How to Catch and Evolve Deino in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

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's Pokédex. To harness its power, you'll first need to capture its pre-evolved forms, Deino and Zweilous. These can then be evolved into the fearsome Hydreigon. However, it's important to note that Deino and its evolutions are exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet, requiring alternative methods to obtain them in Pokémon Violet.

Updated January 13, 2025 by Renri Seong: The Dark/Dragon-type Deino evolves into the powerful pseudo-legendary Hydreigon. Introduced in Gen 5 with Pokémon Black/White, the Deino line has been a staple in mainline titles, including Pokémon Scarlet/Violet. As with many new generations, Deino and its evolutions are version-exclusives. While you can catch them in the wild in Pokémon Scarlet, trading is necessary to acquire them in Pokémon Violet. With a range of pseudo-legendaries available in Scarlet/Violet, you might wonder if Hydreigon remains a worthwhile choice. This guide has been updated to include the latest information on Hydreigon, covering its 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 easily accessible, while Alfornada Cavern and Dalizapa Passage are a bit more hidden. Deino in Dalizapa Passage and Alfornada Cavern range from 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 the area between these two locations on the map.

Additionally, Deino can be obtained from 3-star Tera Raids, which become available after earning 3 gym badges. These Deino have different Tera Types than those found in the wild and may possess their Hidden Ability.

Zweilous, Deino's evolved form, can also be encountered in the wild at Dalizapa Passage, Area Zero, and Alfornada Cavern. Like Deino, Zweilous can be found in Tera Raids, specifically in 4-star Tera Raids.

Hydreigon can be caught in 5/6-star Tera Raids.

How to Get Deino in Pokémon Violet

How to Trade and Transfer

Since the Deino line is exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet, you'll need to trade or transfer Deino to obtain it in Pokémon Violet. Trading requires a Nintendo Switch Online Membership to use the Union Circle. If you prefer not to subscribe, consider using Pokémon HOME to transfer Deino from another game to Pokémon Violet.

To transfer using HOME, you'll need the HOME app on your Switch. Deino and its evolutions can be transferred from Pokémon Sword/Shield, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon Scarlet.

1. Open Pokémon HOME, select the game with Deino, and move it to your Basic Box. Save and exit.
2. While still in 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 evolves into Hydreigon at level 64. To expedite this process, you can have Deino/Zweilous auto-battle large groups of Pokémon to gain experience quickly. Alternatively, feeding them Exp. Candies or Rare Candies can help. Exp. Candy L and Exp. Candy XL are particularly effective due to Deino's high evolution levels.

Is Hydreigon a Good Pokémon?

Hydreigon Stats & Weaknesses

As a pseudo-legendary, Hydreigon ranks among the strongest Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. With a base stat total of 600, it boasts high Special Attack and Attack stats, along with good Speed. This makes it versatile, suitable for both Timid (+Spd, -Attk) and Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Attk) Natures.

As a Dark/Dragon-type, Hydreigon has the following type effectiveness:

Thanks to Terastallizing, Hydreigon can mitigate its double weakness to Fairy-type moves. Offensively, changing its Tera Type can enhance its STAB on powerful moves like Flash Cannon. Hydreigon's move set includes both physical and special attacks, allowing flexibility in its role as either a physical or special attacker.

Given Hydreigon's significant weakness to Fairy-type moves, equipping it with a Steel-type move like Flash Cannon, which it can learn via TM, is advisable. Other recommended moves include Nasty Plot to boost Special Attack, Dragon Pulse (or Draco Meteor), and Dark Pulse.