How to Evolve Bunnelby

Bunnelby evolves into Diggersby exactly at level 20.

This evolution process requires no external triggers. Players do not need evolutionary stones, time-of-day conditions, or friendship thresholds. The evolution triggers automatically upon leveling up through standard battle experience, Exp. Candies, or by feeding it a Rare Candy once it reaches level 19.

In Pokémon X and Y, where Bunnelby first appeared on Route 2, players typically reach level 20 before facing the second Gym Leader, Grant. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Bunnelby spawns frequently in the Rolling Fields and Dappled Grove, making early evolution highly accessible via Max Raid Exp. Candies.

Diggersby earns a solid 7/10 rating for lower-tier competitive formats (such as Smogon's RU or NU tiers) and standard in-game playthroughs. Its entire viability hinges on a single mechanic: the Huge Power Hidden Ability.

Without Huge Power, Diggersby is forced to rely on Pickup or Cheek Pouch, leaving it with a dismal base 56 Attack stat that cannot break through defensive cores. Huge Power doubles its actual Attack stat, allowing a level 100 Adamant Diggersby to reach 454 Attack, hitting harder than many unrestricted legendary Pokémon.

Its primary competitive role is a physical Wallbreaker or Setup Sweeper. Access to Swords Dance allows it to double this already massive Attack stat, threatening to OHKO standard physical walls like Toxapex or Slowbro with STAB Earthquake.

Diggersby’s Normal/Ground dual typing provides two critical immunities: Electric and Ghost. This allows it to switch safely into predicted Volt Switch pivots or Shadow Ball attacks from Choice Specs users.

Its STAB combination is highly spammable. Earthquake serves as the primary Ground-type nuke, while Return or Body Slam handles neutral Normal-type damage. Because Diggersby suffers from a mediocre base 71 Speed, STAB Quick Attack is a mandatory inclusion on almost every set.

Quick Attack bypasses the Speed tier disadvantage, allowing Diggersby to pick off weakened faster threats like Weavile or Alakazam. Fire Punch is heavily recommended in the fourth moveslot to hit Corviknight, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn, which otherwise comfortably wall the dual STAB combination.

Diggersby fits best on hyper-offense or bulky offense teams needing a dedicated stallbreaker. Players who rely on forcing switches will find Diggersby excels at capitalizing on free turns to set up a Swords Dance.

The main drawback is its reliance on Choice Band or Life Orb to maximize immediate damage, which either locks its move selection or drains its HP. Furthermore, its base 71 Speed leaves it completely outsped by common offensive threats like Garchomp, Urshifu, and Dragapult.

Defensively, Diggersby is a liability. Base 85 HP, 77 Defense, and 77 Special Defense mean it cannot take sustained hits. It also holds weaknesses to common Water, Grass, Ice, and Fighting-type attacks, requiring slow defensive pivots like Slowking or Corviknight to bring it onto the field safely via Teleport or U-turn.

Catching a standard Bunnelby on early routes will only yield the standard abilities Pickup or Cheek Pouch. To acquire Huge Power, players must utilize specific mechanics depending on the generation they are playing.

In Pokémon X and Y, Huge Power Bunnelby is found exclusively in the Friend Safari by adding a friend with a Normal-type pool. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, players must farm Max Raid Battles in the Wild Area, specifically looking for purple rare beams in dens that feature Normal or Ground-type encounters.

Once obtained, breeding a female Diggersby with Huge Power (or a male with Ditto) passes the Hidden Ability down to Bunnelby offspring with a 60% success rate, allowing players to breed for perfect IVs and an Adamant or Jolly nature. Disclaimer: Pokedex.me is an unofficial fan-site and is not affiliated with Nintendo or The Pokémon Company.