Unlocking Goodra: A Comprehensive Guide to Evolving Sliggoo in Pokémon

Sliggoo, the enigmatic and somewhat slimy Dragon-type Pokémon, is a fan favorite for its unique design and the powerful evolution it eventually reaches: Goodra. However, unlike many other Pokémon whose evolutions are triggered by leveling up or using specific items, Sliggoo’s transformation into Goodra requires a particular set of circumstances. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about evolving Sliggoo, from understanding its evolution requirement to finding the right conditions across various Pokémon generations.

Understanding Sliggoo and Its Evolution

Sliggoo is the evolved form of Goomy, a small, adorable Dragon-type that resembles a snail. Sliggoo, on the other hand, is more serpentine and covered in a sticky, gooey substance. Both are incredibly cute in their own way, but for many trainers, the goal is to obtain the powerful and majestic Goodra. Goodra is a Dragon-type pseudo-legendary, boasting impressive stats and a great movepool, making it a valuable addition to any team. But the road to Goodra isn’t straightforward. It’s not enough to simply level up Sliggoo; it requires a specific environmental factor.

The Rain Requirement: Evolving Sliggoo

The key to evolving Sliggoo into Goodra is **rain**. More specifically, Sliggoo needs to level up *while it is raining* in the game world. This sounds simple, but it requires a bit of planning and understanding of the game’s weather mechanics. The specific weather condition is often referred to as *natural rain* to distinguish it from rain caused by moves like Rain Dance. The method has been consistent in the mainline Pokémon games since it was first introduced but finding the right spot and time can vary slightly between the versions.

Detailed Steps for Evolving Sliggoo (Across Generations)

Here’s a breakdown of the steps required to evolve Sliggoo in different generations of Pokémon games, including common issues and solutions:

Generation VI (Pokémon X & Y, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire)

This is where the rain-evolution for Sliggoo was first introduced. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Obtain a Sliggoo:
   • Sliggoo evolves from Goomy starting at level 40.
   • Goomy can be found in various locations, especially in rainy weather (though this rain doesn’t count toward evolution) on Route 14 in Pokémon X and Y or in areas in the Hoenn region in ORAS that are designated with the rain symbol (such as Route 105).
2. Locate a Rainy Area:
   • You need to find a location in the game where it’s naturally raining (not created by the move Rain Dance).
   • In Pokémon X & Y, Route 14 is a primary location, though its rain frequency can vary.
   • In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Routes like 105,120, and 123 have sections where rain can occur naturally.
   • Be patient. The weather in these games is dynamic, and you may need to wait or move between areas for rain to occur.
3. Level Up in the Rain:
   • Once you are in an area where it’s raining, get into a battle.
   • Use Sliggoo in a battle and level it up, either by battling wild Pokémon or other trainers.
   • The moment Sliggoo levels up during natural rain, it will begin its evolution into Goodra.
4. Confirm the Evolution:
   • After leveling up, Sliggoo should immediately start the evolution animation to Goodra.
   • If it does not evolve, ensure that you leveled it up *during rain* and not just while it was drizzling.

Common Issues in Gen VI:

• Confusion with Drizzle: Remember, Drizzle is just a weather condition. It must be raining *naturally* to evolve Sliggoo.
• Patience: Weather in Gen VI can be inconsistent; just wait for rain in the proper areas.

Generation VII (Pokémon Sun & Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon)

The evolution method remains consistent in Gen VII. Here’s how to do it in the Alola region:

1. Obtain a Sliggoo:
   • Sliggoo evolves from Goomy starting at level 40.
   • Goomy can be found in Poni Gauntlet on Poni Island in Sun and Moon.
   • In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, you can find Goomy in the Vast Poni Canyon after completing the game, which is generally easier to access
2. Locate a Rainy Area:
   • Again, you need to find a place where rain occurs naturally, not via a move.
   • In Pokémon Sun and Moon, Poni Gauntlet is the primary location, but you can also sometimes find rain on other parts of Poni Island (or at the very end of the Poni Plains).
   • In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, you can find natural rain in Vast Poni Canyon
   • Weather patterns can change frequently so be prepared to wait or explore.
3. Level Up in the Rain:
   • Once it starts raining naturally, battle with Sliggoo and let it level up in that environment.
   • Use an item, such as a Rare Candy, or fight wild Pokémon or trainers to gain experience.
   • If done correctly, Sliggoo should immediately begin its evolution into Goodra upon leveling up.
4. Confirm the Evolution:
   • After leveling up, Sliggoo should immediately start the evolution animation to Goodra.
   • Double-check the weather and that you leveled up during natural rain.

Common Issues in Gen VII:

• Time of Day: Some weather patterns are more common during specific times of day. If rain isn’t appearing, try changing the time.
• Location: Focus on the specific locations mentioned above for the highest chance of rain occurring.

