How to Evolve Finizen into Palafin in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (The Ultimate Guide)

Are you stuck trying to evolve your Finizen and wondering why traditional leveling isn’t working? You’re not alone. This dolphin Pokémon has one of the most unique evolution requirements in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, catching thousands of trainers off guard. The secret isn’t just about reaching the right level – it’s about who you’re playing with.

Unlike every other Pokémon evolution you’ve encountered, Finizen demands a social connection to unlock its true heroic potential. In this definitive guide, you’ll discover exactly how to evolve Finizen, what to do if you’re playing alone, and why this evolution creates one of the most powerful Water-types in the game.

Key Takeaways

• Union Circle with another player is mandatory – Finizen cannot evolve in solo play • Level 38 minimum when leveled up inside an active Union Circle session • Palafin’s Hero Form doubles Attack power from 70 to 160 through Zero to Hero ability • Alternative methods exist for solo players including Tera Raids and community matchmaking • Both local wireless and online play work – Nintendo Switch Online not always required

The Union Circle: The Non-Negotiable Requirement for Evolution

Here’s the truth that frustrates most trainers: Finizen absolutely cannot evolve without being in a Union Circle with at least one other player. This isn’t a glitch or an oversight – it’s Game Freak’s intentional design to reflect Palafin’s heroic, team-oriented nature.

The Union Circle is Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s cooperative multiplayer feature that connects up to four players in the same Paldea region instance. When Finizen reaches level 38 or higher while you’re actively connected in a Union Circle, it will evolve into Palafin during the level-up process.

This evolution method ties directly into Palafin’s lore as a hero Pokémon that draws strength from companionship and teamwork. Just like traditional heroes don’t work alone, Finizen needs allies present to unlock its transformation.

How to Join or Form a Union Circle

Creating Your Own Union Circle:

1. Press X to open your main menu
2. Navigate to “Poké Portal”
3. Select “Union Circle”
4. Choose “Form a Group”
5. Set a Link Code (share with friends)
6. Wait for other players to join

Joining Someone Else’s Union Circle:

1. Access “Poké Portal” from your menu
2. Select “Union Circle”
3. Choose “Join a Group”
4. Enter the provided Link Code
5. Connect to the host’s session

Connection Requirements:

• Local wireless connection (no internet needed), OR
• Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online play
• All players must have Pokémon Scarlet or Violet

For players dealing with other unique evolution requirements, our how to get Magneton to evolve guide covers another Pokémon with special conditions.

Step-by-Step Evolution Guide

Step 1: Catching Finizen (Location Guide)

Before evolution comes capture. Finizen, known as the Dolphin Pokémon, inhabits all major water bodies throughout the Paldea region:

Primary Locations:

• West Province (Area One) – Coastal waters near the lighthouse
• South Province (Area Five) – Ocean areas and beaches
• East Province (Area Three) – Seaside locations
• Casseroya Lake – The massive central lake

Catching Tips:

• Finizen appears at levels 15-45 in wild encounters
• More common in deeper water areas
• Use Surf to access optimal spawning locations
• Consider catching multiple for different builds or trading

Step 2: Leveling Up in a Union Circle

With Finizen captured and Union Circle active, follow these precise steps:

1. Verify Union Circle Status – Check that other players appear on your map
2. Prepare Finizen – Ensure it’s level 37 or use experience items
3. Trigger Level-Up while connected:
   • Battle wild Pokémon or trainers
   • Use Rare Candy or Exp. Candy
   • Complete Tera Raid battles
   • Participate in any experience-granting activity
4. Watch for Evolution – Finizen evolves immediately upon reaching level 38

Critical Note: The evolution trigger is the actual level-up process while in Union Circle, not simply being level 38 in the session. If your Finizen is already level 38+, you must level it up once more while connected.

Palafin’s Hero Form: The Reward for Your Effort

The “Zero to Hero” Ability Explained

Palafin’s signature ability, Zero to Hero, creates a unique battle dynamic. When Palafin first enters battle, it appears in its unassuming “Zero Form.” However, the moment you switch Palafin out and then back into battle, it transforms into its magnificent “Hero Form.”

