How to Evolve Helioptile into Heliolisk — Thunder Stone Guide
Introduction
If you’ve been asking how to evolve Helioptile, you’re in the right place. Helioptile is a fan-favorite electric-type Pokemon introduced in Generation VI, and evolving it into the powerful Heliolisk is a common goal for trainers. This guide explains the Helioptile evolution methods across main-series games and Pokemon GO, where to find the required items, how to prepare before evolving, suggested movesets, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Understanding Helioptile and the Helioptile Evolution
Before we jump into the mechanics of evolution, it’s helpful to understand both forms. Helioptile is an Electric/Normal Pokemon that eventually becomes Heliolisk, a faster, more offensive Electric/Normal hybrid. Knowing their typing, typical abilities, and competitive uses helps you choose the right moment and method for evolution.
- Type and role: Electric/Normal — good speed and special attack potential.
- Common abilities: Dry Skin and Sand Veil are typical; a hidden ability (often Solar Power in some entries) can change competitive value.
- Helioptile evolution: In the main-series titles, Helioptile evolves into Heliolisk via a Thunder Stone (an evolution stone). In Pokemon GO, evolution is handled differently (candies).
Main-Series Games: Evolving Helioptile with a Thunder Stone
The most direct answer to “how to evolve Helioptile” in main-series Pokemon games is the Thunder Stone. This is an evolution stone that triggers Helioptile’s evolution into Heliolisk immediately when used.
Step-by-step evolution method
- Open your Bag and locate a Thunder Stone (sometimes labeled Thunderstone).
- Select Helioptile in your party or PC box.
- Use the Thunder Stone on Helioptile and confirm. Evolution begins instantly.
Where to find a Thunder Stone
Thunder Stones are an evolution stone, so you can usually obtain them by one of the following methods depending on the game:
- Purchase from certain in-game shops or Battle Facilities.
- Find as hidden items on routes, in caves, or as a held item dropped by wild Pokemon.
- Receive as rewards for in-game events, NPCs, or by trading.
Tip: If you have trouble finding Thunder Stones, check online databases (Bulbapedia, Serebii) for your specific game version; item locations vary by generation.
When to use the Thunder Stone: examples and tips
Using the Thunder Stone is irreversible; Heliolisk cannot revert to Helioptile without special methods (like certain event transformations). Consider these decisions first:
- IVs and Nature: If you care about competitive play, check Helioptile’s IVs and nature before evolving. These attributes carry over and are best settled before using the stone.
- Learning moves by level-up: If Helioptile learns a valuable move later by leveling, delay evolution so the pre-evolution can learn it and then use TM/HM or Move Reminder to transfer it.
- Hidden Abilities: If hunting for a hidden ability via an Ability Capsule or breeding, evolving after confirming abilities can save time.
Evolving Helioptile in Pokemon GO: Candy and Strategy
Pokemon GO handles evolution differently from the main series. When you search “how to evolve Helioptile” for Pokemon GO players, the answer revolves around candies and sometimes stardust, not evolution stones.
Pokemon GO evolution method
- Catch Helioptile in the wild or hatch from eggs.
- Earn candies by transferring duplicates to Professor Willow or walking a Buddy Helioptile.
- Once you have the required number of candies (commonly 50 candies in standard evolution cost, though events can reduce costs), select Helioptile and choose evolve.
Tips to collect candies faster
- Use Pinap Berries when catching Helioptile to double candy rewards.
- Assign Helioptile as your Buddy to earn candies by walking.
- Hunt in areas where electric-type Pokemon spawn frequently or during events that boost spawns.
- Trade duplicates with friends to convert stale catches into helpful candy.
Best times to evolve in Pokemon GO
Consider timing evolutions for community days, events, or when you want to use XL/rare candies. Also, if you’re aiming for a PvP-ready Heliolisk, it pays to check the moveset with a fast TM or charged TM immediately after evolution.
Preparing Before Evolution: IVs, Nature, and Moves
Whether you’re using a Thunder Stone in the main series or candies in Pokemon GO, preparation matters. Here is a checklist to help you make the most of your Helioptile evolution:
- Check IVs: In main games, use IV calculators or judging functions to see if Helioptile is worth evolving for competitive play.
- Confirm Nature: A beneficial nature (e.g., Timid or Modest for special attackers) improves Heliolisk’s combat effectiveness.
- Hold back if learning moves: Let Helioptile learn low-level moves you want on Heliolisk through move tutors, level-up, or breed-and-teach techniques.
- Breed for abilities: If you want a specific ability on Heliolisk, breeding Helioptile parents with the desired ability and using an Ability Capsule or Ability Patch later can help.
