How to Obtain the Special Ability Rockruff in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

So, you’re looking to get your hands on a Rockruff with the Own Tempo ability in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, are you? Excellent choice! This little pup is the key to unlocking the coveted Dusk Form Lycanroc, a powerful and rare addition to any trainer’s team. The direct answer is: you can obtain a Rockruff with the Own Tempo ability through a few methods, including Max Raid Battles or through breeding. You can also get an Ability Patch and use that on a Rockruff.

Let’s delve into the specifics, providing you with a comprehensive guide to securing your Own Tempo Rockruff and evolving it into the magnificent Dusk Form Lycanroc.

Understanding Rockruff’s Forms and Abilities

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s ensure we understand the “why.” Rockruff is a unique Pokémon, boasting three distinct evolutionary forms:

• Midday Form Lycanroc: Evolves during the day.
• Midnight Form Lycanroc: Evolves during the night.
• Dusk Form Lycanroc: Only evolves from a Rockruff with the Own Tempo ability during the evening.

The crucial piece here is the Own Tempo ability. A Rockruff with its regular abilities (Keen Eye or Vital Spirit) cannot evolve into Dusk Form Lycanroc, regardless of the time of day.

Methods for Acquiring an Own Tempo Rockruff

Here’s a breakdown of the methods you can use to acquire a Rockruff with the Own Tempo Ability:

• Max Raid Battles: Participating in Max Raid Battles is one of the most reliable ways to find an Own Tempo Rockruff. Keep an eye out for Rockruff raids, and cross your fingers! Remember that raid dens can sometimes be event-based, so be sure to look out for the events offering higher odds.
• Breeding: If you already have an Own Tempo Rockruff, breeding it with Ditto (or another compatible Pokémon) is a guaranteed way to produce more Own Tempo Rockruff offspring. This is particularly useful for IV breeding and building a competitive Dusk Form Lycanroc.
• Ability Patch (Important Note): Using an Ability Patch on a Rockruff will change its ability to its Hidden Ability, which in this case Own Tempo is! So, this can be a reliable method too. Getting an Ability Patch is difficult though.

Evolving Your Rockruff into Dusk Form Lycanroc

Once you’ve secured your Own Tempo Rockruff, the evolution process is straightforward but requires precise timing.

1. Level Up: Train your Own Tempo Rockruff to level 25 or higher.
2. Time Matters: Ensure it’s evening in your game. The “evening” time slot typically aligns with sunset and the early hours of twilight. This is crucial! If you level up your Rockruff during the day or night, it will evolve into either Midday or Midnight Form, respectively, even if it has Own Tempo.
3. Witness the Evolution: Level up your Rockruff (through battles, Rare Candies, etc.) during the evening, and watch as it transforms into the majestic Dusk Form Lycanroc!

Tips and Tricks

• Check the Time: Pay close attention to the in-game clock! The evening window isn’t always long, so plan your leveling accordingly.
• Auto Save: Turn off the auto save to prevent undesired evolution.
• Ability Patches are Rare: If you’re relying on the Ability Patch, be prepared for a grind. Six-Star Tera Raids are challenging, and the drop rate for Ability Patches is notoriously low.
• Breeding for Perfection: If you’re serious about competitive battling, breeding for optimal IVs and a beneficial nature is highly recommended.
• Games Learning Society: Check out resources and communities dedicated to competitive Pokémon battling, such as those found through the GamesLearningSociety.org, to improve your strategic team building.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process and address common concerns:

1. What exactly is the Own Tempo ability?

Own Tempo prevents the Pokémon from becoming confused or being affected by the Intimidate ability of opposing Pokémon. This is especially useful in competitive battles against teams reliant on Intimidate tactics.

2. Is Own Tempo a Hidden Ability for Rockruff?

No, Own Tempo is considered a Special Ability, distinctly different from its regular abilities (Keen Eye and Vital Spirit). Thus, you can’t use an Ability Capsule to obtain it.

