In the vast world of Pokémon Platinum, Sneasel, the enigmatic Ice/Dark-type Pokémon, holds a unique place. Its elusive nature and formidable claws have captured the imagination of trainers for generations. However, to unlock its true potential, one must embark on the arduous journey of evolving it. Unlike its Sinnoh counterpart, Sneasel’s evolution path in Platinum takes a different twist, requiring patience, strategy, and a touch of luck.
Unlike the majority of Pokémon, Sneasel cannot simply level up to evolve. Instead, it requires a peculiar item and a specific time of day. The Razor Claw, a razor-sharp talon that amplifies Ice-type moves, holds the key to unlocking Sneasel’s hidden powers. However, acquiring this coveted item is no easy feat. It can only be obtained through meticulous searching or through trading. Once the Razor Claw is in your possession, the next step is to wait for the veil of night to descend upon the land. Between the hours of 7 PM and 4:59 AM, Sneasel’s true nature awakens, and it becomes receptive to evolution.
With the Razor Claw firmly attached and the clock striking the appropriate hour, it is time to take your Sneasel to a secluded spot, far from the bustling cities and watchful eyes. As the night sky twinkles above, and the gentle breeze whispers secrets through the trees, Sneasel will undergo a profound transformation. Its icy claws will sharpen, its body will become more agile, and its aura will radiate with an otherworldly presence. When the night surrenders to the dawn’s embrace, a new Pokémon will emerge from the shadows – Weavile, the swift and formidable Ice/Dark-type predator, ready to conquer the challenges that lie ahead.
Identifying Sneasel’s Evolution Requirements
Sneasel is a dual-type Dark/Ice Pokémon introduced in the second generation of the Pokémon franchise. It evolves into Weavile when certain conditions are met. Understanding these requirements is crucial for trainers who wish to evolve their Sneasel.
Leveling Up with a Razor Claw
The primary method of evolving Sneasel is by leveling it up while it is holding a Razor Claw. This held item can be obtained from several locations in the game, such as the Battle Frontier, the Great Marsh, or as a drop from Weavile.
When Sneasel holds a Razor Claw and levels up during the night, it will evolve into Weavile. It is important to note that the time of day in Pokémon Platinum is determined by the console’s internal clock, not the in-game time.
| Held Item | Evolution Requirement |
|---|---|
| Razor Claw | Level up at night |
Obtaining the Razor Claw
**Catching a Sneasel with the Razor Claw**
The most straightforward method to obtain a Razor Claw is to catch a Sneasel that is already holding one. Sneasel with Razor Claws have a relatively low encounter rate, but they can be found in several locations, including the following:
– Mt. Coronet (Ice Path)
– Route 216 (during the day)
– Route 217 (during the night)
**Other Methods**
If you are unable to catch a Sneasel with the Razor Claw, you can try the following alternative methods:
– **Thieving from a Sneasel:** You can use the move Thief to steal a Razor Claw from a Sneasel. Sneasel can be found in the same locations as mentioned above.
– **Using a Female Sneasel:** If you have a female Sneasel, you can use it to breed with a male Weavile. There is a 50% chance that the egg will hatch into a Sneasel that is holding a Razor Claw.
– **Purchasing from the Battle Frontier:** Once you have reached the Battle Frontier, you can purchase a Razor Claw from the Souvenir Shop for 48 Battle Points.
Acquiring the Razor Claw Using Thief
To effectively employ the move Thief to acquire the Razor Claw, consider the following tips:
| Pokémon | Suggested Moves |
| Murkrow | – Thief -Taunt |
| Weavile | – Thief -Ice Shard |
1. **Selecting the Right Pokémon:** Opt for Pokémon with high Speed and access to the Thief move. Murkrow and Weavile are excellent choices, as they have high Speed and can learn Thief through level-up or TMs.
2. **Equipping Taunt (Optional):** Equipping Taunt on your Thief user can be beneficial. Taunt prevents the opposing Sneasel from using moves that could hinder your Thief attempt, such as Protect or Substitute.
3. **Finding Sneasel:** Locate Sneasel in the areas mentioned above. Remember that Sneasel with Razor Claws are uncommon, so patience may be required.
4. **Using Thief:** Once you encounter a Sneasel, use Thief immediately. If the Sneasel is holding a Razor Claw, it will be transferred to your Pokémon.
5. **Repeat:** Continue using Thief on Sneasel until you successfully obtain a Razor Claw. The process may require multiple attempts, but persistence will eventually yield the desired result.
Leveling Sneasel at Night
Sneasel’s evolution into Weavile is triggered by leveling up at night. Grinding Sneasel at night can be a hassle, and you’ll need to be prepared to deal with time-based events.
