Complete guide to finding, evolving, and choosing between Applin’s evolutionary forms in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Introduction to the Apple Dragon Pokemon
Applin, Flapple, and Appletun represent one of Pokemon’s most unique evolutionary families, returning in Scarlet and Violet with expanded availability and new strategic options. These Grass/Dragon-type creatures originally debuted in Generation 8’s Sword and Shield games.
Unlike their initial appearance where evolutions were version-exclusive, Scarlet and Violet players can obtain both Appletun and Flapple regardless of which version they own. This removes the previous trading requirement and makes completing the Pokedex significantly more accessible.
The Indigo Disk DLC introduced a brand new evolutionary branch with Dipplin and its subsequent evolution Hydrapple, creating additional strategic depth for trainers invested in this Pokemon line. While we focus on the original evolutions here, advanced players should note these newer forms offer competitive advantages.
Where to Find Applin
Capturing Applin requires understanding its unique spawning mechanics. Unlike most Pokemon that appear in tall grass, this apple-dwelling creature primarily appears when you dash into specific trees while riding Koraidon or Miraidon. The essential Dash ability becomes available after completing ‘The Search For the Stone Cliff Titan’ story quest.
For trainers seeking more efficient hunting methods, crafting a Great Avocado Sandwich using x1 Avocado, x1 Smoked Fillet, x1 Tomato, and x1 Salt provides Dragon-type encounter power. This meal dramatically increases Applin spawn rates, making them appear wandering in their habitat areas rather than requiring tree collisions.
Base game locations where Applin consistently appears include:
The Teal Mask DLC expands Applin’s habitat to Kitakami with these primary locations:
While Applin doesn’t spawn naturally in The Indigo Disk’s wild areas, trainers can encounter it through one-star and two-star Tera Raid battles scattered throughout the new biome.
Evolution Methods for Appletun and Flapple
In Paldea’s core regions, neither Appletun nor Flapple appear as wild encounters. Instead, trainers must evolve Applin using specific evolutionary items. The exception exists for players who own The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansion, as both evolved forms gain limited wild spawns in Kitakami.
Applin evolves into the pie-like Appletun when exposed to a Sweet Apple evolutionary item. These specialized apples can be purchased for $2,200 Poke Dollars from Delibird Presents merchandise stores located in Mesagoza, Cascarrafa, and Levincia. Store access requires defeating at least three Gym Leaders to unlock their evolution item inventory.
Applin transforms into the winged Flapple when given a Tart Apple evolution catalyst. Identical to Sweet Apples, these cost $2,200 and become available at the same Delibird Presents locations after achieving three Gym Badges. Strategic trainers often purchase both apples simultaneously to create both evolutionary forms.
For DLC owners, both evolved forms gain rare wild spawns in Mossfell Confluence near the Candy Apple Stand in southeastern Kitakami. Additionally, five-star Tera Raid battles in The Indigo Disk DLC provide opportunities to capture pre-evolved specimens with potentially superior stats.
Appletun vs Flapple: Which Should You Choose?
Understanding the statistical and strategic differences between Applin’s evolutionary paths is crucial for team building. Appletun specializes as a defensive special attacker with exceptional HP and Special Attack stats, functioning as a durable damage dealer that withstands multiple hits while dealing substantial special damage.
Flapple adopts the opposite approach, emphasizing physical offense with superior Attack and Speed characteristics. While not exceptionally fast compared to dedicated speedsters, Flapple outpaces Appletun significantly and hits harder with physical moves like Dragon Rush and Seed Bomb.
The competitive landscape shifted dramatically with The Indigo Disk’s introduction of Hydrapple. This multi-headed evolution surpasses both original forms with exceptional abilities like Supersweet Syrup, which automatically lowers opponent evasion upon entering battle. For serious competitive teams, Hydrapple represents the optimal choice.
For trainers without DLC access, Appletun generally provides better performance despite its sluggish speed. Its superior bulk allows survival against powerful attacks, while its special movepool including Energy Ball and Draco Meteor capitalizes on its higher special attack stat. Flapple’s physical orientation faces more competition from other Dragon-types.
Advanced Catching and Training Strategies
Serious trainers should implement several advanced techniques when hunting and training Applin evolutionary forms. For shiny hunters, combining the Shiny Charm with Dragon-type sparkling power sandwiches significantly improves odds. Target trees in South Province Area Four during mass outbreaks for optimal shiny Applin hunting efficiency.
Common mistakes include evolving Applin too early before verifying its individual values (IVs) and nature. Always check these stats using the judge function post-game and consider breeding for optimal spreads. Modest nature benefits Appletun, while Adamant suits Flapple better. Avoid evolving Pokemon with poor IV distributions.
Competitive builds for Appletun should prioritize HP and Special Attack EV training with moves like Giga Drain, Draco Meteor, and Apple Acid. Flapple performs better with Attack and Speed investment utilizing Dragon Dance, Outrage, and Grav Apple. Both benefit from Assault Vest or Leftovers held items depending on your team needs.
Remember that Tera Raid battles provide alternative capture methods for all three forms, often with guaranteed perfect IVs in several stats. Five-star Appletun and Flapple raids offer particularly valuable specimens for competitive training without extensive breeding requirements.
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