Moon Stones are pretty different from the typical Water, Leaf, and Fire Stones. Rather than evolving mostly Pokemon of a single type, it can evolve between a range of Normal-types, Poison-types, Fairy-types, and Psychic-types. Of course, within that range are only six Pokemon out of the 898 total. Due to this, a lot of trainers look up what stone can evolve what Pokemon.
Another odd quirk that separates it from other evolution stones is its relationship with the Moon Ball, a Pokeball that is more likely to catch Pokemon that evolves with a Moon Stone. There are no other Pokeballs that correlate with an evolution stone like that.
Updated September 7th, 2021 by Russ Boswell: Pokemon Sword & Shield players are still hard at work completing their Pokedexes and catching as many shinies as possible before the release of Pokemon Legends: Arceus. New players who are just starting their journey may be surprised about the Pokemon that evolve via a Moonstone in Pokemon Sword & Shield. To better help players that are just diving into their own quest across the Galar Region, this guide has been updated with information on how to find Moonstones in Pokemon Sword & Shield. Thankfully, the Pokemon that evolve from Moonstones in Sword & Shield, as well as the stones themselves, aren't too obnoxious to locate.
7 Nidorina To Nidoqueen
This Poison-type Pokemon has existed since the first generation. It evolves from Nidoran if the Nidoran is female at level 16. To turn it to a Nidoqueen though, it'll need a Moon Stone.
Players can find Nidorina only if they bought the Crown Tundra expansion. If they have the expansion, the Pokemon can be found in the Giant's Bed area in all weather at any time of day. Those who do not have the expansion do not have to fret too much though, as someone with the expansion pass can trade a Nidorina to them.
6 Nidorino To Nidoking
Nidorino is the male equivalent of Nidorina. Just like her, his species has existed since generation one and is a Poison-type.
The story is the same for this Pokemon. It is only available in the Crown Tundra areas. LIke Nidorina, Nidorino can be found in the Giant's Bed their levels will be at 63. Both Nidoking and Nidoqueen are competitively viable Pokemon, as they become both Poison and Ground-type after being evolved with a Moon Stone.
5 Clefairy To Clefable
Veteran players of Pokemon often think of Clefairy first in relation to the Moon Stone. This is because Clefairy would be found on Mt. Moon in the first generation of games. Also, nearly all their Pokedex entries discuss how they dance when their is a full moon. The anime even has evidence that Clefairy are really extraterrestrials.
There are a couple of places in Sword and Shield where Clefairy can be caught. For the highest spawn rate, the place to go is Motostoke Riverbank during foggy weather. Outside of that area with less spawn rates, Clefairy can also be found at the various areas of the Giant's Cap. However, in all cases, they only come out in foggy weather. Of course, if you want to get a Clefairy from evolving a Cleffa, keep in mind that Cleffa only evolve through happiness.
4 Jigglypuff To Wigglytuff
Jigglypuff is the fourth Pokemon from the first generation to evolve with a Moon Stone, making the first generation the one with the most Pokemon that evolve with this particular stone. In fact, that is four out of the six Pokemon in total that evolve with the Moon Stone.
It is pink and cute like Clefairy but actually is not available in the base Sword and Shield game. That's right, like Nidorina and Nidorino, Jigglypuff can only be caught by those who bought expansions. However, this time it is not the Crown Tundra but the Isle of Armor. They appear in the Isle of Armor in the Fields of Honor with a spawn rate of 15 percent. They can also be found in the Forest of Focus with the same spawn rate.
3 Skitty To Delcatty
One of the two non-first generation Pokemon that use a Moon Stone is Skitty from the third generation. It is a cute little cat-like Pokemon that is a Normal-type (unlike Jigglypuff and Clefairy, it actually never changed to a Fairy-type!).
Unfortunately, Skitty cannot be caught in Sword or Shield or even in the two expansions. It is one of the Pokemon that never made it into the Galar region. Even if you have one in Pokemon Home, it cannot be moved to the game. At least this way you can save a Moon Stone.
2 Munna To Musharna
The second non-first generation Pokemon to use a Moon Stone is the pink orbital Psychic-type, Munna, from the Black and White generation. Unlike Skitty, is is catch-able in the Swordand Shield games.
For the highest spawn rate, travel to East Lake Axewell during heavy fog weather. Other areas with a lesser spawn rates include the Giant's Seat (with only a two percent chance), Bridge Field (25 percent chance), and the Stony Wilderness (30 percent chance). It is important to know that all these locations need to have heavy fog for Munna to appear. The places listed so far are also just the locations where Munna can appear above world. Places where one can be found just in the tall grass include the Rolling Hills, Axew's Eye, and Giant's Cap.
1 Where To Find Moonstones In Pokemon: Sword & Shield
Finding Moon Stones in Sword and Shield is a bit easier than finding and capturing the Pokemon associated with them. There are a few places that players can look to get their hands on a Moonstone and a few methods to snagging the elusive rock:
- Players can sometimes find a Moonstone via the Digging Duo in the Wild Area. Unfortunately, the spawn rates are quite low for these rare items and trainers will be forced to fork over 500 Watts for each attempt they make. With a wide pool of items for the brothers to pick from, it's not necessarily recommended that players try to farm Moonstones in this way. Currently, the drop rate for a Moon Stone is 3% from the Stamina Brother and 4% from the Skill Brother.
- There is one Moonstone located in the upper right corner of the Dusty Bowl area. Players can find it near a massive rock and behind some bushes.
- A Moonstone can be found in The Lake of Outrage. Players have a chance to find multiple evolution stones here and will need the second Rotom Bike upgrade found on Route 9 to navigate the waters here.
- In the Crown Tundra DLC, a Moonstone can be grabbed on the left side of the Tunnel to the Top map.