The Dark/Dragon-type Hydreigon stands out as one of the most formidable Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, making it a must-have for any serious trainer looking to bolster their Pokedex. To harness the full power of Hydreigon, you'll first need to acquire its pre-evolved forms: Deino and Zweilous. These early forms pave the way for evolving the Irate Deino into the Brutal Hydreigon. However, a key point to note is that Deino and its evolutions are exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet, meaning players of Pokémon Violet will need to explore alternative methods to add them to their collection.
Updated January 13, 2025 by Renri Seong: The evolution line from Deino to the powerful pseudo-legendary Hydreigon first debuted in Generation 5's Pokémon Black/White. Since then, these Pokémon have remained a staple in mainline titles, including Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. As with many new generations, Deino and its evolutions are version-exclusives; they roam freely in the wild in Pokémon Scarlet, but for Pokémon Violet players, trading is the key to acquisition. With the array of pseudo-legendary Pokémon available in Scarlet & Violet, you might be wondering if Hydreigon still holds up. This guide has been updated to provide fresh insights on Hydreigon, including detailed stats and type effectiveness.
Where to Catch Deino in Pokémon Scarlet
Deino and Zweilous Locations
In Pokémon Scarlet, Deino can be found in several locations: Alfornada Cavern, Dalizapa Passage, Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two). Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two) are straightforward to locate and access, while Alfornada Cavern and Dalizapa Passage might require a bit more exploration. In Dalizapa Passage and Alfornada Cavern, you'll encounter Deino at levels 35-40.
- Alfornada Cavern: Located in the southwest corner of the Paldea map, you'll need Koraidon's high jump ability to navigate the cave.
- Dalizapa Passage: Accessible by heading east from Medali or west from Zapapico, it's situated between these two points on the map.
Additionally, Deino can be obtained from 3-star Tera Raids, which become available after earning 3 gym badges. These raid Deinos may have different Tera Types than their wild counterparts and could possess a Hidden Ability.
Zweilous, the evolved form of Deino, can also be found in the wild at Dalizapa Passage, Area Zero, and Alfornada Cavern. Similar to Deino, Zweilous can be encountered in Tera Raids, specifically in 4-star raids.
Hydreigon, the final form, can be captured in 5/6-star Tera Raids.
How to Get Deino in Pokémon Violet
How to Trade and Transfer
Since Deino and its evolutions are exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet, players of Pokémon Violet must resort to trading or transferring to obtain one. For trading, a Nintendo Switch Online Membership is required to access the Union Circle. If you're not keen on subscribing, consider using Pokémon HOME to transfer Deino from another compatible game into Pokémon Violet.
To transfer using HOME:
- Open Pokémon HOME, select the game from which you have Deino, and move it to your Basic Box. Save and exit.
- Re-enter HOME, open Pokémon 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 further evolves into Hydreigon at level 64. To expedite this process, utilize Deino/Zweilous in auto-battles against large groups of Pokémon for faster experience gain. Alternatively, feeding them Exp. Candies or Rare Candies can speed up their evolution. Exp. Candy L and Exp. Candy XL are particularly effective due to Deino's high evolution threshold.
Is Hydreigon a Good Pokémon?
Hydreigon Stats & Weaknesses
As a pseudo-legendary, Hydreigon is among the most powerful Pokémon in Pokémon 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, suitable for both Timid (+Spd, -Attk) or Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Attk) Natures.
- HP: 92
- Attack: 105
- Special Attack: 125
- Defense: 90
- Special Defense: 90
- Speed: 98
- Total: 600
As a Dark/Dragon-type, Hydreigon's type effectiveness includes:
- Super-effective against: Dragon, Ghost, Psychic
- Weaknesses: Fairy (4x), Fighting, Bug, Dragon, Ice
- Resistances: Grass, Water, Fire, Electric, Ghost, Dark
- Immunities: Ground, Psychic
Thanks to Terastallizing, Hydreigon can mitigate its severe weakness to Fairy-type moves. Offensively, changing its Tera Type can enhance STAB on potent moves like Flash Cannon. Hydreigon can serve effectively as either a physical or special attacker, given its diverse move set.
However, its significant vulnerability to Fairy-type moves necessitates learning a Steel-type move. Flash Cannon, accessible via TM, is the only Steel-type move Hydreigon can learn, though it's limited to special attacks. For optimal performance, consider moves like Nasty Plot to boost Special Attack, Dragon Pulse (or Draco Meteor), and Dark Pulse.