3. Can I use an Ability Capsule to get Own Tempo on a Rockruff?

No, Ability Capsules do not change a Pokémon’s ability to its Hidden Ability. It only switches between the two standard abilities. Since Own Tempo is a special event ability for Rockruff, it is unobtainable via Ability Capsule.

4. What is the difference between Ability Capsule and Ability Patch?

An Ability Capsule swaps between the two standard abilities a Pokémon might possess. An Ability Patch changes a Pokémon’s ability to its Hidden Ability.

5. How rare is the Dusk Form Lycanroc?

Due to the specific evolution requirements (Own Tempo ability and evening time), Dusk Form Lycanroc is considered the rarest of the three Lycanroc forms.

6. Is Dusk Form Lycanroc better than Midday or Midnight Form?

While subjective, Dusk Form Lycanroc is generally considered superior by many competitive players due to its Tough Claws ability, which boosts the power of contact moves by 30%. The other forms have their own strengths, but Tough Claws offers a significant offensive advantage.

7. What are the best moves for Dusk Form Lycanroc?

Dusk Form Lycanroc excels with physical attacking moves. Popular choices include:

• Stone Edge: High-power Rock-type move with a chance for critical hits.
• Accelerock: A fast Rock-type move that always goes first (priority).
• Close Combat: Powerful Fighting-type move, but lowers Defense and Special Defense.
• Crunch: Dark-type move that can lower the target’s Defense.

8. Can I get an Own Tempo Rockruff in the wild?

No, you cannot catch an Own Tempo Rockruff in the wild in Scarlet and Violet unless there is an event. You must rely on Max Raid Battles, breeding, or using an Ability Patch.

9. What is the earliest I can evolve Rockruff into Dusk Form Lycanroc?

You can evolve Rockruff into Dusk Form Lycanroc as soon as it reaches level 25 during the evening.

10. What if I accidentally level up my Own Tempo Rockruff during the day or night?

If you accidentally level up your Own Tempo Rockruff during the day or night, it will evolve into Midday or Midnight Form, respectively. Unfortunately, there’s no way to undo this. You’ll need to obtain another Own Tempo Rockruff and try again. This is where turning off auto-save can save you!

11. How do I check the in-game time in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

The in-game time is determined by your Nintendo Switch’s system clock. Make sure your Switch’s time is accurate to ensure you can evolve Rockruff during the evening.

12. Can I trade for an Own Tempo Rockruff?

Yes, trading is a viable option. If you have a friend who has an Own Tempo Rockruff or a Dusk Form Lycanroc, you can trade with them to obtain one for yourself. Remember to practice safe trading habits!

13. What is Mold Breaker, and why is it relevant?

Mold Breaker is an ability that ignores other Pokémon’s abilities that would negate damage or effects. It’s relevant because it bypasses abilities like Levitate or Wonder Guard, allowing you to hit those Pokémon with moves they would normally be immune to. Although not directly related to Rockruff, it’s a useful ability to understand in the context of battling.

14. Does the weather affect Rockruff’s evolution?

No, the weather does not affect Rockruff’s evolution. The only factors that matter are the Rockruff’s ability (Own Tempo) and the in-game time (evening).

15. What Tera Type should I give my Dusk Form Lycanroc?

The best Tera Type for Dusk Form Lycanroc depends on your team composition and strategy. A Rock Tera Type can further boost the power of its Rock-type moves, while a Fighting Tera Type can synergize well with Close Combat for powerful coverage. Consider your team’s weaknesses and what you need Lycanroc to cover.

Conclusion

Obtaining an Own Tempo Rockruff and evolving it into Dusk Form Lycanroc in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet requires patience and a bit of luck. By utilizing Max Raid Battles, breeding, or the Ability Patch, and paying close attention to the in-game time, you’ll be well on your way to adding this rare and powerful Pokémon to your team. Remember to explore resources like the Games Learning Society to enhance your understanding of Pokémon strategies and team building! Happy hunting, trainers!