How to Evolve Cubone in Pokémon Sun and Moon: 6 Steps

Note: This guide is written for Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. The most important rule is simple: Cubone evolves into Alolan Marowak starting at level 28, but only when it levels up during nighttime in the Alola region. In Pokémon Moon, remember that the in-game clock is shifted by 12 hours, so “night” may arrive when your real-world clock says daytime. Pokémon likes to keep trainers awake, apparently.

Introduction: Why Cubone’s Evolution Confuses So Many Trainers

Cubone has always been one of the most memorable Pokémon in the series. It is small, lonely-looking, wears a skull like a dramatic helmet, and carries a bone as if it is ready to settle a disagreement in the parking lot. In older Pokémon games, evolving Cubone was easy: raise it to level 28, and it becomes Marowak. No extra mystery. No time-based trick. No standing under the moonlight while whispering encouraging words to your 3DS.

But Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon changed the formula. In the Alola region, Cubone evolves into Alolan Marowak, a Fire/Ghost-type Pokémon with a flaming bone, a spooky island-warrior design, and one of the coolest regional form makeovers in Generation VII. The catch? You cannot simply level Cubone up whenever you feel like it. To get Alolan Marowak, Cubone must level up at night once it reaches level 28 or higher.

This guide explains exactly how to evolve Cubone in Pokémon Sun and Moon in 6 steps. You will learn where to find Cubone, how to prepare it for evolution, how the day-night system works, what to do if it does not evolve, and how to make the most of Alolan Marowak after evolution. Whether you are filling your Pokédex, building a stylish Alola team, or just want a ghostly fire dancer who looks like it has better stage presence than half the Elite Four, this walkthrough has you covered.

Quick Answer: How Does Cubone Evolve in Pokémon Sun and Moon?

To evolve Cubone in Pokémon Sun and Moon, raise Cubone to level 28 or higher and make sure it gains a level during nighttime in-game. When the conditions are correct, Cubone will evolve into Alolan Marowak, a Fire/Ghost-type Pokémon. If Cubone reaches level 28 during the day, it will not evolve at that moment. Do not panic. Just level it up again at night.

How to Evolve Cubone in Pokémon Sun and Moon: 6 Steps

Step 1: Catch a Cubone in Alola

The first step is, naturally, getting a Cubone. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, Cubone can be found in Wela Volcano Park on Akala Island. This location fits Cubone’s Alolan evolution perfectly: warm, rocky, dramatic, and just dangerous-looking enough to make you wonder why children are allowed to wander around with backpacks full of Poké Balls.

Before hunting Cubone, stock up on Poké Balls, Great Balls, or Ultra Balls, depending on where you are in the game. Bring a Pokémon that can weaken Cubone without knocking it out. False Swipe is useful if you have access to it, but basic careful battling works too. Status moves such as Sleep Powder, Thunder Wave, or Hypnosis can also make the catch easier.

Cubone is a Ground-type Pokémon before evolution, so avoid blasting it with super-effective Water, Grass, or Ice moves if your goal is to catch it. A gentle hit is better than sending it straight back to the Pokémon Center’s emotional support desk.

Step 2: Check Cubone’s Level

Cubone evolves starting at level 28. If the Cubone you catch is below level 28, you need to train it until it is ready. If you catch or receive one that is already level 28 or higher, you still need it to gain one more level at night to trigger the evolution.

This detail matters because evolution does not happen just because Cubone is sitting at level 28 in your party. It happens when Cubone levels up under the right conditions. In other words, a level 30 Cubone can still evolve, but it needs to level up again during nighttime. Think of level 28 as the minimum requirement, not a magic button.

To check Cubone’s level, open your party menu and select Cubone. You can also view its stats, moves, ability, nature, and held item. This is a good time to decide whether you want to train this Cubone seriously or just evolve it for the Pokédex. If you care about competitive play, look at its nature and ability. If you just want a flaming ghost bone warrior, congratulations: your standards are already excellent.

Step 3: Train Cubone Until It Is Ready to Level Up

Once you have Cubone, train it until it is close to level 28 or close to its next level if it has already passed 28. You can train through wild battles, Trainer battles, the Exp. Share, or Rare Candies. The easiest method for many players is to keep Exp. Share on and let Cubone gain experience while stronger team members do the heavy lifting. Cubone will appreciate the mentorship, even if it mostly involves watching someone else win.

If Cubone is underleveled, do not rush into risky battles. Wela Volcano Park and other Akala Island areas can provide reasonable experience, but matchups matter. Since Cubone is Ground type, it performs well against certain Electric, Poison, Rock, Steel, and Fire opponents. However, it should avoid strong Grass- and Water-type attackers.

You can also use Rare Candies, but save one for nighttime if you want a clean evolution trigger. For example, if Cubone is level 27 during the day, you can wait until night and use a Rare Candy to raise it to level 28. That will evolve it immediately into Alolan Marowak. It is one of the simplest methods, and it prevents the classic trainer mistake of accidentally leveling Cubone during the wrong time of day.

