Evolving Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus often requires different methods than previous games. Sneasel, a dual-type Dark/Ice Pokémon, is no exception. In older games, evolving Sneasel into Weavile was relatively straightforward, relying on a simple level-up mechanic while holding a specific item at night. Pokémon Legends: Arceus shakes things up by removing hold items for evolution and shifting the time mechanics. This guide will provide a comprehensive walkthrough on how to evolve Sneasel into Weavile in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Understanding Sneasel and Weavile
Before diving into the evolution process, let’s understand the key characteristics of Sneasel and its evolved form, Weavile:
- Sneasel: A dual-type Dark/Ice Pokémon. It is known for its cunning and sharp claws. Sneasel are found in colder regions and are primarily active at night. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you encounter the Hisuian variant, which is a dual-type Fighting/Poison Pokemon.
- Weavile: The evolved form of Sneasel. Weavile retains the Dark/Ice typing of its Johtonian pre-evolution but gains enhanced speed and attack power. It is known for its pack hunting behavior and deadly agility.
Locating Sneasel in Pokémon Legends: Arceus
To begin the evolution process, you first need to catch a Sneasel. This is the first key step in evolving your Sneasel into a Weavile. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Sneasel are found in a few specific locations:
- Alabaster Icelands: This is the primary location for Sneasel. You can find them in areas like:
- Avalanche Slopes: Search along the slopes and icy areas. Sneasel frequently spawn here, especially during the evening and night.
- Icebound Falls: Check near the waterfalls and surrounding icy terrain. Sneasel tend to roam this area.
- Bonechill Wastes: Look around the open snowy areas. This region has a reasonable chance of Sneasel appearances.
Catching Sneasel: Tips and Strategies
Sneasel can be somewhat skittish, so it’s essential to approach them cautiously. Here are a few tips to increase your chances of a successful encounter and capture:
- Stealth: Use tall grass or crouch to approach Sneasel without being detected. This will prevent them from running away.
- Berries: Throw berries, such as Oran Berries or Razz Berries, to distract Sneasel. This will make them easier to approach and catch.
- Back Strikes: Aim for a back strike when throwing a Poké Ball. This significantly increases the catch rate.
- Poké Ball Choice: Use higher-tier Poké Balls like Great Balls or Ultra Balls to improve your chances of catching Sneasel, especially if it has a higher level.
- Weather Conditions: Be aware that weather conditions can affect Pokémon spawns. Snowstorms, for example, might increase Ice-type Pokémon appearances.
The Razor Claw: The Key to Evolution
The key item needed to evolve Sneasel into Weavile is the Razor Claw. Unlike previous Pokémon games, in Legends: Arceus, you do not need to have Sneasel hold the Razor Claw. Instead, you use the Razor Claw on Sneasel from your inventory during the appropriate time of day. Here’s how to obtain a Razor Claw:
- Purchase from the Trading Post: One of the most reliable methods is to purchase a Razor Claw from the Trading Post in Jubilife Village. The Trading Post is run by Simona, and she accepts Merit Points (MP) in exchange for items. You earn Merit Points by finding lost satchels scattered around the Hisui region and returning them via the Lost & Found menu. Razor Claws cost 1,400 MP.
- Graveler spawns: Razor Claws can also drop from wild Graveler spawns throughout the Hisui region, though this is a very rare occurrence.
- Space-Time Distortions: Space-Time Distortions have a chance of containing a Razor Claw. These distortions appear randomly in different areas and are filled with rare Pokémon and valuable items. Explore these carefully, as they offer a great opportunity to find rare evolution items.
Step-by-Step Guide to Evolving Sneasel
Now that you have a Sneasel and a Razor Claw, here’s how to evolve it into Weavile:
- Ensure it is Nighttime: Weavile can only be evolved at night, so you’ll need to ensure that it’s nighttime in the game. If it’s not night, you can rest at a camp until nighttime or wait until the in-game clock progresses.
- Open Your Inventory: Press the up arrow on the D-pad to open your inventory.
- Select the Razor Claw: Navigate to the Razor Claw in your inventory and select it.
- Choose Sneasel: The game will prompt you to choose a Pokémon to use the Razor Claw on. Select your Sneasel.
- Confirm Evolution: A confirmation message will appear, asking if you want to use the Razor Claw on Sneasel. Confirm your choice.
- Witness the Evolution: Sneasel will begin to evolve into Weavile. Watch the evolution sequence, and congratulations – you now have a Weavile!
Tips for Finding Merit Points (MP)
Since purchasing a Razor Claw from the Trading Post is the most reliable method, here are tips for efficiently gathering Merit Points:
- Explore Thoroughly: Search every area you visit for lost satchels. They appear as small icons on your map, making them easy to locate.
- Check High-Traffic Areas: Areas near towns or popular routes tend to have more lost satchels.
- Fly High: When flying on Braviary, you can spot lost satchels from a higher vantage point, making them easier to find.
- Online Connectivity: Ensure you are connected to the internet to see lost satchels from other players.
