The prehistoric world of Pokémon has gifted trainers with fascinating fossil specimens that can be revived into unique creatures with extraordinary abilities. Among these ancient Pokémon, Amaura stands out as a captivating ice and rock-type creature from the Kalos region. Understanding the Amaura evolution process is essential for trainers who wish to add its evolved form to their collection. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about evolving Amaura, from its origins as a fossil to its majestic evolved form.
The Origin of Amaura and Its Evolution Line
Amaura is a fossil Pokémon introduced in Generation VI, specifically in the Pokémon X and Y games. As a Pokémon resurrected from the Sail Fossil, Amaura represents a creature that lived approximately 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. The Amaura evolution line consists of just two stages: Amaura itself and its evolved form, Aurorus.
Amaura is characterized by its light blue body, long neck, and the distinctive sail-like structures on either side of its head that glow with different colors depending on its mood. These sails are believed to have helped the ancient creature regulate its body temperature in the harsh prehistoric climate.
The complete Amaura evolution chain is relatively straightforward compared to other Pokémon:
- Amaura (Base Form) - Obtained from reviving the Sail Fossil
- Aurorus (Evolved Form) - Evolved from Amaura under specific conditions
Both forms maintain the same Ice/Rock typing, making them the only Pokémon with this particular type combination across the entire Pokémon universe.
Detailed Characteristics of Amaura Before Evolution
Before discussing the Amaura evolution process in detail, it's important to understand the base Pokémon's characteristics:
Physical Attributes
Amaura is a quadrupedal Pokémon with a dinosaur-like appearance, resembling a sauropod with its long neck and tail. Its most distinctive features include:
- Height: 4'03" (1.3m)
- Weight: 55.1 lbs (25.2 kg)
- Predominant coloration: Light blue body with white underside
- Sail-like appendages on either side of its head that glow with aurora-like colors
- Diamond-shaped ice crystals decorating its body
Base Stats Before Evolution
Understanding Amaura's base stats helps trainers appreciate how the Amaura evolution improves its capabilities:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 77 |
| Attack | 59 |
| Defense | 50 |
| Special Attack | 67 |
| Special Defense | 63 |
| Speed | 46 |
| Total | 362 |
These stats reveal Amaura as a relatively balanced Pokémon with slightly higher HP and Special Attack than its other attributes. While decent for early-game encounters, these stats highlight why Amaura evolution is necessary to create a more formidable team member.
Abilities
Prior to evolution, Amaura can possess one of two abilities:
- Refrigerate (Regular Ability): This ability converts Normal-type moves into Ice-type moves and increases their power by 30%. This makes Amaura unique among fossil Pokémon and gives it interesting strategic options.
- Snow Warning (Hidden Ability): When Amaura with this ability enters battle, it automatically changes the weather to hail. This can be extremely valuable for teams built around ice-type strategies.
These abilities remain consistent through the Amaura evolution process, carrying over to its evolved form.
The Evolution Process: How to Evolve Amaura
The Amaura evolution method is unique and requires specific conditions that trainers must carefully observe. Unlike many Pokémon that evolve through conventional methods like leveling up, trading, or using evolution stones, Amaura has a special evolution requirement:
Evolution Requirements
To trigger Amaura evolution, you must:
- Level up Amaura to at least level 39
- Do so during nighttime (between 8:00 PM and 4:00 AM in the game)
This nighttime requirement adds an interesting dimension to the Amaura evolution process, as it ties into the Pokémon's lore. Fossil Pokémon often have unique evolution methods that reflect their prehistoric nature, and Amaura is no exception.
It's worth noting that the time-based evolution can be tricky, especially if you typically play during daytime hours. You may need to adjust your console's internal clock if you're struggling to meet the nighttime requirement.
Evolution Challenges
Some common challenges trainers face with Amaura evolution include:
- Forgetting about the nighttime requirement
- Accidentally pressing B during the evolution animation (which cancels the process)
- Giving Amaura an Everstone (which prevents evolution)
- Not realizing that in-game time may differ from real-world time
If you've been struggling to evolve your Amaura despite reaching level 39 or beyond, double-check that you're attempting the evolution during nighttime hours in the game.
