Pokémon Sword & Shield’s Isle of Armor DLC opened the borders of Galar just a little. Now a new batch of Pokémon, around 100, have permission to enter Generation VIII. Many are walking around the new and improved Wild Area, but there are also some hidden gems. In TheGamer’s Pokédex guide series, we chronicle all the Pokémon and where to find them.
Rockruff is a popular Pokémon from Sun & Moon. It's the perfect mix of cute base form and awesome evolved forms, as well as combat effectiveness. Whether you're looking to complete your Pokédex or add a new member to your battle team, you'll want to add some version of Rockruff's evolution, Lycanroc, to your plans.
The question, though, is how to evolve Rockruff in Sword & Shield's system. We've got the answers right here.
Where To Find Rockruff In Isle Of Armor
Rockruff can be seen wandering around the Fields of Honor, Soothing Wetlands, Challenge Road, and Loop Lagoon in many types of weather. Challenge Road is a particular highlight, and you might even find a Lycanrock wandering around as well.
How To Evolve Rockruff Into Lycanroc Midday Form
The speedy, quadrupedal Midday Form can be achieved when you get Rockruff to level 25 while the sun is up. Assuming you have your Nintendo Switch synced to real world time, this will be before 7 p.m.
How To Evolve Rockruff Into Lycanroc Midnight Form
The aggressive, sinister Midnight Lycanroc can be achieved when you get Rockruff to level 25 while it's nighttime. This will be 8 p.m. and after in real world time.
How To Evolve Rockruff Into Lycanroc Dusk Form
The rarest form of Rockruff, and the one Ask Ketchum had, requires special conditions. First, the Rockruff must have the Hidden Ability Own Tempo. Getting one with this Ability may required catching a lot of Rockruff, or getting one from a Max Raid. When you finally have a Rockruff with Own Tempo, get it to level 25 between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Only this precise timing will get you Dusk Form.
All Lycanroc can also spawn in Max Raid battles, so keep an eye on dens and the Y-Comm.
What Lycanroc Does In Battle
Lycanroc Midday and Dusk Form are the speedier of the bunch. Like many dog Pokémon, they can make use of Fang attacks to hit with a variety of Types. Midnight Form, meanwhile, has more Defense than Speed. But all Lycanroc can make good use of Stone Edge to hit hard. They can also all learn Stealth Rock to set a trap at the beginning of a fight.
Thanks for reading, and happy hunting! For more Pokémon Sword & Shield tips, read our full guide!