- Regularly Return Satchels: Return satchels regularly via the Lost & Found menu to claim your Merit Points.
Using Space-Time Distortions to Your Advantage
Space-Time Distortions are dynamic events that randomly appear in different areas of the Hisui region. These distortions are not only a great source of rare Pokémon but also contain valuable items, including evolution items like the Razor Claw. Here’s how to make the most of Space-Time Distortions:
- Monitor the Map: Keep an eye on your map for the swirling distortions that indicate a Space-Time Distortion is active.
- Enter Quickly: As soon as you see a distortion, head towards it. They can disappear after a certain amount of time.
- Battle and Collect: Be prepared for battles with strong Pokémon inside the distortion. Defeat or catch them to clear the way for item collection. Look for sparkling items on the ground, which can include evolution stones, shards, and the Razor Claw.
- Repeat Visits: Space-Time Distortions can appear multiple times in the same area, so keep returning to check for new opportunities.
Understanding Day and Night Mechanics
The day and night cycle is crucial for evolving Sneasel into Weavile. Here’s how to manage time effectively in Pokémon Legends: Arceus:
- Rest at Camps: You can rest at any campsite in the game to advance the time of day. Choose “Wait until nightfall” to switch to nighttime.
- Monitor the Sky: Pay attention to the in-game sky and lighting to gauge the time of day. The environment will gradually darken as night approaches.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, players encounter issues when trying to evolve Sneasel. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Incorrect Time: Make sure it is actually nighttime in the game. The evolution will not trigger during the day.
- Insufficient Merit Points: If you’re trying to buy the Razor Claw, ensure you have enough Merit Points. Focus on finding and returning more lost satchels.
- Game Glitches: Rarely, a game glitch might prevent the evolution. Try restarting the game or updating to the latest version.
Alternative Methods and Strategies
While the main method involves using a Razor Claw at night, there are a few alternative strategies you might consider:
- Trading: If you have a friend with Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you could trade Sneasel with them and have them evolve it for you.
- Shiny Hunting: If you are shiny hunting for Sneasel, keep in mind that the evolution method remains the same for shiny variants.
Tips for Using Weavile in Battle
Once you have evolved Sneasel into Weavile, you’ll want to make the most of its powerful stats and abilities in battle. Here are some tips for using Weavile effectively:
- Understand Weavile’s Strengths: Weavile is a fast and powerful physical attacker. Its high Speed and Attack stats make it an excellent choice for sweeping through opponents. However, it has relatively low defenses, so it’s important to use it strategically.
- Best Moveset:
- Night Slash/Ceaseless Edge (Dark-type): A strong and reliable Dark-type move that benefits from Weavile’s high Attack stat. Ceaseless Edge is an upgrade available in Legends Arceus that also leaves a damage-dealing shard on the target for a few turns.
- Ice Punch (Ice-type): A powerful Ice-type move that provides coverage against Pokémon that are weak to Ice.
- Poison Jab (Poison-type): A useful move for dealing with Fairy-type Pokémon, which are resistant to Weavile’s Dark-type moves. This is especially important in Legends Arceus, as the Hisuian Sneasel and Weavile are Poison-type as well.
- Aerial Ace (Flying-type): A strong Flying-type move that allows the Sneasel/Weavile to have super-effective damage against Bug, Grass, and Fighting-types.
- Type Matchups: Exploit Weavile’s type matchups to your advantage. Use Dark-type moves against Ghost and Psychic types, and Ice-type moves against Flying, Ground, Grass, and Dragon types.
- Avoid Strong Hits: Due to its low defenses, avoid putting Weavile in situations where it will take strong hits, especially from Fighting, Bug, Steel, Fire, Fairy, and Rock-type moves.
- Agile and Strong Style: Take advantage of the Agile and Strong Style moves in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Use Agile Style to increase Weavile’s Speed even further, allowing it to attack more frequently. Use Strong Style to maximize damage output, especially against vulnerable opponents.
Hisuian Sneasel and Weavile
It is important to note that the information described above specifically refers to evolving the Johtonian Sneasel (Dark/Ice type) to Weavile. Pokemon Legends: Arceus also introduces a new regional variant called Hisuian Sneasel which is Fighting/Poison type. Hisuian Sneasel evolves into Sneasler using a Razor Claw during the day. The Weavile described above is the evolved form of the original Johtonian Sneasel. The evolutionary requirement for Johtonian Sneasel remains to use a Razor Claw at Night.
Conclusion
Evolving Sneasel into Weavile in Pokémon Legends: Arceus requires a few specific steps, but it’s a rewarding process. By finding a Sneasel, obtaining a Razor Claw, ensuring it’s nighttime, and following the evolution steps, you can add this powerful Pokémon to your team. Remember to explore thoroughly, gather Merit Points, and take advantage of Space-Time Distortions to find the necessary items. With Weavile’s speed and attack power, you’ll have a formidable ally in your adventures across the Hisui region.