How to Evolve Rhyhorn

Getting Rhyhorn to its final stage requires a two-step process spanning both leveling and item-based trading.

First, train Rhyhorn to level 42. It gains no new moves immediately upon evolving, but its base Attack jumps from 85 to 130, turning it into a severe physical threat.

To reach the final stage, Rhyperior, you must trade Rhydon while it holds a Protector. The Protector is consumed upon a successful trade evolution.

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, trade mechanics are bypassed entirely. You simply apply the Protector directly to Rhydon from your satchel to trigger the evolution.

The Protector is a single-use held item scattered across mid-to-late game areas depending on your version.

• Sword & Shield: Found on Route 9, or purchased at the BP Shop in Hammerlocke for 10 BP.
• Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: Located on Route 228.
• Legends Arceus: Bought at the Trading Post in Jubilife Village for 1,400 Merit Points, or found in space-time distortions.
• Scarlet & Violet: Available at Delibird Presents in Mesagoza after earning 4 Gym Badges.

Always ensure Rhydon is actually holding the item before initiating the trade. Leaving the item in the bag results in a standard, non-evolving trade.

Evolving Rhydon into Rhyperior is not always the optimal competitive choice. Rhydon holding an Eviolite reaches an effective Defense stat higher than Rhyperior, making it a premier physical wall in NFE (Not Fully Evolved) formats.

Rhyperior, however, gains the Solid Rock ability, reducing super-effective damage by 25%. This mitigates its crippling 4x weaknesses to Water and Grass attacks just enough to survive non-STAB coverage moves.

As a physical wallbreaker, Rhyperior excels under Trick Room conditions. Its base 140 Attack and abysmal 40 Speed guarantee it moves first and hits hard with Earthquake and Rock Blast.

Verdict: 7.5/10. Rhyperior is excellent for dedicated Trick Room teams needing a physical sweeper. It is a poor choice for fast-paced hyper-offense teams that cannot support its low speed and special defense.

To maximize Rhyperior's wallbreaking potential, prioritize an Adamant or Brave Nature. Maximize HP and Attack EVs to capitalize on its natural physical bulk.

Earthquake and Stone Edge provide mandatory STAB coverage, hitting most of the metagame for neutral damage. Ice Punch or Megahorn are required in the third slot to punish Grass-type switch-ins.

For the final slot, Stealth Rock turns Rhyperior into a reliable entry hazard setter. Alternatively, Swords Dance allows it to break through defensive cores like Toxapex and Corviknight.

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Rhyperior functions as a premier physical tank, but it requires specific team support to succeed.

• Pros: Base 130 Defense and 140 Attack make it a formidable physical duelist. Solid Rock mitigates its worst defensive typing flaws.
• Cons: Base 40 Speed guarantees it takes a hit before moving outside of Trick Room. Special Defense is a highly exploitable base 55.
• Matchups: Excels against physical attackers like Tyranitar and Talonflame. Fails completely against special attackers like Gengar or fast Grass-types like Meowscarada.