Breaking Down Applin Evolution: From Apples to Hydrapple

Applin is a small, deceptive Grass/Dragon-type creature that resembles a simple apple. In reality, the Pokemon is a worm-like dragon living inside the fruit for protection and sustenance. Since its introduction in the Galar region, Applin has become famous not for its own combat prowess—which is minimal—but for its highly versatile and item-dependent evolutionary paths. Whether a trainer is looking for a glass cannon, a defensive tank, or a multi-headed powerhouse, the choice of apple determines everything. Following the expansion into the Paldea region and the land of Kitakami, the Applin family tree has grown even more complex, culminating in the seven-headed Hydrapple.

The Core Mechanics of Applin Evolution

Unlike most Pokemon that evolve through reaching a specific level or high friendship, Applin requires specific "Apple" items to trigger its transformation. These items act similarly to evolutionary stones but are lore-integrated into the specific flavor profile the Applin consumes. There are currently three primary items that lead to the first stage of evolution: the Tart Apple, the Sweet Apple, and the Syrupy Apple.

Using any of these items on an Applin will cause it to evolve instantly, regardless of its current level. This makes it possible to have a fully evolved level 1 Flapple or Appletun if the player breeds an Applin and applies the item immediately. However, the choice is permanent, and once an Applin has evolved into one of its three primary forms, it cannot switch to another branch.

Branch 1: Flapple and the Tart Apple

Flapple is the result of an Applin consuming a Tart Apple. This evolution is characterized by its high Speed and Physical Attack stats. Biologically, the Applin uses the skin of the tart apple as wings, allowing it to fly and dive-bomb opponents.

Where to Find the Tart Apple

In the Galar region, the Tart Apple was originally a version-exclusive item for Pokemon Sword. Players could obtain one from a young man in Hammerlocke or find them as hidden items under trees in the Wild Area (specifically Axew's Eye).

In the Paldea region (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet), the process is significantly easier. Tart Apples can be purchased from any Delibird Presents branch for 2,200 Pokedollars once the player has earned at least three Gym Badges. For those exploring the Kitakami region, these apples also appear as sparkling pickups on the ground in the Apple Hills area.

Combat Profile

Flapple relies on its signature move, Grav Apple. This Grass-type physical move deals significant damage and lowers the target's Defense stat. Combined with the ability Hustle—which increases Attack by 50% at the cost of 20% accuracy—Flapple can be a devastating early-game sweeper. It is fragile, however, and requires careful positioning to avoid Ice-type moves that deal quadruple damage to its Grass/Dragon typing.

Branch 2: Appletun and the Sweet Apple

When an Applin is given a Sweet Apple, it evolves into Appletun. This form is the antithesis of Flapple, focusing on high HP, Special Defense, and Defense. Its body becomes heavy and nectar-filled, resembling a literal apple pie.

Where to Find the Sweet Apple

In the Galar region, this item was exclusive to Pokemon Shield. Similar to the Tart Apple, it was given by the NPC in Hammerlocke or found in the Wild Area.

In the current Paldean landscape, the Sweet Apple is also available at Delibird Presents for 2,200 Pokedollars after three Gym Badges are obtained. It is no longer version-locked, meaning players in both Scarlet and Violet can access both Flapple and Appletun without trading for the items.

Combat Profile

Appletun is designed for longevity. Its signature move, Apple Acid, deals Special damage and guaranteedly lowers the opponent's Special Defense, making each subsequent hit harder. It utilizes the Ripen ability to double the effects of held berries. For instance, a Sitrus Berry held by an Appletun with Ripen will restore 50% of its max HP instead of the usual 25%. This makes it an excellent choice for a defensive core in various team compositions.

Branch 3: Dipplin and the Syrupy Apple

Introduced in the Kitakami region, Dipplin represents a more communal form of the Applin evolution. Instead of one wyrm, Dipplin consists of two wyrms living inside a single syrupy apple. This evolution requires the Syrupy Apple item.

Where to Find the Syrupy Apple

This item is localized strictly to the Kitakami region (part of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC). Players must travel to the far southeast corner of the map to a location called Moss Fell Confluence. There, a small, unmanned roadside stand sells Syrupy Apples for 500 Pokedollars each. Unlike the other apples, there is no badge requirement to purchase them; you simply need to have reached Kitakami.

The Move-Set and Ability

Dipplin introduces the ability Supersweet Syrup. Upon entering the battle, Dipplin releases a scent that lowers the Evasiveness of all opponents. This is particularly useful in Double Battles, ensuring that low-accuracy moves from allies are more likely to land. Its signature move, Syrup Bomb, is a Special Grass attack that lowers the target's Speed stat for three consecutive turns, providing excellent utility for speed control.

