Unlocking Chansey: The Oval Stone in Pokémon Legends: Arceus

The Oval Stone in Pokémon Legends: Arceus serves a specific purpose: to evolve the adorable Normal-type Happiny into the resilient and supportive Chansey. This evolution item allows you to bypass traditional leveling methods, offering a quicker route to obtaining a valuable team member.

Delving Deeper: The Oval Stone and Its Purpose

The Oval Stone is a fascinating item in the Pokémon world. While its primary function is to trigger evolution, it also adds a layer of strategy to your gameplay. Knowing when and how to use it is key to maximizing its potential. Let’s explore the nuances of this evolution item in the context of Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

How to Evolve Happiny with the Oval Stone

The process is straightforward. Ensure you have an Oval Stone in your Satchel and a Happiny in your party. Simply select the Oval Stone, choose “Use on Pokémon,” and then select Happiny. As long as Happiny isn’t holding the Oval Stone (it doesn’t need to hold it, just be exposed to it from your inventory), the evolution will commence.

Where to Find Oval Stones

Finding Oval Stones isn’t too challenging, but requires some exploration and a bit of luck. Here are a few reliable methods:

• Distortions: Space-time distortions are excellent places to find rare items, including Oval Stones. These events randomly appear throughout the game, so keep an eye out for the telltale sky distortions.
• Trading Post: Visit the Trading Post in Jubilife Village and exchange Merit Points (earned by finding Lost Satchels) for an Oval Stone.
• Random Item Drops: Keep your eyes peeled in the wild, and you might just stumble upon an Oval Stone as an item drop.

Why Evolve Happiny into Chansey?

Chansey is a valuable addition to any team, particularly in a game like Pokémon Legends: Arceus where healing and support are crucial. Chansey boasts exceptional HP, making it a defensive powerhouse capable of withstanding powerful attacks. This makes it ideal for tackling tough battles and enduring prolonged expeditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about evolution stones and related mechanics in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, designed to deepen your understanding of the game.

1. Besides Happiny, what other Pokémon evolve using evolution stones in Arceus?

   Numerous Pokémon evolve using various stones in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Here’s a rundown:

   • Dawn Stone: Evolves male Kirlia into Gallade and female Snorunt into Froslass.
   • Dusk Stone: Evolves Murkrow into Honchkrow and Misdreavus into Mismagius.
   • Fire Stone: Evolves Growlithe (Hisuian Form) into Arcanine (Hisuian Form), Vulpix into Ninetales, and Eevee into Flareon.
   • Leaf Stone: Evolves Eevee into Leafeon and Nuzleaf into Shiftry.
   • Moon Stone: Evolves Clefairy into Clefable and Jigglypuff into Wigglytuff.
   • Shiny Stone: Evolves Togetic into Togekiss, Roselia into Roserade, Minccino into Cinccino, and Floette into Florges.
   • Sun Stone: Evolves Gloom into Bellossom and Sunkern into Sunflora.
   • Thunder Stone: Evolves Eevee into Jolteon and Pikachu into Raichu.
   • Water Stone: Evolves Eevee into Vaporeon, Poliwhirl into Poliwrath, Shellder into Cloyster, Staryu into Starmie, Lombre into Ludicolo, and Panpour into Simipour.

2. What is the purpose of Merit Points and how can I earn them to buy evolution stones?

   Merit Points (MP) are earned by finding Lost Satchels scattered throughout the Hisui region. These satchels belong to other players who have fainted in the wild. By retrieving them, you receive Merit Points, which can then be exchanged at the Trading Post in Jubilife Village for various items, including evolution stones. It’s a great way to help other players and earn rewards simultaneously.

3. How do Space-Time Distortions work and why are they beneficial for finding evolution items?

   Space-Time Distortions are temporary rifts that appear randomly across the Hisui region. Inside these distortions, rare Pokémon and items, including evolution stones, spawn. They are easily identifiable by a swirling, distorted sky and are marked on your map. They are beneficial because they offer a concentrated source of rare resources.

4. Can I find all evolution stones in every location in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

   While you can find evolution stones in multiple locations, some are more likely to appear in specific areas. For instance, Space-Time Distortions are a generally good source for most stones. The Trading Post offers consistent access if you have enough Merit Points. Some stones may also be found as hidden items in specific biomes, but this is less reliable.

