Can You Evolve Scyther Without Trading in SoulSilver? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is a resounding no. In Pokémon SoulSilver, Scyther’s evolution into Scizor is intrinsically linked to the trading mechanic. To trigger the evolution, you must trade Scyther while it’s holding a Metal Coat. There are no in-game workarounds, glitches, or alternative methods to bypass this requirement within the legitimate confines of the game. Forget those rumors you might have heard; hacking or using external devices are the only methods outside the game mechanics that might accomplish it.
Why Trading is Essential for Scizor
The core gameplay of Pokémon often encourages interaction and collaboration between players. Trading Pokémon, especially for evolutions like Scizor, is a long-standing tradition in the series. It fosters a sense of community and adds another layer of challenge to completing the Pokédex. In SoulSilver, this element remains untouched. It’s a deliberate design choice by Game Freak to promote social interaction and make certain Pokémon more challenging to obtain without help from others.
Obtaining Scyther and the Metal Coat
Before even considering the evolution, you’ll need to catch a Scyther. Thankfully, SoulSilver offers opportunities to do so. The Bug-Catching Contest at the National Park on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays is a prime location. Alternatively, you might find it in certain areas of the Safari Zone.
Once you’ve secured your Scyther, the next crucial item is the Metal Coat. One guaranteed location to find it is on the S.S. Aqua cruise ship. Make sure you explore the ship thoroughly! Keep in mind you need to equip the metal coat to your Pokemon.
The Trading Process: Step-by-Step
- Catch Scyther: Either at the National Park’s Bug-Catching Contest or in the Safari Zone.
- Obtain the Metal Coat: Find it on the S.S. Aqua.
- Equip Scyther: Give Scyther the Metal Coat to hold via your bag in the game menu.
- Find a Trading Partner: Connect with a friend who also plays SoulSilver or HeartGold (or Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum).
- Initiate the Trade: Link up using the Pokémon Center’s trading feature.
- Trade Scyther: Send your Metal Coat-holding Scyther to your friend.
- Evolution Occurs: The moment Scyther arrives on your friend’s game, it will evolve into Scizor.
- Trade Back (Optional): Coordinate with your friend to trade Scizor back to you if you want it on your team.
Consequences of Not Trading
Without trading, your Scyther will remain a Scyther indefinitely. There is no level at which it will magically transform, and no other item can substitute the Metal Coat + Trade requirement. Embrace the trading mechanic; it’s a core part of the SoulSilver experience.
Alternative Considerations
If you really can’t trade, you could focus on other strong Bug and Steel type Pokémon, such as Forretress or Durant, to fill a similar niche on your team. Or consider connecting with other players in the community who can temporarily trade the Pokémon to evolve and then trade it back to you! You could find someone within your community or a relative or family member.
Is it Worth Evolving Scyther?
Absolutely! Evolving Scyther into Scizor is well worth the effort. Scizor not only gets an impressive boost to its Attack and Defense stats, but it also gains the Steel-type, which provides significant defensive advantages. The Steel-type gives Scizor far more resistances than its prior Bug and Flying type and makes it a formidable addition to any team.
The Importance of Understanding Game Mechanics
Understanding these mechanics is crucial for success and enjoyment in Pokémon games. Furthermore, exploring the evolution process in games like Pokémon can offer insights into strategic thinking, resource management, and social interactions. It’s a testament to the power of games as learning tools, a philosophy championed by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Scyther and Trading in SoulSilver
Here are 15 commonly asked questions that delve deeper into the intricacies of evolving Scyther in SoulSilver:
1. Can I find Scizor in the wild in SoulSilver?
No. Scizor is not a wild Pokémon in SoulSilver. The only way to obtain one is by evolving Scyther through trade with a Metal Coat.
2. Is there any cheat code or glitch to evolve Scyther without trading?
No legitimate cheat code or in-game glitch exists that allows you to bypass the trading requirement for Scyther’s evolution. Any claims of such glitches should be treated with extreme skepticism. If you use external code to get the result, you’re hacking the game, so we don’t recommend it.
3. Where can I get a second Metal Coat in SoulSilver?
Besides the one on the S.S. Aqua, you can also find Metal Coats by catching Magnemite or Steelix in the wild, as they have a small chance of holding one.
4. What level should my Scyther be before evolving it?
The level of your Scyther doesn’t matter for the evolution itself. Evolve it as soon as you have the Metal Coat and a trading partner. However, consider its moveset. Make sure it has any moves you want it to learn as Scyther before it evolves.
5. What happens if I trade Scyther without the Metal Coat?
If you trade Scyther without it holding a Metal Coat, it will simply be traded as a Scyther. It will not evolve.
6. Can I trade with someone who has a different Pokémon game?
You can trade with players who have HeartGold, Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum. However, you cannot trade with games from earlier generations (e.g., Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald).
7. Do I need to trade back immediately after Scyther evolves?
That depends on you and your trading partner. Most players agree to trade back immediately to ensure both trainers get their desired Pokémon. However, it is a matter of trust.
8. Can I use the Global Trade System (GTS) to evolve Scyther?
No, the GTS is not a reliable method for evolving trade-dependent Pokémon. There is no way to guarantee that someone will trade your Scizor back after the evolution.
9. Does Scizor learn different moves than Scyther?
Yes, Scizor learns a different set of moves. Consult a Pokémon moveset guide to see the moves it learns, and compare it to Scyther.
10. Is Scizor a good Pokémon in SoulSilver?
Yes! Scizor is a very strong Pokémon in SoulSilver, thanks to its high Attack stat and useful Steel/Bug typing. It’s especially effective against certain Gym Leaders and Elite Four members.
11. What are some good moves for Scizor in SoulSilver?
Some recommended moves include Bullet Punch, X-Scissor, Iron Head, and Swords Dance. These moves provide a good mix of offense and coverage.
12. Can I use an emulator to trade with myself?
Yes, it’s technically possible to trade with yourself using two emulators of the game. However, this requires some technical know-how and a sufficiently powerful computer. It may also constitute a breach of the game’s terms of service.
13. What if I can’t find anyone to trade with?
If you truly can’t find a trading partner, you might consider exploring online Pokémon communities or forums to find someone willing to help you out. Be wary of scams, and find someone reliable.
14. Is there a difference between trading in SoulSilver and HeartGold?
No, the trading mechanics and evolution requirements are exactly the same in both SoulSilver and HeartGold.
15. Can you evolve other Pokémon besides Scyther in SoulSilver that require trade?
Yes, a variety of Pokémon in SoulSilver require trading to evolve, including Kadabra (to Alakazam), Haunter (to Gengar), Machoke (to Machamp), and Graveler (to Golem). Dusclops needs to be traded while holding a Reaper Cloth to evolve into Dusknoir and Onix must hold a Metal Coat to evolve into Steelix. All of them will evolve when they’re traded to another player.
In conclusion, while the requirement to trade to evolve Scyther in SoulSilver may be frustrating for some, it’s an integral part of the game’s design. Embrace the challenge, find a reliable trading partner, and enjoy adding Scizor to your team!