The Crown Tundra expansion for Pokemon Sword and Shield brings back exciting Ultra Beasts, including Poipole, a Poison-type creature ready to transform into the formidable Dragon/Poison-type Naganadel. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on acquiring Poipole, mastering its evolution requirements, locating the crucial Dragon Pulse move, and building Naganadel for competitive play. Whether you’re exploring Dynamax Adventures or optimizing your team, these steps ensure success.
Unlocking Poipole: The Gift from Peony
Poipole isn’t caught in the wild; it’s a special gift Pokemon obtained through Peony in the Crown Tundra. After progressing through the main storyline and completing legendary clue hunts with Peony, she offers Dynamax Adventure quests. Select the Ultra Beast expedition, which requires catching five specific Ultra Beasts during these multi-player style raids.
- Complete prerequisite Dynamax Adventures to unlock Ultra Beasts.
- Catch Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Kartana, and Celesteela (any trainer’s catches count).
- Return to Peony at the Pokemon Nursery in the Crown Tundra for your level 20 Poipole.
Poipole arrives with moves like Helping Hand, Fury Attack, and Fell Stinger, plus the Beast Boost ability that boosts its highest stat on knockouts. Note it’s shiny-locked, so no alternate colors.
The Evolution Secret: Dragon Pulse Mastery
To evolve Poipole into Naganadel, teach it Dragon Pulse and level it up once. This mirrors its method from earlier games but fits seamlessly into Sword and Shield mechanics. Poipole naturally learns Dragon Pulse at higher levels, but by acquisition time (level 20), it’s forgotten, necessitating relearning.
| Method | Location/How | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move Relearner | Any Pokemon Center, left counter NPC | Free, instant | Requires Heart Scales (common) |
| TR62 (Dragon Pulse) | Insular Sea island, Watt Traders, Max Raids (Axew’s Eye, Rolling Fields), Cram-o-matic | Reusable on other Pokemon | Costs Watts or raid luck |
| Leveling Naturally | Grind battles until level ~60+ | No items needed | Time-consuming |
The quickest path: Head to a Pokemon Center, use the Move Relearner with a Heart Scale, teach Dragon Pulse, and feed a Rare Candy or battle once. Evolution triggers immediately.
Step-by-Step Evolution Walkthrough
- Acquire Poipole: Finish Ultra Beast Dynamax Adventures via Peony.
- Travel to Pokemon Center: Circhester or Motostoke work best for accessibility.
- Relearn Dragon Pulse: Speak to the left NPC, select Poipole, choose Dragon Pulse (listed under natural moves).
- Level Up: Use XP Candy, Rare Candy, or win a battle. Poipole hits level 21 and evolves into Naganadel.
- Verify: Check moveset; Naganadel retains Dragon Pulse and gains new options.
Troubleshooting: If no evolution, ensure Dragon Pulse is in the moveset (not overwritten) and level up again. Works in both Sword and Shield.
Naganadel’s Power: Stats and Abilities
Naganadel boasts a base stat total of 540, excelling in Special Attack (127) and Speed (121), making it a late-game sweeper. Beast Boost amplifies its strengths post-knockout, ideal for hyper offense teams.
- Type: Poison/Dragon – Resists Grass, Fighting, Poison, Bug, Water; weak to Ground, Psychic, Ice, Dragon.
- Key Moves: Dragon Pulse (STAB), Sludge Wave, Flamethrower, U-turn.
- Competitive Role: Special attacker with high speed tier viability.
In Crown Tundra raids and battles, Naganadel shreds teams weak to its typing.
Advanced Strategies: Optimizing Naganadel
Beyond evolution, nurture Naganadel for endgame content. Use Bottle Caps at the Nursery for Hyper Training, and teach TMs like Focus Energy or Smart Strike.
- Nature: Timid (+Speed, -Attack) or Modest (+SpA, -Attack).
- EV Spread: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 HP.
- Held Item: Choice Specs for power or Heavy-Duty Boots to avoid hazards.
Test in Max Raid Battles or against Crown Tundra legendaries. Pair with entry hazard support for maximum impact.
Finding TR62: Hidden Gem Locations
TR62 offers flexibility. Beyond raids:
- Insular Sea: Small island east of Isle of Armor – dig or raid there.
- Watt Traders: Wild Area merchants; 3000-5000 Watts.
- Cram-o-Matic: Isle of Armor dojo; craft with specific items.
Stock up for multiple Dragon/Poison users.
Common Pitfalls and Fixes
Trainers often miss Heart Scales for relearning – farm Diglett in Dusty Bowl. Ensure Poipole is in party during level-up. Post-evolution, Naganadel learns powerful moves like Dragon Driver naturally.
FAQs
Q: Is Poipole shiny-locked?
A: Yes, gift Poipole cannot be shiny.
Q: Can I evolve without Dragon Pulse?
A: No, it’s required; no alternatives exist.
Q: Where’s the best Pokemon Center?
A: Any, but Postwick early-game is convenient.
Q: Does Naganadel work in competitive?
A: Yes, top-tier Special Attacker with proper EVs.
Q: How many Ultra Beasts for Poipole?
A: Five specific ones via Dynamax Adventures.
Integrating Naganadel into Your Team
In Crown Tundra’s vast roster, Naganadel fills a fast special attacker niche. Complement with bulky walls like Corviknight and coverage for its weaknesses. Experiment in Battle Tower for viability.
This Ultra Beast duo elevates your Galar journey, blending Alola flair with Crown Tundra challenges. Evolve today and unleash Naganadel’s sting.
References
- Pokemon Sword and Shield – How to Evolve Poipole Into Naganadel — YouTube. 2019.
- Pokemon Sword and Shield: How to Evolve Poipole into Naganadel — GameRant. 2020. https://gamerant.com/pokemon-sword-shield-poipole-naganadel-evolve-how/
- Pokémon: Crown Tundra Poipole guide: How to catch the Ultra Beast — Inverse. 2020. https://www.inverse.com/gaming/pokemon-crown-tundra-how-to-catch-poipole-ultra-beast
- HOW TO EVOLVE POIPOLE INTO NAGANADEL IN POKEMON … — YouTube. 2020.
- How to Unlock POIPOLE & Evolve into Naganadel in Crown Tundra — YouTube. 2020.
- How to Get Poipole, Cosmog, Naganadel, & Cosmoem in … — YouTube. 2020.