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Before Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Growlithe and its evolution Arcanine were known for being purely Fire-type Pokemon with sturdy Attack, Special Attack, and Speed. Their counterparts, Vulpix and Ninetales, were one of the first Pokemon to receive regional variants back in Generation 7, going from Fire-type to Ice and Ice/Fairy-type. It wasn't until Generation 8 that Growlithe and Arcanine were finally given a regional form and a new typing: Fire/Rock-type.
Hisuian Growlithe and Arcanine's stats aren't too different from their non-Hisuian counterparts. They get a little boost in HP and Attack in exchange for their Special Attack and Speed. However, regional variants weren't the only thing added to the Pokemon franchise in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. New types of Pokemon called Alpha Pokemon roam the Hisui region. These are Pokemon that are much larger and have 3 out of 5 EVs at level 3 upon capture. Naturally, players can catch their own Alpha Hisuian Growlithe if they search around Hisui.
It has been rumored that a special distribution event for Pokemon Legends: Arceus will occur from February 25 through March 13, and will give players a Hisuian Growlithe and 20 Feather Balls (this has yet to be officially confirmed, however).
Finding Hisuian Growlithe
Players won't be able to find Hisuian Growlithe until they unlock the Cobalt Coastlands. In order to get there, they'll need to have calmed both the Noble Kleavor and the Noble Liligant. After this, Kamado will send the player's character to the Cobalt Coastlands to help Irida and the Pearl Clan.
Hisuian Growlithe can be found at Veilstone Cape or Windbreak Stand (refer to the star stamps on the above image).
There's usually one Hisuian Growlithe at Veilstone Cape. Windbreak Stand is on a high cliff and may not be accessible until after players can climb walls with Sneasler. Unfortunately, between the two habitats, there are more Hisuian Growlithe at Windbreak Stand, meaning it's more likely players will find an Alpha Growlithe at Windbreak Stand than they would at Veilstone Cape.
If Alpha Growlithe isn't there, leave Cobalt Coastlands by returning to Jubilife Village, and then go back to the coastlands until Growlithe spawns.
The easiest way to catch Alpha Pokemon like Growlithe is to distract it with Berries or its preferred foods. The preferred foods of a Pokemon can be checked in the Pokedex once they've been caught. Once Growlithe is distracted, quietly sneak up on it (stay crouched) and throw a Heavy Ball or Leaden Ball to catch it when it isn't looking. Heavy Balls, Leaden Balls, and Gigaton Balls work better when they're thrown "at an unsuspecting Pokemon."
In the case Alpha Hisuian Growlithe spots the player, they can either run away with Wyrdeer until they're out of its line of sight. Or, they can battle Growlithe instead. Be warned that battling Alpha Pokemon can be difficult since most Alpha Pokemon will be at a higher level. When battling an Alpha Pokemon, send out the weakest Pokemon in the party first. Then, start whittling away at the Alpha Pokemon's health until it's in the yellow or red, and throw a Great Ball or Ultra Ball.
After Alpha Hisuian Growlithe has been caught, the next step is recording its Pokedex entry. Complete some of its research tasks and, once its Research Level hits 10, evolve it. Like the original Growlithe, Hisuian Growlithe evolves when it's exposed to a Fire Stone. Players can buy a Fire Stone with Merit Points (MP) from the Trading Post in Jubilife Village, or by breaking the rocks/crystals around Hisui.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is available now on Nintendo Switch.
