Evolution has evolved in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Previously there were just one or two ways to take a character and upgrade them to their next level. Often this was a simple process, including them in more fights to get them XP that takes them across the level threshold. Stones were another method, using them to evolve a Pokemon to their unique new form. But with Sword and Shield the feature has been revamped in a big way, especially for certain Galarian forms. This is the case for Yamask, so here’s how to evolve Yamask in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
How to Evolve Yamask into Runerigus
Normally Yamask would evolve into Cofagrigus after crossing level 34, but that is totally gone in Sword and Shield. The Galarian form of Yamask won’t change into Cofagrigus, but will instead evolve into Runerigus. And this won’t happen just by reaching level 34. Instead you need to let him take some damage and then head to the Wild Area. Let’s break it all down.
The first step to evolve Yamask into Runerigus is to let him take damage until at least 49 HP has been lost. You can do this anywhere and in any battle, so just use Yamask a bunch and watch for it to occur. Don’t heal him when this happens, just cycle out to another character for the rest of the fight if you have to. Once you’re ready you need to head to the Wild Area, specifically Dusty Bowl. There you will see a huge set of stones that form an arch. Walk to this area and Yamask will begin to evolve. Once done you’ll have a brand new Runerigus in your Pokedex.
And that’s how to evolve Yamask in Pokemon Sword and Shield. There’s other characters with these specific types of evolve steps, so check back for more as we dig into the game.
