How To Get Azumarill With Belly Drum

Azumarill, a Water/Fairy-type Pokémon, is a popular choice in both casual and competitive battles due to its access to the Huge Power ability, which significantly boosts its Attack stat. This, combined with the move Belly Drum, can make Azumarill a formidable offensive threat. The following details how to obtain an Azumarill with Belly Drum.

Acquiring Azumarill

First, one must obtain an Azumarill or one of its pre-evolutions, Azurill or Marill. The method of acquisition depends on the specific Pokémon game.

Catching Azurill or Marill in the Wild

Azurill and Marill are found in various locations across different Pokémon games. For instance, in Pokémon Sword and Shield, Marill can be found in the Motostoke Riverbank during normal weather. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Marill inhabits areas such as South Province (Area One) and East Province (Area Two). Azurill also appears in these same areas, though it may be rarer.

When encountering these Pokémon in the wild, use appropriate Poké Balls to increase the likelihood of capture. Consider using Net Balls, which are more effective against Water-type Pokémon, or Quick Balls at the beginning of the encounter.

Breeding

Breeding is a reliable method for obtaining Azurill. To breed, place two compatible Pokémon in a Pokémon Day Care or similar facility. Compatible Pokémon include two Marill or Azumarill, or a Marill or Azumarill with a Ditto.

Azurill hatches from an Egg obtained from the Day Care. This method is especially useful if the parent Pokémon already knows certain Egg Moves, although Belly Drum cannot be passed down through breeding on Azumarill, Marill or Azurill.

Evolving Azurill and Marill

Azurill evolves into Marill through high friendship. To increase Azurill's friendship, keep it in your party, feed it berries that increase friendship (such as Pomeg Berries, Kelpsy Berries, Qualot Berries, Hondew Berries, Grepa Berries, and Tamato Berries), and avoid letting it faint in battle. Once Azurill has high friendship, leveling it up will trigger its evolution into Marill.

Marill evolves into Azumarill at level 18. Simply continue to train Marill until it reaches this level to complete the evolution.

Teaching Azumarill Belly Drum

Belly Drum is not a move that Azumarill learns naturally through leveling up in most Pokémon games. Therefore, the move must be taught to Marill, typically through breeding or via a specific Move Tutor if available in the game.

Belly Drum via Breeding

In order for Marill to learn Belly Drum via breeding, one parent must know the move. Numerous Pokémon can learn Belly Drum and pass it down as an Egg Move. Examples include Hariyama, Snorlax, and Poliwrath.

Example Breeding Process:

1. Catch a Hariyama, Snorlax, or Poliwrath. These can be found in various locations depending on the specific game.
2. Teach Belly Drum to the Pokémon caught.
3. Breed the Belly Drum-knowing Pokémon with a compatible Pokémon of the same Egg Group. This Pokémon needs to be able to breed with Marill's evolutionary line. For example, a male Hariyama can breed with a female Azurill, Marill, or Azumarill. If breeding with Azumarill, be aware that this may pass down its ability as well.
4. Hatch the Egg. The resulting Azurill or Marill will know Belly Drum.
5. Evolve the Azurill or Marill (if applicable) to Azumarill.

Move Tutor (Game Specific)

Some Pokémon games feature Move Tutors who can teach Pokémon specific moves in exchange for in-game currency or items. Check whether the specific game you are playing has a Move Tutor who can teach Belly Drum to Marill or Azumarill. This method is less common than breeding but can be more efficient if available.

Verifying the Move

After breeding or using a Move Tutor, confirm that Azumarill knows Belly Drum. Access the Pokémon's summary in the game to check its moveset. Belly Drum should be one of the four moves listed.

Using Azumarill with Belly Drum

Azumarill with Belly Drum is a powerful offensive Pokémon, but its strategy requires careful planning. Belly Drum sharply raises the user's Attack stat by sacrificing half of its maximum HP. This can make Azumarill extremely vulnerable, so it's important to consider the following:

• Support: Consider using Azumarill on a team with Pokémon that can provide support through moves like Follow Me, Rage Powder (to redirect attacks), or Healing Wish (to fully restore Azumarill's HP after using Belly Drum).
• Priority Moves: Be wary of opposing Pokémon with priority moves like Mach Punch or Aqua Jet, which can strike before Azumarill and potentially knock it out after it has used Belly Drum.
• Held Item: Consider items like Sitrus Berry (to restore some HP after using Belly Drum) or a Focus Sash (to survive a single hit that would otherwise knock Azumarill out).

Example Scenario: In a Double Battle, pair Azumarill with a Pokémon that knows Follow Me. On the first turn, the supporting Pokémon uses Follow Me to redirect attacks while Azumarill uses Belly Drum. This allows Azumarill to maximize its Attack stat without taking immediate damage.

Practical Advice

Obtaining an Azumarill with Belly Drum requires patience and attention to detail. Here are some practical tips:

• Plan Ahead: Research the specific breeding chains and locations of necessary Pokémon in advance.
• Keep Detailed Notes: Keep track of which Pokémon you have bred, which moves they know, and their individual values (IVs) if you are aiming for competitive play.
• Save Frequently: Save your game before attempting any risky breeding or training endeavors.
• Utilize Online Resources: Consult websites like Serebii.net or Bulbapedia for comprehensive information on Pokémon locations, movesets, and breeding mechanics.

Ultimately, acquiring an Azumarill with Belly Drum is a worthwhile endeavor for those looking to enhance their Pokémon battling capabilities. With careful planning and execution, this powerful combination can be a game-changer in any battle.