition. Dusk Lycanroc is often favored due to its Tough Claws ability, which boosts the power of its contact moves. However, Midday Lycanroc has high Speed, and Midnight Lycanroc offers better defensive stats.
5. Can you change Lycanroc’s form after it evolves?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot change Lycanroc’s form after it has evolved. Once Rockruff evolves into one of the Lycanroc forms, it’s permanent. Therefore, make sure you evolve Rockruff at the right time and with the desired ability.
6. Is Midday Lycanroc good in competitive battling?
Midday Lycanroc can be viable in competitive battling, particularly in strategies that prioritize speed. Its high Speed stat, combined with access to moves like Accelerock, can make it a formidable offensive threat. However, it’s less commonly used than Dusk Lycanroc due to the latter’s more powerful ability.
7. What is the best nature for Midday Lycanroc?
For Midday Lycanroc, a Jolly Nature (+Speed, -Sp. Atk) is generally preferred to maximize its Speed stat. An Adamant Nature (+Attack, -Sp. Atk) can also work if you want to prioritize its offensive power.
8. What are the best moves for Midday Lycanroc?
Some of the best moves for Midday Lycanroc include:
- Accelerock (Rock-type, Priority)
- Stone Edge (Rock-type, High power, High critical hit ratio)
- Close Combat (Fighting-type, High power, Lowers defenses)
- Swords Dance (Normal-type, Raises Attack sharply)
9. How does weather affect Rockruff’s evolution?
While weather doesn’t directly impact the evolution process, sunny weather makes it easier to find Rockruff in the Wild Area. The weather simply sets the scene; the actual evolution depends on the in-game time.
10. Does the time on my Nintendo Switch affect the evolution?
Yes, the time set on your Nintendo Switch directly influences the in-game time, which determines when Rockruff can evolve into Midday or Midnight Lycanroc. Make sure your Switch’s clock is accurate to ensure you evolve Rockruff at the right time.
11. Can you get Midday Lycanroc in Pokémon Moon?
In the original Pokémon Sun and Moon games, the version you play dictates which form Rockruff evolves into. In Pokémon Sun, Rockruff evolves into Midday Form. In Pokémon Moon, Rockruff evolves into Midnight Form. However, in Sword and Shield, this is controlled by the time of day in-game.
12. What are the base stats of Midday Lycanroc?
Midday Lycanroc’s base stats are:
- HP: 75
- Attack: 115
- Defense: 65
- Sp. Atk: 55
- Sp. Def: 65
- Speed: 112
13. What are some good teammates for Midday Lycanroc?
Midday Lycanroc benefits from teammates that can provide support like status condition removal (heal bell), setting up entry hazards like Stealth Rock, or applying speed control with moves like Thunder Wave.
14. Is Lycanroc based on a real animal?
Lycanroc is based on a wolf, with each form drawing inspiration from different aspects of wolf behavior and mythology. Midday Lycanroc embodies the swift and agile nature of wolves during the day.
15. What are some resources for learning more about Pokémon strategies?
There are many resources available online for learning more about Pokémon strategies, including:
- Smogon University: A comprehensive resource for competitive Pokémon battling.
- Bulbapedia: A detailed wiki with information on all things Pokémon.
- Serebii.net: Another excellent resource for Pokémon information.
- Games Learning Society: Exploring the educational aspects of gaming.
Mastering the Pack
Evolving Rockruff into Midday Lycanroc in Pokémon Sword & Shield is an attainable feat with some effort and knowledge. By considering all of the above, you should have no problems catching a Rockruff and training it into the Midday form. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of games and learning!