Aurorus: The Evolved Form of Amaura
When Amaura evolution is successfully completed, it transforms into the majestic Aurorus. This evolved form is significantly larger and more powerful than its pre-evolved state.
Physical Changes After Evolution
Aurorus retains many of Amaura's characteristics but with notable enhancements:
- Height increases from 4'03" to 8'10" (2.7m)
- Weight increases from 55.1 lbs to 496.0 lbs (225.0 kg)
- The sail-like structures extend down its entire neck and back
- The aurora lights become more prominent and vibrant
- Its overall presence becomes more commanding and majestic
These changes reflect how Amaura evolution transforms the cute, diminutive fossil Pokémon into a towering prehistoric creature that commands respect in battle.
Improved Stats After Evolution
One of the most compelling reasons to pursue Amaura evolution is the significant stat improvements:
| Stat | Amaura | Aurorus | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | 77 | 123 | +46 |
| Attack | 59 | 77 | +18 |
| Defense | 50 | 72 | +22 |
| Special Attack | 67 | 99 | +32 |
| Special Defense | 63 | 92 | +29 |
| Speed | 46 | 58 | +12 |
| Total | 362 | 521 | +159 |
As shown in the table, Aurorus receives substantial improvements across all stats, with particularly notable boosts to HP and Special Attack. This makes the Amaura evolution well worth the effort, as Aurorus becomes much more viable in competitive scenarios.
Move Set Changes with Amaura Evolution
The Amaura evolution process not only changes its physical appearance and stats but also affects its move learning capabilities. Understanding these changes helps trainers plan their move sets effectively.
Moves Learned Naturally
Through level-up after Amaura evolution, Aurorus can learn several powerful moves that Amaura cannot access:
- Freeze-Dry (Level 45): A unique Ice-type move that is super effective against Water-types
- Ice Beam (Level 51): A strong Ice-type attack with a chance to freeze
- Light Screen (Level 57): Reduces damage from special attacks
- Blizzard (Level 63): A powerful Ice-type move that hits all opponents
- Hyper Beam (Level 75): An extremely powerful Normal-type move that requires a recharge turn
These moves make Aurorus significantly more versatile and powerful than its pre-evolved form, highlighting the benefits of Amaura evolution.
TM/TR Compatibility
Both forms in the Amaura evolution line can learn many TM and TR moves, but Aurorus has access to some additional powerful options due to its higher capabilities, including:
- Earth Power
- Giga Impact
- Hyper Beam
- Blizzard
- Thunder
These powerful moves, combined with Aurorus's higher stats, make Amaura evolution a priority for trainers looking to maximize their team's potential.
Competitive Viability After Amaura Evolution
The Amaura evolution significantly improves its competitive viability, though Aurorus still faces challenges in the competitive scene due to its typing and stats distribution.
Strengths in Competitive Play
After Amaura evolution, Aurorus brings several advantages to competitive teams:
- Versatile move pool: Aurorus can learn a wide variety of attacks across different types, making it unpredictable
- Snow Warning ability: Can automatically set up hail, supporting other ice-type strategies
- Refrigerate ability: Provides STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) on converted Normal-type moves
- Impressive Special Attack stat: Makes it a decent special attacker, especially in hail conditions
Many competitive players have found success using Aurorus in specific team compositions that can protect it from its weaknesses while capitalizing on its strengths.
Weaknesses and Challenges
Despite the benefits of Amaura evolution, Aurorus has significant competitive challenges:
- Typing disadvantages: The Ice/Rock typing gives Aurorus many weaknesses, including double weaknesses to Fighting and Steel
- Below-average Speed: Aurorus often moves after its opponents, making it vulnerable
- Limited defensive capabilities: Despite improved defense stats, its numerous weaknesses make it fragile
In competitive environments, addressing these weaknesses is crucial for making the most of your Amaura evolution.
