How to Catch and Evolve Deino in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Dark/Dragon-type Hydreigon is one of the most formidable Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, and trainers eager to bolster their team will definitely want to add this powerhouse to their Pokédex. To harness the full potential of Hydreigon, you'll need to start with its pre-evolved forms: Deino and Zweilous. These can be evolved into the ferocious Hydreigon. However, keep in mind that Deino and its evolutions are exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet. If you're playing Pokémon Violet, you'll need to explore alternative methods to obtain them.

Updated January 13, 2025 by Renri Seong: The Dark/Dragon-type Deino evolves into the impressive pseudo-legendary Hydreigon. Originating from Gen 5 in Pokémon Black/White, this evolutionary line has remained a staple in mainline games, including Pokémon Scarlet/Violet. As with many games introducing new generations, Deino and its evolutions are version-exclusive. You can encounter them in the wild in Pokémon Scarlet, but trading is necessary to acquire them in Pokémon Violet. With an array of pseudo-legendaries available in Scarlet/Violet, you might be curious about Hydreigon's viability. This guide has been updated to include detailed information on Hydreigon's stats and type effectiveness.

Where to Catch Deino in Pokémon Scarlet

Deino and Zweilous Locations

In Pokémon Scarlet, you can find Deino in several locations such as Alfornada Cavern, Dalizapa Passage, Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two). Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two) are easily identifiable and accessible, whereas Alfornada Cavern and Dalizapa Passage require a bit more navigation. The Deinos in Dalizapa Passage and Alfornada Cavern are typically between levels 35-40.

• Alfornada Cavern: Located in the southwest corner of the Paldea map, you'll need Koraidon's high jump ability to explore this cave thoroughly.
• Dalizapa Passage: Accessible by heading east from Medali or west from Zapapico. On the map, it's situated between these two cities.

Additionally, Deino can be obtained from 3-star Tera Raids, which become available after earning 3 gym badges. These Deinos will have a different Tera Type compared to those found in the wild and may also 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, but only in 4-star Tera Raids.

Hydreigon itself 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 evolutionary line are exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet, acquiring them in Pokémon Violet requires trading or transferring. For trading, a Nintendo Switch Online Membership is necessary to utilize the Union Circle. Alternatively, 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 your Deino, and move it to your Basic Box. Then, save and exit.
2. While still in HOME, open Pokémon Violet and move 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 engage Deino/Zweilous in auto-battles against large groups of Pokémon to accumulate experience quickly. Alternatively, feeding them Exp. Candies or Rare Candies can speed up their growth. Given Deino's high evolution level, Exp. Candy L and Exp. Candy XL are particularly effective.

Is Hydreigon a Good Pokémon?

Hydreigon Stats & Weaknesses

As a pseudo-legendary, Hydreigon stands out as one of the strongest Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Its base stat total reaches 600, with high Special Attack and Attack, and decent Speed. This makes Hydreigon versatile, suitable for both physical and special attack strategies. A Timid (+Spd, -Attk) or Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Attk) Nature can enhance its performance.

Being a Dark/Dragon-type, Hydreigon's type effectiveness is as follows:

With Terastallizing, Hydreigon can overcome its significant 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 versatile learnset allows it to function effectively as either a physical or special attacker.

Given Hydreigon's vulnerability to Fairy-type moves, equipping it 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), and Dark Pulse to maximize its offensive capabilities.