Unleash the Power of Vikavolt: The Ultimate Guide to Evolving Grubbin & Charjabug in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Bug-type Pokemon typically have the lowest average base stats in the world of Pokemon. However, this does not mean that they are completely useless. With the right items and moveset, Bug-types can actually be quite decent in battles.

In the Pokemon Sun/Moon games, a new bug Pokemon called Grubbin was introduced. It may look average, but it has the potential to evolve into a more powerful form through a three-stage evolution line.

Now, with the release of part 1 of the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's expansion pass, the Grubbin-line is now compatible with the latest generation, Gen 9. Trainers can find and catch their own Grubbin in the new region called Kitakami, which is unlocked by using Scarlet/Violet's Teal Mask.

One of the fully-evolved forms of Grubbin is called Vikavolt, which has an impressive Special Attack stat. However, having a high stat alone may not guarantee it a spot on a trainer's team. Before making any changes to their team composition, trainers should first learn how to catch the Grubbin-line and be familiar with their strengths and weaknesses.

Where to Find Grubbin (& Charjabug)

Players who have purchased the expansion pass can access Kitakami once they start the Treasure Hunt in the Scarlet/Violet base game. After receiving a call from Professor Jacq, players are instructed to return to the Entrance Hall of Naranja/Uva Academy to meet a teacher from Blueberry Academy. This interaction unlocks the Kitakami Pokedex and the Kitakami region itself. The Kitakami Dex contains 200 entries, including the Grubbin-line species.

Luckily, Grubbin is a fairly common species in Kitakami. Trainers will encounter Grubbin on their first visit to Kitakami Road, the area where they spawn initially. On the hill west of Kitakami Road, there are also plenty of Grubbin and even Charjabug, but trainers will need the climb ability of Koraidon/Miraidon to reach them. Otherwise, they must go through Apple Hills.

They can also be found in Wistful Fields, located near the lake where trainers can battle or catch Munkidori, as well as in Timeless Woods, where trainers can obtain the Blood Moon Ursaluna. If trainers are planning to explore Timeless Woods, it is recommended that they have a Pokemon team with a minimum level of 50, as the Pokemon found in Timeless Woods are not lower than level 50, regardless of the player's progress in the main story.

Outside of Timeless Woods, the Grubbin and Charjabug will be around level 20 unless trainers have completed the "The Way Home" main quest, in which case the levels of these Bug-types will be scaled to the 60s. If a Quick Ball fails to catch them on the first turn, trainers can try using a Net Ball as it has a higher catch rate when used on Water or Bug-type Pokemon.

How to Evolve Grubbin & How to Evolve Charjabug into Vikavolt

Instead of struggling to find Grubbin and Charjabug, trainers can inspect the Tera Crystals in Kitakami for a better chance of encountering them. Grubbin can be found as a 1-star Tera Raid, while Charjabug is more commonly spotted in 3-star Tera Raids. It is important to note that 1-star Raids are accessible as soon as trainers commence their Treasure Hunt, while the 3-star Tera Raids only unlock after obtaining three Gym Badges.

When Grubbin reaches level 20, it evolves into Charjabug. However, Grubbin caught after the game's completion will already be past the required level for evolution. To induce the evolution, simply level it up once more. Grubbins below level 20 can be expedited in growth by utilizing them in Auto-Battles.

To obtain Vikavolt in their debut game, players needed to level up Charjabug in an area with a strong magnetic field. However, since such an area does not exist in Paldea/Kitakami, the evolution method is different. In Scarlet/Violet, Charjabug evolves into Vikavolt when exposed to a Thunder Stone.

Players can find these evolutionary stones scattered around Paldea, but a more reliable method is to purchase one from Delibird Presents for 3000 poke dollars or League Points (LP). However, these stones are only available at the store if trainers have acquired three gym badges. Additionally, in Paldea, there are only three Delibird Presents locations: Mesagoza, Cascarrafa, and Levincia.

Where to Find Vikavolt in the Wild (Where to Catch Vikavolt)

To avoid evolving Charjabug or if a Thunder Stone cannot be found, players have the option to capture a Grass-type Vikavolt in the Kitakami Wilds. This specific Vikavolt can be found on the hills south of the Timeless Woods, indicated by the orange flag in the image above. Trainers must first break its Tera Form, as it is a Terastallized Pokemon, before attempting to catch it with a Poke Ball.

The Terastallized Vikavolt retains its weakness to Fire-type moves due to its Grass type, unlike regular Vikavolt which are Bug/Electric types. Additionally, it is susceptible to Flying-type moves. The level of the Vikavolt can either be 41 (prior to completing "The Way Home") or 75 (postgame), similar to the levels of Grubbins and Charjabugs.

Finally, trainers can encounter Vikavolt in 5-star Tera Raids, which become available after successfully finishing the main quest "The Way Home." This means that obtaining Vikavolt through Raids is only possible once trainers have officially entered the postgame.

Is Vikavolt Good? (Stats, Nature, etc)

When examining Vikavolt's fundamental statistics, it becomes apparent that this Pokemon is not lacking. With an exceptional base Special Attack and solid Defense, Vikavolt proves to be a formidable contender. Nevertheless, its Speed leaves something to be desired. Below are the detailed statistics and efficacy against different types that trainers should take into consideration when assessing Vikavolt.

Vikavolt's Levitate Ability grants it immunity to Ground-types. However, if the opponent's Pokemon uses Gravity or has the Moldbreaker Ability, they can bypass this immunity and hit Vikavolt with Ground-type attacks.

To optimize Vikavolt's performance, it is recommended to have a Modest nature (+Sp. Attk, -Attk) due to its high Special Attack and low Attack. Trainers seeking to enhance Vikavolt's Speed can consider a Timid nature (+Spd, -Attk), but it is important to note that Vikavolt's Speed is its weakest stat. Hence, a slight boost may not yield significant results, and Vikavolt may require a speed-boosting item to strike first against the opponent.

Vikavolt primarily learns physical moves through leveling up or remembering, but trainers should prioritize its special moves. Thunderbolt stands out as an excellent move with a 100% accuracy rate and dealing 90 damage.

Bug Buzz is worth considering due to its 10% chance of decreasing the target's special defense. Like Thunderbolt, it boasts a 100% accuracy and 90 power.

Trainers can also opt to teach Energy Ball through TMs. This move is of the Grass type and complements the Grass-type Terastallized Vikavolt found in the Kitakami Wilds. However, Energy Ball shares the same power and accuracy as Thunderbolt and Bug Buzz mentioned earlier, while also possessing a 10% chance of diminishing the opponent's Special Defense. By learning Energy Ball, Vikavolt gains an advantage against Ground and Rock-type Pokemon.

Vikavolt can utilize Volt Switch to smoothly exchange places with a different Pokemon during battles, making it highly desirable for competitive combat. Nevertheless, trainers have the option to replace it with a status move such as Agility or even a type-coverage move like Mud Shot.

Nintendo Switch offers the availability of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.