That 4x Ice weakness is something every Flapple user needs to plan around. Introduced in Gen 8. Needs some investment to avoid getting outsped.
The stat budget goes to damage. Attack and Sp. Atk carry the offense, Sp. Def doesn't even come close. An Apple Wing Pokemon on a standard growth curve, worth 2 Attack EVs per KO.
Under the influence of Gigantamax energy, it produces much more sweet nectar, and its shape has changed to resemble a giant apple.
If it stretches its neck, the strong aroma of its nectar pours out. The scent is so sickeningly sweet that one whiff makes other Pokémon faint.
Flapple Weakness
FragileIce, Poison, Flying, Bug, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves hit Flapple for super-effective damage. Ice hits land at 4x, so they're the biggest threat. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses.
You get Flapple from Applin using a Tart Apple. It's one of 3 possible evolutions in this branching family, each requiring its own method. Breed through Applin to get eggs. Both Flapple and Appletun hit 485 total stats from Applin. The difference is how those stats are split.
How to Evolve
Breed with Flapple to get Applin eggs easily using 60 partners from the Dragon and Plant egg groups. Notable egg moves include Defense Curl, Recycle, Rollout and 1 more.
You commit to a move every time Flapple comes in. Choice Scarf gives speed patching through item lock, and Hustle adds to that. Max Attack and Speed EVs make sure the locked move actually hurts. The remaining moves covers the rest.
Best Build
Best Flapple Moveset
- Sucker Punch
- U Turn
- Grassy Glide
- Outrage
Recommended Teammates
Don't skip the egg moves. Flapple picks up Defense Curl and Recycle only through breeding, and both fill gaps the natural movepool can't. STAB runs through Outrage and Solar Beam while coverage across 8 types adds range.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Standard wild encounters won't get you Flapple. You'll need shaking trees, available at 1 different locations. These become available in late-game encounter areas. The list below breaks down where and how each encounter works.
Where To Catch Flapple in Sword & Shield
To get Flapple, start by catching Applin through special and walking encounters at Lv. 13-48. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch ApplinEASYChallenge BeachShieldShaking berry treesLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterEASYChallenge BeachSwordShaking berry treesLv.13-1830%EarlyWaterEASYFields of HonorSwordShaking berry treesLv.13-1830%EarlyEASYFields of HonorShieldShaking berry treesLv.13-1830%EarlyEASYForest of FocusSwordShaking berry treesLv.13-1830%EarlyForestEASYForest of FocusShieldShaking berry treesLv.13-1830%EarlyForestEASYSoothing WetlandsSwordShaking berry treesLv.13-1830%EarlySwampEASYSoothing WetlandsShieldShaking berry treesLv.13-1830%EarlySwampEASYTraining LowlandsSwordShaking berry treesLv.16-2130%MidEASYTraining LowlandsShieldShaking berry treesLv.16-2130%MidEASYLoop LagoonSwordShaking berry treesLv.19-2430%MidEASYLoop LagoonShieldShaking berry treesLv.19-2430%MidEFFORTLESSGiant's MirrorShieldGrassLv.26-2830%MidThunderstormEFFORTLESSGiant's MirrorSwordGrassLv.26-2830%MidThunderstormMODERATERoute 5SwordGrassLv.16-1810%MidRouteAll WeatherMODERATERoute 5ShieldGrassLv.16-1810%MidRouteAll WeatherMODERATEStony WildernessSwordGrassLv.26-2810%MidThunderstormMODERATEStony WildernessShieldGrassLv.26-2810%MidThunderstormEASYInsular SeaSwordShaking berry treesLv.43-4830%LateWaterEASYInsular SeaShieldShaking berry treesLv.43-4830%LateWaterEASYStepping-Stone SeaSwordShaking berry treesLv.43-4830%LateWaterEASYStepping-Stone SeaShieldShaking berry treesLv.43-4830%LateWaterEASYWorkout SeaShieldShaking berry treesLv.43-4830%LateWaterEASYWorkout SeaSwordShaking berry treesLv.43-4830%LateWaterMODERATEDusty BowlShieldGrassLv.40-4510%LateNormal WeatherMODERATEDusty BowlSwordGrassLv.40-4510%LateNormal Weather
Step 2Flapple ✓CHALLENGINGStepping-Stone SeaShaking berry treesLv.43-4810%LateWateror evolve from Applin (Step 1)
We rate Flapple C-Tier — a situational pick that fills a niche. At 485 BST, it fits the attacker role. Base 110 Attack stands out.
Watch for Cloyster (Ice), Nidoking (Poison), and Salamence (Flying) when using Flapple. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Cloyster 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.
Ripen doubles the effect of berries — that's the one you want on Flapple. Hustle is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Gluttony works too if your team needs something different.
Base 70 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Flapple is a physical attacker with base 110 Attack. Defensively? Enough bulk to take a hit or two. Best used as an attacker.
Flapple can be found in Scarlet & Violet and Sword & Shield.
Since debuting in Sword & Shield, Flapple has appeared in 2 titles over 2 generations. Along the way, it received a Gigantamax form in Generation 8, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
- 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 VIIISwShDebutGigantamax
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A