How To Evolve Noibat: The Complete Guide To Unlocking Noivern's Power
Struggling to evolve your Noibat? You're not alone. This sleek, sound-based Pokémon from Generation VI has one of the most unique and often misunderstood evolution methods in the entire franchise. Unlike most Pokémon that evolve simply by reaching a certain level, Noibat requires a specific combination of friendship and time, making the process feel more like nurturing a bond than just grinding experience points. If you've been wondering how to evolve Noibat into the powerful and majestic Noivern, this definitive guide will walk you through every single step, from catching your first Noibat to witnessing its spectacular evolution. We'll demystify the friendship mechanic, clarify the level and time requirements, and provide actionable tips to speed up the process, ensuring you can add this formidable Dragon/Flying-type to your team without unnecessary frustration.
Understanding Noibat's Unique Evolution Method
The core answer to how to evolve Noibat is deceptively simple: it must have high friendship and level up during the nighttime. However, this simplicity masks a layer of complexity that trips up many trainers. The evolution isn't triggered by a specific item or location, but by the deep bond you build with your Pokémon and the passage of in-game time. This method was introduced in Pokémon X and Y, Noibat's debut generation, and has remained consistent across subsequent games, though the mechanics for checking and raising friendship have evolved slightly. Understanding why Game Freak designed it this way is key—Noibat is a Pokémon that thrives on sound and social bonds in its lore, so its evolution logically reflects a strong, trusting relationship with its trainer, solidified under the cover of night when its echolocation abilities are most potent.
The Critical Role of Friendship
Friendship, also known as happiness in earlier games, is the hidden stat that measures how fond a Pokémon is of its trainer. For Noibat, this must be at its maximum value before it will evolve. This isn't just a number; it's a representation of your care. In most modern games (Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Sword, Shield, Scarlet, Violet), you can check your Noibat's friendship by visiting the Friendship Checker in various locations. In Pokémon X and Y, this is the woman in the bottom floor of the Pokémon Center in Kiloude City. In Sun/Moon, it's the NPC in the south area of Hau'oli City. Getting a message like "It seems to be very friendly toward you! (Maximum friendship!)" is your green light.
Raising friendship requires consistent, positive interaction. Key actions that increase friendship include:
- Keeping Noibat in your active party as you travel and battle.
- Using it in battles without letting it faint. Winning battles contributes significantly.
- Leveling it up through experience.
- Using certain items like the Soothe Bell (which boosts friendship gain by 50%) and vitamins (HP Up, Protein, etc.).
- Playing with it in Pokémon-Amie (X/Y, OR/AS) or Pokémon Refresh (Sun/Moon onwards). Petting and feeding it berries in these mini-games is extremely effective.
- Avoiding actions that decrease friendship, such as letting it faint frequently or using bitter medicines like the Revival Herb.
A crucial pro-tip: do not use the EV-reducing berries (Pomeg, Kelpsy, etc.) to manipulate friendship. While they lower EVs, they have no positive effect on friendship and can waste valuable resources. Focus on the positive actions listed above. With a Soothe Bell equipped and regular playtime in Pokémon Refresh, you can max out friendship in a matter of hours rather than days.
The Nighttime Level-Up Requirement
Once friendship is maxed, the second condition is straightforward but must be executed precisely: Noibat must gain a level while the in-game clock is between 8:00 PM and 3:59 AM. This is the "nighttime" window in most Pokémon games. The level-up can come from any source—a wild battle, a trainer battle, or a Rare Candy. However, the moment it levels up must fall within this time frame. If it levels up at 7:59 PM or 4:00 AM, nothing happens. You must try again.
This is where careful planning comes in. If you're close to the required level (Noibat evolves at level 48), you should save your game before the final level-up attempt. Then, if the time isn't right, you can soft-reset (close the game without saving and reload) to try again at the correct hour. This prevents wasting a Rare Candy or a hard-earned battle. For players in Pokémon Sword/Shield or Scarlet/Violet, you can also use the in-game time travel features (changing the system clock or using the time-advance feature in some games) to manipulate the time, though be aware that some online features may penalize clock changes.
