Helioptile and its evolution Heliolisk are neat little Gen VI Pokémon based on an interesting concept – They’re solar-paneled lizards. That might cause some to classify them as Grass-types – especially with the emphasis Pokémon puts on using sunny weather for Grass attacks – but they’re not based on photosynthesis. These guys generate solar power, and are therefore Electric-types.
Where To Find Helioptile In Sword & Shield
Helioptile hangs out with a lot of other desert-dwelling Pokémon on Route 6. You should see it walking around hoping to soak up some rays. You can also find it at Giant’s Mirror during a thunderstorm.
How To Evolve Helioptile Into Heliolisk
Helioptile evolves into Heliolisk when you use a Sun Stone on it. Sun Stones can be found near the Dusty Bowl, from the Digging Duo, with a Pokémon’s Pickup Ability, or as a reward from a PokéJob.
What Heliolisk Does In Battle
Heliolisk is fast and has great Special Attack. That makes it a prime candidate for bringing the Thunder. Or Thunderbolt, if you prefer accuracy to raw power. Heliolisk is also a Normal-type, so it can take advantage of those moves. Smogon recommends Hyper Voice. It can learn Grass Knot and Solar Beam to fight off the Ground-types it’s weak too.
Due to its nature, you might also consider using Heliolisk on a sun-based weather team. It has the Solar Power Ability, which raises its Special Attack in the sun. The sun will therefore boost its Electric-type attacks and let it use Solar Beam in one turn. As an Electric-type, Heliolisk will be helpful in defending the Fire-types of a sun team from watery doom.
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