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Along with Alolan Sandshrew, Vulpix gained an Alolan variant inPokemon Sun/Moon. Clearly based on an arctic fox, Alolan Vulpix is an Ice-type Pokemon, which contrasts with the Kanto/regular Vulpix’s Fire-typing. With the release of part 1 of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero,Pokemon Scarlet & Violetplayers can get their own Vulpix in The Teal Mask.
Unfortunately, Alolan Vulpix is not native to Kitakami or Paldea, so it can’t be caught in either of those regions. However,Pokemon Scarletplayers can find a wild Alolan Vulpix if they search in the Polar Biome of Indigo Disk’s Terarium. Those that havePokemon Violetare less fortunate, but there are ways to get the Ice Fox with the help of otherPokemongames andPokemon HOME.
Updated on June 29, 2025 by Renri Seong: Version-exclusive Pokemon are Pokemon that only appear in one Pokemon game and not the other. This is to encourage trading with other players and providing an obstacle/challenge in completing the Pokedex. When Alolan Vulpix and Alolan Sandshrew made their debut in Gen 8, they were exclusive toPokemon Sun/Ultra SunandPokemon Moon/Ultra Moonrespectively. Unfortunately for some, they’re once again version-exclusives in theIndigo DiskDLCofPokemon Scarlet & Violetwith Alolan Vulpix spawning inPokemon Scarlet, and Alolan Sandshrew spawning inPokemon Violet. The following guide has been updated to include information on where to find Alolan Vulpix inPokemon Scarlet.
Where to Find Alolan Vulpix
Polar Biome in Pokemon Scarlet
Alolan Vulpix appearson the slopes in the Polar Biome of TerariuminPokemon Scarlet/Violet’s Indigo Disk DLC. Since you may’t get into Blueberry Academy until after you’ve cleared the main game (i.e, “The Way Home”) and the Teal Mask story, you won’t be able to catch a wild Alolan Vulpix untilmuch later in your campaign.
Vulpix are very timid Pokemon, so if they see you, they’re bound to run off. While they spawn in the Polar Biome, they’re very particular about where they live. The best place to look for Vulpix is on the cliffs/mountainsnear the wall separating the Polar and Canyon Biome. If you climb the wallsouth of the Polar Outdoor Classroom 1 travel point, you can find some Alolan Vulpix. You may have better luck spotting them in the morning/day than you would at night.
Alolan Vulpix only appears in Pokemon Scarlet. If you’re playing Pokemon Violet, you’ll find Alolan Sandshrew instead.
How to Get Alolan Vulpix in Pokemon Violet
Other Methods of Getting Alolan Vulpix
Since Alolan Vulpix can’t be caught inPokemon Violet, you can eithertradewith someone who hasPokemon Scarlet, or you cantransfer onefrom any of the followingPokemongames:
How to Trade for Alolan Vulpix
Keep in mind that trading has limitations, as it can only be initiated if aNintendo Online Membership Subscriptionhas been purchased. The lowest cost is$3.99 a month, and the highest cost is$19.99 for 12 months. Nintendo Online Memberships are also set torenew, so to turn this off,go into the profile with the subscription in the eShop.
To trade, do the following:
How to Transfer Alolan Vulpix to Pokemon Violet
Alolan Vulpix can be obtained in three otherPokemongames, but players will also need the Switch version ofPokemon HOMEto move Vulpix from one game to another. Here’s how to get Alolan Vulpix in each game:
To transfer an Alolan Vulpix fromPokemon GO:
How to Evolve Alolan Vulpix
Like Kantonian Vulpix, Alolan Vulpix evolves into Ninetales with an evolutionary stone. Playes will need to use anIce Stone, which can be found in cold areas such as Glaseado Mountain. Another way to get Ice Stones is buying them from the auction atPort Marinada. Once Alolan Vulpix evolves into Alolan Ninetales, it becomes anIce/Fairy-type.
How to Get Alolan Vulpix Eggs
Trainers can get more Alolan Vulpix by following the above methods, or by breeding the first Alolan Vulpix they transferred. Vulpix can breedwith another Vulpix or a Ditto. If trainers are breeding it based on ashared Egg Group, then the Alolan Vulpix needs to befemaleso that the Egg hatches into a Vulpix and not the same species as the father Pokemon.
Vulpix Eggs will hatch the Kantonian Vulpix inScarlet/Violet. to hatch an Alolan Vulpix, trainers need tohave the parent Alolan Vulpix hold an Everstone. Giving it an Everstone will also ensure that itsNaturegets passed to the offspring.
Everstones can be picked up around Paldea, but the easiest way to get one is to purchase it for3000at aDelibird Presentsstore in Mesagoza, Levincia, or Cascarrafa. Unlike the evolutionary stones, Everstones are availableat the start ofScarlet/Violet.
Is Alolan Vulpix (& Alolan Ninetales) Good?
Whether players should use the Alolan Vulpix/Ninetales or the Kantonian Vulpix/Ninetales depends on a variety of factors. If trainers need a Fire-type, then they should go with Kanto-Vulpix; if they need an Ice or Fairy-type, then Alolan Vulpix is preferred. Choosing between Vulpix variants can also come down to personal preference. However, if trainers intend on using them for battle,then it’s recommended to evolve theminto Ninetales.
Here are the Ninetales' stat spread and type effectiveness:
73
67
76
81
75
100
109
505
Dragon
N/A
Both Ninetales have the same base stat total, but players will notice that the stats themselves are different. Kantonian Ninetaleshas a higher Attack, but a lower base Speed; Alolan Ninetales is the opposite. Since the Vulpix-line is primarily aspecial attacker, having higher Speed is generally preferred over a little boost in Attack.
Alolan Ninetales is faster than regular Ninetales, and it also has coverage against more Types, such as Dragon and Ground-types. It can also learn Water-type moves via TMs, which regular Ninetales can’t for obvious reasons.
However, Alolan Ninetales hasmore weaknesses thanks to its dual-typing. Its Ice/Fairy-typing means it will suffer x4 damagewhen hit with Steel-type movesand its Defense/Special Defense stats aren’t going to be enough to withstand them. Furthermore, itsAurora Veilmove, which has the combined effect of Reflect and Light Screen, can only be usedwhen it’ssnowing. Alolan Ninetales also can’t learn many moves via TM that give it coverage against its weaknesses. Meanwhile, Kantonian Ninetales can learnEnergy Ball, which gives it coverage against all of its weaknesses (what some exceptions).
In short, Ninetales is good for those who prefer toplay it saferand need some literal firepower. Alolan Ninetales works bestwhen it can sweep its opponents, but those who want to use it defensively will need to have Snowscape set up for nearly every battle.
