Evolving Burmy in Pokémon Legends: Arceus involves a unique mechanic that blends level progression with gender and regional forms. Unlike typical Pokémon that follow a single linear path, Burmy offers branching evolutions based on whether it is male or female. Understanding these specific evolutionary requirements will help trainers complete their Hisui Pokédex without unnecessary guesswork.
Gender Requirements for Evolving Burmy
The primary factor determining what Burmy becomes is its gender. Every male Burmy will always evolve into Mothim at level 20, regardless of the cloak it wears. Female Burmy, on the other hand, evolve into Wormadam at level 20.
Because gender dictates the species, players looking to register both Mothim and Wormadam must catch both male and female specimens. Checking the gender icon in your satchel before leveling up saves time and ensures you get the desired form.
How Cloak Forms Impact Wormadam
While male Burmy lose their cloak upon transforming into Mothim, female Burmy retain their current cloak when evolving into Wormadam. This detail is essential because Wormadam's secondary typing changes based on its active cloak. A Plant Cloak results in a Bug and Grass-type, a Sandy Cloak gives a Bug and Ground-type, and a Trash Cloak creates a Bug and Steel-type.
You can change Burmy's cloak by taking it into battle in different regions before it evolves. Battling in grassy environments sets the Plant Cloak, sandy beaches or caves set the Sandy Cloak, and indoor spaces set the Trash Cloak.
Reaching Level 20 and Triggering Evolution
Burmy requires reaching level 20 to be eligible for evolution. However, in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, creatures do not evolve automatically upon leveling up. Trainers must manually select the glowing Poké Ball in their menu and choose to evolve the Pokémon.
Training Burmy can be tricky early on because its initial movepool is limited. Gathering materials by throwing Burmy at shaking trees or keeping it in your party while battling other wild Pokémon helps it gain experience quickly.
Where to Find Burmy in Hisui
To start the evolution process, players need to locate Burmy in the wild across the Hisui region. Burmy exclusively hides inside shaking trees located in various areas such as the Obsidian Fieldlands, Crimson Mirelands, and Cobalt Coastlands. Throwing one of your own Pokémon at a rustling tree will trigger a battle with the hidden Bug-type.
Once caught, you can inspect its gender and current cloak form right away. Preparing a few extra Poké Balls while exploring these areas guarantees you can catch multiple specimens for both evolutionary paths.
