Applin Evolution in Pokemon Sword and Shield

Trying to pick up some sweet apple pie or, um, a flying apple dragon? Here's how the process of Applin evolution in Pokemon Sword and Shield works.
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We’re desperately trying to round up version exclusives and the like with our mates when it comes to Pokemon Sword and Shield, and not only because the Mewtwo raid is driving us a little crazy and we honestly might need a break from life after the Pokemon Day festivities are over. An Applin a day is meant to keep Nurse Joy away, or so the saying goes, we think. Nevertheless, here’s how to work through the process of Applin evolution in Pokemon Sword and Shield so that you too can be the proud owner of an Appletun or a Flapple!

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Applin Evolution in Pokemon Sword and Shield

If you’re wondering how to evolve your Applin into either a Flapple or an Appletun, we’ve got you covered. First things first, though, a bit of a disclaimer. Flapple is a Pokemon Sword exclusive, while Appletun is a Pokemon Shield exclusive. Yes, we know. It may actually be more accurate to say that the items needed to turn your Applin into either a Flapple or an Appletun are the real version exclusives, and we’ve outlined them as follows for those who aren’t quite in the know:

  • Tart Apple – Pokemon Sword
  • Sweet Apple – Pokemon Shield

What you need to do is to use either a Tart Apple or a Sweet Apple on your Applin in order to get it to evolve into its version-specific form. In order to get either one of those apples, it’s actually pretty simple and can be done fairly early in the game – as soon as you hit Hammerlocke. What you’re going to want to do is enter Hammerlocke proper, take a left at the Pokemon Center, and basically keep going all the way until you see a young gentleman standing in a patch of grass by a gate heading out of the town. Speak to him and he’s going to ask for an Applin – you’ll need one in your party for this to work but don’t worry, you get it back even after you hand it over. 

Once you hand over your Applin, he’ll show it to someone before deciding to give it back to you along with either a Tart Apple or Sweet Apple depending on the version of the game that you have. Now, all you have to do is to use your new Apple on your Applin and it will evolve into either Appletun or Flapple. Easy!

So, now that you know a little more about the process of Applin evolution in Pokemon Sword and Shield, it should be much easier for you to pick up a Flapple or an Appletun depending on your preference of, uh, fruit? Either way, you’re going to have to make sure that you’ve got the right flavor of apple before you get into it all, so now that should be a breeze. Need a hand with anything else as you adventure around Galar? Check out these tips and tricks that we’ve put together for Trainers just like you:


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About the Author

Ginny Woo

Ginny hails from just south of Mordor, and when she's not debating others about the One Ring then she's probably glued to an MMO or a JRPG. With Final Fantasy XIV, Destiny 2, and World of Warcraft on her plate, she's always got something to chat about and a sneaky guide up her sleeve. If writing's not on the cards, then she's probably drinking way too much coffee.