Applin sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Flapple as fast as possible. One of the newer additions from Gen 8. Watch the Ice matchup though — quadruple damage means one hit can end it.
Applin's spread isn't flashy. Defense leads, Speed trails, 1 stats clear the bar. Easy to catch and worth 1 Defense EV, on a standard growth curve.
It grows by eating the flesh of an apple. Applin uses its own body fluid to strengthen the apple’s skin and prevent it from rotting.
Applin lives inside an apple. When an Applin is separated from its apple, its body loses moisture and the Pokémon grows weak.
Applin Weakness
FragileApplin is weak to Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves. Watch out for Ice attacks, those deal 4x damage. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Applin's physical bulk (base 80 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
Applin's evolution chain splits 3 ways into Flapple, Appletun, and Dipplin. The method you choose determines which form you get. Evolving adds up to 280 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Applin easily with 72 breeding partners from the Dragon and Plant egg groups.
Applin hasn't fully evolved, but Eviolite's 50% bulk boost makes it viable anyway. Brave nature with a spread EV build EVs shapes the defensive spread, and Ripen adds utility.
Best Build
Best Applin Moveset
- Sucker Punch
- Rollout
- Tera Blast
- Pounce
Recommended Teammates
Applin's options are limited here. You've got Grass and Dragon STAB for STAB damage, but there isn't much beyond Grass and Dragon hitting power. TMs help fill gaps, though the kit stays tight.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Applin's options are limited here. You've got Grassy Glide for STAB damage, but there isn't much beyond Grass and Dragon hitting power. TMs help fill gaps, though the kit stays tight.
Applin appears at moderate rates across 20 spots in early-game routes. Sort by Best below if you want the highest rate, or Earliest if you want the quickest access point in your playthrough.
Best Locations
Applin's encounter pool splits between Scarlet and Violet. You've got 20 walking spots at Lv. 10-35 total, but your version determines which ones actually show up.
high spawn rates in early-game encounter areas across 26 locations. Applin's one of the easier catches on the list. Two different catch methods are in play here. Knock it out fast and save your time for harder targets.
Best Locations
You can catch Applin through 26 special and walking encounters from Lv. 13-48, but availability differs between Shield and Sword. Some spots are exclusive to one version.
Applin isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Flapple to unlock its full potential. At 260 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Applin's biggest threats include Lapras (Ice), Gengar (Poison), and Aerodactyl (Flying), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Lapras is the most dangerous since Ice moves deal 4x damage. Bug, Dragon, and Fairy-type attackers are also a problem. With 6 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter. At base 20 Speed, Applin won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.
Ripen is the go-to ability for Applin. It doubles the effect of berries. Its hidden ability Bulletproof can work in specific setups. Gluttony is the other option — pick based on what your team needs.
Applin fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 40 Attack. Base 20 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Applin can be found in Scarlet & Violet and Sword & Shield.
Introduced in Sword & Shield, Applin has appeared in 2 games across 2 generations. Later debuts mean fewer total appearances, but it's been a consistent presence since its introduction.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwShDebut
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A