Step-by-Step Evolution Plan: From Noibat to Noivern
Now, let's synthesize the requirements into a actionable, foolproof plan. This section is the heart of how to evolve Noibat, transforming theory into practice.
1. Capture or Obtain Your Noibat
First, you need a Noibat. They are typically found in dark caves or during specific events. In Pokémon X and Y, you can find them in the Terminus Cave (requires Surf and Rock Smash). In Pokémon Sun and Moon, they appear in the Vast Poni Canyon and Poni Grove. In Pokémon Sword/Shield, they can be found in the Dusty Bowl (overworld, foggy weather) and Giant's Cap (raids). Ensure it's not already at a high level; starting from a lower level gives you more controlled opportunities to build friendship and manage the level-up timing.
2. Equip a Soothe Bell Immediately
This is non-negotiable for efficiency. The Soothe Bell is a held item that multiplies all friendship gains by 1.5x. You can obtain one in various ways: in X/Y from a woman in the Pokémon Center in Anistar City; in Sun/Moon from a girl in the Heahea City beach; in Sword/Shield from a NPC in the Motostoke Riverbank; or by having a Pokémon with high friendship in your party when you talk to certain NPCs. Give it to your Noibat as soon as you catch it.
3. Build Friendship Systematically
Your daily routine should include:
- Battle with Noibat as your primary Pokémon for 10-15 battles daily. Let it land the finishing blow whenever possible.
- Use Pokémon Refresh/Amie after every play session. Feed it a few Pomeg Berries (which lower HP EVs but are great for refresh) or any berry it likes. Pet it until the hearts are maxed. This is the single fastest way to build friendship.
- Walk with Noibat in your party. Every step you take in the overworld contributes a tiny amount to friendship. Use the Poké Pelago in Sun/Moon/USUM or the Pokémon Camp in Sword/Shield to have it "play" there, which also raises friendship over time.
- Avoid fainting. If Noibat's HP gets low, switch it out. A single faint can set back your progress significantly.
You can periodically check friendship with the NPC checker to monitor your progress. When you get the message "It seems to be very friendly toward you!", you're ready for the final step.
4. Time the Level-Up Perfectly
With friendship maxed, it's time for the critical moment. Your Noibat should be at level 47. Now, you need to wait for or create a nighttime window (8 PM - 3:59 AM in-game).
- Method A (Natural): Simply play the game until nightfall. Find a safe area with weak wild Pokémon (like the area you caught it). Use a Rare Candy on your Noibat at exactly 8:00 PM or later. The evolution sequence should trigger.
- Method B (Battle): If you prefer a more natural feel, battle a weak wild Pokémon that gives minimal experience (like a Patrat or a Zigzagoon) with your Noibat in the lead. Ensure the battle ends and the level-up occurs during the night window.
- Method C (Save Scumming): If you're close to level 48 through normal play, save the game right before a potential level-up. If the time is wrong, reset and try again after waiting a few in-game hours.
Important: The evolution animation will play immediately upon leveling up at night with max friendship. There's no extra prompt. If the conditions aren't met, it will just level up normally, and you'll have to try again.
Alternative Methods and Edge Cases
While the friendship + night level-up is the only official method, some trainers explore other avenues, often out of curiosity or for challenge runs.
Can Noibat Evolve with a Friendship-Raising Item?
No. Items like the Soothe Bell only accelerate the friendship-building process. They do not replace the need for max friendship itself. There is no evolution item for Noibat.
What About Pokémon GO or spin-off games?
In Pokémon GO, Noibat evolves into Noivern simply by using 50 Noibat Candy. There is no friendship or time requirement. This is a completely different mechanic specific to GO's evolution system. In the main series games, the method described above is universal.
Can I Evolve Noibat at Level 1?
Theoretically, if you could max friendship at level 1 and then level it up at night, yes. However, friendship gain is proportional to level-ups and battles. Starting from a very low level, it would take an immense amount of time and battles to reach max friendship because each level-up contributes a smaller absolute amount. It's practically impossible and not recommended. The intended design is for you to train Noibat to near its evolution level while building the bond.
