In recent generations, Game Freak have been trying to throw forgotten Pokémon a bit of a bone. With Alolan forms and Galarian forms, some critters that were either entirely irrelevant or just plain sub-standard have been given another chance to shine. The same was true of Mega Evolutions, when they were given to Pokémon that actually needed them.

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Galarian and Alolan forms aren’t necessarily more powerful, but they make previously super-bland Pokémon a little more interesting at least. Linoone, for instance, went through a ton of changes this generation, including a brand-new evolution. Here’s how to get it, as well as some more surprising details.

10 Firstly, You Need Zigzagoon

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Linoone’s evolution, we’ve got to remember that Linoone itself has already evolved. This line was introduced in Generation III, beginning with the early-route catch fodder known as Zigzagoon.

To evolve this humble little critter, the player simply needs to evolve it to level 20. At this point (and beyond) it can evolve into Linoone, gaining some much-needed base stats but still not really amounting to much.

9 Galarian Zigzagoon Can Evolve Twice

For regular Zigzagoon, sadly, Linoone is the end of the line. Luckily for the new Galarian Zigzagoon, however, it has a little more to strive for.

After developing into Linoone, it then has to be trained up to level 35. On reaching this point (as long as it’s leveled up at night), it can evolve again, into Obstagoon. Just look at this thing! Who ever expected the Zigzagoon line to evolve into something remotely threatening? We sure didn’t, but Obstagoon looks like it could crush foes into dust, like some kind of grim Mortal Kombat fatality, using just its fingernail.

8 It Has A(n Almost) Unique Typing In Galar

So, yes. We’ve learned that the Zigzagoon line comes in two distinct flavors, regular and cool and refreshing Galarian. We also know that only the Galarian form can evolve from Linoone to Obstagoon. What else do we know about them? Well, while standard Zigzagoon and Linoone are only Normal-types, they’ve embraced their edgy nature in Galar. Yep, they’re Dark/Normal.

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In all of the Pokémon universe, this typing is shared only with Alolan Rattata/Raticate. It’s not particularly beneficial to them, in terms of weaknesses and resistances, but it does offer some nice STAB options and access to some tricky moves, as we’ll see later.

7 Obstagoon Has Some Of The Best Offensive Abilities Ever

As we’ll also see later, Obstagoon isn’t exactly the most powerful Pokémon in terms of raw Attack. Despite that, if you’ve used one in competitive matches, you might well have found it dishing out more plates of steaming hot pain than it really has any right to. How? Because stats aren’t everything and it has some fantastic Abilities, that’s how.

For physical attackers, Guts is one of the best Abilities available. It makes burns (which usually halve attack power) completely useless against them, actually boosting their attack instead. Couple this with Façade, a Normal-type move that doubles in power when the user is status (and the STAB boost Obstagoon gets on it), and you’re crushing your opponents’ hopes and dreams into sad shards of salty failure left and right. Defiant also reverses the effects of Intimidate, and Reckless boosts Double-Edge to similar levels of destruction.

6 It Has A Neat, If Slightly Disappointing, Signature Move

Another great thing about Galarian forms is that they’ve encouraged Game Freak to bring us a more diverse range of signature moves. The mighty Meteor Assault of Sirfetch’d is a heck of a thing to behold, for instance, even if it does cost a recharge turn meaning that nobody ever uses it. Ever.

Meanwhile, Obstagoon’s unique move is Obstruct. You might think it would stop the opponent from switching, but that’s more Grapploct’s territory (with Octalock). Instead, it works exactly the same way as Aegislash’s King’s Shield, except it reduces the attacker’s Defense by two instead of their Attack if they use a contact move that turn.

5 Linoone Is Actually A Terrifying Powerhouse

Nope, that’s not a sentence we ever thought we’d type in our lives, but it’s just the way things are. If you haven’t been on the receiving end of a Linoone beatdown, you might well laugh at this idea, but let us explain.

Yes, regular Linoone has a base Attack of 70. On the Destruction-o-Meter, it’s not exactly Godzilla rampaging through a city with a gigantic rocket launcher (infinite ammo cheat enabled). What we’ve got to remember, though, is that it has access to a very special combination of moves: Belly Drum and Extreme Speed. With +6 Attack and powerful STAB +2 priority, it can sweep through weakened teams like nobody’s business in the lower tiers. Sadly for the Galarian line, it doesn’t learn either of these moves.

4 It’s Always Had That Snarky, Aggressive Streak

Obstagoon would make a perfect mascot for Team Yell, with its edgy, punk rock attitude and aggressive demeanor. The Zigzagoon line found in Galar is far more confrontational than the stand form found elsewhere, as the Pokédex confirms.

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“This variety of Zigzagoon is friendlier and calmer than the kind native to Galar,” Pokémon Shield states of Zigzagoon. Of the critter’s Galarian form, it confirms, “Its restlessness has it constantly running around. If it sees another Pokémon, it will purposely run into them in order to start a fight.” In short, Obstagoon has always been a piece of work.

3 Apparently, Only The Angriest, Most Aggressive Ones Evolve

Following on from that last point, it’s surprising just how dedicated Obstagoon is to its life of brash bullying. Sword and Shield’s Pokédex entries tell us that Galarian Linoone will fearlessly (and annoyingly) charge into bigger, stronger opponents and goad other Pokémon into fighting it, which is… no surprise at all, really. What is a little shocking is what happens next.

According to Pokémon Shield, Obstagoon “evolved after experiencing numerous fights.” Does this actually mean that only the most aggressive and fight-happy Galarian Linoone evolve? Do they seek fights because they have to, or because they’re fearless rebels riding straight into the mouth of the underworld on the back of Chairman Rose’s Copperajah? We may never know.

2 Obstagoon Isn’t As Strong As It Might Look

So, yes. We’ve waxed lyrical about Obstagoon, its intimidating appearance and its violent demeanor, but in the end, it’s proven to be a little all-round underwhelming for some.

As we’ve mentioned, base 90 Attack is very average at best, and it loses out on some of the regular Zigzagoon line’s best assets (Extreme Speed and Belly Drum). Offensive sets can work well, thanks to its Ability options, but there are better options if that’s what you want Obstagoon to do.

1 Obstagoon Is A Solid Supporter, Though

Sadly, then, Obstagoon doesn’t really have the power or the Speed to pull off a top-notch sweeping set. That is a shame, but its well-rounded stats elsewhere help to shore up that issue.

Its highest base stat is its Defense (101), and with solid HP, it can stick around for quite a while. It also learns some excellent moves to make it a worthy supporter and tank, such as Knock Off, Parting Shot and Taunt. You can never quite be sure what it’s running, which means it’s great for catching opponents off guard. It may not be among the best of the best, but it’s certainly capable of making its mark.

NEXT: Top 10 Competitively Viable Galar Region Pokémon