Deino in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Catching and Evolving Guide

In the world of *Pokemon Scarlet & Violet*, the Dark/Dragon-type Hydreigon stands out as one of the most formidable Pokemon available. Trainers eager to harness its power will want to start by catching its pre-evolved forms: Deino and Zweilous. This journey begins in *Pokemon Scarlet*, where you can find and evolve these Pokemon into the mighty Hydreigon. However, for those playing *Pokemon Violet*, acquiring Deino and its evolutions requires a bit more effort, as they are exclusive to *Pokemon Scarlet*.

Updated January 13, 2025 by Renri Seong: The evolution line of Deino, a Dark/Dragon-type, culminates in the powerful pseudo-legendary Hydreigon. Introduced in Generation 5 with *Pokemon Black/White*, this line has become a staple in mainline games, including *Pokemon Scarlet/Violet*. As a version-exclusive, Deino and its evolutions are only available in the wild in *Pokemon Scarlet*, necessitating trades to obtain them in *Pokemon Violet*. With a range of pseudo-legendaries to choose from, you might wonder if Hydreigon is still a top pick. This updated guide provides detailed insights into Hydreigon's stats, type effectiveness, and more.

Where to Catch Deino in Pokemon Scarlet

Deino and Zweilous Locations

In Pokemon Scarlet, Deino can be encountered in several key locations: Alfornada Cavern, Dalizapa Passage, Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two). Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two) are relatively straightforward to reach, while Alfornada Cavern and Dalizapa Passage might require a bit more exploration. Deino in Dalizapa Passage and Alfornada Cavern range from levels 35 to 40.

• Alfornada Cavern: Located in the southwest corner of the Paldea map, you'll need Koraidon's high jump ability to navigate this cave effectively.
• Dalizapa Passage: Accessible by heading east from Medali or west from Zapapico, this passage lies between these two locations on the map.

Deino can also be obtained through 3-star Tera Raids, which become available after earning 3 gym badges. These raid Deinos may have different Tera Types and potentially their Hidden Ability.

Zweilous, Deino's evolved form, can also be found in the wild at Dalizapa Passage, Area Zero, and Alfornada Cavern. Additionally, Zweilous can be encountered in 4-star Tera Raids.

Hydreigon itself can be captured in 5/6-star Tera Raids.

How to Get Deino in Pokemon Violet

How to Trade and Transfer

Since Deino and its evolutionary line are exclusive to Pokemon Scarlet, acquiring them in Pokemon Violet involves trading or transferring. Trading requires a Nintendo Switch Online Membership to access the Union Circle. Alternatively, for those who prefer not to subscribe, transferring via Pokemon HOME from games like Pokemon Sword/Shield, Pokemon GO, or Pokemon Scarlet is an option.

To transfer using Pokemon HOME:

1. Open Pokemon HOME and select the game from which you have Deino. Move Deino to your Basic Box, then save and exit.
2. Within Pokemon HOME, open Pokemon Violet and transfer Deino from the Basic Box to a PC Box. Save and exit.

How to Evolve Deino into Zweilous and Hydreigon

What Level Does Deino Evolve?

Deino evolves into Zweilous at level 50, and Zweilous evolves into Hydreigon at level 64. To expedite this process, you can have Deino or Zweilous participate in auto-battles against large groups of Pokemon for faster experience gain. Alternatively, feeding them Exp. Candies or Rare Candies can be effective, with Exp. Candy L and Exp. Candy XL being particularly useful given Deino's high evolution thresholds.

Is Hydreigon a Good Pokemon?

Hydreigon Stats & Weaknesses

As a pseudo-legendary, Hydreigon ranks among the strongest Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. With a base stat total of 600, it boasts high Special Attack and Attack stats, complemented by good Speed. This makes Hydreigon versatile, capable of excelling with either a Timid (+Spd, -Attk) or Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Attk) Nature.

As a Dark/Dragon-type, Hydreigon's type effectiveness is as follows:

Utilizing Terastallizing, Hydreigon can overcome its significant double weakness to Fairy-type moves. Offensively, changing its Tera Type can enhance its moveset, such as gaining STAB with powerful moves like Flash Cannon. Hydreigon's move pool includes both physical and special attacks, allowing for flexibility in its role as either a physical or special attacker.

Given its vulnerability to Fairy-type moves, equipping Hydreigon with a Steel-type move like Flash Cannon, which it can learn via TM, is advisable. Other recommended moves include Nasty Plot to boost Special Attack, Dragon Pulse (or Draco Meteor), and Dark Pulse to maximize its offensive potential.