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Tinkaton quickly gained some attention thanks to its appearance and its Pokedex entry. Despite its size and cute appearance, Tinkaton wields a 200lb hammer and is known for knocking Corviknights out of the sky with rocks. Although there are plenty of Fairy and Steel-type Pokemon roaming Paldea, Tinkaton’s first pre-evolved form, Tinkatink, can be caught early in yourPokemon Scarlet & Violetgameplay. Like any other Pokemon in your party, a fully evolved and well-built Tinkaton can be a great asset to the team, and its unique typing gives it a handful of Type coverage.
Where to Find Tinkatink and Tinkatuff
Habitat: Prefers Ruins
You can find Tinkatink and Tinkatuff in most places that have ruins. According to their dex entry, Tinkatink and Tinkatuff are “rarely seen” and “prefer ruins”, which somewhat narrows down your search. There are ruins all over Paldea, but there are two specific locations that are worth checking:
Scarlet/Violetis open world, but if you want to catch a Tinkatink right after stepping outside Mesagoza, you’ll want to headthrough the west gate towards Cortondo. From the right/eastern Pokemon Center of Cortondo, head northeast, and you’ll find a hill that you can circle around. At the summit, there lies the ruins with a wild Tinkatink. Of course, if you have Koraidon/Miraidon’s field abilities (ex: Climb, Jump), you can reach the area a little faster. The Tinkatink northeast of Cortondo islevel 10.
If you wanta higher-level Tinkatinkthat’s closer to its evolution level, then you’ll want to search for theAsado Desert ruins. These are found in the northern section of the desert, specifically near the road that leads out of the desert and towards Porto Marinada. The Tinkatink in this area islevel 20, but if you want to skip catching Tinkatink, you can look forTinkatuff, whose level will be at26.
Tinkatink and Tinkatuff appear in 2-star (level 25) and 3-star (level 35) Tera Raids respectively.
Refer to the objective flags on the images below for the Cortondo (first image) and Asado Desert (second image) locations:
How to Get Tinkaton
What Level Does Tinkatink and Tinkatuff Evolve?
Tinkatink evolves into Tinkatuff atlevel 24;Tinkatuff evolves into Tinkatonatlevel 38. You can level up Tinkatink/Tinkatuff quickly by using Exp. Candies (M/L), but if you prefer to level it up the old fashioned way, then have it partake in auto-battle or regular battles. Tinkatink/Tinkatuff’s experience gain can potentially be doubled if you have high friendship with it (two hearts). You can increase friendship quicker via picnics. Making a 3-star sandwich can increase a Pokemon’s friendship, but using the Pokemon Wash mechanic will also work.
If you’re in the postgame ofScarlet/Violet, then you will unlock 5-star Tera Raids. Tinkaton are 5-star Tera Raid Pokemon, making them level 75 if you manage to defeat/catch it. When you manage to clear the Academy Ace Tournament and complete several 5-star Tera Raids, Tinkaton can be caught in 6-star Tera Raids asa level 90 Pokemon.
Is Tinkaton Good?
Base Stats and Recommended Moveset
Despite its dex entry, Tinkaton’s Fairy/Steel-typingisn’t that effective against Corviknight. As a Pokemon, Tinkaton’s offensive base stats aren’t that impressive when compared to some other Fairy or Steel-types. Here’s the basic information you’ll need to know about Tinkaton and some recommended moves for its moveset:
85
75
70
77
105
94
Total:
506
Aside from its Special Defense, Tinkaton’s base stats don’t break 100. Its best stats are its Special Defense and its Speed, but most of its moves in its learnset don’t reflect its Special Defense. If you want to use Tinkaton as a Support, you’re better off teaching it moves via TMs.
To get the most out of Tinkaton, you’ll want it to have a Nature that won’t have a bane in its Special Defense or Speed. Some recommended Natures areCareful (+Sp. Def, -Sp. Attk)andJolly (+Spd, -Sp.Attk). If you’re going for an Attack build, then you should consider anAdamant (+Attk, -Sp. Attk)Nature instead.
Immunities:
Dragon, Poison
Tinkaton’s Steel-typing negates the weaknesses of most Fairy-type Pokemon (ie: Poison and Steel). Unfortunately, this leaves it vulnerable to Fire and Ground-type moves like most Steel-types. you may teach it moves to give it coverage against its weaknesses.
Mold Breaker
Tinkaton can use moves regardless of the opponent’s Abilities (ex: Bulldoze (Ground-type) can hit Pokemon with Levitate).
Prevents Tinkaton frombeing confused or Intimidated.
Pickpocket (Hidden)
Any Pokemon that uses a move that makes direct contact (ex: Brick Break) with Tinkaton will have its item stolen. This Ability fails if Tinkaton is already holding an item or if it’s knocked out by the contact move.
All of Tinkaton’s Abilities are pretty good, but you won’t be able to get its Hidden Ability unless you catch it in a 5-star Raid or use an Ability Patch. Pickpocket can be useful when fighting against trainers that use Held Items, but the drawback is that Tinkaton won’t be able to have a Held Item when going into battle. You can have it hold an Item that “breaks” when Tinkaton is attacked (ex: Air Balloon) or that it eats when HP is low (ex: Sitrus Berry). This will “clear up” its Pickpocket Ability for your opponent’s next contact move.