The following table lists the levels at which Sneasel will evolve:
| Level | Time of Day |
|---|---|
| 30 | Night |
Fortunately, there are a few ways to make this process faster:
- Use a Dusk Stone: Dusk Stones are rare items that can evolve Sneasel into Weavile, regardless of the time of day.
- Find a Time Gear: If you have Pokémon Platinum, you can find a Time Gear in the Distortion World. This item will allow you to change the time of day, making it easier to level Sneasel at night.
- Use Sneasel in battles: Sneasel gains experience points for participating in battles. By battling wild Pokémon or trainers, you can level Sneasel up more quickly.
Leveling Up While Holding Razor Claw
In addition to evolving Sneasel by raising its friendship during the day, there is an alternative method for evolving it in Pokémon Platinum. This method involves leveling up Sneasel while it is holding a specific item called the Razor Claw.
Specific Time of Day and Razor Claw
Unlike traditional evolution, evolving Sneasel through leveling up with the Razor Claw does not have a specific time of day requirement. However, it’s crucial to ensure that Sneasel is holding the Razor Claw when it levels up. The Razor Claw can be obtained by finding it in the wild or by purchasing it from the Veilstone Department Store.
Moves Learned
When Sneasel evolves into Weavile while holding the Razor Claw, it learns the powerful Ice-type move “Feint Attack” as a bonus. This move is a physical attack that deals significant damage to opponents and can be particularly effective in competitive battles.
Stat Changes
In addition to learning “Feint Attack,” Weavile also gains a noticeable improvement in its stats upon evolving with the Razor Claw. Its Attack and Speed stats receive a significant boost, making it a formidable Pokémon in battle.
| Stat | Pre-Evolution (Sneasel) | Post-Evolution (Weavile with Razor Claw) |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | 65 | 85 |
| Speed | 75 | 105 |
Selecting the Time to Evolve
Deciding the opportune moment to evolve Sneasel depends on several factors. Here’s a comprehensive analysis to guide your choice:
Night or Day
Sneasel’s evolution into Weavile occurs only during the night. Ensure it’s nighttime in the game before triggering the evolution. If you’re unsure about the time, check the location’s details in the game menu.
Location
The location where Sneasel evolves also matters. It can evolve either in the Snowpoint City or the Lake Acuity area. You can find Sneasel in various locations throughout the game, but only these two areas will trigger its evolution into Weavile.
Friendship Level
Sneasel’s friendship level with the trainer must be high enough to evolve into Weavile. You can build friendship through interactions such as battling, leveling up, and feeding berries. One way to determine Sneasel’s friendship level is to observe its behavior, such as whether it follows you outside its Poké Ball or responds happily to your actions.
Razor Claw
Holding the Razor Claw item while Sneasel levels up will increase its attack power and reduce the time it takes to evolve. The Razor Claw can be found as a hidden item in various locations throughout the game, such as the Snowpoint City Gym or the Ice Path.
Other Factors
In addition to the primary factors mentioned above, Sneasel’s individual nature and personality can also influence the time it takes to evolve. Some Natures may be more inclined toward evolving at lower friendship levels, while others may require higher levels of affection.
Choosing a Dawn or Dusk Stone (Platinum Exclusive)
In Pokémon Platinum, Sneasel can evolve into either Weavile or Sneasler depending on the stone used. The Dawn Stone will evolve Sneasel into Weavile, while the Dusk Stone will evolve it into Sneasler.
Dawn Stone
The Dawn Stone can be found in the following locations:
| Location | How to Obtain |
|---|---|
| Route 214 | Hidden behind a rock on the west side of the route |
| Eterna Forest | Received from a hiker in the center of the forest |
| Grand Underground | Found in various rooms |
Dusk Stone
The Dusk Stone can be found in the following locations:
| Location | How to Obtain |
|---|---|
| Route 214 | Hidden behind a rock on the east side of the route |
| Distortion World | Found on the ground near the portal to the Distortion World |
| Grand Underground | Found in various rooms |
Which stone you choose to use will depend on which evolution you prefer. Weavile is a fast and powerful physical attacker, while Sneasler is a more balanced attacker with higher speed and better coverage moves.
Trade-Evolving Sneasel with a Dawn or Dusk Stone
To evolve Sneasel into Weavile using a Dawn or Dusk Stone, follow these steps:
- Obtain a Sneasel.
- Travel to the Global Trade Center (GTS) in Veilstone City.
- Deposit Sneasel into the GTS and specify that you want to receive a Sneasel holding a Dawn or Dusk Stone.
- Wait for a trade to be completed.
- Receive a Sneasel holding the desired stone.
- Level up Sneasel while it is holding the Dawn or Dusk Stone.
- At level 30, Sneasel will evolve into Weavile.