Movesets, Abilities, and Battle Tips for Heliolisk
After evolving, Heliolisk becomes a fast special attacker with multiple options. Below are practical moveset suggestions and battle tactics for both in-game battling and competitive formats.
Recommended moves and coverage
- Electric STABs: Moves like Thunderbolt or Volt Switch (if available) are core STAB attacks that make the most of Heliolisk’s special attack stat.
- Coverage moves: Grass Knot or Energy Ball can handle Ground-types that threaten Electric Pokemon; Surf or Ice Beam provide additional matchup coverage.
- Status and utility: Consider moves like Thunder Wave for paralysis support or Hyper Beam/Overheat for one-off heavy damage depending on strategy.
Ability considerations
Helioptile and Heliolisk often have useful abilities. Dry Skin can make them heal in rain and take damage from fire moves, while Sand Veil provides evasion in sandstorm teams. Hidden abilities like Solar Power (when available) can boost offense at the cost of HP each turn. Choose the ability that fits your team style.
Pokémon GO moveset tips
- After evolving in Pokemon GO, immediately check and consider TMs to get optimal moves. Fast TM can change the quick move, and Charged TM the main attack.
- Common effective fast moves include electric quick attacks that maximize energy generation; charged moves like Wild Charge or Discharge are potent choices.
- For PvP, prioritize energy-efficient charged moves to pressure shields and create bait opportunities.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Trainers often make avoidable errors when evolving Helioptile. Here are the most common mistakes and quick fixes.
- Evolving too early: Not checking IVs or nature before applying a Thunder Stone or candy can waste a potentially great Helioptile. Always run a quick check.
- Forgetting move learning: Some moves are easier to learn as Helioptile; teach them before evolving or use Move Reminder options if needed.
- Wasting rare items: In main-series games, if a Thunder Stone is rare in your current playthrough, consider saving it unless you’re ready to evolve for team needs.
- Neglecting synergy: Evolving to Heliolisk for a single purpose (like a gym battle) without building a supporting team leaves it exposed to counters like Ground- and Fighting-types.
Examples: When to Evolve in Specific Scenarios
Here are practical examples showing the right time to evolve depending on your goals.
- Casual play: Evolve as soon as you get a Thunder Stone or the candy cost in Pokemon GO. Heliolisk makes many in-game battles easier due to higher base stats.
- Competitive play: Wait until you have favorable IVs, the right nature, and a plan for moves/ability. EV train and then use the Thunder Stone.
- Pokemon GO collectors: Evolve duplicates for dex completion, but keep at least one unevolved Helioptile if you’re hunting for a perfect IV or a different moveset later.
FAQ
Q1: Do I need to reach a certain level to evolve Helioptile?
A1: No. The main-series Helioptile evolution uses a Thunder Stone, so level is not a requirement. In Pokemon GO, evolution requires candies, not a level threshold.
Q2: Where do I get a Thunder Stone to evolve Helioptile?
A2: Thunder Stones can be found in shops, as hidden items on routes, or as rewards depending on the game. Check your game’s item locations (or online resources) to find the exact source.
Q3: Can I evolve Helioptile back into Helioptile after using a Thunder Stone?
A3: No. Evolution is permanent in normal gameplay. You cannot revert Heliolisk back to Helioptile without special event mechanics or external tools not part of standard play.
Q4: How many candies are required to evolve Helioptile in Pokemon GO?
A4: Evolution candy costs vary by Pokemon and events, but Helioptile typically evolves for a set number of candies (commonly 50). Events can reduce the cost or provide bonuses, so check the game during events.
Q5: What are the best moves for evolved Heliolisk?
A5: Focus on Electric STAB moves such as Thunderbolt or Volt Switch and include coverage moves like Grass Knot, Surf, or Ice Beam depending on your team needs. In Pokemon GO, prioritize fast electric moves and charged moves like Discharge or Wild Charge for energy and damage balance.
Conclusion
Answering “how to evolve Helioptile” is straightforward: use a Thunder Stone in main-series Pokemon games, and spend the required candies in Pokemon GO. However, the right timing—checking IVs, nature, abilities, and moves—makes a huge difference in battle performance. Follow the tips in this guide to find Thunder Stones or earn candies faster, set up an ideal moveset, and avoid common mistakes. Whether you want a strong Heliolisk for in-game content, PvP, or collecting, planning your Helioptile evolution will pay off.
If you’d like a quick checklist before you evolve: check IVs and nature, confirm desired moves, ensure you have the Thunder Stone or enough candies, and plan how Heliolisk will fit into your team. Good luck, trainer—may your Heliolisk electrify the competition!

