Buneary's evolution, Lopunny, probably isn't the first normal Pokémon that you think of, but you really should, considering what it can do in a battle. Admittedly, Lopunny suffers the same fate as many other normal-types in that normal 'mon aren't super effective against anything, but they only have one weakness, which gives them a defensive edge. So, let's look at how to evolve Buneary so you can get a powerhouse for your team.
Even if you don't want Lopunny for battle purposes, it's always nice to fill out an extra spot on the Pokédex. If all you want is to make the professor proud by filling out your electronic device, we also have Scyther evolution, Rockruff's evolution, Budew evolution, and Slowpoke evolution guides for you to read.
Here's what you need to know about Buneary's evolution.
Where can I catch Buneary?
The gen 4 Pokémon isn't hard to find; it pops up in numerous early-game locations, as well as areas you don't reach until the mid to late point of your adventure. Buneary itself isn't much help – though it is cute – but Lopunny is, so you should catch and evolve it as soon as possible.
You can find and catch a Buneary in any of the following Switch games and locations:
- Sword and Shield – though not available to catch in the base game, you can find Buneary in the Fields of Honor and Challenge Beach through the Isle of Armor expansion
- Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl – Buneary is in Eterna Forest and the Grand Underground (Spacious Cave, Grassland Cave, Riverbank Cave, Sunlit Cavern, Icy Cave, Glacial Cavern, Water Cavern, and Whiteout Cave)
- Legends: Arceus – Buneary is in the Obsidian Fieldlands (The Heartwood) and Alabaster Icelands (Bonechill Wastes and Snowfall Hot Springs)
How do I evolve Buneary?
Buneary needs high friendship to evolve into Lopunny. Battling with Buneary is a good way to improve your friendship, but as Buneary isn't all that great in a fight, we suggest you give it the soothe bell item. Depending on the game you play, you can even score some points by giving it some curries or a sandwich.
After you reach the right friendship threshold, Buneary evolves into Lopunny the next time you level it, so it's a good idea to keep some candy or something on standby to speed that up.
Do male Buneary evolve?
While Buneary may appear more feminine, there's no gender lock on this 'mon. You can evolve both male and female Buneary into Lopunny. There is no gender lock on the evolution, unlike Pokémon such as Salazzle and Gallade. To get Salandit's evolution, you need to have a female one, and to get the second final Ralts' evolution, your Pokémon has to be a male.
Where can I catch Lopunny?
Some Pokémon games allow you to catch Lopunny, though not all of them do. If you decide to pursue it, we suggest you read up on the normal Pokémon weakness and grab some great balls or ultra balls. The latter is essential if you hope to catch an Alpha Lopunny in PLA.
The games and locations you can catch Lopunny in are:
- Sword and Shield – Lopunny wanders the land in Fields of Honor and the Soothing Wetlands from the Isle of Armor expansion
- Legends: Arceus – An Alpha Lopunny is in the Obsidian Fieldlands (The Heartwood), or a regular one is in the Crimson Mirelands (space-time distortions) and Alabaster Icelands (Bonechill Wastes and Snowfall Hot Spring)
How do I evolve Buneary in Pokémon Go?
Evolving Buneary in Pokémon Go is as simple as giving it 50 candies. That's it. Just catch every Buneary you see and you'll soon have enough candy.
Is Lopunny worth it?
That's a fair question. Some trainers don't care about completing their Pokédex. Instead, they want to know how powerful a Pokémon is before they pursue it. In the mainline games, Lopunny is a pretty decent normal-type, with its 105 speed proving to be its highlight. Mega Lopunny, however, is a powerhouse.
In Pokémon Go, without question, Mega Lopunny is one of the very best normal Pokémon you can get, boasting a max combat power of 4,234 and an attack stat of 282.
Now that you know all about Buneary's evolution, check out our steel Pokémon weakness, Dark Pokémon weakness, ice Pokémon weakness, Psychic Pokémon weakness, and fire Pokémon weakness guides to learn how to beat various types of Pokémon.