Drifloon is the Balloon Pokémon added into Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It is a Ghost- and Flying-type Pokémon that is said to represent wandering spirits. The Pokémon is not difficult to catch, but it will be much harder to get for trainers who picked up Pokémon Violet.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet version exclusives are more valuable to a collector who is attempting to fill out their Pokédex. Any trainer hoping to collect a Drifloon will have to be able to access Pokémon Scarlet, as it is exclusive to that version. That being said, Drifloon can make a valuable team member due to its dual-type and immunity to Normal-type moves if the trainer manages to find one.
Drifloon Locations
While unavailable in Pokêmon Violet, within Pokémon Scarlet Drifloon is fairly abundant. It only appears at night, so trainers will have to wait for dark to fall in-game. However, if trainers are out at the right time, Drifloon can be found throughout Western, Southern, and Eastern Paldea. Western Paldea has the most area available where trainers can find Drifloon. It is unavailable at the crater or in the Northern Provinces.
This Pokémon does have a weakness to several other types, including Rock, Ghost, Electric, Ice, and Dark. However, that is offset by Drifloon’s immunities. Any player hoping to weaken it enough to catch it should not bring a Normal-, Fighting-, or Ground- type Pokémon, as Drifloon is immune to all of those types. Drifloon is also resistant to Poison-, Bug-, and Grass- types. This can make it a sturdy Pokémon, especially in battles with NPC trainers.
In Pokémon Violet, a player can primarily get a Drifloon through trading. If a friend is playing Pokémon Scarlet, however, that friend can invite the trainer to their game, which would allow the other trainer to run around and catch any version exclusives in that game, or vice versa. While trading is still an option, this allows trainers to catch version exclusives without having to do so. Players can do this through the Union Circle, available at the end of any Pokémon center, or through the Poké Portal in the menu. Trainers can complete any quest while still connected to each other in the game, which can allow a lot of freedom to explore while being with friends.
Being able to find Drifloon and its evolution, Drifblim, will be crucial for those hoping to complete their collection. Drifloon has been in the Pokémon franchise since Gen 4, so it has been around for a long time to gather a fan following. However, Drifloon’s value in this game is inherently tied to being a version exclusive. This can make it difficult for some trainers to add it to their Pokédex, but the good news is that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s co-op options give players a better chance to find exclusives than ever before.