Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: How to teach Azumarill Belly Drum

Sometimes, the outcome of a grueling Pokémon battle comes down to the little things. Maybe one of those little things is a single member of the team that survives just long enough to pull off a devastating finishing move. Maybe it is the choice a trainer makes regarding the moves a particular Pokémon learns? Then there are cases like Azumarill. It’s a powerful Pokémon that can use a powerful skill to turn the tide of challenging battles. Here’s our guide explaining how to teach Azumarill the Belly Drum in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet so it can live up to its fullest potential.

Note: For more information about the game, check out our Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides and features hub.

How to teach Azumarill Belly Drum in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

The Belly Drum move maximizes the Pokémon’s Attack stat. Unfortunately, it also causes damage equivalent to half the Pokémon’s maximum HP. That loss is alarming, and yet the tradeoff is still worthwhile in certain situations. An Azumarill with the Belly Drum move learned can be a real threat in Tera Raid battles, for instance.

To teach Azumarill the Belly Drum move in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, players must first recruit the Hariyama Pokémon and then have it teach the move to Azumarill, which must also have the Mirror Herb equipped. This process requires the trainer to complete several steps, depending on which Pokémon the player has already recruited and which moves those Pokémon have learned.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

The first step is to recruit the necessary Pokémon. Hariyama is a large Pokémon, easy to find wandering around regions such as East Province (Area Three). Trainers acquire Azumarill by evolving an Azurill twice. The basic Azurill frequents South Province (Area One). Capture one and use it actively until its Friendship rating improves and it evolves into a Marill. The Marill then evolves into Azumarill at level 18.

Once the required Pokémon are available, purchase the Mirror Herb and place it on Azumarill. The costly Mirror Herb is available to purchase in Cascarrafa. Look for it in the Delibird Presents store, which sells the herb for 30,000 Pokedollars or LP.

With the proper Pokémon acquired and with Azumarill now carrying the expensive Mirror Herb, you’re almost ready to teach the move. First, make sure your Hariyama has learned the Belly Drum move. Next, ensure your Azumarill has only three moves assigned. It needs a blank space available to learn something new. If necessary, use the ‘Check summary’ menu to forget a move you can do without. Finally, form a party consisting solely of Hariyama and Azumarill. Invite your party to a picnic event and wait around for a minute, then end the picnic. Your Hariyama should have taught the Belly Drum move to Azumarill. You won’t receive any special notification to verify it. Simply check Azurill’s profile to find the move added to the list.

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