Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have taken the series to a different level with an open world, new battle mechanics, and over 100 Pokemon species introduced to the Pokedex. Players can spend hours completing one of three main storylines and exploring the Paldea region to find treasures and Pokemon. Whether experimenting with the new Terastallizing feature or trying to complete their Pokedex, trainers will encounter all kinds of surprises.
For example, there have always been unconventional evolution methods such as trading, using Evolution Stones, or following the day and night cycle. However, evolving a Pokemon called Finizen is the most interesting way to date. Finizen is a Water-type Pokemon that bares a striking resemblance to a dolphin and is found in many areas in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Unfortunately, the same can not be said for its evolved form Palafin and even after catching Finizen, getting it to make the change does not have an apparent in-game solution. So here is everything Pokemon trainers need to know about catching and evolving the aquatic Pokemon.
Where To Find Finizen
Finizen's main territory is the ocean, so they can be found on any coastline in Paldea. Alternatively, players who have upgraded their legendary companion Koraidon or Miraidoncan reach the ones who venture further out to sea. Finizen is a sociable Pokemon that won't run away on sight and is easy to catch once in battle.
For those worried about making it faint, putting it to sleep with a move like Sing, Hypnosis, or Sleep Powder will increase its catch rate without having to decrease its HP as much. Trainers can also use a Net Ball or a Dive Ball since they work better against Water-types to seal the deal. Additionally, Finizen travels in pods, so there will be more than just one.
How To Evolve Finizen Into Palafin
Finizen can only evolve into Palafin during Union Circle gameplay after reaching level 38 and is the only Pokemon that uses this method. The Union Circle is a new online feature in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, where players can explore Paldea with their friends in real-time using a Link or lobby code.
Union Circle can be accessed at Pokemon Centers or from the game menu by pressing X and selecting the Poke Portal. There are options to join or form a group of 2 to 4 people using the same code. Then, to evolve Finizen, players need to level it up to 39 or higher while in a Union Circle group, and it will make the change as usual.
Who Is Palafin
Palafin has two forms:
- Zero
- Hero
The base form, or Zero form, looks just like Finizen but with the shape of a heart on its chest. Its Hero form is bipedal and is significantly more robust than the Zero form, with its Attack stats increased by at least double. The Hero form results from its signature ability, Zero to Hero, that activates once it switches out of battle.
It will finish the match in Hero form when it retakes the field. Palafin is a good team asset because of its Hero form and signature move, Jet Punch, which has increased priority. Luckily, getting one is easy as long as players have internet and at least one other person to play with.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available for the Nintendo Switch.