Does the Game Version Matter?
The core requirement (friendship + night level-up) is identical in Pokémon X/Y, Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, Sun/Moon, Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon, Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee (though Noibat isn't native there), Sword/Shield, and Scarlet/Violet. The methods for raising friendship and checking it vary slightly, as noted earlier. In Scarlet/Violet, you can check friendship by having a high-friendship Pokémon in your party and talking to the NPC in Cortondo (near the west exit) or Medali. The time system is also tied to your console's internal clock, which you can adjust in the settings.
The Rewards: Why Bother Evolving Noibat?
After all that effort, you might wonder if Noivern is worth it. The answer is a resounding yes. Evolving Noibat transforms it from a cute, bat-like Pokémon into one of the most stylish and competitively viable Dragon/Flying-types.
Statistical Power Spike
Noibat's base stats are modest (Total: 475), with a focus on Special Attack and Speed. Noivern's base stats (Total: 535) receive a significant boost across the board, most notably in HP, Attack, and Special Defense, making it much bulkier. Its Speed remains excellent at 123, and its Special Attack jumps to a formidable 97. This evolution turns a fragile supporter into a potent offensive threat or a fast, semi-tanky pivot.
Movepool and Ability
Noivern gains access to a fantastic array of moves. It learns powerful Dragon-type moves like Dragon Pulse and Draco Meteor via TM/TR, and ** Flying-type moves** like Hurricane and Brave Bird. Its signature ability, Infiltrator, is a game-changer. It ignores the effects of moves like Reflect, Light Screen, and Aurora Veil, as well as the damage reduction from abilities like Multiscale (on Lugia) and Shadow Shield (on Giratina). This makes Noivern a premier wall-breaker in competitive play. Its hidden ability, Telepathy, prevents damage from teammate moves, perfect for double battles.
Lore and Design
Beyond stats, Noivern's design is a masterpiece. It evolves from a cave-dwelling, sound-based Pokémon into a majestic, wyvern-like creature that uses ultrasonic waves to shatter rocks. Its Pokédex entries describe it as having a terrifying roar that can cause internal injuries, living in mountains too high for humans to survive. Evolving it feels like unlocking its true, formidable potential, perfectly aligning with the bond you built through the friendship mechanic.
Common Mistakes Trainers Make When Evolving Noibat
Even with the best intentions, pitfalls await. Here are the most frequent errors that stall the how to evolve Noibat process.
1. Not Checking Friendship First
Assuming friendship is high without checking is the #1 mistake. You could be at "medium" friendship for weeks. Always use the Friendship Checker NPC before attempting the night level-up. The message must explicitly say "very friendly" or show the maximum heart icon.
2. Evolving at the Wrong Time
Leveling up at 7:59 PM or 4:00 AM will fail. Be precise. If you're using a Rare Candy, pause the game, check the clock, and only use it when the time is confirmed. In some games, the time check happens at the start of the level-up animation, so ensure the clock is correct before initiating the battle or using the item.
3. Letting Noibat Faint
A single faint can drop friendship by a significant amount, sometimes by 100 points or more. This can reset days of work. If Noibat's HP is low, switch it out. Use healing items liberally during tough battles.
4. Using the Wrong Berries in Refresh/Amie
While Pomeg Berries are great for Refresh (they lower HP EVs but are liked by most Pokémon), some berries like Tamato Berries (which raise friendship) are even better if you have them. However, any berry Noibat enjoys will increase friendship. The key is consistency, not the specific berry type. Don't feed it berries it dislikes (indicated by it shaking its head).
5. Trying to Evolve Too Early
Don't try to evolve Noibat at level 47 if you haven't maxed friendship. It will simply not evolve. Patience is key. Focus on friendship first, then level. It's better to have it at level 47 with max friendship and wait for night than to have it at level 48 with low friendship, where it will never evolve.
Competitive Advantages of a Well-Trained Noivern
For trainers interested in Pokémon VGC or Smogon formats, a properly evolved and trained Noivern is a powerhouse. Its base 123 Speed outspeeds a vast majority of the metagame, including threats like Dragapult and Garchomp (with a Scarf). Its Infiltrator ability completely dismantles common defensive strategies built around screens or Multiscale users.
