The Ultimate Guide to Catching Hisuian Growlithe in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Players of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet who have purchased The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansion pack should have received The Teal Mask as early as September 13, 2023. This not only unlocks a new area with fresh Pokemon and characters but also allows trainers to encounter returning Pokemon, including the Hisuian Pokemon from Legends: Arceus. Hisuian Growlithe and Hisuian Arcanine have a unique Fire/Rock-type, differing from their Kanto/regular counterparts. While the typing itself may cause some trainers to hesitate, those who wish to add the Hisuian Growlithe-line to their PC will have various methods of obtaining one in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.

Where to Find Hisuian Growlithe

Perrin, a photographer resembling Adaman from Pokemon Legends: Arceus, owns a Hisuian Growlithe. Engaging in conversation with Perrin triggers the Blood Moon Ursaluna side quest, provided trainers have already captured 150 Pokemon in the Kitakami Dex. Perrin then challenges the player character to a battle, using a level 68/70 Noctowl and Leafeon.

Upon completing the Blood Moon Ursaluna side quest, trainers must return to the location where they initially encountered Perrin in Kitakami. As a token of gratitude for assisting with obtaining pictures of the Ursaluna, Perrin presents trainers with a male Hisuian Growlithe.

How to Get Another Hisuian Growlithe

To effectively overcome the formidable Blood Moon Ursaluna, trainers are advised to amass a level 70 or higher before embarking on this challenging mission. However, even prior to completing the main quest "The Way Home," trainers still have the opportunity to assist Perrin.

In order to obtain another Hisuian Growlithe, trainers can choose to breed the Growlithe obtained from Perrin with either a Ditto or another Growlithe. It is important to note that since this particular Growlithe is designated as male, it is unable to breed with other Pokemon belonging to its same Egg Group. This limitation arises from the fact that when breeding Pokemon based on their Egg Group, the resulting offspring predominantly inherits traits from the mother Pokemon.

To ensure the successful breeding of a Hisuian Growlithe, trainers must ensure that the Growlithe is equipped with an Everstone. By doing so, the resultant Growlithe Egg will hatch into a Hisuian Growlithe instead of a Kantonian Growlithe. Everstones can be purchased from Delibird Presents at a cost of 3000.

Alternatively, trainers can obtain a Hisuian Growlithe by transferring one from either Pokemon Legends: Arceus or Pokemon GO.

To obtain a Growlithe in Legends: Arceus, head to the Cobalt Coastlands. Trainers must possess Sneasler's climb ability from Coronet Highlands.

Once caught, transfer the Growlithe to a pasture and remember to save and exit the game.

In Pokemon HOME, open Legends: Arceus to transfer the Growlithe from the Pasture to the Basic Box. After that, save and exit the game.

Then, open Scarlet/Violet in Pokemon HOME to complete the transfer from the Basic Box to a PC Box. Save the progress and exit the game.

To transfer a Hisuian Growlithe from Pokemon GO:

Catch Hisuian Growlithe in the wild or by completing certain research tasks.

Tap the Poke Ball icon on the main screen, then tap the Settings icon (gear) at the top.

Select Connected Devices and Storage, then Pokemon HOME.

Pick out the Hisuian Growlithe from the storage, and then select Next to complete the transfer.

How to Evolve Hisuian Growlithe into Hisuian Arcanine

Trainers have the ability to evolve Hisuian Growlithe into Hisuian Arcanin by using a Fire Stone. Luckily, the process remains the same as with Kantonian Growlithe. Fire Stones can be found in mountainous regions, although the most reliable method of obtaining them is by purchasing them from Delibird Presents. Similar to the Everstone, each Fire Stone costs 3000, but trainers must first acquire three Gym Badges before they are eligible to make the purchase.

Like Kantonian Arcanine, trainers will need to go into Hisuian Arcanine's Moves & Stats page (in their Summary) to make it Remember moves. They can also learn moves via TMs.

Hisuian Growlithe (Arcanine) or Kantonian Growlithe (Arcanine)?

Trainers should take note of the major difference between Hisuian and Kantonian Growlithe, which lies in their Typings. Hisuian Growlithe possesses a dual Fire/Rock typing, while Kantonian Growlithe is solely Fire-type. Devoted Pokemon enthusiasts are well aware that the Hisuian Growlithe (and its evolution, Arcanine) are susceptible to two x4 weaknesses against multiple Types of attacks. In spite of this, players should be well-informed about the advantages and disadvantages presented by both the Hisuian and Kantonian Growlithe families.

Below are the following base stats for Arcanine, and type effectiveness for both Growlithe and Arcanine:

A non-Legendary Pokemon with a base stat total of 555 is undeniably impressive. However, players should take note of Arcanine's best and worst stats. The positive aspect is that none of its base stats dip below 80. On the downside, although it excels as an attacker and possesses decent special attacking capabilities, its Defense stats leave it vulnerable to moves that exploit its weaknesses. Moreover, while Arcanine is certainly swift, with Kantonian Growlithe/Arcanine boasting 5 points higher in base Speed, this advantage alone may not suffice against significantly faster opponents.

Hisuian and Kantonian Arcanine's Abilities

Both Arcanine and Hisuian Arcanine possess the Abilities Intimidate and Flash Fire, which make them formidable in battle. However, Arcanine's Intimidate can be rendered ineffective or exploited by opposing Pokémon with Abilities such as Magic Bounce or Oblivious. On the other hand, Hisuian Arcanine boasts the Hidden Ability Rock Head, providing it with protection against recoil damage. In contrast, Kantonian Arcanine possesses the Hidden Ability Justified, which enhances its Attack stat upon being struck by a Dark-type move. Upon comparing the two, it becomes evident that Hisuian Arcanine possesses the superior Hidden Ability.

More Information on Hisuian & Kantonian Arcanine

When it comes to battling, Hisuian Arcanine proves to be an excellent choice for dealing damage rather than serving as a defensive barrier. However, if faced against a Water or Ground-type opponent, it's advisable to keep Hisuian Arcanine safely nestled in its Poké Ball. Unlike its Kantonian counterpart, Hisuian Arcanine suffers four times the damage from Water and Ground-type moves due to its dual Fire/Rock typing. With its Defense and Special Defense being its weakest attributes, it won't withstand a powerful attack targeting its type vulnerabilities unless it has previously fortified its defenses. This single factor alone may lead trainers to favor Kantonian Growlithe/Arcanine over the Hisuian variation.

Despite this, Hisuian Arcanine has the advantage of being able to learn moves through TMs that provide coverage against Water and Ground-types, such as Thunder Fang and Solar Beam. Additionally, if Hisuian Arcanine possesses its Hidden Ability, it can use powerful moves like Flare Blitz and Wild Charge without the concern of recoil damage. This is an advantage over Kantonian Arcanine, whose Hidden Ability (Justified) is less impressive due to its situational nature.

When deciding between Growlithes/Arcanines, it is essential to compare their stats, strengths, and weaknesses.

Kantonian Arcanine can utilize the move Flamethrower more effectively than its Hisuian counterpart due to its higher Special Attack. Additionally, Kantonian Arcanine has three weaknesses, whereas Hisuian Arcanine is vulnerable to attacks of two types that deal four times the damage.

Hisuian Arcanine possesses a superior Hidden Ability compared to Kantonian Arcanine. By incorporating the Rock typing into its abilities, Hisuian Arcanine gains access to leveling up moves that provide coverage against Fire-type Pokemon. On the other hand, Kantonian Arcanine is capable of learning Ground-type moves through the use of TMs.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available for Nintendo Switch.