Pokemon Scarlet and Violet feature many returning Pokemon. Basculin is a fish Pokemon from Generation Five with a complex evolution method that only appeared in Pokemon: Legends of Arceus. While the Water-type is somewhat common in Paldea, players can now catch its evolvable form if they have The Teal Mask.
The Hisuian form of Basculin is the only one that can evolve into Basculegion. Luckily, players can find this form in Kitakami. However, Basculin has an evolution method that could be more challenging to achieve. So, players can use this guide to get Basculin and Basculegion in the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC.
Basculin Location in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Basculin is a piranha-like fish with three forms: red-striped, blue-striped, and white-striped. Red-striped Basculin are found in Paldea, but they are unable to evolve. The only form that can evolve is white-striped Basculin, found in Kitakami in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Basculin has a low spawn rate and is only found in the Timeless Woods in Kitakami. Players can use a Net Ball for a higher chance of catching one in the water. Since Basculin is a Water-type Pokemon, players want to use a Grass or Electric-type to knock down some of its HP.
How to Evolve Basculin into Basculegion
Evolving Basculin requires some work, as leveling it up is only half the process. Basculin must survive 294 of recoil damage without fainting to evolve into Basculegion. Recoil damage occurs when Pokemon use moves that leave them defenseless or are reckless.
Basculin can learn Take Down, Wave Crash, Head Crash, and Double-Edge as they level up. All of those moves have some recoil damage. Players will want to be careful that Basculin doesn't faint if they want to reach the damage goal.
Giving it health-restoring berries as a Held Item can help it manage its own HP levels. Players can also use the move Rest to assist with self-healing. Once Basculin hits the required amount of recoil damage, players must level it up again to trigger evolution.
Basculegion is a dual Water/Ghost-type Pokemon. Its most notable stats are HP and Attack, which are north of 100. Its best moves include Phantom Force and Waterfall. Players can take advantage of its many STAB moves (same type attack bonus) if they want to have it on their Pokemon team.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is available on Nintendo Switch.