How to Evolve Slugma in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

There are so many fire Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. But that doesn’t mean you should overlook the adorable fire slug, Slugma, and its evolved form, Magcargo! It’s well worth the time to grab both. Here’s how to evolve Slugma into Magcargo in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

How to Evolve Slugma in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Slugma made its grand debut all the way back in Generation II. And while it’s never really cemented its place in the limelight in the years passed, it’s still nice to see its droopy face in the Teal Mask DLC. But before you grab it, you might be wondering how do you evolve it?

Fortunately, it’s pretty easy. To evolve Slugma into Magcargo in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, you need Slugma to reach level 38.

And, yep, that’s it! It will evolve normally without you having to jump through any odd hoops. In fact, the moment you encounter Slugma in Katakami, it’s probably capable of evolving. Many of the Pokemon in this region are well above level 38 when you encounter them.

Slugma is also very common around Crystal Pool and Infernal Pass. So, if you still need to catch it, start there.

As for whether or not Magcargo is good in battles, it has its ups and downs. Magcargo has decent bulk and access to Recovery. And with Flame Body and Lava Plume, it can inflict burn very reliably. But Magcargo, with its Fire-Rock Typing, suffers from a 4x weakness to Water and Ground. This makes it very open to attack from more meta Pokemon like Great Tusk and Iron Valiant.

Garganacl essentially does what Magcargo does but better.

But if you’d like access to an even better and rarer Pokemon, can I suggest Hisuian Arcanine? Of course, you’ll have to get his unevolved form first. But expect to do a lot more legwork for that Growlithe!