One of the grand highlights that excited fans before Pokémon Scarlet and Violet‘s release was the adorable new Bellibolt, but some players might not know that this Electric-type Pokémon has an unevolved form — Tadbulb. Tadbulb is a tiny tadpole-like pocket monster of the Water 1 Egg Group that can evolve into Bellibolt once given a specific Evolution Item. As one might expect, Tadbulb is relatively weak regarding its stats and can easily be taken down with Ground-type Moves. On the other hand, Bellibolt is a solid midgame-level combatant with high HP and SpAtk, making quite a formidable counter-pick against specific Flying- or Steel-type pocket monsters.
Getting Tadbulb in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
To get Tadbulb in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Trainers can search the regions near rivers or within wetlands, as this Electric-type Pokémon prefers a habitat near water. Its potential habitat locations include multiple areas throughout the East Province, South Province, West Province, and nearby Montenevera.
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However, suppose Trainers would like to know of a specific location where they are bound to encounter several Tadbulbs in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. In that case, YouTuber Quick Tips recommends searching along the riverbanks southwest of Mesagoza, near the river running through South Province (Area Two). As mentioned above, these small electrical tadpoles are relatively easy to catch. If players must weaken the Pokémon before their Poké Ball throw, Ground-type Moves will be the most effective.
After catching Tadbulb in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the next step most will want to do is evolving the tadpole into Bellibolt. This process requires a special Evolution Item known as the Thunder Stone, which can be acquired from multiple sources. The first and most straightforward means of obtaining the Thunder Stone is filling the Paldean Pokédex with 30 entries, as the reward for reaching this milestone will be Tadbulb’s Evolution Item. Game8 states that another way to get the Thunder Stone would be by beating three Gym Leaders to unlock the Stone at every Delibird Presents Branch, where it can be purchased for ₽3,000. Thirdly, the Thunder Stone can also be acquired from the Porto Marinada Auction House, but this method is randomized, so it is not very reliable.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are available on the Nintendo Switch.
Source: Game8 | YouTube/Quick Tips