Pokemon are complicated creatures, sometimes requiring specific actions or evolutionary items to reach their final forms. Certain Pokemon can even evolve into multiple different forms depending on the circumstances. Eevee is perhaps the most famous, but Tyrogue and its evolutions — Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, and Hitmontop — are another example of a particularly complex evolution line. In this Pokemon Sword and Shield Tyrogue evolution guide, we’ll cover how to evolve Tyrogue into Hitmontop, Hitmonlee, or Hitmonchan in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
Pokemon Sword and Shield | How to get Tyrogue, Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, and Hitmontop
Tyrogue was introduced in Pokemon Gold and Silver as a “baby Pokemon,” a pre-evolution to the already existing Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan. In Pokemon Sword and Shield, Tyrogue can be found fairly regularly in the overworld (not in random tall grass encounters) in many of the Wild Area’s zones. We’ll note each of its spawn zones and the required weather conditions below. Tyrogue can also be found on Route 3.
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- Dappled Grove during overcast weather
- West Lake Axwell during overcast weather (random encounters only)
- Rolling Fields during any weather
- South Lake Miloch during any weather
- Giant’s Seat during overcast weather
- Stony Wilderness during sunny/normal weather
In order to evolve a Tyrogue into your desired Pokemon, you’ll have to take a look at its stats. The resulting Pokemon will depend on the relative values of Tyrogue’s attack and defense. These values can be controlled both by finding a Tyrogue with a certain Nature (more on that below) or by using stat-altering vitamins on the Tyrogue — particularly Protein and Iron (purchasable at a Pokemon Center in Wyndon). You can also use other stat-altering items and activities, like wings/feathers and hyper IV training. Read on to learn about each evolution’s specific requirements.
How to evolve Tyrogue into Hitmonlee
Tyrogue will evolve into Hitmonlee if its attack is higher than its defense when it reaches level 20. You’ll want to look for Pokemon with Natures that either raise attack or lower defense. This applies for the following Natures:
- Lonely
- Brave
- Adamant
- Naughty
- Hasty
- Mild
- Gentle
You can check your Tyrogue’s Nature in the second-to-last tab of its Summary page (before the ribbons tab). Alternatively, look at the stat hexagon chart. The value colored in red is the raised value, while the value colored in blue is the lowered value. A Nature that raises attack is arguably better than one that lowers defense, since the latter would actively hinder Hitmonlee’s protection, but either one will work for obtaining the Pokemon.
How to evolve Tyrogue into Hitmonchan
Tyrogue will evolve into Hitmonchan if its defense is higher than its attack when it reaches level 20. This can be most easily found in Pokemon with Natures that either lower attack or raise defense. This applies for the following Natures:
- Bold
- Relaxed
- Impish
- Lax
- Timid
- Modest
- Calm
As with Hitmonlee, you’ll probably want to look for a Nature that raises defense rather than one that lowers attack, for the sake of preserving your Hitmonchan’s self-protection.
How to evolve Tyrogue into Hitmontop
Tyrogue will evolve into Hitmontop if its attack and defense are equal when it reaches level 20. This is harder to achieve than the others, since the stat values have to be exactly aligned. You’ll want to look for the following Natures, which don’t affect either attack or defense:
- Jolly
- Naive
- Quiet
- Rash
- Sassy
- Careful
- Hardy
- Docile
- Serious
- Bashful
- Quirky
However, there is some individual variation in stat values, so even these Natures won’t guarantee a Tyrogue’s attack and defense are equal. Your best bet is to just keep catching Tyrogues until you find one with equal values. Level it up to 20 and you’ll have yourself a Hitmontop.
