Pokemon Scarlet and Violet adds Tinkatink and its evolutionary successors, Tinkatuff and Tinkaton, to the Paldean Pokedex for Generation 9. Near the beginning of the game, Tinkatink is somewhat commonly spotted by its telltale pop of pink on the Paldean landscape, and players may decide to have one along for the journey ahead.
Tinkatink is an adorable addition to the tradition of child-like Pokemon, such as Charcadet, Sableye, Toxel, and Riolu. But Tinkatink's cute grimace of dismay morphs into the lovable hatred of Tinkaton. Indeed, the design recalls the delightful Chao from Sonic Adventure 2: Battle with its bigheaded, alien-like, bipedal nature. Its Pepto-Bismol little dollop on the head makes Tinkatink an irresistible addition to any trainer's team in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Here's how to find one and get it to evolve.
Tinkatink's Evolutions: Tinkatuff and Tinkaton
Tinkatink retains its innate Fairy/Steel typing when it evolves into its more vengeful forms: Tinkatuff, at level 24; and Tinkaton, at level 38. It evolves naturally as it reaches these levels. To raise its level, a trainer may elect to have it along in the party to observe battles, put it at the head for a bit more experience, or they may occasionally feed it some EXP Candies or Rare Candies. Whatever the case, Tinkaton turns into a formidable Pokemon as its levels increase. It learns indispensable moves such as Play Rough, Flash Cannon, and even the Fighting-type move, Brick Break.
But Tinkaton, particularly, makes a fantastic addition to the team during the trainer's Pokemon League, Starfall, and Herbica Mystica campaigns. This Pokemon's base stats come to an impressive total value of 506, and it excels in both Special Defense and Speed. Tinkaton's Sp. Def. can shield hard enough against the competition to gain a valuable upper edge against any Pokemon whose ace move happens to be a special attack.
HP | Attack | Defense | Special Attack | Special Defense | Speed | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tinkaton's Base Stats | 85 | 75 | 77 | 70 | 105 | 94 | 506 |
Tinkatink's Habitat & Tinkaton's Best Nature
Players can find Tinkatink commonly near the ruins in Areas One and Two of the South Province or Area One of the West — but good luck finding them in abundance. If a trainer happens to be very lucky, they may even happen upon a Shiny Tinkatink, the coloring of which would be very special indeed. Paired with the best nature, the chances are simply astronomical in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Considering that Special Defense is naturally Tinkaton's highest stat (with Speed also admirably high), trainers should take advantage of a certain fighting edge. They may choose to capitalize on that stat by obtaining a Pokemon nature that increases the base Special Defense by 10%. Out of 25 different Pokemon natures, the four that innately increase Special Defense power are Calm, Gentle, Careful, and Sassy. Consider also, though, that each of those natures lowers a specific stat as well:
Nature | Increased Stat | Decreased Stat |
|---|---|---|
Calm | Special Defense | Attack |
Gentle | Special Defense | Defense |
Careful | Special Defense | Special Attack |
Sassy | Special Defense | Speed |
Since Tinkaton naturally excels in both Special Defense and Speed, the best stats to be lower may be Attack or Defense, making Calm and Gentle the best natures for any Tinkaton to have. And now commences the hunt for a Tinkaton with the best nature—that very disposition a trainer has their heart set on—with the bracing knowledge that a Pokemon's nature and shininess will always remain intact.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available for the Nintendo Switch.