How to Evolve Cubone

Evolving Cubone requires reaching level 28. In most games, hitting this level automatically triggers the evolution into standard Kanto Marowak. Players can use Rare Candies, EXP Candies, or standard battle experience to cross this threshold.

The evolution branches based on the region and the time of day. To obtain Alolan Marowak, Cubone must reach level 28 or higher specifically at night, and only while located in the Alola region (Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon) or the Galar region (Sword and Shield, specifically the Isle of Armor DLC).

Nighttime in the Pokémon engine generally spans from 8:00 PM to 5:59 AM according to the console's internal clock. Players using Pokémon Moon or Ultra Moon must account for the 12-hour time inversion built into those specific titles. Evolving outside of these specific regions or during the day will always result in a Kanto Marowak.

Evolving Cubone is competitively pointless without first securing a Thick Club. This specific held item doubles the raw Attack stat of both Cubone and Marowak. Without it, Marowak possesses a highly mediocre base 80 Attack, rendering it useless as a wallbreaker.

Wild Cubone hold a Thick Club exactly 5% of the time. Players must farm this item using specific field abilities. Placing a Pokémon with the Compound Eyes ability (like Butterfree or Galvantula) at the front of the party increases the wild held item rate from 5% to 20%.

Combining Compound Eyes with a Pokémon knowing the move Thief allows for rapid farming. Once equipped, a level 100 Marowak with an Adamant nature and maximum Attack Effort Values (EVs) reaches an effective Attack stat of 568. This raw numerical output rivals Mega Evolutions and Legendary Pokémon, making the farming process mandatory.

Kanto Marowak functions as a physical wallbreaker in lower competitive tiers (PU/NU). We rate it a 5/10. Its primary advantage is raw damage output via Thick Club, allowing its STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) Earthquake or Bonemerang to OHKO most unresisted targets.

Pros and Cons

• Pro: Bonemerang hits twice, breaking Focus Sashes and Sturdy abilities.
• Pro: Rock Head ability completely negates recoil damage from Double-Edge.
• Con: Base 45 Speed makes it slower than almost every offensive threat in the metagame.
• Con: Pure Ground typing offers minimal defensive utility outside of an Electric immunity.

Kanto Marowak requires heavy team support to function. It relies entirely on Trick Room setters or paralysis spreaders to move first. Furthermore, the move Knock Off completely neuters Marowak by removing its Thick Club, instantly cutting its damage output in half.

Alolan Marowak is a significantly superior competitive choice, earning a solid 7.5/10. Its Ghost/Fire typing, combined with the Lightning Rod ability, grants it three crucial immunities: Normal, Fighting, and Electric. This defensive profile allows it to safely switch into top-tier threats like Regieleki or Tapu Koko.

Role: Trick Room Sweeper and Spinblocker

Alolan Marowak operates primarily as a Trick Room abuser. Under Trick Room conditions, its base 45 Speed becomes an asset, allowing it to move before faster opponents. Flare Blitz and Poltergeist (or Shadow Bone) serve as its primary STAB options, dealing massive damage under the Thick Club multiplier.

• Pro: Excellent defensive typing provides natural switch-in opportunities.
• Pro: Lightning Rod ability absorbs Volt Switch, shutting down opposing momentum.
• Con: Weakness to Stealth Rock forces a reliance on hazard-removal teammates, as it cannot hold Heavy-Duty Boots.
• Con: Flare Blitz recoil wears it down rapidly, limiting its longevity on the field.

Optimal teammates include Porygon2 or Cresselia, who can reliably set up Trick Room and safely pivot Alolan Marowak onto the field. Defog or Rapid Spin support from Corviknight or Excadrill is mandatory to keep Stealth Rock off the field.

In Pokémon GO, evolving Cubone requires 50 Cubone Candies. By default, this evolution yields Kanto Marowak. Alolan Marowak cannot be obtained via standard evolution in Pokémon GO; it is exclusively available through Raid Battles, special research tasks, or specific limited-time Alolan events.

Kanto Marowak sees virtually zero play in Pokémon GO PvP. However, Alolan Marowak is a staple in the Great League (1500 CP limit). Its Fast Move, Fire Spin, generates energy quickly, allowing it to spam Bone Club for shield baiting and Shadow Bone for heavy STAB damage.

Alolan Marowak excels at countering prominent Great League meta staples like Medicham, Registeel, and Skarmory. Its Ghost typing resists Counter, while its Fire typing mitigates Steel-type damage. Players must watch out for Azumarill and Swampert, which easily exploit its Water weakness.