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Why Isn’t My Tangela Evolving? A Vine-Tastic Troubleshooting Guide

Your Tangela isn’t evolving? Don’t get tangled up in frustration! The reason is simple: Tangela evolves into Tangrowth when leveled up while knowing the move Ancient Power. This evolution method, introduced in Generation IV (Diamond and Pearl), deviates from the standard level-up or item-based evolutions. You need to teach Tangela Ancient Power, which is the key to unlocking its evolved form.

Understanding the Ancient Power Requirement

The core problem lies in the necessity of the Ancient Power move. You can’t just level up Tangela to a certain point and expect it to magically transform. There are a few ways to acquire this vital move, depending on the specific Pokémon game you’re playing. Let’s break down the most common scenarios:

Level-Up: In many games, including Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Tangela learns Ancient Power automatically at a certain level. The exact level may vary slightly between games (often around level 33 or 34), but generally, patient training will eventually reward you with the move. Check your specific game’s Pokédex or online resources to confirm the exact level.
Move Reminder: If your Tangela has already passed the level where it learns Ancient Power, you might need to visit a Move Reminder. These NPCs (Non-Player Characters) are typically found in Pokémon Centers or specific towns and allow you to re-learn moves your Pokémon may have forgotten. This is crucial if Tangela previously knew Ancient Power but you replaced it with another move.
TM or TR: In some games, Ancient Power may be available as a Technical Machine (TM) or Technical Record (TR). These items can be used to teach the move to your Tangela. TMs are generally one-time use items in older games but can be used repeatedly in more recent iterations. TRs, introduced in Sword and Shield, are similar to TMs but are consumed upon use. Look for these items in shops, as rewards for completing quests, or as wild drops.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with the above information, some common mistakes can prevent Tangela’s evolution. Double-check the following:

Selected the Move: Even if Tangela knows Ancient Power, the evolution won’t trigger unless it is selected as one of its four active moves. Make sure Ancient Power is not sitting unused in its move list. You can check this in the Pokémon’s summary screen.
Level Up After Learning: Tangela usually needs to level up after learning Ancient Power for the evolution to trigger. If you taught it the move via Move Reminder or TM/TR, make sure to gain at least one more level through battles or using EXP Candies.
Game-Specific Mechanics: While the Ancient Power requirement is consistent, the specifics of how you teach Tangela the move can vary greatly between different Pokémon games. Consult your game’s documentation or online guides for precise instructions.
Glitches: While rare, glitches can sometimes prevent evolutions. If you’ve tried everything else and Tangela still won’t evolve, consider restarting your game or consulting online forums for potential bug fixes.

The Evolutionary Enigma: Why Ancient Power?

You might be wondering, why Ancient Power specifically? The connection is rooted in the lore of the Pokémon world. The move Ancient Power is often associated with Pokémon from prehistoric times, hinting at a connection to the distant past. The theory is that the surge of power from using Ancient Power triggers a latent evolutionary potential, transforming Tangela into the larger, more robust Tangrowth. This evolutionary mechanic also applies to other Pokémon like Yanma (evolving into Yanmega) and Piloswine (evolving into Mamoswine), further reinforcing the association with ancient power and evolution. This kind of world building is just one of the reasons why people love to engage and explore this game. You can learn more about why people enjoy gaming at the Games Learning Society website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What level does Tangela learn Ancient Power in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Tangela learns Ancient Power around level 34. However, you can also teach it Ancient Power earlier by purchasing the move from the Training Grounds in Jubilife Village once you reach a certain point in the story.

2. Can Tangela evolve in Pokémon Go?

Yes, Tangela can evolve in Pokémon Go. You need 100 Tangela Candy and a Sinnoh Stone to evolve Tangela into Tangrowth.

3. How do I get a Sinnoh Stone in Pokémon Go?

Sinnoh Stones can be obtained through various methods in Pokémon Go, including:

Research Breakthroughs: Completing Field Research tasks for seven days in a row.
Trainer Battles: Participating in Trainer Battles against other players or Team Leaders.
Team GO Rocket Battles: Defeating Team GO Rocket Leaders.
Special Research Tasks: Completing specific Special Research storylines.
Limited-Time Events: Certain events may offer Sinnoh Stones as rewards.

4. Does Tangela evolve in Pokémon Quest?

No, Tangela does not evolve in Pokémon Quest. Evolution mechanics are simplified in this spin-off title.

5. What if my Tangela already knows four moves?

If Tangela’s moveset is full, you’ll need to replace one of its existing moves with Ancient Power. Go to your Pokémon’s summary and select the move you want to replace.

6. I taught Tangela Ancient Power, but it still won’t evolve!

Make sure Ancient Power is selected as one of Tangela’s active moves. Also, try leveling up Tangela one more time after teaching it Ancient Power.

7. Is Tangrowth a good Pokémon to use in battle?

Yes, Tangrowth is a strong and bulky Grass-type Pokémon, especially useful in competitive battles. It has high Attack and Defense stats and can learn a variety of powerful moves. It’s particularly effective in Ultra League or Master League formats.

8. Can Tangela be shiny?

Yes, Tangela can be shiny in most Pokémon games, including Pokémon Go. Shiny Tangela has a slightly different color palette, making it a highly sought-after variant.

9. What is the best moveset for Tangrowth?

The best moveset for Tangrowth depends on the game and the specific battle scenario. However, some common and effective moves include:

Grass-type: Giga Drain, Power Whip, Leaf Storm
Coverage: Earthquake, Knock Off, Sludge Bomb, Ancient Power

10. Why is Tangela a Grass-type Pokémon?

Tangela’s design is based on a mass of vines, clearly connecting it to the plant kingdom. Its Grass typing reflects this visual representation and gives it certain strengths and weaknesses in battle.

11. What are Tangela’s weaknesses?

As a Grass-type Pokémon, Tangela is weak against Fire, Flying, Poison, Bug, and Ice-type moves.

12. What are Tangela’s strengths?

Tangela is strong against Water, Ground, Rock, and other Grass-type moves.

13. Where can I find Tangela in different Pokémon games?

Tangela’s location varies depending on the game:

Pokémon Legends: Arceus: Crimson Mirelands, Gapejaw Bog
Pokémon Go: Found in the wild, especially in grassy areas.
Other games: Check specific game guides for detailed location information.

14. Does friendship affect Tangela’s evolution?

No, friendship does not affect Tangela’s evolution. It evolves solely by leveling up while knowing Ancient Power. This is different from Pokémon like Buneary, which evolve based on high friendship.

15. Are there any items that can help Tangela learn Ancient Power faster?

Items like Rare Candies and EXP Candies can help Tangela level up faster, which indirectly speeds up the process of learning Ancient Power. However, no item directly teaches Tangela the move.

By following these tips and troubleshooting steps, you’ll have your Tangela evolving into a Tangrowth in no time! Good luck, and happy training!

Why isn t my tangela evolving?