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Looking for a guide on how to evolve your Finizen into Palafin in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Stick around for a rundown of the evolution process and how to transform Palafin into its Hero Form.
The friendly water-type Pokemon Finizen quickly became one of the most beloved new monsters when Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were first released back in November of 2022. For quite some time, franchise fans were hoping to receive a dolphin Pokémon, and GameFreak delivered. Although, an air of mystery surrounds the new Pokémon and its evolution, begging the question: How exactly does Finizen evolve in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Players were left scratching their heads for a while, but Finizen’s evolution process is, in actuality, so simple it’s frustrating. Here’s what you’ll need to do to evolve Finizen into Palafin and its secondary Hero Form in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
![Pokémon Scarlet/Pokémon Violet Expansion Pass: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (Retail Version) Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51n-a8y2QXL._SL160_.jpg)
- Only one code for a Hisuian Zoroark can be used in either the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. Upon purchase of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, an email with your code will be sent to the email address registered to your Nintendo Account. From the in-game menu, go to the Poké Portal, then select Mystery Gift, select Get with Code/Password, and then enter your code.
- The Mystery Gift option can be found within the Poké Portal menu option in the X menu after you unlock the feature in the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. (This occurs after about 1 to 1.5 hours of gameplay, though individual gameplay time may vary.) An internet connection and a Nintendo Account is required to redeem the item in game. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required. Each item can only be redeemed once.
How To Evolve Finizen Into Palafin in Scarlet and Violet
Finizen will evolve into Palafin once it reaches level 38 in Union Circle. While straightforward, this process can only be completed while playing with friends, so you’ll need to connect with other players either locally or online in order to evolve your Finizen.
At first, you might not notice any difference between your Finizen and its evolved form, Palafin. This was the case for many players who didn’t realize their Water-type partner had even evolved. However, a heart shape will appear on its chest when it evolves into Palafin, gaining the Zero to Hero ability, which enables the Pokémon to take on its strikingly different Hero Form in battle. This also grants the Pokémon a significant stat buff.
How To Transform Palafin Into Hero Form
Finizen’s evolved form, Palafin, will take on its Hero Form when you switch the Pokémon out of battle in Scarlet or Violet. There are a few ways you can go about doing this. Here’s a closer look at your options.
- Switch Palafin out of battle to trigger its transformation, then send Hero Form Palafin back in with a huge boost to its base stats at an intimidating total of 650.
- Use the move Aqua Tail in battle to deal damage and switch Palafin out in one turn. You can then send the Pokémon back in with its Hero Form. Palafin will learn this move on evolution, so we recommend keeping it on lock in your moveset.
- Palafin can also transform after using its signature move Flip Turn. However, this move can only be learned in the Isle of Armor DLC, so it’s not a viable option unless you’ve purchased the expansion.
In any case, Hero Form Palafin is not a permanent evolution. When the battle ends, the Pokémon will revert back to its standard form.
FAQ: Can you evolve Finizen alone?
Unfortunately, you cannot evolve Finizen into Palafin while playing Pokémon Scarlet or Violet solo — unless you have two Switches, of course. This Pokémon’s evolution process relies entirely on connecting with other players in Union Circle, encouraging us to network with friends and players around the world to team up and trade Pokémon. This means you’ll need to utilize either game’s multiplayer feature at least once in order to evolve your Finizen partner.
Since Finizen was first revealed, we knew it would be a fan-favorite Pokémon among long-time players. Although, we weren’t expecting the new Water-type to come equipped with a newly introduced ability that essentially allows it to take on the form of one of the most powerful physical attackers in the world of Pokémon. Be sure to look for Finizen throughout the oceans of Paldea and catch one to add to your Pokédex in Scarlet and Violet. For more Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides, check out Pokémon Scarlet and Violet How to Get Mew, How to Breed and How to Make Egg Power 3 Sandwich.