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Though it might not look like it at a quick glance, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet players can catch and actually evolve fan-favorite Johtonian Pokemon Dunsparce. The normal-type Pokemon received a new evolution, even if it doesn’t look like it from some angles.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet added a number of new cross-generation evolutions, offering new forms for old Pokemon. Though rage demon Annihilape has been the most-talked-about Pokemon of that variety, Dunsparce received a fun new evolution of its own.
Dunsparce’s evolution, Dudunsparce, is a fun new addition to the Pokedex and a signature Pokemon of the player’s rival, Nemona. That said, players can turn the tables and get themselves a Dudunsparce to take down the competition.
Where to Catch Dunsparce
Players can catch Dunsparce throughout much of the Paldea region. The Pokemon is available in a long list of areas, including the Asado Desert the South and East Provinces, and the northwestern reaches of the Glaseado Mountains. Frankly, there are more areas that have Dunsparce than those that don’t. Here is the Pokemon’s habitat, according to the Pokedex:
Dunsparce can also be caught in Area Zero. Area Zero is also the lone location in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet where Dudunsparce appears as a wild Pokemon and is where The Way Home mission takes place. Dudunsparce can also appear as a Tera Raid battle boss in four-star raids while Dunsparce appears in one, two, and three-star raids.
How to Evolve Dunsparce into Dudunsparce in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
Dunsparce can evolve into Dudunsparce by leveling up while knowing the move Hyper Drill. Dunsparce learns the move at level 32.
Dunsparce’s evolution works similarly to Tsareena, rather than Annihilape. While Annihilape and Hisuian Pokemon like Wyrdeer need players to use their signature attack a certain number of times, Dunsparce only needs to have the move learned in order to potentially evolve.
Is Dudunsparce a Good Pokemon?
Dudunsparce is a good Pokemon for the story mode and Tera Raid battles, but has seen limited use in ranked battling. It has the potential to break out in future generations but is likely to struggle throughout the lifespan of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
The potential is there for Dudunsparce to be very powerful. Hyper Drill is a strong move with 100 base power and the unique mechanic of piercing through Protect and Detect. It also has solid base stat distribution, with respectable bulk and attack potential. The big issue is that its normal typing holds it back when many players are changing their Pokemon’s Tera Type to steel, which resists Hyper Drill.
Hyper Drill being able to ignore Protect and Detect does give Dudunsparce some strong potential, but it will struggle so long as every Pokemon is potentially going to become steel type.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available now on Nintendo Switch.