Step 4: Wait Until Nighttime in the Game

This is the step that causes the most confusion. Cubone must level up at night to evolve into Alolan Marowak. In Pokémon Sun, the in-game time generally follows your Nintendo 3DS system clock. If it is nighttime in real life and your 3DS clock is accurate, it should be nighttime in the game.

In Pokémon Moon, however, the time is shifted by 12 hours. That means when it is daytime in real life, it may be nighttime in the game, and when it is nighttime outside, your game may be bright and sunny. Pokémon Moon basically looked at normal time and said, “Cute, but let’s be mysterious.”

To confirm whether it is night in your game, look at the overworld lighting. If the environment looks dark and the night cycle is active, you are ready. If it is still daylight, wait until the proper in-game time before leveling Cubone. Do not rely only on your real-world clock if you are playing Pokémon Moon.

Step 5: Level Up Cubone at Night

Now comes the big moment. During nighttime in-game, make Cubone gain a level. You can do this by battling wild Pokémon, battling Trainers, using Exp. Share, or giving Cubone a Rare Candy. As soon as Cubone reaches level 28 or higher through a nighttime level-up, the evolution scene should begin.

If Cubone is level 27, raising it to level 28 at night will trigger evolution. If Cubone is already level 28, level 29, or even higher, simply raise it one more level at night. The game checks the condition when Cubone levels up, not when it merely exists at the correct level.

After the evolution animation, you will have Alolan Marowak. Unlike regular Marowak, Alolan Marowak is Fire/Ghost type. That change gives it a completely different identity in battle. It gains useful resistances and immunities, including an immunity to Normal- and Fighting-type moves because of its Ghost typing. It also looks dramatically cooler, which is not technically a battle stat but should be.

Step 6: Review Alolan Marowak’s Moves, Role, and Team Fit

After Cubone evolves, take a moment to review your new Alolan Marowak. Its typing changes from Ground to Fire/Ghost, so your team role changes as well. It is no longer the same simple bone-swinging Ground-type attacker. It becomes a unique regional evolution with a spooky-fire theme and a very different set of strengths and weaknesses.

Alolan Marowak is especially interesting because it can help against certain Grass, Bug, Steel, Ice, Psychic, Ghost, and other matchups depending on its moves. However, it must be careful around Water, Ground, Rock, Ghost, and Dark attacks. In casual playthroughs, it can be a stylish and useful team member. In more serious team planning, its ability, nature, held item, and move choices matter more.

If you feel like your Alolan Marowak missed a move you wanted, check move reminder options later in the game. Some players evolve Cubone and then realize that Alolan Marowak has its own move-learning quirks. That is normal. Pokémon evolution is sometimes less “smooth life milestone” and more “surprise paperwork.”

Why Cubone Becomes Alolan Marowak Instead of Regular Marowak

The Alola region introduced regional forms, which are alternate versions of familiar Pokémon adapted to the unique environment and culture of the islands. Alolan Marowak is one of the most memorable examples. While Cubone remains a Ground type, its evolution becomes Fire/Ghost in Alola.

From a design perspective, Alolan Marowak feels inspired by fire dancing, island rituals, and the ghostly lore already connected to the Cubone family. Its flaming bone is not just a visual upgrade. It gives Marowak a completely new personality. Regular Marowak feels like a rugged survivor. Alolan Marowak feels like it walked out of a haunted festival and somehow joined your team.

In gameplay terms, the regional form also makes Alolan Marowak more distinct. Instead of simply getting a stronger Ground-type Pokémon, you gain a Fire/Ghost Pokémon with special defensive and offensive possibilities. That makes Cubone’s evolution in Sun and Moon worth planning carefully.

Common Mistakes When Evolving Cubone

Mistake 1: Leveling Cubone During the Day

The most common mistake is leveling Cubone to 28 during the day and wondering why nothing happened. The answer is not that your game is broken. Cubone needs nighttime. If you accidentally level it during the day, keep training it and level it again at night.

Mistake 2: Forgetting Pokémon Moon’s 12-Hour Time Shift

Many players look out the window, see darkness, and assume it is nighttime in Pokémon Moon. Not necessarily. Because Pokémon Moon is shifted by 12 hours, your game may be in daytime while your real world is dark. Always check the game’s lighting, not just the clock on your wall.

Mistake 3: Thinking a Stone Is Required

Cubone does not need a Fire Stone, Dusk Stone, or any other evolution stone to become Alolan Marowak. The evolution method is level-based and time-based. Save your stones for Pokémon that actually want them. Cubone is dramatic, but not that kind of dramatic.

Mistake 4: Expecting Regular Marowak in Alola

In Pokémon Sun and Moon, Cubone evolves into Alolan Marowak under the Alola evolution method. If you are expecting the classic Ground-type Marowak from earlier games, you may be surprised. For many trainers, though, that surprise is a good one.

Best Tips for Training Cubone Before Evolution

If you want the smoothest experience, catch Cubone, train it close to level 28, and stop before it levels up if the game is still in daytime. Once night arrives, finish the level with a battle or Rare Candy. This gives you full control over the evolution timing.