Using Aurorus in Your Team Strategy
After investing in the Amaura evolution process, trainers should consider how to best utilize Aurorus in their team composition. Here are some effective strategies:
Recommended Team Compositions
Aurorus works well in teams that can:
- Provide coverage against Fighting and Steel types
- Take advantage of the hail weather condition
- Offer speed control through moves like Tailwind or Trick Room
- Include Pokémon that benefit from the Aurora Veil strategy
In particular, pairing Aurorus with Pokémon that have abilities like Snow Cloak, Ice Body, or Slush Rush can maximize the effectiveness of its Snow Warning ability after Amaura evolution.
Ideal Move Sets
For general gameplay after Amaura evolution, consider these move set options:
Special Attacker Build:
- Ancient Power (Rock)
- Freeze-Dry (Ice)
- Earth Power (Ground)
- Thunder (Electric)
Support Build:
- Aurora Veil (Ice)
- Light Screen (Psychic)
- Reflect (Psychic)
- Thunderwave (Electric)
These moves capitalize on Aurorus's strengths while providing good type coverage and utility.
The Lore Behind Amaura Evolution
The Amaura evolution process is rooted in fascinating Pokémon lore that explains the nighttime evolution requirement.
According to the Pokédex entries, Amaura lived in cold regions during prehistoric times. Its sail-like appendages would glow with aurora-like colors to communicate with others of its kind. When it evolved into Aurorus, these lights became more intense and covered more of its body.
The need for nighttime during Amaura evolution likely represents how these aurora lights would be most visible during darkness, symbolizing the Pokémon's full awakening to its ancestral power. This connection to the night sky and celestial phenomena makes the evolution process particularly meaningful within the game's lore.
For more fascinating Pokémon evolutionary research and gaming insights, check out gmru where experts analyze game mechanics and provide comprehensive guides.
Obtaining Amaura in Different Pokémon Games
Before you can experience Amaura evolution, you first need to obtain an Amaura. The methods for acquiring this Pokémon vary across different games:
Pokémon X and Y
In its debut games, Amaura can be obtained by reviving a Sail Fossil, which is given to the player in Ambrette Town. Players must choose between the Sail Fossil (for Amaura) and the Jaw Fossil (for Tyrunt).
Pokémon Sword and Shield
In Sword and Shield, Amaura can be found in the Crown Tundra DLC area, specifically in the Frigid Sea during snowstorms. This provides a rare opportunity to catch Amaura directly in the wild without fossil revival.
Pokémon Sun and Moon/Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
In these games, Amaura can be obtained by reviving a Sail Fossil, which can be found by using the Poké Pelago feature or through certain in-game trades.
Pokémon GO
Amaura has been introduced to Pokémon GO, allowing mobile players to experience the Amaura evolution process. It typically appears during special events or can be hatched from eggs.
Regardless of which game you're playing, ensuring you have access to a legitimate Amaura is the first step toward experiencing its evolution.
Shiny Amaura Evolution: The Rare Variant
Like most Pokémon, Amaura has a shiny variant that features alternate coloration. The shiny Amaura evolution process is identical to that of a regular Amaura, but the visual payoff is arguably more impressive.
Shiny Coloration
Shiny Amaura features a pink body instead of the usual light blue, with different colored crystals and aurora lights. When Amaura evolution occurs, the shiny Aurorus maintains this distinctive pink coloration, making it one of the more visually striking shiny Pokémon.
Obtaining Shiny Amaura
Obtaining a shiny Amaura is significantly more challenging than finding a regular one. In most games, the odds of encountering a shiny Pokémon are approximately 1 in 4,096 (without any shiny charm or other methods to improve odds).
For dedicated collectors, the shiny Amaura evolution is a prized achievement that showcases both dedication and luck.
Common Questions About Amaura Evolution
FAQ Section
Q: What level does Amaura evolve? A: Amaura evolves into Aurorus when it reaches level 39 or higher.
Q: Does Amaura have to be at exactly level 39 to evolve? A: No, Amaura can evolve at level 39 or any level above that, as long as the nighttime condition is met.
Q: Why won't my Amaura evolve even though it's past level 39? A: Make sure you're attempting to level up Amaura during nighttime hours in the game (between 8:00 PM and 4:00 AM). Also, check that it's not holding an Everstone, which prevents evolution.
Q: Can I evolve Amaura during the day if I change my system clock? A: Yes, manipulating your system's clock can allow you to evolve Amaura outside of normal nighttime hours, but some games may impose penalties for changing the time.
