Alolan Vulpix, with its snowy fur and charming appearance, is a standout Pokémon introduced in the Alola region. This Ice-type Pokémon evolves into the majestic Ninetales, which is not only powerful but also brings a new set of abilities to your team.
In this guide, we will explore how to evolve Alolan Vulpix, covering everything from obtaining the required item to maximizing the benefits of evolution.
What is Alolan Vulpix?
Alolan Vulpix is a regional variant of the original Vulpix introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Unlike the Kanto version, which is a Fire-type Pokémon, Alolan Vulpix is an Ice-type. This change in type brings unique moves and abilities.
Alolan Vulpix is known for its six white, fluffy tails and its ethereal, icy appearance. Its type change makes it effective against Dragon, Grass, Ground, and Flying-type Pokémon, adding strategic depth to your battles.
How to Obtain an Alolan Vulpix
To evolve Alolan Vulpix, you first need to capture it. Alolan Vulpix is usually found in snowy or icy environments. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, you can find it in Route 8, a snowy path where this Pokémon thrives. Ensure you have a Pokémon with moves that can safely weaken Alolan Vulpix without knocking it out, thereby increasing your chances of capturing it.
Evolution Requirements
To evolve Alolan Vulpix into Ninetales, you need an Ice Stone. This evolution item is crucial for transforming Ice-type Pokémon. Here’s how you can find the Ice Stone across different Pokémon games:
Table: Ice Stone Locations
| Pokémon Game | Ice Stone Location |
| Pokémon Sun/Moon | Route 8, Poké Pelago |
| Pokémon Sword/Shield | Crown Tundra DLC, Wild Area |
| Pokémon Scarlet/Violet | Available from certain NPCs or in-game events |
Note: Always refer to the specific game guide to locate the Ice Stone, as its availability may vary.
Best Time to Evolve Alolan Vulpix
Timing is essential when evolving Alolan Vulpix. Although it might be tempting to evolve it as soon as you get an Ice Stone, there are strategic reasons to wait. For instance, evolving at a higher level allows your Vulpix to learn moves that it might not learn otherwise. Consider evolving it once it has reached a level where it has acquired essential moves.
Table: Move Learnset Comparison
| Move | Alolan Vulpix (Pre-Evolution) | Ninetales (Post-Evolution) |
| Quick Attack | Learns at Level 1 | Learns at Level 32 |
| Ice Beam | Learns at Level 28 | Learns at Level 47 |
| Dazzling Gleam | Learns at Level 30 | Learns at Level 50 |
Reminder: Check the specific moves your Alolan Vulpix knows before evolving. Evolving before learning certain moves can cause you to miss out on valuable skills.
Evolution Benefits
Evolving Alolan Vulpix into Ninetales offers significant advantages. Ninetales boasts higher stats across the board, including increased Defense and Special Attack. This evolution also unlocks a wider array of moves, making Ninetales more versatile in battles. With its enhanced abilities, Ninetales becomes a formidable opponent in various battle scenarios.
Differences Between Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales
The transition from Alolan Vulpix to Ninetales is marked by several key differences. Alolan Vulpix is agile with a focus on quick, light attacks. In contrast, Ninetales offers powerful Ice-type moves and superior overall stats, making it more effective against tougher opponents. Understanding these differences helps in strategizing your battles and utilizing your Pokémon’s full potential.
Table: Stat Comparison
| Stat | Alolan Vulpix | Ninetales |
| HP | 38 | 73 |
| Attack | 41 | 76 |
| Defense | 40 | 75 |
| Special Attack | 50 | 81 |
| Special Defense | 65 | 100 |
| Speed | 65 | 100 |
Note: Use this stat comparison to tailor your battle strategies, taking advantage of Ninetales’ enhanced stats.
Tips for Evolving Alolan Vulpix
- Save Your Game: Before using the Ice Stone, save your game progress. This precaution ensures that you can revert to a previous save if you make a mistake.
- Train Your Pokémon: Make sure Alolan Vulpix is well-trained and ready for the evolution process. Training it to a higher level can provide better stats and more effective moves post-evolution.
Conclusion
Evolving Alolan Vulpix into Ninetales is a rewarding process that enhances your Pokémon’s battle capabilities and versatility. By understanding the evolution requirements, timing, and benefits, you can make the most of this transformation.
Whether you’re aiming to strengthen your team or complete your Pokédex, evolving Alolan Vulpix is a crucial step in your Pokémon journey.
FAQ’s
- How do I get an Ice Stone for evolving Alolan Vulpix?
You can find Ice Stones in various locations depending on your Pokémon game version, such as Route 8 in Pokémon Sun and Moon or the Crown Tundra DLC in Pokémon Sword and Shield. - Can Alolan Vulpix evolve without an Ice Stone?
No, an Ice Stone is necessary to evolve Alolan Vulpix into Ninetales. - What level should Alolan Vulpix be before evolving?
Alolan Vulpix should be at least level 1 to evolve using an Ice Stone. However, consider waiting until it learns crucial moves to maximize its effectiveness. - What are the advantages of evolving Alolan Vulpix into Ninetales?
Ninetales has higher stats and access to more powerful moves compared to Alolan Vulpix, making it more effective in battles. - Are there any move benefits to evolving Alolan Vulpix later rather than sooner?
Yes, evolving Alolan Vulpix at a higher level allows it to retain some moves that it would otherwise miss, providing a more strategic advantage in battles.
