Hydrapple has arrived in Pokemon GO as the final evolution of the Applin line, bringing unique Grass/Dragon typing to your roster. Introduced during the 2025 Harvest Festival, this seven-headed apple dragon offers intriguing battle potential—but is it worth the massive investment? Let’s break down everything trainers need to know.
Pokemon GO Quick Stats Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Grass/Dragon |
| Max CP | 3,656 (3,700 Best Buddy) |
| Attack | 216 |
| Defense | 186 |
| Stamina | 235 |
| Best League | Ultra League |
| Evolution Cost | 600 Candy + 20 Syrupy Apples + 7 Dragon defeats |
How to Obtain Hydrapple
The evolution path is resource-intensive:
- Applin → Dipplin: Feed 200 Candy + 20 Syrupy Apples
- Dipplin → Hydrapple: Feed 400 Candy + defeat 7 Dragon-types with Dipplin as your Buddy
This lengthy requirement makes Hydrapple one of the game’s most challenging evolutions. Plan ahead by stockpiling Applin Candy during events and grinding Dragon-type encounters strategically.
For a complete evolution guide and candy farming tips, visit our Pokemon GO evolution strategies on Technosports.
Best Movesets
PvP Moveset (Ultra League)
- Fast Attack: Dragon Tail
- Charged Attacks: Dragon Pulse + Seed Bomb
This combination provides excellent type coverage and energy generation. Dragon Tail charges quickly, while the dual Charged Attacks let you adapt to different threats.
PvE Movesets
As Dragon-type Attacker:
- Fast Attack: Dragon Tail
- Charged Attack: Dragon Pulse
As Grass-type Attacker:
- Fast Attack: Bullet Seed
- Charged Attack: Seed Bomb
Available Move Pool:
- Fast: Bullet Seed, Dragon Tail, Rollout
- Charged: Dragon Pulse, Outrage, Seed Bomb
Is Hydrapple Good?
Ultra League Viability: Hydrapple shines here with strong defensive typing, respectable bulk, and versatile coverage. Its Grass/Dragon combination resists common threats like Water, Electric, and Ground attacks.
Master League Performance: Falls short against meta titans. However, it shows promise in Master Premier Classic where legendary restrictions level the playing field.
PvE Usage: Functions as a solid Gym defender thanks to high stamina and attack stats. As a raid attacker, it’s serviceable but won’t replace top-tier options like Mega Rayquaza or Kartana.
Verdict: Niche but viable—excellent for trainers seeking unique Ultra League options, less appealing for hardcore raiders.
Type Effectiveness
Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage)
- Ice (double weakness)
- Bug
- Dragon
- Fairy
- Flying
- Poison
Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage)
- Electric
- Water
- Grass
- Ground
Critical Note: That Ice-type double weakness is Hydrapple’s Achilles’ heel. Ice-type attackers will demolish it instantly, making matchup awareness crucial in PvP.
Best Counters
Ultra League Threats
- Florges: Fairy-type dominance
- Corviknight: Flying/Steel resists both STABs
- Galarian Moltres: Dark/Flying coverage
- Forretress: Bug resistance neutralizes threats
- Togekiss: Fairy attacks exploit weaknesses
Master League Counters
- Dialga Origin: Dragon/Steel typing dominates
- Zacian (Crowned Sword): Fairy attacks wreck Hydrapple
- Palkia Origin: Superior Dragon-type stats
- Kyurem Black: Ice moves deliver devastating damage
- Zamazenta (Crowned Shield): Fighting/Steel combination
For detailed counter strategies and team building tips, explore our Pokemon GO competitive guide on Technosports.
Battle Strategy Tips
Playing AS Hydrapple:
- Shield immediately against suspected Ice-type attacks
- Use Dragon Pulse for neutral coverage against uncertain matchups
- Seed Bomb handles Water, Ground, and Rock types efficiently
- Avoid matchups with Fairy and Ice types entirely
Playing AGAINST Hydrapple:
- Prioritize Ice-type fast moves for maximum damage
- Fairy-type Pokemon wall it completely
- Flying-types offer safe, effective counters
- Don’t let it farm energy on your Water-types
Resource Management
Given the evolution requirements, only commit to Hydrapple if you:
- Actively compete in Ultra League
- Have surplus Applin Candy (600+ minimum)
- Can acquire 20 Syrupy Apples
- Enjoy collecting unique Pokemon
Casual players might find better investment opportunities elsewhere. Check the official Pokemon GO website for current events that boost Applin spawns.
Stay updated on Pokemon GO events and meta changes at Pokemon GO Live. For more guides and tier lists, visit Technosports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular Rare Candy to evolve Hydrapple, or do I need Applin-specific candy?
A: You can absolutely use Rare Candy or Rare Candy XL to evolve Hydrapple. The 600 Candy requirement (200 for Dipplin + 400 for Hydrapple) accepts standard Applin Candy, which Rare Candy converts into when used. However, you still need 20 Syrupy Apples specifically—these cannot be replaced with any other item. Focus on collecting Syrupy Apples during seasonal events and completing Special Research tasks that reward them.
Q: Is Hydrapple worth powering up for raids compared to other Dragon or Grass attackers?
A: Honestly, no. While Hydrapple has decent stats, it doesn’t crack the top 10 for either Grass or Dragon-type raid attackers. Pokemon like Kartana, Zarude (Grass) or Rayquaza, Salamence (Dragon) significantly outperform it in DPS. The massive candy investment (600 for evolution alone, plus more for power-ups) is better spent on proven raid attackers. Hydrapple’s true value lies in Ultra League PvP where its unique typing and movepool offer strategic advantages unavailable in PvE content.
