Unveiling the Evolution Process: Leveling Up Vullaby into Mandibuzz in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

The fifth generation of Pokemon introduced Braviary and Mandibuzz, along with their pre-evolutions Rufflet and Vullaby. While Rufflet and Braviary can be found in Paldea, the exclusive region in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, Vullaby and Mandibuzz are only available in Kitakami. In order to complete the Dex pages in Scarlet/Violet's Kitakami Dex, trainers must catch Vullaby and Mandibuzz. Luckily, finding the Vulture Pokemon should not pose a challenge.

Where to Find Vullaby

Trainers can encounter Vullaby in the Paradise Barrens and on the cliffs of Fellhorn Gorge. The level of the Vullaby will be adjusted based on the player's progression in the Scarlet/Violet games. Players who have completed "The Way Home" will encounter higher-level Vullaby, whereas those not in the postgame will find Vullaby around level 20. To access the Vullaby in Fellhorn Gorge, trainers will need to unlock Koraidon/Miraidon's climb ability, which is the final power to be obtained in the "Path of Legends" main quest.

Players will eventually need to venture to Paradise Barrens, located in the upper-left corner of the map, as part of the Kitakami storyline. However, it is possible for them to explore and visit this area before the story prompts them to do so. The most convenient route to reach Paradise Barrens is by passing through Wistful Fields, which can be accessed from either the Bus Stop or Apple Hills.

Capturing Vullaby should not pose too much of a challenge, although trainers may find it helpful to have a few gym badges to increase their chances of success. If players are struggling to locate Vullaby, they can try consuming a meal or sandwich that boosts Encounter Power, such as Flying (lvl1) or Dark (lvl1).

The Barato's restaurants located in Mesagoza, Levincia, and Cascarrafa serve the Salisbury Steak with Fried Fixings. This dish comes with the Encounter Power: Flying (lvl1). The price for this meal is 1900.

In Kitakami, trainers have the opportunity to catch a Vullaby during 3-star Tera Raids. These raids become accessible after trainers obtain three gym badges. It is worth noting that Vullabys obtained from Raids may have a Tera-typing that differs from their primary typings, such as Dark/Flying.

What Level Does Vullaby Evolve

Vullaby, like Rufflet, will undergo evolution at level 54. For trainers who capture Vullaby before completing the game, this may pose a challenge as Vullaby is typically below its evolution level. To obtain Mandibuzz immediately, trainers have the option of using Exp. Candies on Vullaby or capturing higher-level Vullabys during the postgame. Vullaby encountered in the postgame will generally be above level 54, requiring just one level-up to trigger evolution.

Alternatively, trainers can catch Mandibuzz from 5/6-star Tera Raids. 5-star Raids become available after completing "The Way Home," while 6-star Raids require completion of the Academy Ace Tournament. Once trainers have successfully cleared enough 5-star Raids, often they will be contacted by Jacq, and the Mandibuzz will eventually appear in Paldea.

Is Mandibuzz Worth Using?

Mandibuzz can be a valuable addition to your team as a Dark or Flying-type Pokemon. However, it may benefit from using TMs to expand its range of moves. In comparison to Braviary, Mandibuzz excels as a defensive wall rather than an aggressive attacker, thanks to its impressive Defense and Special Defense stats, although its Attack and Special Attack stats are not as remarkable.

Please find additional details about Mandibuzz below:

Mandibuzz's learnset primarily comprises Flying-type moves, although it also acquires four Dark-type moves. Given its lacking Special Attack, utilizing physical moves is advisable over special moves.

Considering its impressive Defense and HP, it is more advantageous to outfit Mandibuzz with status moves like Defog and Toxic. These moves are both learned through leveling up (at level 64) and can be recalled.

When it comes to attacking moves, U-Turn is a Bug-type move that enables Mandibuzz to attack the opponent before exiting the battle. Alternatively, Pluck and Aerial Ace are excellent Flying-type moves with a power of 60. Pluck grants Mandibuzz the ability to snatch and consume any Berry held by the opponent, gaining its effects. On the other hand, Aerial Ace is a move that never misses, aside from a few exceptions.

Mandibuzz can utilize Knock Off, a Dark-type move that removes the target Pokemon's held item, or Foul Play, which deals double damage if the target's Attack stat is increased. Additionally, trainers may want to contemplate using the move Bone Rush, a Ground-type move that can strike the opponent multiple times consecutively. This move proves beneficial as it provides coverage against two of Mandibuzz's vulnerabilities: Electric and Rock types.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available for Nintendo Switch.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am excited about the opportunity to catch and evolve Vullaby into Mandibuzz in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. Vullaby is a relatively new Pokemon, having been introduced in the fifth generation, and it is great to see it making a return in the new games. Mandibuzz is a powerful Dark/Flying-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to any team.

I appreciate that the evolution process for Vullaby is relatively straightforward. Vullaby evolves into Mandibuzz at level 54, which is a reasonable level to reach through normal gameplay. This means that players will not have to grind too much to evolve their Vullaby.

Overall, I am excited about the addition of Vullaby and Mandibuzz to Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. These Pokemon are great additions to the game, and I look forward to using them in battle.