How to Evolve Qwilfish into Overqwil in Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet/Violet
Qwilfish, the Balloon Pokémon, has gained a powerful evolution in recent Pokémon games. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to evolve Qwilfish into its evolved form, Overqwil, in both *Pokémon Legends: Arceus* and *Pokémon Scarlet* and *Violet*. While the core mechanic is the same, specific locations and nuances differ slightly between the two games. Let’s dive in!
## Understanding Qwilfish and Overqwil
Before we get into the evolution process, let’s briefly understand what makes these Pokémon unique.
* **Qwilfish:** A dual-type Water/Poison Pokémon, known for its spiky body and ability to inflate itself with water. It’s a somewhat uncommon Pokémon in most regions it inhabits.
* **Overqwil:** A dual-type Dark/Poison Pokémon and Qwilfish’s evolution. It’s significantly more powerful than Qwilfish, boasting higher stats and a menacing appearance. Overqwil is a relatively recent addition to the Pokémon world, debuting in *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*.
The evolution method for Qwilfish to Overqwil isn’t level-based or item-based like many other Pokémon. Instead, it requires mastering a specific move. This adds a layer of skill and strategy to the evolution process, making it more engaging for players.
## Evolving Qwilfish in Pokémon Legends: Arceus
*Pokémon Legends: Arceus* introduced Overqwil, and the evolution method is tied directly to the game’s battle mechanics and move mastery system.
### Step 1: Catch a Qwilfish
First, you need to catch a Qwilfish. In *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*, Qwilfish can be found in the following locations:
* **Obsidian Falls:** Located within the Obsidian Fieldlands. This is a relatively early-game area, making Qwilfish accessible early on.
* **Cobalt Coastlands:** Specifically, in the waters surrounding
* **Ginkgo Landing:** Check the water around the shore.
* **Deadwood Haunt:** Patrol around the broken ships.
* **Islespy Shore:** Surf the water.
* **Alabaster Icelands:** Look in the water around:
* **Lake Acuity:** Check the cave.
Qwilfish is typically found swimming in open water, so use your Basculegion to traverse the seas and lakes. Using berries or food to distract Qwilfish before throwing a Poké Ball can increase your chances of a successful catch. Dusk Balls are particularly effective at night.
### Step 2: Learn and Master Barb Barrage
The key to evolving Qwilfish is mastering the move Barb Barrage. Here’s how to do it:
1. **Level Up Qwilfish:** Qwilfish learns Barb Barrage naturally at level 28. If your Qwilfish is already past this level, you can visit the move tutor in Jubilife Village to have it learn Barb Barrage.
2. **Master Barb Barrage:** This is the crucial part. You need to use Barb Barrage in Agile Style *20 times*. The Agile Style of a move emphasizes speed, allowing you to act more quickly in the turn order, but it typically reduces the move’s power.
* **How to Use Agile Style:** When selecting Barb Barrage in battle, you can press either the ‘L’ or ‘R’ button to switch between Strong Style and Agile Style, respectively. Select Agile Style.
* **Tracking Your Progress:** Unfortunately, the game doesn’t explicitly track how many times you’ve used Barb Barrage in Agile Style. You’ll have to keep count yourself or estimate based on the number of battles you’ve participated in.
* **Optimal Strategy for Mastering Barb Barrage:** Find a low-level area with weak Pokémon. This will allow you to use Barb Barrage in Agile Style repeatedly without risking your Qwilfish fainting. The Obsidian Fieldlands, where you originally found Qwilfish, is an excellent location. Alternatively, you can repeatedly battle against a single strong Pokemon that doesn’t pose a threat. Use Agile Style Barb Barrage and then heal using potions and other items.
### Step 3: Evolve Qwilfish into Overqwil
Once you’ve used Barb Barrage in Agile Style 20 times, Qwilfish will be ready to evolve. The game will notify you that Qwilfish can evolve. Simply open your menu, select Qwilfish, and choose the “Evolve” option.
Congratulations! You now have an Overqwil!
## Evolving Qwilfish in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
While *Pokémon Scarlet* and *Violet* share the same evolution method for Qwilfish to Overqwil as *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*, there are some differences in how you obtain Qwilfish and where you can perform the evolution.
### Step 1: Catch a Qwilfish
In *Pokémon Scarlet* and *Violet*, Qwilfish can be found in the following locations:
* **North Paldea:** Specifically, Qwilfish can be found in the seas surrounding North Paldea. Search the waters around:
* **Casseroya Lake:** A large lake in the northwest corner of Paldea. Qwilfish spawns in various parts of the lake.
