Lickitung remains one of the more peculiar Normal-type Pokémon within the Hisui region. Unlike many species that evolve simply by reaching a specific level, Lickitung follows a tradition established in earlier generations but adapted for the unique mechanics of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. To successfully trigger its transformation into Lickilicky, a trainer must pay close attention to its move pool and the manual evolution system that defines this title.

The Evolution Trigger: Rollout and Level Requirements

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the evolution from Lickitung to Lickilicky is tied directly to the move Rollout. This Rock-type physical attack is the key that unlocks the evolutionary potential of this long-tongued Pokémon.

Lickitung learns Rollout naturally at Level 34. However, reaching Level 34 is only the first half of the process. In this game, Pokémon do not automatically attempt to evolve upon leveling up. Furthermore, if Lickitung learns Rollout but the move is not currently equipped in its active four-slot moveset, the evolution option will not appear.

To complete the evolution, follow these specific steps once your Lickitung hits Level 34:

  1. Open your satchel and navigate to Lickitung in your party.
  2. Select Lickitung and choose the "Change Moves" option.
  3. Locate Rollout in the list of known moves and move it into the active moveset, replacing an existing move if necessary.
  4. Once Rollout is active, return to the party menu. You will notice that the Poké Ball icon next to Lickitung is glowing, and the prompt will say "Can Evolve."
  5. Select Lickitung and press "Evolve" to confirm the transformation into Lickilicky.

If you happen to catch a higher-level Lickitung in the wild—such as those found in the Alabaster Icelands which are often Level 50 or higher—it will already have Rollout in its "known moves" library. You simply need to use the "Change Moves" function to activate it before the evolution prompt becomes available.

Where to Find Lickitung in Hisui

Finding a Lickitung is relatively straightforward if you know which sub-regions of Hisui to search. They generally prefer temperate ruins or cold mountainous slopes. There are two primary maps where Lickitung thrives.

Crimson Mirelands

In the Crimson Mirelands, Lickitung is most commonly found in the Shrouded Ruins. This area, located in the southeastern portion of the map, features several stone structures where Lickitung wanders during all times of day and in all weather conditions. You can also occasionally spot them near the Scarlet Bog, though the Shrouded Ruins offer a much higher encounter rate.

Alabaster Icelands

For those seeking higher-level specimens, the Alabaster Icelands provide multiple habitats. The Snowfall Hot Spring is a prime location; you will often find Lickitung relaxing near the warm waters alongside other species like Swinub. Additionally, the Avalanche Slopes host Lickitung, often interspersed with their evolved form, Lickilicky. These wild Lickitung are significantly stronger than those in the Mirelands, making them better candidates for immediate evolution since they will already surpass the Level 34 threshold.

Massive Mass Outbreaks

Following the Daybreak update, Lickitung can appear in Massive Mass Outbreaks in both the Crimson Mirelands and the Alabaster Icelands. These events are excellent for players looking to find Shiny Lickitung or Alpha variants. During these outbreaks, the sheer volume of spawns makes completing research tasks much faster.

Catching Strategy and Item Drops

Lickitung is generally a docile Pokémon, but it can become skittish or aggressive depending on the individual's temperament. To ensure a successful catch without a struggle, using bait is highly recommended.

Lickitung has a strong preference for Dazzling Honey, Hearty Grains, and Plump Beans. Throwing these items near a Lickitung will distract it, allowing you to sneak up behind it for a Backstrike with a Heavy Ball, Leaden Ball, or Gigaton Ball. Because Lickitung is a Normal-type, it is susceptible to Fighting-type moves if you choose to engage it in battle. However, be cautious: its high HP and decent Defense stats mean it can soak up several hits before being weakened enough for a standard Poké Ball.

When caught or defeated, Lickitung frequently drops Caster Ferns and Balls of Mud. These resources are essential for crafting various utility items, such as Smoke Bombs or certain types of Poké Balls.

Maximizing Research Tasks for the Pokédex

To achieve Research Level 10 for Lickitung's Pokédex entry, you need to do more than just evolve it. The research tasks for this species involve a mix of observation and combat.

One of the most efficient ways to grind research points is to focus on the "Times you've seen it use Rollout" task. Since you need to teach it Rollout to evolve it anyway, simply take your Lickitung into low-level areas like the Obsidian Fieldlands and use Rollout against wild Bidoof or Starly. If you use the move in "Agile Style," you can potentially count multiple uses in a single turn, speeding up the process significantly.

Other key tasks include:

  • Number caught: 15 total for maximum points.
  • Number defeated with Fighting-type moves: Use a Pokémon like Lucario or Machamp to knock them out quickly in the Alabaster Icelands.
  • Number you've evolved: This provides a significant boost toward Level 10.

Analyzing Lickilicky: Stats and Battle Utility

Once you have evolved your Lickitung, you are left with Lickilicky, a formidable tank with a surprisingly diverse move pool. In the context of the Hisui region's challenges—particularly the difficult endgame fights—Lickilicky serves as a reliable anchor for a team.

Base Stat Overview

Lickilicky boasts a very high HP stat (Base 110) and balanced defensive capabilities (Defense 95 and Sp. Def 95). While its Speed is quite low (Base 50), this matters less in the turn-based system of Arceus where "Strong Style" moves can compensate for lower initiative. Its offensive stats (Attack 85 and Sp. Atk 80) allow it to function as a mixed attacker, though most players lean toward its physical side due to moves like Giga Impact.

Best Natures

  • Relaxed (+Defense, -Speed): Since Lickilicky is already slow, sacrificing Speed for even higher physical bulk is a logical choice. This makes it an exceptional wall against physical attackers.
  • Adamant (+Attack, -Sp. Atk): Best if you want to maximize the damage output of physical moves like Double-Edge or Zen Headbutt.
  • Modest (+Sp. Atk, -Attack): A niche choice, but viable if you intend to use its wide special move pool, which includes Flamethrower, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt via the Move Tutor.

Optimized Moveset for Hisui

For a well-rounded Lickilicky, consider the following moveset:

  1. Double-Edge or Giga Impact: High-damage Normal-type STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves that can one-shot many neutral targets.
  2. Zen Headbutt: Essential for covering its primary weakness to Fighting-type Pokémon.
  3. Bulldoze or Earthquake: Provides Ground-type coverage against Steel and Rock types that resist its Normal-type attacks.
  4. Rollout or Rock Slide: Useful for dealing with Flying or Bug types, and Rollout retains its utility even after evolution.

The Role of Alpha Lickilicky

If you prefer not to go through the evolution process manually, you can find a static Alpha Lickilicky in the Alabaster Icelands. It is located near the Avalanche Slopes. This Alpha variant is significantly larger than a standard Lickilicky and comes with enhanced effort levels and a mastery of several moves.

Battling this Alpha is a great way to test your team's strength. It is level 62, making it a tough opponent if you are not prepared with a strong Fighting-type like Sneasler or Hisuian Decidueye. Catching the Alpha Lickilicky provides an immediate powerhouse for your team that requires no further leveling to be effective in the final chapters of the game.

Type Matchups and Competitive Positioning

As a pure Normal-type, Lickilicky's greatest asset is its single weakness. Only Fighting-type moves deal super-effective damage to it. In a region filled with powerful Ghost-type threats—such as Hisuian Typhlosion, Basculegion, and the legendary Giratina—Lickilicky's total immunity to Ghost-type attacks is invaluable.

When facing the Shrenren or searching for spirits in the nighttime, Lickilicky can be swapped in to completely nullify a Ghost-type move, giving you a free turn to heal your team or setup an attack. While it lacks the offensive