Here is a summary of the necessary items and actions:
| Item | Action |
|---|---|
| Sneasel | Obtain or trade for |
| Dawn or Dusk Stone | Deposit Sneasel on the GTS and receive a Sneasel holding the desired stone |
| Leveling up | Level up Sneasel while it is holding the Dawn or Dusk Stone |
Understanding the Differences between Weavile and Sneasler
Weavile and Sneasler, both evolved forms of Sneasel, possess distinct attributes that set them apart.
Weavile, obtained by exposing Sneasel to a Razor Claw while leveling up at night, is a Dark/Ice-type Pokémon known for its high Attack and Speed stats. Its signature move, Ice Shard, inflicts damage first, making it an excellent choice for Priority moves.
Sneasler, on the other hand, is a Fighting/Poison-type Pokémon obtained by exposing Sneasel to a Razor Claw while leveling up during the day. It excels in Attack and Speed, similar to Weavile, but boasts a higher Special Attack stat. Its signature move, Poison Jab, deals damage and has a chance to poison the target.
| Weavile | Sneasler |
|---|---|
| Dark/Ice | Fighting/Poison |
| Ice Shard (Priority) | Poison Jab (Status) |
| High Attack and Speed | High Attack, Speed, and Special Atk |
Ultimately, the choice between Weavile and Sneasler depends on your preferred playstyle and team composition. Weavile excels in offensive scenarios with its fast attacks and Priority move, while Sneasler’s versatility and ability to poison opponents make it a potent force in both physical and special attacks.
Optimizing Sneasel’s Moveset Prior to Evolution
Sneasel, the solitary Pokémon, offers versatility in its move pool. To tailor its combat effectiveness before evolving, consider these key maneuvers:
1. Ice Shard
A swift, yet energy-efficient attack that deals STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) damage and lowers the opponent’s speed.
2. Shadow Claw
A Ghost-type move with high power and chance for a critical hit. Excellent against Psychic and Ghost types.
3. Metal Claw
A physical attack that complements Sneasel’s coverage against Rock and Ice types, though it has reduced accuracy.
4. Night Slash
A high-criti cal hit ratio move that deals STAB damage. Ideal for surprise attacks against Normal and Psychic types.
5. Pursuit
A powerful attack that targets Pokémon attempting to switch out.
6. Brick Break
A fighting-type move that breaks Barriers and Reflects.
7. Faint Attack
A ghost-type move with high accuracy and chance to make the opponent flinch.
8. Poison Jab
A poison-type move with high critical hit ratio and chance to poison the opponent.
9. Hone Claws
A non-damaging move that sharply raises Sneasel’s attack stat, making it a formidable offensive threat.
| Recommended Moveset | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Shard | Shadow Claw | Night Slash | Hone Claws |
Considerations for Shiny Sneasel and Weavile
Shiny Sneasel and Weavile are rare, coveted variants of these Pokémon. To obtain a shiny Sneasel, players should increase their chances by using a Shiny Charm, participating in mass outbreaks, or hatching eggs. Once evolved into Weavile, shiny hunters can take advantage of its unique appearance to distinguish it from its regular counterpart during battles.
When encountering a shiny Sneasel or Weavile, it is crucial to approach with caution. Use status effects like paralysis or sleep to prevent the Pokémon from fleeing. Ultra Balls or Dusk Balls are recommended for a higher catch rate, and a Quick Ball may be used to secure a swift capture at the start of the encounter.
A table summarizing the key points:
| Shiny Hunting Strategies | Catching Tips |
|---|---|
| Shiny Charm, Mass Outbreaks, Egg Hatching | Status Effects, Ultra Balls / Dusk Balls, Quick Balls |
How To Evolve Sneasel In Platinum
Sneasel is a dual-type Dark/Ice Pokémon introduced in Generation II. It evolves into Weavile when exposed to a Razor Claw while leveling up at night. In Pokémon Platinum, you can obtain a Razor Claw by defeating Weavile in the Battle Frontier.
To evolve Sneasel in Platinum, follow these steps:
Weavile is a powerful Physical attacker with a high Speed stat. It can learn a variety of moves, including Ice Punch, Night Slash, and Brick Break.
People Also Ask About How To Evolve Sneasel In Platinum
Can Sneasel evolve in Pokemon Platinum?
Yes, Sneasel can evolve into Weavile in Pokemon Platinum by leveling up at night while holding a Razor Claw.
How do I get a Razor Claw in Pokemon Platinum?
You can get a Razor Claw in Pokemon Platinum by defeating Weavile in the Battle Frontier.
What level does Sneasel evolve in Platinum?
Sneasel evolves into Weavile when exposed to a Razor Claw while leveling up at night. There is no specific level requirement for this evolution.
