The Wild Dolphin Evolution Mystery: How Palafin’s Secret Drove Pokémon Fans Crazy

The Hype Before Release: Flying Get and Leaks

Did you know that every new Pokémon generation comes with its own set of leaks and spoilers? Before Pokémon Scarlet & Violet officially launched in November 2022, the community was already buzzing with rumors and early gameplay footage. This phenomenon, known as 'Flying Get,' refers to players getting their hands on the game before release—often resulting in massive leaks of new Pokémon designs, stats, and even evolution methods. In fact, for generations, data miners have combed through the game's code to uncover secrets before anyone else. But with the ninth generation, something truly unexpected happened: one evolution method was missing, and it would drive the fandom wild.

A New Pokémon, A New Puzzle: Meet Finizen

Enter Finizen, the adorable dolphin Pokémon. Fans had been begging for a dolphin Pokémon for years, and when it finally arrived, expectations were sky-high. Early leaks confirmed that Finizen had an evolution—Palafin, a muscular, superhero-like dolphin. But here’s the twist: while the existence of Palafin was known, nobody could figure out how to evolve Finizen. The usual data-mined clues were nowhere to be found. The evolution method was missing from the code, leaving players worldwide scratching their heads and theorizing in real time.

The Great Evolution Hunt: Community Theories and Experiments

Pokémon fans are nothing if not creative. With no clear instructions, the community launched into a frenzy of experimentation. Some tried leveling up Finizen at specific locations, others used rare candies, and many attempted to trigger evolution by battling certain Pokémon—like the villainous Scovillain, thinking it was a reference to superhero stories. Overseas fans even joked about shouting into their Nintendo Switch microphones, hoping for a Superman-style transformation. Social media and forums exploded with screenshots, memes, and wild theories. The collective effort became a real-time puzzle, uniting players in frustration and excitement.

The Solution Revealed: Multiplayer Magic

After countless failed attempts and community brainstorming, the answer finally emerged: Finizen only evolves into Palafin when it levels up past 38 while you’re in a Union Circle multiplayer session. This was a first for the series—a Pokémon that requires multiplayer to evolve. The discovery was met with both relief and amazement. Many players celebrated the creativity of the developers, while others felt the solution was too obscure. It became a defining moment for the game, sparking discussions about the future of evolution mechanics in Pokémon.

Fandom Reactions: From Frustration to Fandom Lore

Korean communities like 더쿠, 네이트판, 인스티즈, 네이버, 다음, 디시인사이드, 에펨코리아, and PGR21 were full of reactions. Some praised the challenge and the sense of global teamwork, while others criticized Game Freak for making the process too complicated. Representative comments ranged from 'This is the most Pokémon thing ever' to 'Why do they keep making evolutions so weird?' International fans on Reddit and Twitter joined in, creating memes about the 'Dolphinman' superhero and sharing their own stories of failed attempts. The event became a piece of fandom lore, referenced in later memes and discussions.

Cultural Insight: Why This Evolution Matters

What makes this story special isn’t just the puzzle itself, but what it reveals about Pokémon culture. The franchise thrives on discovery, community, and shared secrets. The Finizen-to-Palafin evolution mystery showcased the power of collective intelligence and the joy of solving problems together. It also highlighted the global reach of Pokémon fandom, with players from Korea, Japan, the US, and beyond all working toward a common goal. For international fans, understanding this event means appreciating how Pokémon isn’t just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings people together in unexpected ways.

Latest News: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet in 2025

As of June 2025, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet remains at the center of the Pokémon universe, with ongoing updates, new events, and a thriving competitive scene. The game’s unique evolution methods, especially for Pokémon like Finizen, continue to inspire both admiration and debate. Recent articles and blogs discuss the impact of multiplayer features, the return of classic mechanics, and the enduring popularity of Palafin’s hero form. The legacy of the dolphin evolution puzzle lives on, reminding everyone that sometimes, the best part of Pokémon is the journey—not just the destination.

Bloggers and Community Voices: What the Fans Say

Naver and Tistory bloggers have shared countless stories about their own evolution adventures, offering tips, humor, and cultural context. Many highlight the sense of camaraderie that came from solving the Finizen mystery together. Some blogs even compare the event to past evolution puzzles, noting how each generation brings its own surprises. Community posts on Korean forums reflect a mix of pride, nostalgia, and playful frustration—proving that, for Pokémon fans, the real magic is in the shared experience.

Pokémon Evolution: A Living Tradition

If you’re new to Pokémon or just returning after a break, the Finizen-to-Palafin saga is the perfect example of why this series endures. Evolutions aren’t just about stats—they’re about stories, mysteries, and the thrill of discovery. As the franchise moves forward, fans can expect even more creative twists and community-driven moments. So next time you catch a new Pokémon, remember: the answer might not be in the code. It might just be waiting for you and your friends to find it together.