Dark/Dragon-type Hydreigon is renowned 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 acquire its pre-evolved forms: Deino and Zweilous. These can be evolved into the fearsome Hydreigon. However, it's important to note that Deino and its evolutions are exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet, so players of Pokémon Violet will need to explore alternative methods to obtain them.
Updated January 13, 2025 by Renri Seong: The Dark/Dragon-type Deino evolves into the powerful pseudo-legendary Hydreigon. First introduced in Generation 5's Pokémon Black/White, the Deino line has been a staple in mainline games, 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 one in Pokémon Violet. With numerous pseudo-legendary options available in Scarlet/Violet, you might wonder if Hydreigon remains a worthwhile choice. This updated guide now includes detailed information on Hydreigon's stats and type effectiveness to help you make an informed decision.
Where to Catch Deino in Pokémon Scarlet
Deino and Zweilous Locations
In Pokémon Scarlet, you can encounter Deino in various locations: Alfornada Cavern, Dalizapa Passage, Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two). While Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two) are more accessible, Alfornada Cavern and Dalizapa Passage might be trickier to find. The Deinos in Dalizapa Passage and Alfornada Cavern range from levels 35 to 40.
- Alfornada Cavern: Located in the southwest corner of the Paldea map, you'll need Koraidon's high jump ability to navigate this cave.
- Dalizapa Passage: Access this area by traveling east from Medali or west from Zapapico. On the map, Dalizapa Passage lies between these two locations.
Additionally, Deino can be obtained from 3-star Tera Raids, which become available once you've earned 3 gym badges. These Deinos have different Tera Types compared to those found in the wild and may possess their Hidden Ability.
You might also find Zweilous, Deino's evolved form, in the wild at Dalizapa Passage, Area Zero, and Alfornada Cavern. Like Deino, Zweilous can be encountered in Tera Raids, specifically 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 Deino and its evolutions are exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet, players of Pokémon Violet must trade or transfer to obtain them. To trade, a Nintendo Switch Online Membership is required to access the Union Circle. If you prefer not to subscribe, consider using Pokémon HOME to transfer Deino from another game to Pokémon Violet.
To transfer via 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.
- Open Pokémon HOME, select any game from which you have Deino, and move it to your Basic Box. Save and exit.
- 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 the leveling process, you can have Deino/Zweilous auto-battle large groups of Pokémon. Alternatively, you can feed them Exp. Candies or Rare Candies. For faster results, use Exp. Candy L and Exp. Candy XL given 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. Its base stat total is 600, boasting high Special Attack and Attack stats with respectable Speed. It thrives with a Timid (+Spd, -Attk) or Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Attk) Nature.
| HP: | 92 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 105 |
| Special Attack: | 125 |
| Defense: | 90 |
| Special Defense: | 90 |
| Speed: | 98 |
| Total: | 600 |
As a Dark/Dragon-type, Hydreigon's type effectiveness includes:
| Super-effective against: | Dragon, Ghost, Psychic |
|---|---|
| Weaknesses: | Fairy (4x), Fighting, Bug, Dragon, Ice |
| Resistances: | Grass, Water, Fire, Electric, Ghost, Dark |
| Immunities: | Ground, Psychic |
Utilizing Terastallizing, Hydreigon can overcome its double weakness to Fairy-type moves. Offensively, changing its Tera Type can provide Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) on powerful moves like Flash Cannon. Hydreigon's move set includes both physical and special attacks, allowing for versatility in battle strategies.
Given its significant weakness to Fairy-type moves, equipping Hydreigon with a Steel-type move such as Flash Cannon, the only Steel-type move it can learn via TM, is advisable. Other recommended moves include Nasty Plot to boost Special Attack, Dragon Pulse or Draco Meteor for strong Dragon-type attacks, and Dark Pulse for Dark-type coverage.