The Final Frontier: Evolving Dipplin into Hydrapple

For a long time, the Applin family was thought to be a single-stage evolution line. However, the discovery of Hydrapple changed that. Dipplin is currently the only member of the trio that can evolve further. To evolve Dipplin into Hydrapple, the Pokemon must know the move Dragon Cheer and then be leveled up once.

Learning Dragon Cheer

Dragon Cheer is not learned by leveling up. It is a TM move (TM226). To obtain this TM, players must progress through the Indigo Disk DLC story. After defeating Drayton of the BB League Elite Four, he rewards the player with the TM. Once taught to a Dipplin, simply using a Rare Candy or winning a single battle will trigger the evolution into Hydrapple.

The Power of the Seven Syrpents

Hydrapple is a formidable Special Attacker with massive bulk. Its signature ability, Regenerator, allows it to heal 33% of its max HP every time it switches out of battle, making it incredibly difficult to pin down. Its signature move, Fickle Beam, normally has a base power of 80, but it has a chance for all seven heads to fire at once, doubling the power to 160. This makes Hydrapple one of the most potent Dragon-types in the modern meta, blending the utility of its previous forms with raw, unpredictable power.

Where to Catch Applin: Location Guide

Before you can evolve one, you need to find an Applin. Across the various games, Applin is known for being difficult to spot because it hangs from trees rather than walking in the tall grass.

Galar (Sword/Shield)

Applin can be found on Route 5, appearing as a random encounter in the grass. However, the most reliable way to find them is in the Wild Area. Locations like the Dusty Bowl and Giant's Mirror often have Applin during specific weather conditions. In the DLC areas like the Fields of Honor, Applin can be found by shaking berry trees.

Paldea (Scarlet/Violet)

In Paldea, Applin is a "tree-dweller." To find it, players should look at the branches of trees in the following areas:

• Tagtree Thicket (High spawn rate)
• South Province (Areas One, Two, Four)
• West Province (Area Three)
• East Province (Areas One, Two)

To initiate a battle, you must target the Applin in the tree and press the 'R' button to throw your lead Pokemon's ball at it, or use the Koraidon/Miraidon dash to ram the tree and knock it down.

Pro-tip: Eating a sandwich with "Encounter Power: Dragon" or "Encounter Power: Grass" significantly increases the number of Applin that appear in the trees of Tagtree Thicket.

Kitakami (The Teal Mask)

Applin is extremely common in the Apple Hills area of Kitakami. They can be found on the ground near the orchards or hanging from the trees. Given the thematic focus of the region, this is the easiest place in the entire series to farm multiple Applin for all three evolutionary branches.

Competitive Comparison: Which Evolution to Choose?

Deciding which Applin evolution to use depends on the role you need to fill.

1. For Fast, Physical Pressure: Flapple is the choice. While it suffers from the accuracy drops of Hustle, giving it a Wide Lens or using it under Gravity (which Flapple can set up with Grav Apple) makes it a terrifying wall-breaker. It is best used as a lead or a late-game cleaner.
2. For Defensive Tanking: Appletun is superior. Its access to Recover and the Ripen ability makes it nearly impossible to OHKO (One-Hit Knockout) without a powerful Ice-type move. It excels in long, drawn-out battles where it can slowly chip away at the opponent's Special Defense with Apple Acid.
3. For Support and Speed Control: Dipplin serves as a mid-tier bridge. In lower-tier competitive brackets, its Evasiveness-lowering ability is niche but effective. However, in most scenarios, Dipplin is seen as a stepping stone toward its evolution.
4. For Elite-Level Play: Hydrapple is the gold standard of the family. Its stats are comparable to pseudo-legendary Pokemon. With the Regenerator ability, it can act as a pivot, coming in to tank a hit, dealing massive damage with Fickle Beam or Earth Power, and then switching out to heal. It is particularly strong in Trick Room teams due to its low base Speed.

Summary of Evolution Requirements

Applin's evolutionary line is a testament to how the Pokemon series can take a simple concept—a worm in an apple—and expand it into a complex, multi-branching system that remains relevant across multiple generations. Whether you are playing through the Galar gyms or tackling the BB League Elite Four, there is an apple evolution that fits your strategy. The introduction of Hydrapple has finally given this line the competitive weight it deserves, moving it from a gimmick to a legitimate threat on the battlefield.