When Should You Evolve Buizel? The Definitive Guide

So, you’ve got a Buizel, that adorable Sea Weasel Pokémon, and you’re itching to evolve it into the sleek Floatzel. But a crucial question lingers: When’s the right time? The short and sweet answer is: it depends on your strategy and the game you’re playing. Generally, evolve Buizel at level 26 as the game suggests. But, if you want it to learn key moves earlier, you might want to hold off for a bit.

Let’s dive into the nuances of Buizel’s evolution, move sets, and how it performs in different Pokémon games to help you make the best decision.

The Level 26 Threshold: Default Evolution

As the game explicitly states, Buizel evolves into Floatzel at level 26. This is the standard, no-frills approach. If you’re not overly concerned with min-maxing and just want a Floatzel as quickly as possible, level 26 is your target.

Benefits of Evolving at Level 26

• Early Access to Floatzel’s Stats: Floatzel has higher base stats than Buizel, meaning it will generally perform better in battles as soon as it evolves. This can be particularly helpful in the main story playthroughs.
• Floatzel-Exclusive Moves: While delaying evolution can grant early access to some moves, Floatzel eventually learns moves that Buizel simply cannot.

The Delayed Evolution Strategy: Move Acquisition

The core reason to delay Buizel’s evolution is to learn certain moves at a lower level than Floatzel would. Pokémon learn moves at different levels depending on their evolution stage. This is crucial in earlier Pokémon games.

How to Delay Evolution Effectively

• Everstone: Equip Buizel with an Everstone. This item prevents evolution as long as it’s held by the Pokémon. You can usually find them in-game.
• Press ‘B’: When Buizel reaches level 26 (or any subsequent level where it would evolve), the game will prompt you to evolve. Simply press the ‘B’ button to cancel the evolution.

Move Set Considerations

Before delaying, research which moves you’d gain faster and when. Think about which moves are important for your team composition and play style. Some useful water-type moves are Aqua Jet and Water Pulse.

Potential Drawbacks of Delaying

• Lower Stats: Remember that an unevolved Buizel will always be weaker than a Floatzel of the same level. This can make some battles more challenging.
• Opportunity Cost: Spending time leveling Buizel without evolving means you’re missing out on the power Floatzel could bring.

Buizel and Floatzel in Specific Games

The decision to evolve or delay also depends on the specific Pokémon game you’re playing. Here’s a look at how they perform in various titles.

Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum (D/P/Pt)

• Buizel is readily available early in the game, making it a popular water-type choice.
• Floatzel can be a strong asset to your team, especially if you need a fast attacker.
• Consider delaying evolution slightly to learn crucial moves before evolving into Floatzel, which can be extremely beneficial in trainer battles and against gym leaders.

Legends: Arceus

• Buizel is plentiful in the Obsidian Fieldlands.
• In Legends: Arceus, you can evolve Buizel at any time after it reaches level 26.
• Move learning is also more flexible in Legends: Arceus, so the decision to delay is less critical.

Scarlet and Violet (SV)

• Floatzel is available but faces stiff competition from other water-type Pokémon like Quaquaval.
• Floatzel has a niche due to its high Attack and Speed.
• The flexibility in move learning in Scarlet and Violet diminishes the need to delay evolution for specific moves.

Competitive Battling vs. In-Game Play

• In-Game Play: Buizel and Floatzel are generally good choices for the main story. Their availability, speed, and attack power can help you progress smoothly.
• Competitive Battling: Floatzel is not a top-tier competitive Pokémon. Other water-types offer better stats, abilities, and move sets.

Little Cup Considerations

• Little Cup is a competitive format where only unevolved Pokémon are allowed.
• Buizel can be a strong contender in Little Cup due to its speed and decent attack.

Final Recommendation

If you’re playing through the main story of a game, evolving at level 26 is usually a safe bet. If you are strategically trying to secure a key move before hand, you might want to hold off until after you reach that level.

Other Pokémon To Consider

• Vaporeon: Some players suggest alternatives like Vaporeon. In some games, an Eevee is available, and evolving it into Vaporeon can provide a strong water-type with high HP.
• Azumarill: Azumarill has a different set of strengths, particularly its ability Huge Power, which boosts its Attack stat significantly.

Learning Through Play

Understanding the nuances of Buizel’s evolution is just one aspect of mastering Pokémon. For those interested in the educational value of gaming, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society. GamesLearningSociety.org studies how games can foster learning and problem-solving skills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What level does Buizel evolve at?

Buizel evolves into Floatzel starting at level 26.

2. Is it worth delaying Buizel’s evolution to learn specific moves?

Yes, delaying Buizel’s evolution can be beneficial if you want it to learn certain moves earlier than Floatzel would. Research which moves are important for your team composition before deciding.

3. Is Buizel good in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?

Floatzel in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet is a decent water-type attacker but faces competition from other Pokémon like Quaquaval. Its high Speed and Attack make it a niche pick.

4. Is Buizel a strong Pokémon overall?

Buizel can be strong in the early to mid-game, especially in the story mode. Floatzel can be powerful late-game but is not top-tier in competitive battling.

5. What are the downsides of not evolving Buizel?

The main downside is that an unevolved Buizel has lower stats compared to Floatzel, making battles more challenging.

6. How do I delay Buizel’s evolution?

You can delay Buizel’s evolution by equipping it with an Everstone or by pressing the ‘B’ button when the game prompts you to evolve it at level 26.

7. Is Floatzel a good water-type Pokémon?

Floatzel is a decent water-type with good Attack and Speed. It can be a useful addition to your team if you need a fast physical attacker.

8. Where can I find Buizel in Pokemon Legends: Arceus?

Buizel can be found in numerous areas in the Obsidian Fieldlands, specifically in Horseshoe Plains and Windswept Run.

9. Is Buizel better than Psyduck?

Buizel is faster and has better attack compared to Psyduck.

10. Is there a downside to not evolving Pokémon in general?

Yes, unevolved Pokémon have to train harder to keep up with evolved Pokémon because their stats gain fewer boosts when they level up.

11. What Pokémon can defeat Floatzel in battle?

Strong electric and grass-type Pokémon are effective counters against Floatzel. For example, in Pokémon GO, counters include Mega Sceptile and Shadow Raikou.

12. Is Buizel shiny rare?

Yes, Shiny Buizel can be quite rare, especially during special events in games like Pokémon GO.

13. How many times can Buizel evolve?

Buizel evolves only once, into Floatzel at level 26.

14. What stats make Floatzel stand out?

Floatzel is known for its high Attack and Speed stats, making it a fast physical attacker.

15. Why did Ash trade for Buizel in the anime?

Dawn traded her Buizel to Ash because Buizel showed a strong love for battling, while Ash’s Aipom was more interested in Contests.