The Dark/Dragon-type Hydreigon is a powerhouse in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, a must-have for any trainer's Pokédex. To acquire this formidable Pokémon, you'll first need its pre-evolutions: Deino and Zweilous. Evolving this fearsome trio culminates in the mighty Hydreigon, but be warned—Deino and its evolutions are exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet. Getting one into Pokémon Violet requires a little extra effort.
Updated January 13, 2025 by Renri Seong: The Deino line, debuting in Gen 5's Pokémon Black/White, continues its legacy as a powerful pseudo-legendary Pokémon in Scarlet/Violet. Their version-exclusive nature means Deino is found in the wild only in Pokémon Scarlet, necessitating trading or transferring for Violet players. With Scarlet/Violet's diverse pseudo-legendary options, Hydreigon's viability remains a key question. This guide has been updated with new information, including Hydreigon's stats and type matchups.
Where to Catch Deino in Pokémon Scarlet
Deino and Zweilous Locations
In Pokémon Scarlet, Deino can be found in Alfornada Cavern, Dalizapa Passage, Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two). While Glaseado Mountain, Area Zero, and North Province (Area Two) are more accessible, Alfornada Cavern and Dalizapa Passage present a slightly greater challenge. Deino in Dalizapa Passage and Alfornada Cavern range from levels 35-40.
- Alfornada Cavern: Located in the southwest corner of the Paldea map; Koraidon's high jump ability is essential for navigation.
- Dalizapa Passage: Accessible east from Medali or west from Zapapico; situated between these two locations on the map.
Three-star Tera Raids (unlocked after three Gym Badges) also offer Deino encounters, with varied Tera Types and a chance for Hidden Abilities. Zweilous, Deino's evolution, appears in the wild in Dalizapa Passage, Area Zero, and Alfornada Cavern, and also in four-star Tera Raids. Hydreigon can be encountered in 5/6-star Tera Raids.
How to Get Deino in Pokémon Violet
How to Trade and Transfer
Since Deino is exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet, trading or transferring is necessary for Pokémon Violet players. The Union Circle (requires Nintendo Switch Online) facilitates trading, while Pokémon HOME offers a membership-free alternative for transferring from compatible games like Pokémon Sword/Shield, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon Scarlet.
- Open Pokémon HOME, select your source game (containing Deino), and move it to your Basic Box. Save and exit.
- In HOME, open Pokémon Violet and transfer 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. Auto-battling or using Exp. Candies (Exp. Candy L and XL are recommended) can expedite the leveling process.
Is Hydreigon a Good Pokémon?
Hydreigon Stats & Weaknesses
As a pseudo-legendary, Hydreigon boasts a base stat total of 600, with high Special Attack and Attack, and good Speed. A Timid (+Spd, -Attk) or Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Attk) Nature enhances its performance.
| HP: | 92 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 105 |
| Special Attack: | 125 |
| Defense: | 90 |
| Special Defense: | 90 |
| Speed: | 98 |
| Total: | 600 |
As a Dark/Dragon type, Hydreigon's type effectiveness is:
| Super-effective against: | Dragon, Ghost, Psychic |
|---|---|
| Weaknesses: | Fairy (4x), Fighting, Bug, Dragon, Ice |
| Resistances: | Grass, Water, Fire, Electric, Ghost, Dark |
| Immunities: | Ground, Psychic |
Terastallizing mitigates its double weakness to Fairy-type moves. Offensively, altering its Tera Type provides STAB boosts to powerful moves like Flash Cannon (its only learnable Steel-type move via TM). Hydreigon's diverse movepool allows for both physical and special attacking styles. However, its significant Fairy-type weakness necessitates a Steel-type move in its moveset. Other recommended moves include Nasty Plot, Dragon Pulse (or Draco Meteor), and Dark Pulse.