Applin's Grand Entrance: A Sticky-Sweet Deep Dive into Pokémon Go's New Foraging Mechanic
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Applin's debut in Pokémon Go introduces a quirky new foraging mechanic, requiring players to tap on floor apples to find the Pokémon and its unique evolution items for Flapple, Appletun, Dipplin, and Hydrapple. While Gigantamax forms and shinies are yet to come, it's a sweet, multi-layered grind that adds a fresh twist to collecting.
Right, mate, gather 'round, because Applin, the adorable little apple-core Pokémon, has finally rolled into Pokémon Go, and it's brought with it a rather intriguing, if slightly chaotic, new mechanic that's got my digital wizard senses tingling. We're talking about more than just chucking Poké Balls; we're talking about *foraging*.
Fair dinkum, when Applin first started making waves, I thought, 'Oh, another cute critter to catch.' But then, the whispers of 'tapping apples on the floor' started circulating, and my inner curious experimentalist perked right up. Now, Niantic's dabbling in new ways to make us interact with the world isn't always a smooth spellcasting process, is it? Remember that 'vaguely tested' April Fools' gig with the Poké Balls? Felt a bit like a half-baked potion, didn't it? But this Applin situation? This feels different. It's subtle, it's environmental, and it's got me wondering 'what happens if...' quite a lot.
So, what's the big deal with these digital apples? Well, for starters, they're how you primarily track down Applin itself. Beyond the usual wild spawns and event-specific research tasks (like the 'Sweet Discoveries' or 'Harvest Festival' gigs), you're going to want to keep your peepers peeled for these little fruity bits lying around. They're not always there, mind, but they apparently pop up more often around Mossy Lure Modules during certain events. It's a nice touch, giving the Mossy Lure a bit more oomph than just attracting the usual leafy suspects.
This isn't just about finding the little bugger, though; it's about the evolution. Applin doesn't just want a truckload of candy (though it absolutely wants a truckload of candy). Oh no, this particular Pokémon demands *special* apples for its various transformations. It’s less about just flinging candy at them like a mad wizard and more about finding the right, enchanted ingredients for your alchemical concoction.
Originally, we had Flapple and Appletun, the Tart and Sweet apple variants, respectively. But, as tends to happen in the ever-expanding Pokémon universe, Applin’s family tree grew even further with Dipplin and then the absolute dragon-apple-snake-thing, Hydrapple, added later on. And each of these fruity delights requires a specific apple: Tart Apples for Flapple, Sweet Apples for Appletun, and Syrupy Apples for Dipplin. You get these by — you guessed it — tapping those elusive apples on the floor or snagging them as event rewards. Each of these basic evolutions will set you back 20 specific apples and a hefty 200 Applin Candy. That’s a fair bit of foraging and catching, so start hoarding those sweets now if you're a completionist.
Now, the plot thickens a bit with Hydrapple. Evolving Dipplin into Hydrapple isn't just about throwing more candy and apples at it. Oh no, you’ll need to set Dipplin as your buddy – because true companionship, obviously, is key – and then go out and catch *seven* Dragon-type Pokémon. On top of that, you'll need another 400 Applin Candy. That's a serious commitment, isn't it? A bit like having to find seven specific magical scrolls while your familiar watches, judging your every move. It adds a layer of depth that goes beyond the usual 'walk X distance' or 'use X items' evolutions, which I reckon is pretty neat.
And what about the shiny hunt, you ask? Ah, the eternal question. As of right now, no, Applin can't be shiny in Pokémon Go. But come on, mate, we all know how this dance goes, don't we? It's practically written in the digital tea leaves. Like every other Pokémon in this game, its shiny form will absolutely, inevitably, eventually come from some glorious Community Day or dedicated event. Niantic loves to stretch out the content, and a shiny release is always a fantastic reason to bring everyone back to the grind. So, don't fret if your current apple-tapping yields only standard hues; patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with Niantic's rollout strategy.
What’s particularly interesting here, beyond the immediate Applin family, is the potential for Gigantamax forms. Both Flapple and Appletun boast Gigantamax forms in the main series games, though they're not in Go *yet*. They even have unique moves – G-Max Tartness and G-Max Sweetness. How Niantic will implement those status-healing and evasiveness-reducing abilities into the Go battle system is anyone's guess, but it's a tantalizing thought for collectors. So, while you're out there tapping those apples and gathering candy, just know you might be prepping for a bigger, giganter (is that a word? It should be) appley showdown down the line.
So, there you have it. Applin isn't just another Pokédex entry; it's a little green bundle of new mechanics, specific foraging, and a multi-stage evolution saga that's kept my curiosity well and truly piqued. It's a sweet, sticky little adventure that actually feels a bit fresh. Keep those eyes peeled for apples, happy hunting, and don't let the candy grind get you down!
Tags: Pokémon Go, Applin, Evolution Guide, Mobile Gaming, Collectible Monsters
Original article: Polygon