How to use Pokemon Sword and Shield Sun Stone evolutions

(Image credit: Nintendo)

If you want to know how to use a Pokemon Sword and Shield Sun Stone to evolve Gloom, Cottonee, and Helioptile then we have all the details you need. The Sun Stone is all about evolving plant flavoured pokemon, hence that very specific collection - photosynthesis? Sun? Get it? Without this item you won't be to get a Bellossom, Whimsicott or Heliolisk from this evolution item. 

To help you achieve that, we’re going to tell you how to get a Pokemon Sword and Shield Sun Stone, as well as how to use it to evolve Gloom, Helioptile, and Cottonee.

How to get a Sun Stone in Pokemon Sword and Shield

(Image credit: Nintendo)

For a simple route to a Sun Stone, head out to the Lake of Outrage in the Pokemon Sword and Shield Wild Area. You should spot a body of water on the left with a Watt Trader standing out in the open. If you can mind the Gyarados lurking, cross this patch of water with your Rotom Bike upgrade that you earn during Route 9. Once you’re over there, avoid the critters and look under each stone in the circle for eight evolutionary stones. Hopefully, one of them is the Sun Stone. If not, they do respawn eventually!

Beyond the brilliant circle, there’s an easy one you can pick up in the Dusty Bowl section of the Wild Area. You’ll see a cluster of trees around some wheatgrass and a big rock with an arch. Within the arch, you’ll find the relevant Pokeball.

If you’re feeling lucky, speak to the Digging Duo in the Bridge Field part of the Wild Area and they’ll attempt to dig one up for if you pay them in Watts. It’s a randomized process so keep your fingers crossed.

How to evolve Gloom, Cottonee, and Helioptile in Pokemon Sword and Shield

Once you’ve pocketed this precious stone, open up your bag, head to the ‘Other Items’ tab and use the item with one of the relevant Pokemon. Make sure you don’t give it to your critter, as that won’t amount to anything.

Once you get your hands on a Gloom (evolves from Oddish, found in Wild Area), a Sun Stone will evolve it into Bellossom. A Cottonee (Stony Wilderness region of the Wild Area) will evolve into Whimsicott, meanwhile Helioptile (Route 6, Giant's Mirror region of the Wild Area) will evolve into Heliolisk.

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Freelance writer


Jordan Oloman has hundreds of bylines across outlets like GamesRadar+, PC Gamer, USA Today, The Guardian, The Verge, The Washington Post, and more. Jordan is an experienced freelance writer who can not only dive deep into the biggest video games out there but explore the way they intersect with culture too. Jordan can also be found working behind-the-scenes here at Future Plc, contributing to the organization and execution of the Future Games Show.  

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