The Dark/Dragon-type Hydreigon is a powerhouse in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, a must-have for any serious trainer's Pokédex. To obtain this pseudo-legendary Pokémon, you'll first need its pre-evolutions: Deino and Zweilous. Evolving the Irate Deino into the Brutal Hydreigon is a rewarding journey, but keep in mind that Deino and its evolutions are exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet. Players of Pokémon Violet will need to employ trading or transferring methods to acquire them.
Updated January 13, 2025 by Renri Seong: The Deino line, debuting in Gen 5's Pokémon Black/White, continues its presence in the main series, including Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. This version-exclusive Pokémon, readily available in the wild within Pokémon Scarlet, requires trading for Pokémon Violet players. With the diverse range of pseudo-legendaries in Scarlet & Violet, Hydreigon's viability may be questioned. This updated guide provides fresh insights into Hydreigon's capabilities, including its stats and type matchups.
Where to Catch Deino in Pokémon Scarlet
Deino and Zweilous Locations
In Pokémon Scarlet, Deino can be found in the Alfornada Cavern, Dalizapa Passage, Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two). While Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two) offer easier access, Alfornada Cavern and Dalizapa Passage require more exploration. Deino in Dalizapa Passage and Alfornada Cavern range from levels 35-40.
- Alfornada Cavern: Located in the southwest corner of the Paldea map. Koraidon's high jump ability is essential for navigating this cave.
- Dalizapa Passage: Accessible by traveling east from Medali or west from Zapapico. It's situated between these two locations on the map.
Three-star Tera Raids (unlocked after obtaining three Gym Badges) also offer Deino encounters, with varying Tera Types and a chance of possessing the Hidden Ability. Zweilous, Deino's evolution, appears in the wild at Dalizapa Passage, Area Zero, and Alfornada Cavern, and also in four-star Tera Raids. Hydreigon can be encountered in five/six-star Tera Raids.
How to Get Deino in Pokémon Violet
How to Trade and Transfer
As Deino is exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet, trading or transferring is necessary for Pokémon Violet players. The Nintendo Switch Online Membership is required for Union Circle trading. Alternatively, Pokémon HOME allows transfers from Pokémon Sword/Shield, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon Scarlet.
- Open Pokémon HOME, select the game containing Deino, move it to your Basic Box, and save.
- In Pokémon 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. Auto-battling, Exp. Candies, or Rare Candies (especially Exp. Candy L and XL) can expedite this process.
Is Hydreigon a Good Pokémon?
Hydreigon Stats & Weaknesses
As a pseudo-legendary, Hydreigon boasts a 600 base stat total, with high Special Attack and Attack, and good Speed. A Timid (+Spd, -Attk) or Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Attk) Nature is recommended.
| Stat | Base |
|---|---|
| HP | 92 |
| Attack | 105 |
| Special Attack | 125 |
| Defense | 90 |
| Special Defense | 90 |
| Speed | 98 |
| Total | 600 |
Its Dark/Dragon typing provides advantages against Dragon, Ghost, and Psychic types, but leaves it with a 4x weakness to Fairy, and weaknesses to Fighting, Bug, Dragon, and Ice. It resists Grass, Water, Fire, Electric, Ghost, and Dark, and is immune to Ground and Psychic. Terastallizing offers a solution to its Fairy weakness, and changing its Tera Type allows for STAB boosts on moves like Flash Cannon. Hydreigon's moveset allows for both physical and special attacking styles. Its glaring Fairy weakness necessitates a Steel-type move (Flash Cannon via TM). Other recommended moves include Nasty Plot, Dragon Pulse (or Draco Meteor), and Dark Pulse.
