What Level Does Rhydon Evolve in Emerald? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of when Rhydon evolves in Pokémon Emerald is a bit of a trick! The short answer is: Rhydon does not evolve by leveling up in Pokémon Emerald. Instead, to obtain its evolved form, Rhyperior, you need to trade Rhydon while it is holding the Protector item. This is a key difference from some other Pokémon games where evolution is tied to leveling. This article will delve deeper into the specifics of evolving Rhydon in Emerald, providing a complete guide and addressing frequently asked questions about this powerful Rock/Ground-type Pokémon.
Understanding Rhydon’s Evolution in Emerald
Unlike many Pokémon that evolve through leveling up, Rhydon’s path to becoming Rhyperior is more complex in Pokémon Emerald. There is no level requirement for its evolution. The evolution is entirely dependent on using a specific item combined with trading.
The Protector Item
The Protector is a crucial item required for Rhydon’s evolution. This item isn’t available in Emerald itself. The Protector was introduced in later generations of the Pokémon series and added to the code of fan-made rom hacks, which some players may be using. If you are attempting to complete the Pokédex in an unmodified version of Emerald, Rhyperior will not be obtainable without trading it over from a game which features the Protector.
The Trading Process
Once Rhydon is holding the Protector, it needs to be traded to another Pokémon game for evolution. The Protector must be given to Rhydon before you initiate the trade. Once the trade is complete, Rhydon will evolve into Rhyperior on the other player’s game. Once evolved, you can then trade Rhyperior back to your Emerald game (or keep it with the other game).
Summary of the Process
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Obtain a Rhydon: Capture or trade a Rhydon into your game.
- Acquire the Protector: The Protector item is not available in vanilla Emerald and will not be obtainable in most versions. However, it may be obtainable through rom hacks.
- Give the Protector to Rhydon: In the other game, make sure Rhydon is holding the Protector as its held item.
- Trade Rhydon: Trade Rhydon to another person’s game or to yourself using a second console and game.
- Rhydon evolves: Upon arriving in the other player’s game, Rhydon will evolve into Rhyperior.
- Trade Rhyperior back (Optional): Trade Rhyperior back to your Emerald game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rhydon and its Evolution
To further clarify any confusion and provide additional information about Rhydon, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. How do I obtain Rhydon in Pokémon Emerald?
You obtain Rhydon by evolving Rhyhorn at level 42. Rhyhorn can be found in Safari Zone in Emerald. It’s a fairly common Pokémon in this area, but catching one might take a few tries.
2. Can I evolve Rhydon without trading in Emerald?
No, in vanilla Pokémon Emerald, you cannot evolve Rhydon into Rhyperior without trading. The Protector item and the trade mechanic are both necessary.
3. What is the Protector item, and where do I find it?
The Protector is a special evolution item introduced in later generations of the main Pokémon series. It is not available in unmodified Emerald. Some rom hacks may contain it.
4. What level does Rhyhorn evolve into Rhydon?
Rhyhorn evolves into Rhydon at level 42. There is no special item required for this evolution.
5. Why is trading required for Rhydon’s evolution in Emerald?
Trading is required because the evolution to Rhyperior is designed to use the trading mechanic in conjunction with the item to trigger the evolution. This design was introduced in later generations and was not a part of original Pokémon Emerald.
6. Is Rhyperior a strong Pokémon?
Yes, Rhyperior is a very strong Pokémon. It has high attack and defense stats, making it a formidable physical attacker. While it does not evolve through conventional leveling, the effort required for its evolution can be very worthwhile.
7. Is Rhydon immune to Electric-type attacks?
Yes, Rhydon is immune to Electric-type attacks due to its Ground-type classification. However, it’s important to note it has a 4x weakness to Water and Grass-type moves.
8. What are some good counters against Rhydon?
Rhydon’s 4x weakness to Water and Grass makes those types of Pokémon ideal counters. Some good choices include Swampert, Sceptile, and other similar Pokémon.
9. Is Rhydon worth catching and evolving?
Yes, Rhydon is generally considered worth catching and evolving, particularly if you’re aiming to obtain Rhyperior. Rhydon is also a strong Pokemon in its own right, particularly in the mid-game.
10. Does Rhydon learn good moves after evolving to Rhyperior?
Rhyperior gains a significant boost in strength upon evolution, especially in its attack and defensive stats. However, most of the moves it learns are through TM/HM usage and breeding.
11. What are Rhydon’s base stats?
Rhydon has the following base stats:
- HP: 105
- Attack: 130
- Defense: 120
- Special Attack: 45
- Special Defense: 45
- Speed: 40
12. What is Rhydon’s type?
Rhydon is a dual-type Pokémon, classified as both Rock and Ground type. This dual typing gives it resistances to Normal, Flying, Poison, and Fire-type attacks while making it weak to Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, Steel, and Ice types.
13. How do you increase friendship in Emerald?
Friendship is increased through a number of methods including walking, battling, using items, and giving held items. Note, however, that friendship is not relevant for Rhydon’s evolution, which uses trade and item holding mechanics.
14. Is Rhydon the first Pokémon ever created?
While Bulbasaur is #001 in the Pokédex, Rhydon was the first Pokémon to be designed, making it the “first” in that sense.
15. Is there a shiny form of Rhyhorn or Rhydon in Emerald?
Yes, there is a shiny form of Rhyhorn and Rhydon in Emerald. They have a different color palette than their regular forms, but the chance of finding a shiny Pokémon in Emerald is quite low. This would require a lot of patience and luck.
Conclusion
In Pokémon Emerald, the evolution of Rhydon into Rhyperior does not occur through simple leveling. Instead, you must give Rhydon the Protector item and trade it to another game. Understanding this process is key to completing your Pokédex and having a powerful team in the game. While the process can be a little complex, the reward of having a Rhyperior on your team is worth the effort. The information provided should help you navigate Rhydon’s evolution with ease, giving you all you need to know about this special Pokémon in Emerald.