Pokemon evolution is triggered via leveling, trading, learning a specific move, and more. Pokemon such as Gligar aren't difficult to evolve, but the process itself can be tedious. Originally unavailable in the base game of Pokemon Scarlet/Violet, Gligar and Gliscor were added via The Teal Mask, part 1 of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Expansion Pack.
Unfortunately for Pokemon Violet players, Gligar and Gliscor are Pokemon Scarlet-exclusive Pokemon. Trainers intent on filling out the Kitakami Pokedex are going to eventually need Gligar/Gliscor registered. However, Pokemon Scarlet/Violet's compatibility with Pokemon HOME makes getting Gligar somewhat easier for those that don't have Pokemon Scarlet.
How to Get Gligar
Gligar spawns in the Paradise Barrens of Kitakami. This is located in the far northwest corner of the map. Those in the process of The Teal Mask's storyline will eventually have to go to the Paradise Barrens to find the last signboard. If players have already been to the Paradise Barrens, they should be able to fly directly to it.
Fortunately, Gligar's a pretty common Pokemon, and they're close to the signboard, too. If players are encountering Gligar before the post game, then Gligar's level should be around level 20. Those that are hunting for it during or after the post game will instead find it around level 60. Gligar's no Legendary Pokemon, but it can be stubborn to catch if trainers are unlucky. The best way to get a Pokemon like Gligar is to use Poke Balls like the Quick Ball or the Dusk Ball (night only).
Gligar's Ground-typing means its immune to Electric-type attacks, and its Flying-typing makes it immune to Ground-type attacks. This means paralyzing it with a move like Nuzzle or Thunder Wave is a no-go.
How to Evolve Gligar into Gliscor (How to Get a Razor Fang)
To evolve Gligar, players need to give it a Razor Fang, and then level it up at night. The Razor Fang, not to be confused with the Razor Claw, is an item that players can get as a Dex Reward for catching 110 Pokemon in the Kitakami Pokedex. Another way to get one is to grab it from the caves in Wistful Fields. This is a little ways north of the lake where players can eventually find Munkidori.
To get Dex Rewards, open the Pokedex App with (-), then select the Kitakami Dex. Tap X-button to collect any available rewards.
Give the Razor Fang to Gligar, and wait until night. If players are still in the middle of The Teal Mask's story, it may be easier to fly back to Paldea and wait until nighttime in-game. Nighttime will occur in Kitakami for the Festival of Masks. Have Gligar battle to level it up, or use a Rare Candy/Exp Candies. If the time isn't right, then Gligar won't evolve.
How to Get Gligar & Gliscor in Pokemon Violet
There are two ways of getting Gligar and Gliscor in Pokemon Violet: Trading, or transferring from other Pokemon games via Pokemon HOME.
For trading, players are going to need a Nintendo Online Membership. Open the PokePortal in the menu, then select Link Trade to go through the steps.
Pokemon Violet players that don't want to pay for an Online Membership can instead transfer Gligar from Pokemon Brilliant Diamond or Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Like Scarlet, Gligar is exclusive to Pokemon Brilliant Diamond, leaving Shining Pearl players out of luck. However, Gligar can be caught at the Coronet Highlands in Legends: Arceus.
- For Brilliant Diamond, go into the Grand Underground and look for Gligar in desert/sandy biomes.
- For Legends: Arceus, look for Gligar near the Celestica Ruins. Players can even catch a Gliscor if they don't want to go through the hassle of evolving Gligar.
Here's how to get Gligar into Pokemon Violet with the help of Pokemon HOME:
- Once Gligar has been caught, place it in a PC Box (Brilliant Diamond) or Pasture (Legends: Arceus) and Save the game.
- Open up Pokemon HOME and transfer the Gligar from BD/L:A to the Basic Box. Save and exit.
- Open up Pokemon Violet in Pokemon HOME to complete the transfer. Save and exit.
- Gligar should now be registered in the Pokemon Violet Kitakami Dex.
Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet are available for Nintendo Switch.