As the leaves turn and a crispness fills the air, Pokémon Go ushers in the autumnal spirit with its highly anticipated Harvest Festival. This seasonal celebration, active from October 10th to 16th, isn`t just about admiring fall-themed Pokémon; it marks the exciting debut of two new, delectable evolutions for the beloved Applin: Dipplin and its magnificent final form, Hydrapple. Prepare for a hunt that involves more than just tossing Poké Balls – a new ingredient takes center stage in this evolution saga.
Dipplin`s Debut: A Sweet New Branch on the Applin Family Tree
Dipplin, originally introduced in the Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, brings a fresh twist to the Applin evolution line. Unlike its cousins Appletun and Flapple, Dipplin demands a unique item for its arrival: the elusive Syrupy Apple. Your journey to acquire this charming Dragon/Grass-type Pokémon begins with a familiar face, Applin, but culminates in a delightful new form, provided you`re ready for some strategic foraging.
The Recipe for Dipplin: More Than Just Candy
To evolve your Applin into Dipplin, trainers must gather a specific set of resources:
- 200 Applin Candy: A substantial, yet manageable, amount for dedicated players.
- 20 Syrupy Apples: The newly introduced, and perhaps most challenging, component.
Once these prerequisites are met, the evolution process is straightforward, accessible directly from Applin`s detail page. The real quest, however, lies in securing those peculiar Syrupy Apples.
The Great Syrupy Apple Hunt: A Lure Module Odyssey
Syrupy Apples are not found lying around in plain sight. They are a special commodity, primarily acquired through a specific interaction at PokéStops. Forget casual strolls; this requires a tactical approach:
- The Mossy Lure Module is Your Best Friend: Activating a Mossy Lure Module at a PokéStop is the key. While active, these modules will periodically cause Syrupy Apples to appear on your map.
- Tap with Caution: Upon spotting an apple, a tap is required to collect it. However, not every tap guarantees an item. In a twist of fate (or perhaps a playful jab from the developers), some taps might instead trigger an encounter with a wild Pokémon. This introduces an element of delightful uncertainty, transforming a simple collection task into a mini-game of patience and mild frustration.
Collecting 20 of these items will demand persistence. Think of it as an interactive apple-picking simulation, complete with unexpected wild encounters – because who doesn`t love a surprise Zubat when they`re aiming for a sweet treat?
Hydrapple`s Ascendance: A True Test of Dedication
Evolving Dipplin into the majestic Hydrapple elevates the challenge considerably. This isn`t merely a matter of more candy; it introduces a unique buddy-based requirement that will test your long-term commitment to your Applin-turned-Dipplin companion.
The Path to Power: Hydrapple`s Rigorous Requirements
Before Dipplin can embrace its multi-headed, draconic form, two significant hurdles must be overcome:
- 400 Applin Candy: Yes, another hefty sum. This brings the total Applin Candy cost from zero to Hydrapple to a staggering 600. Strategic candy farming is paramount.
- Catch 7 Dragon-type Pokémon while Dipplin is Your Buddy: This is where the true dedication shines. Dipplin must be set as your active buddy, accompanying you on your adventures, while you actively seek out and capture seven Dragon-type Pokémon. This can be a time-consuming endeavor, especially if Dragon-types aren`t frequently spawning in your area.
Expediting Your Candy Collection:
To mitigate the monumental candy requirement, smart trainers will:
- Utilize Pinap Berries: Always use a Pinap Berry before catching Applin during the Harvest Festival event, as Applin will be more common, maximizing your candy gains.
- Convert Rare Candy: Don`t hesitate to convert any stockpiled Rare Candy into Applin Candy. This is precisely the kind of high-value evolution where Rare Candy proves invaluable.
Shiny Speculations: A Glimmer on the Horizon?
For the ardent collectors of chromatic Pokémon, the question naturally arises: Can Dipplin and Hydrapple be shiny? Currently, the answer is no. Since shiny Applin has yet to make its debut in Pokémon Go, its evolved forms, Dipplin and Hydrapple, are also unavailable in their alternate colorations. While there`s no official timeline, new shiny Pokémon typically coincide with future special events. So, keep an eye out; a glittering green apple might just appear in a future update.
The Harvest Festival`s Enduring Legacy
The Harvest Festival may conclude on October 16th, but the opportunity to evolve Applin into Dipplin and Hydrapple remains a permanent addition to Pokémon Go. While the event significantly boosts Applin spawns and introduces the Syrupy Apple mechanic, the challenges for acquiring these fruity dragons will persist. This layered evolution process, requiring both item collection and specific buddy-based tasks, reflects an evolving complexity in Pokémon Go`s gameplay, pushing trainers to engage more deeply with their Pokémon and the world around them.
Embrace the grind, enjoy the hunt, and celebrate the addition of these truly unique Pokémon to your collection. The orchard awaits!
Oliver Brampton 
Callum Darby