Tyranitar has long been one of the most powerful Pokemon around, and that hasn’t changed in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Players can catch and evolve a Larvitar to get themselves one of the most fearsome offensive threats in the series.
While the series has long had some spooky-looking Pokemon, few are more intimidating than Tyranitar. The rock-dark Pokemon was basically introduced to be a direct counter to Mewtwo, and while psychic Pokemon have fallen off over time, Tyranitar is as strong as ever in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
Not only is Tyranitar as strong as ever, but it’s also a uniquely strong beneficiary of Terastallization. With a different Tera Type, it’s capable of shedding the defensive liabilities that have traditionally kept it in check. Here’s how players can catch, evolve, and use a Larvitar and Tyranitar.
How to Catch Larvitar
Larvitar can be caught in a few different early-game areas in Pokemon Scarlet including South Province Area Five and East Province Area Area Three. It can be found along much of the path between Mesagoza’s southern exit and Artazon, where players face grass-type gym leader Brassius. It can also be found along most of the path from Levincia to Medali:
Unfortunately for Pokemon Violet players, Larvitar is a Pokemon Scarlet exclusive. Pokemon Violet players can get one by trading or taking part in a raid hosted by a Pokemon Scarlet player. That said, players can also take advantage of the many trade codes for swapping version exclusives.
How to Evolve Larvitar to Tyranitar
Larvitar evolves into Pupitar at level 30, while Pupitar evolves into Tyranitar at level 55. Players can catch a Pupitar in Alfornada Cavern. Pupitar found there start at level 42, which allows players to evolve it relatively quickly.
Tyranitar cannot be caught in the wild. The only way to directly catch a Tyranitar is from a five-star or six-star Tera Raid battle. Players looking to complete their Pokedex are best served by simply evolving one themselves, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the Poke Portal to see what’s available.
Is Tyranitar a Strong Pokemon?
Tyranitar is a very strong Pokemon and serves as the centerpiece for many powerful Sandstorm teams. This stems from its high base stat total, large move set, and the Sand Stream ability.
Sand Stream automatically sets up a sandstorm, which gives Tyranitar and other rock-type Pokemon a big defense boost. Even though Tyranitar is doubly weak to fighting-type moves, it can endure hits with sufficient Defense EVs. If worse comes to worst, it now has the ability to Terrastalize and gain a different typing.
That strength and versatility allow it to be powerful in singles and doubles battles. It’s also a solid Tera Raid option, but players ought to be careful about hurting their allies with sandstorm and make sure the raid boss doesn’t have a fighting move.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available now on Nintendo Switch.