Applin, Flapple & Appletun: The Complete Evolution Guide for 2026

Why Applin's Evolution Line Is One of the Most Unique in Pokémon

Applin is a tiny Grass/Dragon-type Pokémon hiding inside an apple, and its branching evolution into either Flapple or Appletun makes it one of the most interesting choices in the entire Sword & Shield generation. Whether you're building a competitive team, completing your Pokédex, or just trying to figure out which apple dragon suits your playstyle, this guide covers everything you need to know about the full Applin evolution line.

If you've been exploring the lore behind Appletun already, you know this line has real charm. But today we're going deep on mechanics, stats, movesets, and — of course — the best merch for fans of every branch.

How to Get Applin in Pokémon Sword & Shield

Applin appears in the wild on Route 5 and in the tall grass near Dusty Bowl in the Wild Area. It's not particularly rare, but it can be easy to overlook since it doesn't spawn as an overworld encounter in most weather conditions. Your best bet is to walk through the tall grass on Route 5 until you trigger a random encounter.

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Scarlet & Violet, Applin's availability varies. In Scarlet & Violet, you can find Applin in apple orchards and grassy areas around Paldea, particularly near the eastern province. It retains its Grass/Dragon typing across all games.

Applin's Base Stats

Applin is intentionally weak — it's meant to evolve quickly. Here's what you're working with:

• HP: 40
• Attack: 40
• Defense: 80
• Sp. Atk: 40
• Sp. Def: 40
• Speed: 20
• Total: 260

That 80 Defense is surprisingly decent for a first-stage Pokémon, but you'll want to evolve Applin as soon as possible. The real question is: which direction do you go?

Evolving Applin into Flapple

Flapple is the offensive evolution of Applin. To evolve Applin into Flapple, you need a Tart Apple. In Pokémon Sword, a Tart Apple can be obtained from the boy under the tree on the left side of Hammerlocke. In Pokémon Shield, you'll need to trade for one or find it through specific Max Raid events.

Use the Tart Apple on Applin, and it immediately evolves into Flapple — no level requirement needed.

Flapple's Stats and Strengths

Flapple is a glass cannon built for speed and attack power:

• HP: 70
• Attack: 110
• Defense: 80
• Sp. Atk: 95
• Sp. Def: 60
• Speed: 70
• Total: 485

With 110 base Attack, Flapple hits hard physically. Its signature move Grav Apple deals 80 base power, lowers the target's Defense by one stage, and gets boosted further by Flapple's ability Ripen (which doubles berry effects) or Hustle (which boosts Attack by 50% at the cost of accuracy).

Flapple's best competitive sets typically run Hustle with a Choice Band for devastating physical hits. The accuracy trade-off is real, though — expect the occasional frustrating miss. If you prefer consistency, Ripen paired with a Sitrus Berry or Leech Seed gives Flapple some staying power.

Best Flapple Moveset

• Grav Apple — STAB, Defense drop, Flapple's bread and butter
• Dragon Rush / Outrage — STAB Dragon coverage
• U-turn — Pivot out to maintain momentum
• Sucker Punch — Priority move to compensate for middling Speed

Evolving Applin into Appletun

Appletun is the defensive evolution and the cozy fan favorite. To evolve Applin into Appletun, you need a Sweet Apple. In Pokémon Shield, you get a Sweet Apple from the same NPC in Hammerlocke. In Sword, you'll need to trade or find one through events.

Use the Sweet Apple on Applin, and you've got yourself the beloved apple pie dragon.

Appletun's Stats and Strengths

Appletun is a bulky special attacker with great staying power:

• HP: 110
• Attack: 85
• Defense: 80
• Sp. Atk: 100
• Sp. Def: 80
• Speed: 30
• Total: 485

That 110 HP combined with 80/80 defenses makes Appletun a reliable tank. Its signature move Apple Acid deals 80 base power and lowers the target's Sp. Def, letting Appletun snowball damage over multiple turns. The Ripen ability is particularly effective here — double the healing from berries turns Appletun into a wall that's surprisingly hard to take down.

Appletun thrives in Trick Room teams where its abysmal 30 Speed becomes an advantage. Pair it with a Trick Room setter and watch it sweep.

Best Appletun Moveset

• Apple Acid — STAB, Sp. Def drops stack beautifully
• Dragon Pulse — Reliable STAB Dragon coverage
• Recover — Keeps Appletun healthy for the long game
• Leech Seed / Body Press — Passive damage or Defense-based coverage

If you're looking for the best Appletun cards to add to your collection, check out our Appletun card value guide for the latest pricing.

