How to Evolve Mantyke in Pokémon Legends Arceus

Evolving Mantyke into Mantine in Hisui isn't as straightforward as hitting a level milestone. Unlike most species that simply transform after enough battles, Mantyke belongs to a rare group of Pokémon that require a specific "symbiotic" relationship within your active party. To trigger the evolution, you must have a Remoraid in your team while leveling up Mantyke. There are no evolution stones, special items, or trade mechanics involved here—just a simple team composition requirement.

The Specific Evolution Requirement

The mechanic for evolving Mantyke has remained consistent across the Pokémon series, but in the semi-open world of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, it can be easy to overlook. The game does not explicitly tell you that Mantyke won't evolve on its own.

To initiate the evolution, follow these conditions:

1. Have a Mantyke in your party.
2. Have a Remoraid in your party at the same time.
3. Level up Mantyke by one level.

Once these conditions are met, the "Can Evolve" notification will appear in your menu. You can trigger the level-up through battling, catching other Pokémon, or using an Exp. Candy. Since Legends: Arceus allows you to trigger evolution manually from the bag/party menu, you simply select Mantyke and press X once the indicator appears.

Where to Find Mantyke in the Hisui Region

Before you can worry about evolution, you need to secure a Mantyke. This Water/Flying-type kite Pokémon is exclusive to the Cobalt Coastlands, the third major area you unlock in the game. You will specifically need the Basculegion mount to reach their habitats effectively.

Primary Locations

• Ginkgo Landing: Mantyke are frequently seen jumping out of the water near the shore. This is the easiest place to find them early on.
• Tranquility Cove: A large number of Mantyke swim in the open waters here, often accompanied by their evolved forms, Mantine.

Behavioral Traits and Catching Tips

Mantyke are generally docile but can be skittish. If they spot you, they may flee into the depths. Using a Wing Ball or Jet Ball is highly recommended because of their high velocity and the distance you often have to maintain while on Basculegion. If you prefer a stealthy approach, using Smoke Bombs while on the water can help you get close enough for a Heavy Ball backstrike, though this is mechanically difficult on a mount.

Securing the Required Remoraid

Since you cannot evolve Mantyke without a Remoraid, catching one is your next priority. Fortunately, Remoraid shares almost the exact same habitats as Mantyke, reflecting their biological connection in Pokémon lore.

• Location: Look for Remoraid in Castaway Shore and Sand's Reach within the Cobalt Coastlands. They are also present in Tranquility Cove.
• Catching Strategy: Remoraid are much more aggressive than Mantyke. They will often notice you and begin attacking with Water Pulse. It is usually more efficient to engage them in a quick battle or use a Feather Ball from a distance to snag them before they enter an alert state.

Mantyke vs. Mantine: A Growth Comparison

Deciding when to evolve your Mantyke often depends on your progress in the Hisui Pokédex. Evolving grants a significant boost to base stats, specifically Special Defense, making Mantine one of the best special tanks available in the mid-game.

Mantine’s 140 Special Defense is exceptional. In a game where Alpha Pokémon can often one-shot your team with special moves like Psychic or Earth Power, having a Mantine that can pivot into these hits is invaluable.

Optimized Research Tasks for Mantyke

To reach Research Level 10 for Mantyke's Pokédex entry, you don't necessarily need to catch dozens of them. Focusing on specific tasks can speed up the process significantly.

1. Catching (Number Caught): You need to catch 15 for the final checkmark, but catching just 4 gives you decent progress.
2. Small Specimens: Keep an eye out for smaller Mantyke. Catching 7 small ones provides extra research points.
3. Water Pulse: Seeing Mantyke use Water Pulse in battle is a "heavy" task (indicated by the red arrow). Use your own Mantyke in battles against Fire or Ground types in the Crimson Mirelands or Cobalt Coastlands to rack up these uses quickly.
4. Evolving: The act of evolving one Mantyke into Mantine counts as a research task and provides a significant boost to your level.

Best Moveset for Mantyke and Mantine

Because Mantyke and Mantine have a very high Special Defense but low physical Defense, your moveset should focus on utility and leveraging their Special Attack.

• Water Pulse / Hydro Pump: Your primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves. Water Pulse is great for the confusion chance, while Hydro Pump provides raw power.
• Air Slash: Essential Flying-type STAB. It has a decent flinch chance, which is very effective in the Legends: Arceus action order system.
• Roost: One of the most important moves for a tank. Being able to recover 50% of your HP mid-battle allows Mantine to outlast almost any special attacker.
• Ice Beam (Move Tutor): Mantine can learn Ice Beam from Zisu at the Training Grounds in Jubilife Village. This provides vital coverage against Grass and Dragon types.

Navigating Evolution Errors and Myths

There is some misinformation regarding "Remoraid Scales" or "Wave Incense" being required for evolution in the Hisui region. It is important to clarify that these items do not exist in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

If your Mantyke is not evolving despite having a Remoraid in the party, check the following:

• Are they in the active party of 6? Pokémon in the Pastures (storage) do not count.
• Did you trigger the level up? If the Mantyke was already at a high level when you caught the Remoraid, it still needs one fresh level gain or an Exp. Candy to "check" the evolution condition.
• Is it an Alpha? Alpha Mantyke evolves exactly the same way as a regular one; its size does not change the requirement.

Tactical Advantage in Hisui

Mantine is a unique asset in Legends: Arceus because it is one of the few Pokémon that can naturally handle the diverse threats found in the Cobalt Coastlands. Its immunity to Ground-type moves (thanks to its Flying type) and resistance to common Fire and Water moves make it a safe switch-in during many of the scripted noble battles and requests. By mastering the Remoraid party trick, you add a formidable special wall to your roster that will serve you well through the endgame and the post-game hunts for legendary species.