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Dark/Dragon-type Hydreigon stands out as one of the most formidable Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, making it a highly desirable addition to any trainer's Pokédex. To harness its power, you'll first need to acquire its pre-evolved forms, Deino and Zweilous. Evolving the Irate Deino into the Brutal Hydreigon is a rewarding process, but 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: Deino, a Dark/Dragon-type, evolves into the powerful pseudo-legendary Hydreigon. Introduced in Generation 5 with Pokémon Black/White, the Deino line has remained a staple in subsequent mainline titles, including Pokémon Scarlet/Violet. As with many new generations, Deino and its evolutions are version-exclusive, available in the wild only in Pokémon Scarlet. To get them in Pokémon Violet, trading is necessary. With a diverse selection of pseudo-legendaries in Scarlet/Violet, you might be wondering if Hydreigon is still a top choice. This revamped guide now includes detailed information about Hydreigon's stats and type effectiveness to help you make that decision.
Where to Catch Deino in Pokemon Scarlet
Deino and Zweilous Locations
In Pokémon Scarlet, you can encounter Deino in various locations, including Alfornada Cavern, Dalizapa Passage, Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two). Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two) are easily accessible, whereas Alfornada Cavern and Dalizapa Passage are a bit trickier to locate. The Deinos found 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 navigate the cave.
- Dalizapa Passage: You can reach this area by heading east from Medali or west from Zapapico. It's situated between these two locations on the map.
Deino can also be obtained from 3-star Tera Raids, which become available once you've earned 3 gym badges. The Deinos from these raids will have different Tera Types compared to those found in the wild and may possess their Hidden Ability.
Zweilous, Deino's evolved form, can also be found 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 captured in 5/6-star Tera Raids.
How to Get Deino in Pokemon Violet
How to Trade and Transfer
Since the Deino line is exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet, you'll need to trade or transfer Deino to obtain one in Pokémon Violet. Trading requires a Nintendo Switch Online Membership 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 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.
- Open Pokémon HOME, select the game from which you have Deino, and move it to your Basic Box. Then, save and exit.
- 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 the leveling process, have Deino/Zweilous participate in auto-battles against large groups of Pokémon. Alternatively, you can feed them Exp. Candies or Rare Candies. For Deino's high evolution levels, Exp. Candy L and Exp. Candy XL are particularly effective.
Is Hydreigon a Good Pokemon?
Hydreigon Stats & Weaknesses
As a pseudo-legendary, Hydreigon ranks among the strongest Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Its base stat total is 600, with high Special Attack and Attack stats complemented by decent Speed. This makes it versatile with either 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 has the following type effectiveness:
| Super-effective against | Dragon, Ghost, Psychic |
|---|---|
| Weaknesses | Fairy (4x), Fighting, Bug, Dragon, Ice |
| Resistances | Grass, Water, Fire, Electric, Ghost, Dark |
| Immunities | Ground, Psychic |
Thanks to Terastallizing, Hydreigon can overcome its significant double weakness to Fairy-type moves. Offensively, players can alter its Tera Type to gain STAB on potent moves like Flash Cannon. Whether you choose to use Hydreigon as a physical or special attacker depends on your preferred move set. Its learnset includes both physical and special moves, offering flexibility.
Given Hydreigon's vulnerability to Fairy-type moves, equipping it with a Steel-type move like Flash Cannon (its only Steel-type TM move) is advisable. Unfortunately, it lacks physical Steel-type moves, which might steer you towards specializing Hydreigon as a special attacker. Recommended moves include Nasty Plot (to sharply boost Special Attack), Dragon Pulse (or Draco Meteor), and Dark Pulse.
