How to get Basculegion in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

The Teal Mask is full of Pokemon with unique and bizarre evolution requirements. I love trying to figure these out for myself, but some tiptoe the line between inspired and obtuse. Basculegion is one such Pokemon, and the evolution conditions are so strange that it’s unlikely to be discovered without help. Even finding a Basculin in the first place is no mean feat. With this in mind, let me show you how to get Basculegion in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet – Teal Mask.

How to get Basculegion in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet – Teal Mask

As Basculegion is the evolved form of Basculin, let’s get one of those first before we move on.

Where to catch Basculin in the Teal Mask DLC

Basculin is hard to find as it’s secluded to a particular body of water to the northeast in the Timeless Woods.

You can see the exact location on the map above. Basculin should be no more challenging to catch than any regular Pokemon. The False Swipes attack is a Trainer’s best friend as it always leaves the target Pokemon with 1HP. Just be careful using this attack on Basculin, as it knows moves like Double Edge, which have recoil.

How to evolve Basculin into Basculegion

OK, Trainers, here’s the fun part. Basculin will evolve into Basculegion when it levels up under one condition. Your Basculin must survive almost 300 points worth of recoil damage, and if it faints, you have to start that point count all over again.

It’s easy to overthink this challenge, but in practice, it’s much more doable than you think. First of all, ensure Basculin is your team’s front runner, and it has full health. Now, make sure it knows Double Edge. The move can be relearned on Basculin’s Summary page if it doesn’t. Rather than tour Kitakami for the perfect opponents, you can fight Pokemon right next to the pool in the Timeless Woods.

In your battles, only use Double Edge to deal damage and fully heal after every fight. When you run out of PP for Double Edge, use an Ether or take a trip to a Pokemon Center. Some of your potential opponents are more dangerous than others.

Easy targets around the area include Vulpix and Indeedee. Beware of opponents like Pachirisu and Pawniard, as they are poor matchups when you’re EXP farming with an attack that has recoil. Remember, you can back out of any fight if it’s not going your way to heal.

It’s hard to keep track of the required recoil damage, so I suggest just using Double Edge until you level up. You’ll easily have enough self-damage to reach your quota by that point. For reference, I used roughly 20-25 PP for Double Edge, which was more than enough. Upon leveling up, your Basculin will evolve into Basculegion.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet – The Teal Mask has a few unusual evolution requirements. If you’ve not got a Yanmega or Milotic yet, check out our guides on how to get your own.