How to Find (& Catch) Pincurchin in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

To encounter the electrical Sea Urchin Pincurchin in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Trainers must explore the ocean beaches of the Paldea region.

Trainers looking to craft the Spikes TM090 or the Electric Terrain TM136 in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will need a resource known as Pincurchin Spines obtained from the Electric-type Sea Urchin Pokémon — Pincurchin. As one would expect, this Electric-type pocket monster exclusively lives on the ocean beaches of Paldea, as its primary food source, according to lore, is seaweed. They are quite timid and will not actively pursue any Trainer that wanders into their comfort zone. However, it will not back down from a fight if threatened and possesses decent stats in Atk, Def, SpAtk, and SpDef. Nevertheless, its inferior Speed means countering combatants with ranged Movesets can make quick work of this Sea Urchin Pokémon.

To catch Pincurchin in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Trainers can search in multiple locations near the ocean within the Paldea region map. These locations include the northwestern coast of Glaseado Mountain, the beaches near Porto Marinada, the shore of the Pokécenter at South Province (Area Five), and the coastline by the major city of Levincia. Wherever there is sand by the ocean in Paldea, players will likely encounter a Wild Pincurchin.

Related: Where to Find (& Catch) Voltorb in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Finding Pincurchin in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Game8 recommends that Trainers find and catch Pincurchin in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet as early as possible in their playthrough. The reason is that there is an NPC in Levincia with whom players can trade their Pincurchin for a Haunter. Those familiar with the Ghost- and Poison-type Haunter will know it can evolve into one of the best endgame and even postgame combatants, Gengar. This evolution is performed by trading Haunter with another player owning either version of the game. Of course, this does not mean Pincurchin cannot be useful in combat, but in terms of countering other Flying- or Steel-type opponents, there are many better alternatives.

It is possible to insta-catch Pincurchin with a specific type of Poké Ball in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, but those attempting to weaken it first before capture are advised to use Ground-type attacks. As an Electric-type Sea Urchin Pokémon, Ground-type Moves are its primary weakness. As noted above, Pincurchin has a chance of dropping Pincurchin Spines upon being caught or defeated in battle. The Spikes TM is a good way to deal massive damage to enemies passively, while the Electric Terrain TM is an excellent buff that prevents one’s combatants from sleeping while additionally bolstering Electric-type Moves. Accordingly, Electric Terrain can be a huge advantage in specific Trainer Battles or Tera Raid Battles where sleeping is a hazard or Electric-type Movesets are optimal in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

More: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Where to Find Razor Claw (& What It’s For)

Source: Game8