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Misdreavus evolution guide

Misdreavus’s evolution, Mismagius, is one of the best ghost Pokémon out there, so here’s what you need to do to get the second stage 'mon.

Misdreavus evolution - Misdreavus and Mismagius in front of a map of Hisui

Misdreavus’s evolution, Mismagius, is a formidable Pokémon that’s sure to make a solid addition to any team, but the question remains: how do you evolve the stage one Pokémon into Mismagius? At this point, we’ve visited the various regions of Pokémon multiple times, so we know all about special evolutions that require more than levels.

Before we tell you how to evolve Misdreavus, allow us to help you fill out your Pokédex with our Rellor evolution, Salandit evolution, Rockruff evolution, and Dreepy evolution guides. Or, for specific tips on how to beat the different types of ‘mon, check out our dark Pokémon weakness, psychic Pokémon weakness, and ghost Pokémon weakness articles. The latter is very helpful if you want to beat Misdreavus or Mismagius in battle.

Here’s what you need to know about Misdreavus evolution.

Misdreavus evolution - Misdreavus in front of a map of Hisui

Who is Misdreavus?

Misdreavus is number 200 in the Pokédex and a Johto native. However, as much as we love this ghost, we have to admit that it’s not the nicest one out there, particularly as its various Pokédex entries allude to it getting a kick out of scaring people in the dead of night. As if that isn’t bad enough, the ghost has a tendency to get physical, stooping so low as to bite people and pull their hair just to see their reactions. Misdreavus is a troublemaker.

Who is Mismagius?

Misdreavus evolves into Mismagius, a gen 4 Pokémon that stands tall as one of the best spooky creatures you can come across. Honestly, we have a fond spot for this ghostly creature, especially as, unlike Drifloon, it doesn’t feel the need to steal kids. Yes, seriously, that cute balloon takes children, and it’s beyond terrifying. Still, that doesn’t mean that Mismagius isn’t capable of heinous acts, as the creature is known to torment and curse individuals, though it may also bring you great fortune.

Where can I get Misdreavus?

We can tell you how to evolve Misdreavus, but it’s pitiful knowledge if you don’t actually have one, so let’s take a look at where you can find the little ghost. The good news is that you likely only need to use a standard pokéball to catch Misdreavus, maybe a great ball if you encounter one later in the game. As for where you need to search, Misdreavus is in the following games and locations on Nintendo Switch:

  • Brilliant Diamond – you need to trade with a player that has Shining Pearl as Misdreavus and Mismagius are exclusive ‘mon
  • Shing Pearl – you can find Misdreavus in Eterna Forest, Lost Tower (at night), and in the Grand Underground (Dazzling Cave and Stargleam Cavern)
  • Legends: Arceus – Coronet Highlands (Celestica Ruins at night, Sacred Plaza at night, and Stonetooth Rows at night) and Alabaster Icelands (Avalanche Slopes at night, Glacier Terrace, Icepeak Cavern, and Ice Cavern Column Chamber)
  • Scarlet – you need to trade with someone who owns Violet as Misdreavus and Mismagius are exclusives
  • Violet – South Province (Area One, Area Two, Area Three, Area Four, Area Five, Area Saix), East Province (Area Two and Tagtree Thicket), West Province (Area One), North Province (Dalizapa Passage and Glaseado Mountain), and Terra Raid Battles

How do I evolve Misdreavus?

As a gen 2 Pokémon, Misdreavus has been confusing trainers since the Johto days when it comes to its evolution; it seems no matter how strong you make this little ‘mon, it doesn’t ascend to its second and final stage. Well, that’s because, in a similar vein to the likes of Eevee, Pikachu, Clefairy, Vulpix, Growlithe, and Ralts’ evolution (a male Kirlia into Gallade), you need to use a stone to evolve Misdreavus.

More specifically, you need to use a dusk stone. The same stone that Murkrow’s evolution needs. How you get your hands on this stone depends on which game you play. For the switch games, you can get them in the following ways:

  • Sword and Shield – you can find one in Stow-on-Side, or try your luck at looking for one at the Lake of Outrage in the wild area. Oh, and let’s not forget the digging duo stationed near the wild area nursery in Bridge Field; they can both dig up a dusk stone.
  • Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl – You can find one in the Galactic Warehouse and along Victory Road. Alternatively, if you have a Pokémon with the pickup ability, they may find one for you.
  • Legends Arceus – You can get one from Vanessa in exchange for finding 30 wisps. Or, you can purchase one from the trading post in Jubilife Village for 1,200 MP, try your luck in the space-time distortions, and look at the black ore deposits in Alabaster Icelands.
  • Scarlet and Violet – there are numerous ways to get a dusk stone in gen nine, including the Porto Marinada auction, Area Zero, West Province (Area One), and Montenevera. Plus, you can get one if you catch 130 Pokémon.

When you have your dusk stone, give it to Misdreavus, then it will evolve into Mismagius. It’s that simple, and now you have one of the best ghost Pokémon out there.

Misdreavus evolution - Mismagius in front of a map of Hisui

Where can I catch Mismagius?

Mismagius is out in the wild in a couple of games, so you don’t need to go through the hassle of evolving Misdreavus if you don’t want to; though, Mismagius isn’t as easy to catch, requiring ultra balls or maybe great balls if you’re lucky. Here’s where you can catch Mismagius on Switch:

  • Legends: Arceus – Coronet Highlands (Stonetooth Rows at night) and massive outbreaks in the Alabaster Icelands
  • Violet – South Province (Alfornada Cavern) and North Province (Area One, Area Two, Casseroya Lake, and Glaseado Mountain)

How do I evolve Misdreavus in Pokémon Go?

While you do need to use candies to evolve Misdreavus in Pokémon Go, that’s not all you need to get Mismagius. Instead, you need to use 100 candies and a Sinnoh stone. If you need help in getting a stone, the best method is to claim research breakthrough rewards and participate in trainer battles.

With that, you know how to evolve Misdreavus. Should you need to know how to evolve Rilou, how to evolve Primeape, how to evolve Charcadet, and how to evolve Pawmo, we can help you with those, too. Or, if you want our opinion instead of our help per se, check out our picks for the best fairy Pokémon, fire Pokémon, ice Pokémon, dark Pokémon, and electric Pokémon.