Applin, the adorable Dragon/Grass-type Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield, has a unique evolutionary path. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Applin gained a third evolution, Dipplin. The Indigo Disk DLC further expanded this line with the introduction of Hydrapple. But how do you evolve Dipplin into Hydrapple? The key lies in the move Dragon Cheer. Unfortunately, Applin doesn’t learn Dragon Cheer naturally. This guide will explain how to obtain Dragon Cheer and evolve Dipplin into Hydrapple.
Obtaining TM 226: Dragon Cheer
The only way to teach Dragon Cheer to Dipplin is by using TM 226. To get this TM, you’ll need to progress through the Indigo Disk DLC story and join the BB League. You’ll face the BB League Elite Four, and defeating Drayton, a Dragon-type specialist, is crucial.
Drayton’s team consists primarily of Dragon-types, with his ace Pokémon, Archaludon, Terastallizing into a Dragon-type. Prepare a team of level 80+ Pokémon with type advantages against Dragon to ensure victory. Upon defeating Drayton, he will reward you with TM 226: Dragon Cheer.
Crafting More Dragon Cheer TMs
TMs are single-use items. To obtain more Dragon Cheer TMs, you’ll need to craft them using the TM Machine. The required materials are:
- 1500 League Points (LP)
- 1 Applin Juice
- 2 Tatsugiri Scales
- 2 Lapras Tears
Gathering Materials:
- Applin Juice: Found by catching or defeating Applin in Tagtree Thicket (Paldea) or Apple Hills (Kitakami).
- Tatsugiri Scales: Obtained by catching or defeating Tatsugiri in and around Casseroya Lake. Fairy-type Pokémon are highly effective against this Dragon/Water-type.
- Lapras Tears: Found as sparkling drops on the ground in the Polar Biome of Terarium, or by catching or defeating Lapras in the same area.
Evolving Dipplin into Hydrapple
Once you have TM 226, teach Dragon Cheer to Dipplin. Crucially, Dipplin does not learn Dragon Cheer by leveling up. You must use the TM. After Dipplin knows Dragon Cheer, level it up once. This will trigger its evolution into Hydrapple.
Hydrapple boasts high Defense and Special Attack stats. It also learns the powerful Dragon-type move Fickle Beam upon evolution, which can potentially double in power under certain conditions.
About Dragon Cheer
Dragon Cheer is a support move more effective in double battles. It raises the critical hit ratio of the target or an ally. If the target uses a Dragon-type move, its power is doubled. It has 15 PP, expandable to 24 with PP Up or Max PP.
Remember, evolving Applin into Dipplin requires a Syrupy Apple, purchased for 500 Poké Dollars in Mossfell Confluence (Kitakami). This is different from the Tart and Sweet Apples used for Applin’s other evolutions. With this guide, you’re now ready to obtain Dragon Cheer, evolve Dipplin into Hydrapple, and add this powerful Pokémon to your team!