Dipplin: The Scarlet & Violet Addition

Generation IX introduced a third evolution for Applin: Dipplin, the Candy Apple Pokémon. Dipplin evolves from Applin using a Syrupy Apple, found in Kitakami during The Teal Mask DLC. Dipplin can then further evolve into Hydrapple when leveled up while knowing the move Dragon Cheer.

Dipplin and Hydrapple add even more depth to this already fascinating evolution line. Dipplin keeps the Grass/Dragon typing and introduces the move Syrup Bomb, which lowers the target's Speed for three turns — incredibly useful for speed control.

Flapple vs. Appletun vs. Dipplin: Which Should You Choose?

The right choice depends entirely on your playstyle and what your team needs. Here's how they compare across every important category.

| Pokémon | Type | Best For | Key Stat | Signature Move | Ideal Team Role | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Flapple | Grass/Dragon | Fast physical sweeper | 110 Attack | Grav Apple | Hustle + Choice Band attacker | | Appletun | Grass/Dragon | Bulky special tank | 110 HP | Apple Acid | Trick Room sweeper / wall | | Dipplin | Grass/Dragon | Speed control support | 80 Sp. Atk | Syrup Bomb | Utility / pivot | | Hydrapple | Grass/Dragon | All-around attacker | 120 Sp. Atk | Fickle Beam | Special sweeper |

Best Merch for Applin Evolution Line Fans

Whether you're Team Flapple or Team Appletun (and let's be honest, most of us here are Team Appletun), there's great merch available for the entire evolution line.

Plushies

The Appletun plush from the Pokémon Center line is one of the coziest Pokémon plushies ever made. Its round, squishy design makes it perfect for desk display or as a comfort companion. Flapple plushies are harder to find but worth hunting for — the wing design translates surprisingly well to plush form.

TCG Cards

The Appletun VMAX card from the Sword & Shield era remains a collector favorite with its gorgeous full-art illustration. Flapple V also has some stunning alternate art versions. If you're building a Grass-type themed binder, the entire Applin line gives you fantastic options across multiple sets.

Figures and Accessories

Scale World and Moncolle figures of both Flapple and Appletun are available from Japanese import sellers. These small-scale figures are perfect for shelf displays alongside your other Pokémon collectibles. For everyday carry, look for Appletun keychains and phone grips — they're subtle enough for daily use while still showing off your favorite apple Pokémon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level does Applin evolve into Flapple or Appletun?

Applin doesn't evolve by leveling up. Instead, you need to use a special item: a Tart Apple for Flapple or a Sweet Apple for Appletun. There's no level requirement — just use the item at any time and Applin evolves immediately. In Scarlet & Violet, a Syrupy Apple evolves Applin into Dipplin instead.

Is Flapple or Appletun better competitively?

It depends on your team composition. Flapple is stronger as an offensive threat with 110 Attack and the Hustle ability, making it a potent physical sweeper. Appletun excels in Trick Room teams and as a bulky pivot with 110 HP and access to Recover. In most competitive formats, Appletun sees slightly more usage due to its better bulk and consistency, but Flapple has higher ceiling potential when Hustle hits connect.

Can you get both Flapple and Appletun in one game?

In Sword & Shield, each version only gives you one apple item through the story NPC. However, you can obtain the other apple through Max Raid events, trading with other players, or by shaking trees on the Isle of Armor DLC. So yes, you can get both in a single save file — it just takes a bit more effort.

What is the best nature for Appletun?

Is Applin a rare Pokémon?

Applin isn't particularly rare in any game it appears in, but it can feel elusive because it's a random encounter rather than an overworld spawn in most locations. In Sword & Shield, Route 5 is your best bet. In Scarlet & Violet, check grassy areas in the eastern parts of Paldea. The evolution items (Tart Apple, Sweet Apple, Syrupy Apple) are the harder part — those are version-locked or event-limited in most games.

Wrap Up

The Applin evolution line is one of the most charming and strategically interesting families in modern Pokémon. Whether you're drawn to Flapple's aggressive playstyle, Appletun's cozy tanking ability, or Dipplin's utility toolkit, there's a branch of this family tree for every type of trainer. And with fantastic plush, card, and figure options available, it's one of the most collectible lines too.

If you're still building your collection, don't miss our best Appletun plush guide for detailed reviews on every available option.