How to Evolve Nosepass

Starting with Pokémon Legends: Arceus and continuing into Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Game Freak simplified location-based evolutions. You now only need a Thunder Stone to evolve Nosepass into Probopass.

Open your bag, select the Thunder Stone, and apply it directly to Nosepass. The evolution triggers instantly regardless of your current level, time of day, or location on the map.

Disclaimer: Pokedex.me is an unofficial fan-site, but we track these mechanical shifts closely to save you time. This change removes the need to backtrack to specific mid-game caves. You can now obtain Probopass much earlier in your playthrough if you secure a stone from Delibird Presents or overworld drops.

In older titles, Nosepass requires a specific environment to evolve. You must level it up exactly one time while standing inside a Special Magnetic Field. Using a Rare Candy or gaining experience through battle both work perfectly.

These specific locations vary depending on the region you are exploring:

• Sinnoh (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, BDSP): Anywhere inside Mt. Coronet.
• Unova (Black, White, B2W2): Inside Chargestone Cave.
• Kalos (X, Y): Along Route 13 (Lumiose Badlands).
• Hoenn (Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire): Inside New Mauville.
• Alola (Sun, Moon, USUM): At Blush Mountain or Vast Poni Canyon.

If you trade a Nosepass holding an Everstone to these games, it will not evolve even if it levels up in these areas. You must remove the item first.

The mobile game handles this evolution differently, relying on items rather than specific real-world locations. You need exactly 50 Nosepass Candies and access to a Magnetic Lure Module.

First, travel to a local PokéStop. Activate the Magnetic Lure Module on the stop. While you stand within the spinning radius of the lured stop, open your Pokémon storage and select Nosepass.

The evolution button, previously greyed out, will turn pink and allow you to complete the process. You can use a Magnetic Lure placed by another player; you do not need to be the one who purchased or deployed it.

Probopass functions as a niche defensive trapper in lower competitive tiers. We rate it a 4/10 overall. It boasts massive defensive stats with base 145 Defense and base 150 Special Defense, allowing it to soak neutral hits effectively.

However, its Rock/Steel typing is a massive liability. It suffers from two fatal 4x weaknesses to Ground and Fighting, making it instant setup fodder for common competitive staples carrying Earthquake or Close Combat. Its base 40 Speed guarantees it will take a hit before acting.

Pros:

• Magnet Pull ability traps opposing Steel-types.
• Excellent utility movepool including Stealth Rock and Volt Switch.
• Massive raw bulk on both physical and special sides.

Cons:

• 4x weaknesses to highly common offensive types.
• No reliable recovery outside of the inconsistent Pain Split.
• Base 75 Special Attack limits its offensive pressure.

Probopass is useful for draft league players who specifically need a slow Volt Switch pivot or a dedicated trapper for opposing defensive Steel-types. It is highly discouraged for standard OU or VGC formats.

If you choose to run Probopass, you must capitalize on its utility. Equip it with Leftovers or an Air Balloon to temporarily avoid Ground-type attacks. Select the Magnet Pull ability to prevent Steel-types like Skarmory or Forretress from switching out.

Your standard moveset should consist of Stealth Rock, Volt Switch, Earth Power, and Power Gem. Set up Stealth Rock early in the match to chip the opposing team.

Use Volt Switch to maintain momentum. Since Probopass is incredibly slow, it will absorb the opponent's attack before switching, allowing your fragile offensive sweepers to enter the field safely without taking damage.