Q: Is Aurorus good for competitive battling? A: Aurorus has some competitive niches, particularly in hail teams, but its many weaknesses due to its Ice/Rock typing limit its overall competitive viability.
Q: Can Amaura be found in the wild, or do I need a fossil? A: In most games, Amaura requires revival from a Sail Fossil. However, in Pokémon Sword and Shield's Crown Tundra DLC, Amaura can be found in the wild during snowstorms.
Tips for Efficient Amaura Evolution
To make the Amaura evolution process as smooth as possible, consider these helpful tips:
- Plan ahead for nighttime evolution: If you know your Amaura is approaching level 39, save your grinding until nighttime hours to ensure immediate evolution.
- Use experience boosting items: Items like the Exp. Share, Lucky Egg, or experience candies can help you level up Amaura more quickly.
- Check your Amaura's moves before evolving: Some moves may be learned earlier by Amaura than by Aurorus, so review the move list before evolution.
- Consider delaying evolution in some cases: In certain situations, keeping Amaura unevolved until it learns specific moves might be advantageous.
- Prepare for type coverage: Once evolved, Aurorus will have significant weaknesses, so plan your team composition accordingly.
By following these tips, you can make the most of the Amaura evolution process and ensure your new Aurorus is battle-ready.
Comparing Amaura Evolution to Other Fossil Pokémon
The Amaura evolution process is unique among fossil Pokémon, most of which evolve through standard leveling. Here's how it compares to other fossil Pokémon evolution methods:
Fossil Pokémon Evolution Comparison
| Fossil Pokémon | Evolution Method | Evolution Level | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amaura → Aurorus | Level-up | 39 | Must be nighttime |
| Tyrunt → Tyrantrum | Level-up | 39 | Must be daytime |
| Lileep → Cradily | Level-up | 40 | None |
| Anorith → Armaldo | Level-up | 40 | None |
| Cranidos → Rampardos | Level-up | 30 | None |
| Shieldon → Bastiodon | Level-up | 30 | None |
| Kabuto → Kabutops | Level-up | 40 | None |
| Omanyte → Omastar | Level-up | 40 | None |
| Aerodactyl | No evolution | N/A | N/A |
| Relicanth | No evolution | N/A | N/A |
As shown, the Amaura evolution method is one of the most specific among fossil Pokémon, with only Tyrunt sharing a similar time-based requirement (though with the opposite timing).
Key Takeaways About Amaura Evolution
To summarize the essential information about Amaura evolution:
- Evolution Level: Amaura evolves at level 39 or higher
- Special Requirement: Evolution must occur during nighttime (8:00 PM to 4:00 AM)
- Type Combination: Both Amaura and Aurorus maintain the Ice/Rock typing
- Key Abilities: Refrigerate (regular) and Snow Warning (hidden)
- Stat Improvements: Significant boosts to HP (+46) and Special Attack (+32)
- Visual Changes: Size increase and extension of aurora lights down the entire body
- Competitive Niche: Best used in hail teams or as a special attacker with coverage moves
Understanding these aspects of Amaura evolution helps trainers make informed decisions about incorporating this Pokémon into their teams.
Conclusion
The Amaura evolution process represents one of the more interesting evolution methods in the Pokémon franchise, combining level requirements with time-based conditions. Evolving Amaura into Aurorus rewards trainers with a majestic Ice/Rock-type Pokémon that boasts impressive visual design and unique abilities.
While Aurorus faces challenges in competitive play due to its numerous weaknesses, its distinctive typing, aurora-themed design, and connection to prehistoric times make it a fascinating addition to any Pokémon collection. The effort required to trigger Amaura evolution is well worth it for trainers who appreciate the lore and aesthetic of this fossil Pokémon line.
Whether you're a casual player looking to complete your Pokédex or a competitive trainer seeking to build an effective hail team, understanding the intricacies of Amaura evolution will help you make the most of this unique Pokémon's potential.
Now that you're equipped with all the knowledge needed to successfully evolve your Amaura, you're ready to witness the spectacular transformation of this ancient creature into its full, majestic form.