How to evolve Finizen into Palafin in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

The next generation of Pokemon is very nearly here, and leaks have sprung up showing off new creatures and how we can find them. So let's take a look at how to evolve Finizen in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and what its two forms are.

Note that of course, all leaked info can be false or misinterpreted, so this is subject to change. However, due to multiple sources reporting the same thing, we believe this new evolutionary gimmick involving Finizen to be true.

While we eagerly await Generation 9's arrival, check out our full Pokédex list of officially spotted Pokemon right here, and where you can pre-order Pokémon Scarlet and Violet ahead of release. We've also got a look at how to get Cyndaquil and Scorbunny in the game.

How to evolve Finizen in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet - What level does Finizen evolve?

Evolving Finizen, the long-awaited Dolphin Pokemon, is turning out to be a bit of a head-scratcher for those with early access to Scarlet and Violet.

To start you will, of course, need Finizen in your current party. You'll need it to be at level 38 or above for the evolution to take place.

Now here's the weird part: you will need a friend or other player to join you via either local or online multiplayer, and have them watch you while you use Finizen to battle, and defeat another Pokemon. Not the other trainers, though - a wild battle would be best.

This is where Finizen should evolve into Palafin, though we can't confirm it just yet. Palafin looks almost exactly the same as Finizen, aside from a slight colour change and a heart-shaped mark appearing on its chest.

Does Palafin have different forms? How do I get them?

It appears that Palafin has two different forms in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, though you can't 'catch' them, or have both available at all times.

When Finizen has evolved to Palafin, it gets the heart-shaped mark on it's chest, and a new ability: Zero to Hero. This ability allows Palafin to appear as its Zero or Hero forms in battle. To get the Hero form (seen in the picture above), you'll need to swap it out in battle, and then back in. If done correctly, it will appear as the upright, heroic dolphin.

That's it for our look at how to evolve Finizen in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet! It's a confusing one, so feel free to also check out how to evolve Bisharp, or how to get Rowlet or the Rotom phone cases.