Pokémon Sword and Shield continues the theme of recent Pokémon games by including a number of regional variants, or recreations of Pokémon from previous generations. One of the Galar Region's variant Pokémon is Yamask, which was originally introduced in Black and White. In its debut games, Yamask could evolve into Cofagrigus at level 34, but its Galarian form evolves into an entirely different Pokémon -- and by much more complicated means.

Galarian Yamask only evolves when it takes 49 damage or more, then travels with its trainer to a specific part of the Wild Area. However, its evolution Runerigus is well worth the unorthodox process needed to obtain it. With a unique, haunting design and defensive stats that leave its peers in the dust, Runerigus is a Pokémon every Sword and Shield trainer should have on their radar. Here's how to get your very own, from catching a Galarian Yamask to the best strategy for evolving it.

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Galarian Yamask

Pokemon Sword and shield Galarian Yamask battle

Galarian Yamask can be found in both Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield on Route 6, between Hammerlocke and Stow-on-Side. They spawn frequently in the overworld, so finding one roaming around the cliffside should be easy. They range from levels 29-33 in the wild. Throwing a Quick Ball at one should be enough to catch it, but if it needs to be weakened (or if you want it in a Dusk Ball for aesthetic reasons) it should have enough defense to take a physical hit or two without being knocked out.

It's a Ground/Ghost-type Pokémon, making it completely immune to Fighting, Normal and Electric-type moves. Additionally, its ability is Wandering Spirit, which trades its ability with that of its attackers when hit with a move that makes contact. This makes it similar to Unovan Yamask and Cofagrigus' Mummy, though that ability only spreads itself to others. Wandering Spirit won't work on certain abilities like Silvally's RKS System or Mimikyu's Disguise.

If possible, catching a Galarian Yamask with the Relaxed nature, which raises its Defense and lowers its Speed, is ideal. If not, an Impish nature may also work, which raises Defense and lowers Special Attack. There's no rush to evolve the Yamask; it learns all the same moves as its evolved form -- and even learns them faster. Whenever you do choose to evolve your Yamask, just make sure that it has at least 50 total HP.

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Runerigus

pokemon sword and shield runerigus

To evolve your Galarian Yamask, the first thing you need to do is have it take 49 or more damage in a fight and survive. Depending on what level your Yamask is at, this may be easy. However, at low levels it can be a challenge hitting the perfect spot between sufficient damage and fainting. If need be, it can learn the move Endure with the use of a Technical Record, which leaves it with 1 HP when hit with a move that would otherwise cause it to faint. You can also equip a Focus Sash, which does the same thing. However, this is not recommended,, as it is a rare item that's consumed on use.

Once your Galarian Yamask has endured 49 or more damage, it must be brought to a specific section of the Wild Area. Looking on the map, you'll notice a section in the northern half of the Wild Area called the Dusty Bowl, just south of Hammerlocke. In this area, there is a long stone archway made up of two large, short boulders with a long rock laying across the top of them. With the weakened Yamask in your party, pass through this archway, and the evolution should begin.

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Runerigus retains its type and ability, and it learns all the same moves by leveling up, though at later levels. It differs from its pre-evolution in two ways. First, it can learn more TMs and TRs, including Giga Impact, Phantom Force and Stone Edge. Second, and more importantly, it gets a massive boost to its stats. Runerigus is a defense-based Pokémon, boasting an absurd 145 base Defense stat and 105 base Special Defense. Its Speed stays the same at just 30, making it a bit of a high-risk high-reward fighter. However, being so hard to knock out and having the ability to learn moves like Body Press -- which becomes stronger depending on the user's defense -- makes speed more or less irrelevant.

Once Galarian Yamask has evolved into Runerigus, it's best used to stall the opponent with stat increases, guard moves and inflictions. Wandering Spirit can be used to throw a wrench in setups that rely on a Pokémon's ability, or you can just use a move like Destiny Bond to knock out whichever Pokémon lands the finishing blow on Runerigus. While this Pokémon and its evolutionary method are far from straightforward, Runerigus can be a versatile addition to any trainer's team.

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