A typical competitive Noivern set might run:
- Nature: Timid (increases Speed, decreases Attack) or Modest (increases Special Attack, decreases Attack).
- EVs: 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed / 4 HP (or 252 Speed / 252 Special Defense / 4 HP for a bulkier pivot).
- Item: Choice Specs (for massive damage), Life Orb (for flexible moves), or Power Herb (to boost a move like Hurricane or Draco Meteor instantly).
- Moves:Draco Meteor (strongest Dragon STAB), Hurricane (powerful Flying STAB with 30% confusion chance), Flamethrower or Fire Blast (to hit Steel-types like Corviknight and Ferrothorn), and U-turn or Roost for pivoting or recovery.
Its movepool also includes Dragon Dance for a physical setup set, Tailwind to support its team, and Switcheroo to pass Choice items. The key is leveraging its incredible Speed and ability to break through defenses that would stop other Dragon-types.
The Lore Connection: Sound, Bond, and Night
The evolution method isn't just a gameplay hurdle; it's deeply tied to Noibat's biological and narrative identity. In its Pokédex entries, Noibat uses ultrasonic waves to navigate and communicate, and it lives in dark caves where sound is its primary sense. Its evolution into Noivern is described as it growing larger and its ultrasonic waves becoming powerful enough to shatter rock. The nighttime requirement makes perfect sense—this is when bats and echolocators are most active. The friendship requirement reflects the idea that a Pokémon that relies on sound and social bonds would only reach its full, powerful form with a trainer it trusts implicitly. You're not just leveling it up; you're earning its trust to the point where it feels safe and strong enough to undergo this transformation under the moon. This elegant design makes evolving Noibat feel earned and meaningful, rather than arbitrary.
Advanced Training Tips for Post-Evolution Success
Once you have your Noivern, the training isn't over. To maximize its potential:
- Optimize IVs: Use the Judge function in your PC box (unlocked after completing the main story in most games) to check your Noivern's Individual Values. Aim for 31 IVs in Special Attack and Speed. If they are imperfect, you can use Bottle Caps (Gold Bottle Caps for Hyper Training) to temporarily max them for battle, or breed for perfect IVs using a Destiny Knot and Power Items.
- Nature Mints: If your Noivern's nature isn't ideal (e.g., Adamant lowers its crucial Special Attack), use a Mint from the Battle Tower/BBQ to change its stat growth to a nature like Timid or Modest.
- Move Tutoring: Revisit Move Tutors in later games to get exclusive moves like Dragon Dance or Tailwind if your build calls for them.
- EV Training: After evolution, you can reset its EVs using EV-reducing berries (Pomeg, Kelpsy, Qualot, Hondew, Grepa, Tamato) if you made mistakes, and then re-train them efficiently by battling specific Pokémon (e.g., for Special Attack, battle Gastly, Drifloon, or Litwick).
- Ability Patch: In Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, if your Noivern has the less useful Telepathy hidden ability and you want Infiltrator, you can use an Ability Patch (a rare item from 5-star Tera Raids) to change it. Infiltrator is almost always the superior choice.
Conclusion: The Journey is the Reward
So, how to evolve Noibat? The answer is a journey of patience, care, and timing. It requires you to max out its friendship through consistent, positive interaction—battling together, playing together, and walking together—and then to time its final level-up perfectly under the night sky. This method, while more involved than a simple level-up, creates a profound connection between trainer and Pokémon. When that evolution animation finally triggers, and your Noibat transforms into the majestic Noivern, the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.
Remember the core pillars: Soothe Bell always, check friendship constantly, avoid fainting at all costs, and save before the final level-up attempt. By following the step-by-step plan in this guide, you'll navigate the unique requirements with confidence. The result is a Noivern that isn't just a powerful addition to your team, but a testament to the bond you've built. Now, go forth—your Noibat is waiting in the PC, ready for you to begin the nurturing process. Under the next night sky, witness the birth of a legend.
