Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: How to evolve Rockruff

Rockruff is a lovable Rock-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VII with Pokémon Sun and Moon. Its evolved form, Lycanroc, has multiple forms, with each learning different moves and having varying Abilities. Unlike some other multi-form Pokémon, you as the trainer have complete control over which Lycanroc form your Rockruff becomes. Here’s how to evolve Rockruff in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Where to find Rockruff in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Of course, catching one is the first step to evolve Rockruff in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Rockruff can be found in several early-game locations, including East Province (Area Two), South Province (Area One), South Province (Area Four), and West Province (Area One). Additionally, there is a fixed Rockruff spawn in West Province (Area Three). Rockruff can also be found in one-star Tera Raids.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

How to evolve Rockruff

Once you have a Rockruff, you need to level it up to level 25. The Lycanroc form it becomes depends on the time of day when your Rockruff reaches level 25. If it’s daytime when it reaches level 25, Rockruff will evolve into Midday Form Lycanroc. If Rockruff reaches level 25 at nighttime, it becomes Midnight Form Lycanroc.

Dusk Form Lycanroc

Dusk Form Lycanroc is a little trickier to get. Your Rockruff must have the abilities Own Tempo (which prevents confusion) and Intimidate. The fixed spawn mentioned above in West Province (Area Three) typically has this ability. A Rockruff without this ability will evolve into Midday or Midnight forms. Moreover, your Own Tempo Rockruff needs to reach level 25 at dusk.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Day/night cycle mechanics in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Note that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have their own day/night cycle that is separate from your Switch’s internal clock, meaning system time shenanigans will not work.

You can check the time of day in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet by opening the map and looking at the icon in the middle of the top. Day and night should be self-explanatory, but the icon will turn orange during dusk. A full day/night cycle takes roughly 35 minutes, so the dusk window is only a few minutes long. The best way to ensure leveling up at the right time is to use Rare Candies or EXP candies, which can be obtained from Tera Raids.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet can be purchased on the Nintendo eShop.