Unlocking Baby Pokémon: Elekid, Magby, Smoochum in Crown Tundra

The Crown Tundra expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield brings back a treasure trove of beloved Pokémon, including the adorable baby forms Elekid, Magby, and Smoochum. These pint-sized powerhouses are not only cute additions to your team but also evolve into some of the game’s most formidable fighters. Whether you’re a completionist aiming for the Pokédex or a competitive trainer seeking strong Electric, Fire, and Ice types, knowing where and how to acquire them is essential.

Why These Baby Pokémon Matter in Your Collection

Elekid, Magby, and Smoochum represent the baby evolutions from Generation II, each belonging to distinct type families: Electric for Elekid (evolves to Electabuzz and Electivire), Fire for Magby (to Magmar and Magmortar), and Ice/Psychic for Smoochum (to Jynx). Their inclusion in Crown Tundra expands the Galar region’s roster, allowing players to breed, catch, or trade for them without relying solely on Pokémon Home transfers.

These Pokémon shine in battles due to their unique movepools and evolutions. For instance, fully evolved forms like Electivire boast high Attack stats and access to moves like Wild Charge, while Magmortar delivers devastating Fire-type damage with Lava Plume. Smoochum’s line offers versatile special attacking options with Lovely Kiss and Psychic.

Wild Encounter Hotspots Across the Tundra

The Crown Tundra’s vast snowy landscapes, rocky beds, and icy fields host these babies in specific areas. Weather plays a crucial role for some, so check the forecast or manipulate time to trigger ideal conditions. Here’s a breakdown:

• Elekid (Thunderstorm Weather): Look in Giant’s Bed, Old Cemetery, Giant’s Foot, Frigid Sea, Three-Point Pass, and Ballimere Lake. During thunderstorms, Elekid appears as a random grass encounter or overworld spawn. Patience is key—run through tall grass until the exclamation mark appears.
• Magby (Sunny or Intense Sun): Frequent spots include Slippery Slope, Frostpoint Field, Giant’s Bed, Old Cemetery, Snowslide Slope, Giant’s Foot, Three-Point Pass, and Ballimere Lake. Intense sunlight boosts encounter rates; Magby pops up in grass or visibly on paths near the second Giant’s Bed fly point.
• Smoochum (Any Weather): Easiest of the trio, found in Slippery Slope and Frostpoint Field. Fly to the train station in Slippery Slope and search nearby grass for the sparkling encounter indicator—no weather dependency makes this a reliable hunt.

Pro Tip: Use the in-game map to fast-travel between these interconnected areas. Giant’s Bed serves as a central hub for Elekid and Magby, saving time.

Breeding Strategies for Guaranteed Hatches

If wild hunting proves elusive, breeding offers a controlled alternative. Pair a male Electabuzz/Electivire with a female from the Electabuzz group (like Voltorb) or vice versa for Elekid eggs—no special items needed, unlike some babies. Similarly, breed Magmar/Magmortar with compatible partners for Magby. Smoochum requires a male Jynx with a female in its egg group.

Steps for Success:

1. Acquire parent Pokémon via wild catches or trades.
2. Head to the Nursery in the Wild Area or Motostoke (post-DLC).
3. Collect eggs and bike around to hatch—aim for shiny hunting with a foreign Ditto.
4. Expect 5-10km biking per hatch; Masuda Method boosts shiny odds.

This method shines for shinies or perfect IVs, as eggs inherit competitive traits easily.

Diving into Max Raid Battles

Crown Tundra introduces Dynamax raids teeming with these babies. Elekid raids occur in Frostpoint Field, Giant’s Bed, Frigid Sea, Three-Point Pass, and Ballimere Lake. Magby dens light up in Giant’s Bed, Snowslide Slope, and Ballimere Lake. Smoochum dens appear in Slippery Slope, Snowslide Slope, and Frigid Sea.

Raids yield high-level Pokémon with potential Gigantamax forms or rare abilities. Team up online for efficiency—soloing 5-star raids demands strong counters like Ground-types for Elekid or Water for Magby.

Evolution Paths: From Baby to Behemoth

Transforming these babies requires levels and items:

• Elekid → Electabuzz (Lv. 30) → Electivire (Trade with Electirizer): Electirizer drops from Elekid raids or wild Electabuzz in thunderstorms.
• Magby → Magmar (Lv. 30) → Magmortar (Trade with Magmarizer): Magmarizer from Magby raids or sunny Magmar spots.
• Smoochum → Jynx (Lv. 30): No trade item needed—pure leveling in any weather zone.

Catch evolutions in the wild too: Electabuzz in thunderstorms at Giant’s Bed, Magmar in intense sun at similar spots.

Tips for Efficient Hunting and Team Building

– Weather Manipulation: Advance Switch clock for thunderstorms or sun; revisit areas post-change.

– Shiny Chasing: Combine breeding with Shiny Charm and Masuda Method for 1/512 odds.

– Competitive Use: Evolve for VGC viability—Electivire’s Motor Drive ability speeds up under Electric hits; Magmortar’s Flame Body hastens egg hatching.

– Trading Networks: Use Pokémon Home or online trades for parents/items if local hunts fail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get these Pokémon without the Crown Tundra DLC?

No, they require the expansion or transfers from Pokémon Home.

What’s the fastest way to get a shiny Elekid?

Breeding with foreign Ditto in raids or wild parents, plus Shiny Charm.

Do I need specific items for breeding?

No incense required—these breed naturally.

Where’s the best spot for Smoochum?

Slippery Slope train station area, any weather.

How rare are Max Raid encounters?

Common in listed dens; check daily for rotations.

With these strategies, stocking up on Elekid, Magby, and Smoochum becomes straightforward. Explore the tundra’s dynamic weather and dens to build a diverse, powerful team ready for Legendaries and beyond.