5. What is the difference between using an evolution stone versus leveling up to evolve a Pokémon?

   Using an evolution stone triggers an immediate evolution, regardless of the Pokémon’s level. Some Pokémon require specific stones to evolve at all. Leveling up, on the other hand, is a more traditional method. Some Pokémon evolve at a particular level, while others require specific conditions (like friendship) to be met alongside leveling up.

6. Is there a way to increase the spawn rate of Space-Time Distortions?

   While there’s no guaranteed method to force a Space-Time Distortion to appear, actively exploring different areas of the Hisui region and engaging in battles can increase the likelihood of one forming. Patiently waiting in an area and occasionally battling wild Pokémon tends to be the most effective approach.

7. Besides finding them in the wild or buying them, are there any other ways to obtain evolution stones?

   Yes, completing certain Requests (side quests) throughout the game can reward you with evolution stones. Also, occasionally, NPCs will give you free items, and that might include evolution stones.

8. What is the best strategy for building a balanced team in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

   A balanced team should have a variety of types to cover different weaknesses and resistances. Consider including a strong attacker, a defensive wall, and a Pokémon with good support moves (like healing or status infliction). Adapting your team to the specific challenges of each area is also key.

9. How does the friendship mechanic work in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and which Pokémon require high friendship to evolve?

   Friendship is increased by battling alongside your Pokémon, feeding them berries, and generally caring for them. Pokémon that require high friendship to evolve include Eevee (into Espeon or Umbreon, depending on the time of day), and Golbat (into Crobat). You can check your Pokémon’s friendship level by speaking to an NPC in Jubilife Village.

10. Are there any Pokémon that evolve differently in Pokémon Legends: Arceus compared to other Pokémon games?

    Yes, Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduces new evolution methods for some Pokémon. For instance, Stantler evolves into Wyrdeer by using Psyshield Bash in Agile Style 20 times. Scyther can evolve into Kleavor with Black Augurite. Also, Ursaring can evolve into Ursaluna if you use the Peat Block during a full moon.

11. What is the Agile Style, and why is it important for evolving certain Pokémon like Stantler?

    The Agile Style is a battle technique that allows you to prioritize speed over power in exchange for weakened attacks. It’s crucial for evolving Stantler into Wyrdeer, as you need to use the move Psyshield Bash in this style a specific number of times. Mastering Agile Style is essential for unlocking certain evolutions.

12. How do I evolve Scyther into Kleavor?

    To evolve Scyther into Kleavor, you need to use the item Black Augurite. This item can be found inside Space-Time Distortions or earned as a reward for completing specific requests. Simply use the Black Augurite on Scyther to trigger the evolution.

13. What are some tips for maximizing my chances of finding rare evolution items like the Black Augurite?

    Focus your exploration efforts on Space-Time Distortions, as they offer the highest concentration of rare items. Regularly check the Trading Post for available items. Complete as many Requests as possible to unlock rewards that might include rare items.

14. How do I evolve Eevee into its various forms in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

    Eevee’s evolutions depend on several factors:

    • Flareon, Jolteon, Vaporeon: Use a Fire Stone, Thunder Stone, or Water Stone, respectively.
    • Espeon: High friendship during the daytime.
    • Umbreon: High friendship during the nighttime.
    • Leafeon: Use a Leaf Stone or level up near the Moss Rock in the Obsidian Fieldlands.
    • Glaceon: Use an Ice Stone or level up near the Ice Rock in the Alabaster Icelands.
    • Sylveon: High friendship and knowing a Fairy-type move.

15. What’s the strategy behind evolving Pokémon and which species should I prioritize?

    The strategy should be based on your team composition and the challenges you face. Pokémon that provide specific type coverage or have unique abilities should be prioritized. For example, evolving Happiny into Chansey provides a valuable healer and defender. Experiment with different evolutions to find the best synergy for your team.

Understanding the nuances of evolution in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, especially regarding items like the Oval Stone, adds depth and enjoyment to the game. Experimenting with different strategies and team compositions is part of the fun!

As you continue your adventure in the Hisui region, remember that continuous learning and adaptation are crucial to mastering the game. Consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to further enhance your gaming knowledge and strategic thinking.