This transformation is:

• Automatic – No items or special moves required
• Repeatable – Happens every time Palafin re-enters battle
• Instant – Takes effect immediately upon switching in
• Versatile – Works regardless of how Palafin left the field

According to Pokémon Database, this ability makes Palafin one of the most unique strategic Pokémon in competitive play.

Palafin’s Stats: Zero Form vs. Hero Form (Stat Table)

The statistics tell an incredible story. Palafin’s Hero Form reaches a 650 Base Stat Total, placing it among legendary Pokémon in terms of raw power. The PokéRogue Wiki confirms these dramatic increases make Palafin one of the most powerful physical attackers available to trainers.

Solving Common Problems and Workarounds

What if I Don’t Have a Friend or Nintendo Switch Online?

This represents the biggest obstacle for solo players. Here are proven solutions from the community:

Immediate Solutions:

• Free Nintendo Switch Online Trial – New users get 7 days free
• Local Wireless Play – Find nearby Switch owners with the game
• Family/Household Members – Anyone with a Switch can help
• Gaming Centers/Stores – Some locations host Pokémon meetups

Timing Strategy:

• Prepare Finizen to level 37 beforehand
• Minimize Union Circle session time needed
• Have Rare Candy ready for instant evolution

Community-Driven Solutions & Forums

The Pokémon community has rallied to help solo players evolve Finizen:

Reddit Resources:

• r/PokemonScarletViolet – Regular Union Circle help threads
• r/CasualPokemonTrades – Evolution assistance community
• r/PokemonSVExchange – Organized trading and evolution help

Discord Communities:

• Real-time coordination for quick sessions
• Voice chat makes setup easier
• Many servers have dedicated evolution-help channels

Social Media:

• Twitter hashtags: #PokemonSVHelp #UnionCircle
• Facebook local Pokémon groups
• TikTok community showcasing evolution methods

Alternative Method: Catching Palafin in Tera Raids

Skip the evolution entirely by catching Palafin directly in high-level Tera Raids:

Tera Raid Availability:

• 5-Star Raids – Palafin Zero Form encounters
• 6-Star Raids – Higher chance for optimal stats
• Event Raids – Special periods with increased spawn rates

Raid Strategy:

• Use Water-type counters (Grass/Electric moves)
• Bring supportive Pokémon for team raids
• Check daily raid rotations for Palafin appearances

While this method bypasses the evolution challenge, many trainers prefer evolving their own Finizen for the personal achievement and perfect movesets.

For trainers exploring other powerful raid Pokémon, our Iron Hands weakness guide provides strategies for another formidable opponent you’ll encounter in high-level content.

FAQ: All Your Finizen Evolution Questions Answered

Summary and Final Checklist

Evolving Finizen into Palafin requires coordination and patience, but delivers one of the most rewarding transformations in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The Union Circle requirement perfectly matches Palafin’s heroic identity – true heroes achieve greatness through teamwork.

Complete Evolution Checklist: Catch Finizen from ocean areas around Paldea
Train to level 37 (or prepare Rare Candy)
Form or join a Union Circle with another player
Confirm active connection (other players visible on map)
Level up Finizen to 38+ while connected
Witness evolution into Palafin
Test Hero Form by switching out and back in

The journey from dolphin to superhero represents everything special about Pokémon – friendship, growth, and unlocking hidden potential. Palafin’s incredible stat transformation makes every bit of coordination worthwhile.

Ready to tackle more challenging Pokémon content? Explore our Dreepy Pokémon GO guide for additional evolution strategies and team-building insights.

Freja Lindholm

As a former QA Lead for a major RPG studio, Freja possesses an unparalleled understanding of game mechanics and systems. She is the architect of our in-depth Game Guides, specializing in creating comprehensive walkthroughs and optimized character builds. Her guides are designed to help players master their favorite games and uncover every hidden secret.