Keep Cubone safe in battle. Its design may look tough, but unevolved Pokémon can still be fragile. Use Exp. Share if your team has stronger members. This is especially helpful if you are exploring areas where wild Pokémon hit harder than expected.

Also consider saving before evolution if you care about moves, nature, or ability outcomes. Most casual players do not need to overthink this, but perfectionist trainers enjoy having a backup. Pokémon players are very good at turning a cute monster-collecting game into a spreadsheet with sound effects.

Is Alolan Marowak Worth Using?

Yes, Alolan Marowak is absolutely worth using in a casual Pokémon Sun and Moon playthrough. Its Fire/Ghost typing gives it a unique place on many teams, and its design is one of the strongest regional form concepts in Alola. It can cover matchups that regular Cubone never could, and it brings a lot of personality to the party.

That said, Alolan Marowak is not a perfect answer to everything. It has weaknesses that can be dangerous if you send it into the wrong matchup. Water-, Ground-, Rock-, Ghost-, and Dark-type moves can be serious problems. Use it strategically, switch carefully, and do not assume that a flaming bone automatically solves every battle. It solves many style problems, though.

Troubleshooting: Why Didn’t My Cubone Evolve?

If Cubone did not evolve, check these points:

• Is Cubone at least level 28?
• Did Cubone gain a level during nighttime in-game?
• Are you checking the actual in-game time instead of only your real-world clock?
• Are you playing Pokémon Moon, where the day-night cycle is shifted by 12 hours?
• Did you cancel the evolution by pressing B during the evolution animation?

If Cubone meets the level requirement but leveled during the day, wait until night and level it again. If you accidentally canceled the evolution, simply level Cubone again at night. The game will give it another chance to evolve. Cubone may be sad, but it is not petty.

Personal Gameplay Experiences and Practical Lessons

One of the funniest experiences trainers have with Cubone in Pokémon Sun and Moon is assuming the evolution works exactly like it did in older games. You catch Cubone, train it up, reach level 28, lean back confidently, and then nothing happens. For a few seconds, you question everything: your game, your timing, your life choices, and whether Cubone is simply refusing adulthood. Then you discover the nighttime requirement, and suddenly it all makes sense.

A practical lesson is to plan the evolution instead of rushing it. If Cubone is level 27 and close to leveling, avoid random battles during the day. Put it lower in your party, turn off Exp. Share if necessary, or switch to another Pokémon until night arrives. Then, when the in-game sky is dark, bring Cubone back and finish the level. This small bit of planning saves frustration.

Another useful experience is playing Pokémon Moon and realizing the game’s clock can trick you. Many trainers play at night in real life, only to find the Alola region bright and sunny because of the 12-hour shift. In that case, the best habit is to trust the game world, not your window. If the screen looks like daytime, Cubone is not ready to evolve. If it looks like night, it is showtime.

Rare Candy can make the process much easier. A good strategy is to train Cubone to level 27, save your game, wait for nighttime, and use a Rare Candy. This instantly triggers the evolution if everything is correct. It is clean, fast, and avoids the awkward situation where a wild Pokémon gives Cubone just enough experience at the wrong time. Few things are more annoying than watching a perfectly planned evolution get ruined by one overly generous encounter.

Using Alolan Marowak afterward also teaches team-building lessons. Because it changes from Ground to Fire/Ghost, you may need to rethink your team coverage. If Cubone was your answer to Electric types, that role changes after evolution. If you needed a Fire-type or Ghost-type attacker, Alolan Marowak may suddenly become one of your team’s most interesting members. Evolution is not only about getting stronger; sometimes it completely changes what a Pokémon is meant to do.

For story playthroughs, Alolan Marowak is satisfying because it feels connected to Alola’s identity. The fire-dancer look, the ghostly energy, and the island atmosphere all fit together. It is one of those Pokémon that feels like it belongs exactly where it is found. Training Cubone into Alolan Marowak gives the evolution more meaning than simply checking a box in the Pokédex.

The final experience-based tip is simple: do not overcomplicate it. You do not need special items, secret locations, trading, friendship, or a mysterious NPC hiding behind a palm tree. You only need Cubone, level 28 or higher, and nighttime. Once you understand those conditions, evolving Cubone becomes one of the easiest and most rewarding regional evolutions in Pokémon Sun and Moon.

Conclusion

Evolving Cubone in Pokémon Sun and Moon is easy once you understand the timing. Catch a Cubone, raise it to level 28 or higher, wait until nighttime in-game, and level it up. That is the full recipe for getting Alolan Marowak, one of the most stylish regional evolutions in the Alola Pokédex.

The key is remembering that the time requirement matters. In Pokémon Sun, the game generally follows your Nintendo 3DS clock. In Pokémon Moon, the game is shifted by 12 hours, so always check the in-game environment before leveling Cubone. If it does not evolve, do not worry. Level it again at night, and your little skull-helmeted Pokémon will become the Fire/Ghost-type bone dancer it was destined to be.

Alolan Marowak is more than a simple evolution. It is a complete transformation in design, typing, and battle identity. Whether you want it for your team, your Pokédex, or because flaming ghost bones are objectively excellent, Cubone’s Alolan evolution is worth the small amount of planning.