Pokemon Chingling Evolution: Unlocking the Mysteries of Chimecho in Scarlet & Violet

Psychic-type Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are known for their exceptional Special Attack. There is a wide variety of Psychic Pokemon in the game, showcasing their dominance since the first generation. However, simply having the Psychic typing doesn't guarantee proficiency in battle.

In Generation 3, Chimecho made its debut as a Pokemon and later gained a pre-evolution in Generation 4. While it was available to be caught in Legends: Arceus, it did not appear in Scarlet/Violet, which was released in the same year. Thanks to Teal Mask, the first installment of Scarlet/Violet's expansion pass, players can now access Chimecho and its pre-evolved form, Chingling, in Generation 9.

Where to Find Chingling (& How to Evolve It)

Chingling can be encountered in the Infernal Pass or Crystal Pool, although it is also possible to spot it on Oni Mountain. However, if you want the best chances of finding Chingling, the preferred habitats for hunting it down are the Infernal Pass and Crystal Pool. As one of the more common Pokémon, trainers should have no trouble locating one.

To increase the probability of encountering Chingling, players can utilize the "Encounter Power: Psychic" Meal Power by creating a sandwich. Noodles and Vinegar are excellent choices for fillings and condiments, respectively, when using Psychic-type Meal Powers.

If trainers have not yet completed the main quest "The Way Home," Chingling will be approximately level 24. However, if the quest has been completed, Chingling's level will increase to 65. It should not be too challenging to capture, but players may want to bring Great Balls or Dusk Balls as a backup if a Quick Ball fails.

Another way to obtain Chingling is by participating in 1/3-star Tera Raids in Kitakami. Chinglings found in these Raids may have a different Tera-typing compared to their regular Typing. For instance, it is possible to encounter a 1-star Raid featuring a Dragon Tera-type Chingling. This alters its vulnerability to Dark and Bug-type moves, but it acquires a newfound susceptibility to Dragon, Fairy, and Ice-type moves while Terastallized.

In order to evolve Chingling into Chimecho, trainers must raise their Friendship level with Chingling and then level it up during nighttime. Increasing Friendship in Scarlet/Violet is exceptionally simple, and the following are some specific techniques:

Utilize Scarlet/Violet's Let's Go! feature and allow Chingling to "wander" outside its Poke Ball for item collection.

Make sandwiches and wash Chingling during Picnics. Two 3-star rank Sandwiches should be enough to raise Chingling's Friendship to "two hearts."

Where to Find Chimecho in the Wild

Infernal Pass is home to a rare sighting - the Fixed Spawn Chimecho. Occasionally, trainers may stumble upon a Chimecho at Crystal Pool. In comparison to Chingling, Chimecho is classified as an "uncommon" spawn. This means that trainers may need to invest more time in their search to encounter a Chimecho, in contrast to the relatively easier discovery of a Chingling.

Another option for obtaining Chimecho is by participating in a 4-star Raid battle. These Raids become available in the areas of Paldea and Kitakami once trainers have earned seven Gym Badges. It's important to note that Chimecho can only be found in the Tera Dens specifically located in Kitakami. They will not spawn in any Raids found in the vicinity of Paldea.

Is Chimecho Worth Using?

Chimecho excels as a Support role rather than a Battler. While it is not a subpar Pokemon, there exist superior Psychic-type Pokemon. To optimize Chimecho's potential, utilizing it in double battles is recommended, which is lacking in Scarlet/Violet's original version. However, the good news is that the enhanced Blueberry League in Indigo Disk includes double battles.

Here are Chimecho's base stats and type effectiveness:

Chimecho possesses the Ability Levitate, which grants it complete resistance to Ground-type moves. Nevertheless, in the event that Chimecho finds itself engaged in battle with a Pokemon wielding the Moldbreaker Ability or gets struck by a move like Smack Down, its profound immunity provided by its Ability will be rendered ineffective.

Chimecho's optimal nature is Calm (+Sp.Def, -Atk), although trainers can also consider using a Modest (+Sp.Attk, -Atk) Nature. Due to its supportive role, it is advised to create a moveset that includes Recover or Trick Room. Recover is beneficial for obvious reasons, while Trick Room allows Chimecho to have priority for the next five turns. For offensive purposes, Psychic works well, and trainers may choose to teach Chimecho Shadow Ball or Dazzling Gleam as its final move. Alternatively, Thunder Wave is a viable option as it can inflict paralysis on most Pokemon.

The Nintendo Switch games Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are now available.