Generation VIII (Pokémon Sword & Shield, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus)

Gen VIII introduced some new methods and locations for the evolution of Sliggoo. Here’s how it works in each game:

Pokémon Sword & Shield

1. Obtain a Sliggoo:
   • Sliggoo evolves from Goomy starting at level 40.
   • Goomy and Sliggoo can be found as rare encounters in the Wild Area’s Lake of Outrage during rain.
   • They can also be found in the Crown Tundra.
2. Locate a Rainy Area:
   • In the Wild Area, rain occurs randomly. It’s easiest to find rain in the Lake of Outrage.
   • The Crown Tundra also has sections with natural rain.
3. Level Up in the Rain:
   • Wait until it begins to rain naturally. Use Sliggoo in a battle, use an item such as rare candy to gain a level.
   • Sliggoo will evolve as soon as it levels up during this time.
4. Confirm the Evolution:
   • Sliggoo will evolve into Goodra if done correctly.
   • If it doesn’t evolve, double check the weather and your current location.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Unlike the other Gen 8 games, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl do not feature weather based evolutions. Instead, Sliggoo will evolve into Goodra at Level 50 regardless of weather conditions.

1. Obtain a Sliggoo:
   • Sliggoo evolves from Goomy at level 40.
   • Goomy and Sliggoo can be found in the Grand Underground after obtaining the national Pokedex.
2. Level up to Level 50:
   • Simply level Sliggoo to level 50.
   • Sliggoo will evolve automatically once this level is reached.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

In Legends: Arceus, the method changes slightly due to the game’s open-world format. Here’s how to evolve Sliggoo:

1. Obtain a Sliggoo:
   • Sliggoo evolves from Goomy starting at level 40.
   • Goomy and Sliggoo are found in several locations in Hisui.
   • These locations include the Crimson Mirelands, the Coronet Highlands, and the Alabaster Icelands during rain.
2. Locate a Rainy Area:
   • The game’s weather system is less reliant on fixed locations, but you will still need to wait for it to rain.
   • The areas mentioned above have a higher chance of rain.
3. Level Up in the Rain:
   • When it is raining in one of these areas, engage in a battle with a wild Pokémon or traininer and level up.
   • You can also use experience items to gain experience and level up.
   • Sliggoo will start evolving upon reaching the next level in the rain.
4. Confirm the Evolution:
   • If done properly, Sliggoo will evolve into Goodra.
   • Make sure that the area is raining and that you leveled up.

Common Issues in Gen VIII:

• Weather Updates: In Sword & Shield and Legends Arceus, weather can change frequently. Be prepared to wait or move to a new area.
• Location Differences: Be aware that locations where Goomy or Sliggoo are found may not have consistent rain.

Generation IX (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

Scarlet and Violet returns to the traditional method of evolving Sliggoo but with a slight variation. Here’s how to evolve Sliggoo in the Paldea region:

1. Obtain a Sliggoo:
   • Sliggoo evolves from Goomy starting at level 40.
   • Goomy can be found in the North Province (Area One, Area Two, and Area Three) and can also be seen in Casseroya Lake during rainy weather, although rain is not required to find it.
   • Sliggoo can be found in the same locations.
2. Locate a Rainy Area:
   • You will need to go to an area that has natural rain.
   • Several areas can generate rain however, the most common locations are Casseroya Lake and North Province.
3. Level Up in the Rain:
   • Once rain is present, level up Sliggoo in a battle by engaging with a wild Pokémon or trainer.
   • You may also use experience items to gain a level.
   • If leveled up in rain, it will evolve to Goodra.
4. Confirm the Evolution:
   • If the evolution doesn’t happen make sure it was during a natural rain.

Common Issues in Gen IX:

• Weather Specific Spawn Rates: While not a specific challenge to evolution, certain locations may have higher chances of rain, but may have low spawn rates for Sliggoo, requiring you to move between areas.
• Confusing Rain With Sandstorms or Snow: It can be confusing, make sure you’re battling and leveling up in rain specifically

Tips for Finding Rain and Leveling Up

Here are some general tips to make your Sliggoo evolution journey smoother:

• Be Patient: Weather is often random, so be prepared to wait for it to rain in the correct area.
• Check Multiple Areas: If one location isn’t cooperating, try another. Weather patterns can differ throughout each region.
• Use Experience Items: Save time by using Rare Candies or other experience-boosting items to level up Sliggoo when rain appears.
• Save Your Game: Before you level up Sliggoo during rain, save your game. That way, if the evolution doesn’t happen for some reason, you can restart without losing progress.
• Avoid Using Rain Dance: Remember, only natural rain works for Sliggoo’s evolution. Rain Dance will not trigger the evolution.
• Monitor the Weather Closely: The weather can change suddenly. Always check to make sure it is still raining right before you attempt to level up Sliggoo.

Conclusion

Evolving Sliggoo into Goodra is a unique challenge that requires patience and attention to detail. The rain requirement, while seemingly simple, can sometimes be frustrating but also rewarding. By understanding the game’s weather mechanics and following the detailed steps outlined for each generation, you can successfully unlock this powerful pseudo-legendary Pokémon and add it to your team. Good luck, trainers, and happy hunting (and rain-finding)!