Finizen, the charming dolphin Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, has captivated many trainers with its sleek design and unique typing. But how do you evolve this aquatic friend into its powerful final form? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the exact steps needed to evolve Finizen and unlock its full potential.
Understanding Finizen's Evolution
Unlike many Pokémon that evolve through leveling up or using specific items, Finizen's evolution hinges on a specific, often overlooked, in-game mechanic: friendship. This means you need to build a strong bond with your Finizen before it's ready to evolve. Simply battling with it won't be enough; you need to actively increase its happiness or friendship level.
Methods to Increase Finizen's Friendship
Several methods can be employed to boost Finizen's friendship level. Here are some of the most effective strategies:
1. Battling with Finizen:
While battling alone isn't sufficient for evolution, it does contribute to friendship. Ensure Finizen participates regularly in battles, even if it's not the most effective Pokémon on your team. Winning battles will provide a small friendship boost.
2. Using Vitamins:
Vitamins are items specifically designed to increase a Pokémon's stats and, consequently, their friendship level. Using vitamins like Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Carbos, HP Up, and Protein on your Finizen will significantly speed up the friendship-building process. You can purchase these from various Poké Marts throughout Paldea.
3. Leveling Up:
While not as impactful as vitamins or other methods, leveling up your Finizen will gradually increase its friendship. Consistent training and battling will contribute positively to this process.
4. Using the Curry Method:
Cooking curry in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is a fun and efficient way to increase friendship. Prepare curry using ingredients that your Finizen likes, and feeding it to your Pokémon directly after will result in a noticeable friendship boost. Experiment with different ingredient combinations to find your Finizen's preferences.
5. Carrying Finizen in Your Party:
Keep Finizen in your active party as much as possible. Simply having it travel with you increases its friendship over time.
Recognizing Finizen's Happiness:
Knowing when your Finizen is ready to evolve is crucial. While there isn't a specific meter indicating friendship level, you can observe certain clues:
- Heart sparkles: When you view your Finizen's summary, watch for heart sparkles surrounding its sprite. The more sparkles you see, the higher its friendship level.
- Nurse Joy's comments: The nurses in Pokémon Centers will sometimes offer comments about your Pokémon's happiness level. Pay attention to their words.
The Evolution: Finizen to Palafin
Once your Finizen's friendship is high enough, a new option will appear when you select "Let's Go" in the battle menu. Choose this option, and Finizen will evolve into Palafin during the battle. This evolution is triggered only during a battle, not in the overworld. Make sure you have the necessary space in your party before triggering the evolution.
Mastering Palafin: Tips and Strategies
Palafin boasts impressive stats and unique abilities, making it a valuable addition to your team. Familiarize yourself with its strengths and weaknesses to optimize its performance in battles. Remember that Palafin's evolved form, Zero Form, only appears after this initial evolution.
This guide provides a complete overview of how to evolve Finizen. By following these steps, you'll be able to add this powerful Pokémon to your roster and conquer any challenge that Paldea throws your way. Happy training!
