Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: How to Evolve Slugma into Magcargo

This article is part of a directory: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Complete Guide & Walkthrough

Players can continue to fill their Pokedex in part one of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's DLC with even more species available in the new explorable region, Kitakami. While The Teal Mask includes new Pokemon, it also adds many returning 'Mons. For example, players can get the Generation Two pure Fire-type Pokemon known as Slugma.

Slugma is a volcanic slug Pokemon that calls certain regions of Kitakami home. Players must catch it and its evolved form, Magcargo, to complete their Kitakami Pokedex. So, here's where to find Slugma and how to evolve it in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Slugma Location

Due to its nature, Slugma is found in the mountainous areas of Kitakami near the land's center. Slugma's bright red shape is easy to spot in the rocks, so players shouldn't have much trouble finding one.

Slugma's specific habitats include the Crystal Pool and the Infernal Pass. To catch one, players must engage it in battle and be careful not to knock it out. Putting it to sleep or using a special Pokeball makes catching it easier. Additionally, the higher level player's party Pokemon are, the more likely they are to catch it without draining its HP.

How to Evolve Slugma into Magcargo

Magcargo doesn't appear in the wild in Kitakami, so players must evolve a Slugma to get the bulky Fire-type Pokemon. Slugma evolves into Magcargo at level 38. Most wild Slugma are high level as their habitats are accessed later in The Teal Mask storyline.

The fastest way to level up a Slugma is to add it to the party and start battling. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's EXP sharing feature is automatically turned on, so as long as players are winning, it will get stronger. Players who want to avoid battle can load up on Rare Candy and EXP Candy.

Magcargo is much stronger than its predecessor in several areas. Magcargo can be used to wall most opponents outside of its major weaknesses. Water and Ground-types are problems for the snail-like Pokemon. Offensively, players are best off using Special moves such as Flame Thrower, Lava Plume, and Incinerate. Magcargo's base stats are below:

HP: 60

Attack: 50

Defense: 120

Sp. Atk: 90

Sp. Def: 80

Speed: 30

Magcargo lacks Speed, so players will want to even the playing field with stat-boosting items and moves. A Choice Scarf is the best choice as it increases Speed by 50%. The only downside is it locks a Pokemon to one move only while equipped.

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