One of the coolest monsters found in Pokemon Sword and Shield is a Dragon/Grass-type creature known as Applin, which is capable of evolving into either Flapple or Appletun. It’s hard to believe that a pocket monster that resembles a worm inside of an apple can steal the limelight from other Pokemon, given some of the awesome new Galar forms found in Sword and Shield.
Chief amongst those creatures is Galarian Ponyta and Sirfetch’d, both of which are locked as version exclusives for Pokemon Shield and Pokemon Sword, respectively. There are all kinds of exclusives across Pokemon Sword and Shield, and two of the most notable are tied to the aformentioned Applin. As it turns out, its evolutions are linked to two items that are split between both versions of the game.
Of course, figuring out how to evolve the rather rare Pokemon can make for a challenge for those unaware of the system in place to trigger its evolution. As it turns out, it’s all tied to two items known as a Sweet Apple and a Tart Apple. The Sweet Apple (exclusive to Pokemon Shield) will make Applin evolve into Appletun, while the Tart Apple (exclusive to Pokemon Sword) will evolve Applin into Flapple. There are currently three known ways to go about securing these special evolutionary apples.
Hammerlock’s NPC
Players that have already captured an Applin can head over to the West end of Hammerlock, where they’ll run into an NPC located just before Route 6. The trainer will say that they wish they had an Applin of their very own, and players will be prompted to give them theirs. Anyone looking to secure their version’s apple should accept the proposal, as they’ll eventually be given their Applin back alongside the required evolution item. This is by far the easiest/earliest way to score a Appletun or Flapple.
Axew’s Eye Island
After defeating the Circhester Gym and securing the ability to ride the Rotom Bike on water, players can head back to the Wild Area just South of Hammerlock. Here, it’s as simple as peddling across the water to the one island featured in the Axew’s Eye area of the map and seaching underneath the trees. There should be a few different kinds of apples in the area, but if players are luck they’ll stumble upon a Sweet Apple or Tart Apple.
Battle Cafe Rewards
Finally, trainers may be awarded a Sweet Apple or Tart Apple for participating in and winning a Battle Cafe challenge. In the interest of saving time, it’s important to note that the special apples will only show up in the Battle Cafes in Motostoke, Hammerlocke, and Wyndon. Once in a player’s possession, it’s as simple as selecting it from one’s inventory and using it like an evolutionary stone.
Next: Pokemon Sword and Shield: How to Evolve Galarian Yamask
Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield are now available for Nitendo Switch consoles.
