Where to catch Applin in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

There are a ton of new Pokémon to discover in the Paldea region, but a number of species from previous generations return in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet to accompany players as they kick off their new adventures. Applin is one such example, but finding where to catch Applin has proven tricky for some trainers.

Applin is a Dragon-type species that debuted with the Galar region in Pokémon Sword and Shield. As its name suggests, this strange Pokémon appears to be an apple—but the apple isn’t actually the Pokémon. Instead, the Pokémon is the green, flappy worm-like creature that lives inside.

Applin has two different evolutions: Flapple and Appletun. To evolve Applin into Flapple, you’ll need to find an item called a Tart Apple and use it on the Pokémon from the bag menu. To evolve Applin into Appletun, you’ll go through the same process but with a Sweet Apple instead.

But before you can even think of evolving Applin, you’ll need to find and catch one first. Here’s where you can catch Applin in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

All Applin locations in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

You’ll find Applin in a variety of locations around Paldea, and it likes to hang out in trees. When you’re exploring the areas highlighted on the map below, make sure to look up in the branches to avoid missing the apple-shaped critter.

As its Pokédex entry states, Applin is a rare find, so it might take some searching. Once you do find an Applin, you’ll need to knock it off its tree branch and onto the ground so you can battle it.

You can also increase the chances of Applin spawning using the Picnic feature. The game features sandwich recipes that increase the chances of Pokémon of a certain type appearing, and for Applin, it’s best to use a Dragon Encounter Power boost recipe. One of the simplest you can make is with 1 Tomato, 1 Salt, 1 Avocado, and 1 Smoked Fillet. You can buy all these items from various food vendors in the center of Mesagoza city.

How to knock Applin out of a tree

To bring Applin tumbling down from a tree branch, aim with the left trigger and throw your Pokémon with the right trigger to initiate a battle. From there, it’s all about getting the Dragon-type’s health low enough, then you can catch it like you would any other Pokémon.

Alternatively, if you want to knock Applin out of its tree before battling it, just ride Miraidon or Koraidon and ram into the tree. That’ll cause whatever was in the tree at the time to fall to the ground. This includes Applin and whatever else might have been up there with it.