* **North Sea:** The open ocean north of Paldea.
* **Coastal Areas:** Around the northern coast of Paldea.
Qwilfish spawns in the water, usually swimming near the surface. Using the Ride Pokémon ability of Koraidon (Scarlet) or Miraidon (Violet) to traverse the water makes finding Qwilfish easier. Like in Arceus, weakening Qwilfish before throwing a Poké Ball increases your catch rate.
### Step 2: Learn and Master Barb Barrage
This step is identical to *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*, but with slight differences due to the battle system in *Scarlet* and *Violet*.
1. **Level Up Qwilfish:** Qwilfish learns Barb Barrage at level 28. If your Qwilfish is already past this level, you can use a TM or visit a move tutor in a Pokémon Center to teach it Barb Barrage.
2. **Master Barb Barrage:** You need to use Barb Barrage *20 times* in battle.
* **Using Barb Barrage:** Unlike *Legends: Arceus* there is no Agile Style or Strong Style in Scarlet and Violet. Simply select Barb Barrage from the moves menu during battle.
* **Tracking Your Progress:** *Scarlet* and *Violet* also do not track your usage of specific moves. You will have to keep count manually.
* **Optimal Strategy for Mastering Barb Barrage:** As with Arceus, find a location with low-level wild Pokemon. This will allow you to repeatedly use Barb Barrage without easily knocking out the wild Pokemon and without risking your own Pokemon fainting. The beach near Los Platos is a solid option. Simply heal between battles.
### Step 3: Evolve Qwilfish into Overqwil
After using Barb Barrage 20 times in battle, Qwilfish will be ready to evolve. Level it up once (either by battling or using a Rare Candy), and it will trigger the evolution into Overqwil.
Congratulations! You now have an Overqwil in *Pokémon Scarlet* or *Violet*!
## Tips and Tricks for Evolving Qwilfish
Here are some additional tips to make the evolution process smoother:
* **Carry Healing Items:** Potions, Super Potions, and Hyper Potions are essential to keep your Qwilfish healthy while repeatedly using Barb Barrage.
* **Use Status Condition Items:** If your Qwilfish gets poisoned or paralyzed, carry items like Antidotes and Paralyze Heals to cure it quickly.
* **Pay Attention to PP:** Barb Barrage has a limited number of PP (Power Points). Use Ethers or Elixirs to restore PP if necessary.
* **Auto Battle:** In *Pokémon Scarlet* and *Violet*, you can use the ‘Let’s Go’ feature to have your Pokémon automatically battle wild Pokémon. However, this method isn’t reliable for mastering Barb Barrage, as you don’t directly control the moves used.
* **Check Your Party:** Ensure you have an open slot in your party or access to a Pokémon Storage System to accommodate Overqwil after it evolves.
## Overqwil: Strengths and Strategies
Now that you have an Overqwil, let’s explore its strengths and how to use it effectively in battle.
* **Typing:** Dark/Poison is a unique typing that grants Overqwil resistances to Psychic, Ghost, Dark, and Poison-type moves, while it’s weak to Ground-type attacks.
* **Stats:** Overqwil has well-rounded stats, with a focus on Attack and Special Defense. This makes it a decent offensive and defensive threat.
* **Moveset:** Overqwil has access to a variety of powerful moves, including:
* **Barb Barrage:** Its signature move, now even more potent.
* **Crunch:** A strong Dark-type move.
* **Poison Jab:** A reliable Poison-type move.
* **Aqua Tail:** A powerful Water-type move.
* **Dark Pulse:** A Special Dark-type move.
* **Destiny Bond:** A very useful move.
* **Strategies:** Overqwil can be used in a variety of roles, including:
* **Offensive Pivot:** Use its high Attack stat to deal significant damage while switching in and out of battle.
* **Status Inflictor:** Utilize moves like Toxic Spikes to inflict poison on the opposing team.
* **Defensive Wall:** With its decent Special Defense, Overqwil can withstand special attacks and stall opponents.
## Conclusion
Evolving Qwilfish into Overqwil is a rewarding endeavor in both *Pokémon Legends: Arceus* and *Pokémon Scarlet* and *Violet*. While the process requires patience and attention to detail, the resulting Pokémon is a valuable addition to any team. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to obtain and master this powerful evolution. Happy training!