Can You Ride Both? A Deep Dive into Calyrex and Its Steeds
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No, you cannot get both Glastrier and Spectrier in a single playthrough of Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield with The Crown Tundra DLC. Your choice between the Iceroot Carrot and the Shaderoot Carrot is permanent, locking you into either Ice Rider Calyrex (Calyrex + Glastrier) or Shadow Rider Calyrex (Calyrex + Spectrier) respectively. Once you choose, the other carrot is irretrievable, making the other steed unobtainable in that save file.
Choosing Your Ride: A Critical Decision
The decision of which steed to choose for Calyrex is a significant one that impacts your team composition and strategic options. It’s not just about aesthetics; each form boasts a distinct type combination, stat distribution, and signature move. Before rushing off to plant your carrot, let’s understand what’s at stake.
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Glastrier: This Ice-type behemoth transforms Calyrex into Ice Rider Calyrex, a Psychic/Ice-type powerhouse. It excels in physical attack and defense, capable of withstanding significant damage while dishing out devastating blows. Its signature move, Glacial Lance, is a powerful physical Ice-type attack.
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Spectrier: The Ghost-type Spectrier merges with Calyrex to form Shadow Rider Calyrex, a Psychic/Ghost-type Special Attacker. This form is all about speed and special attack, enabling it to outspeed opponents and unleash potent special attacks. Astral Barrage, its signature move, is a Special Ghost-type attack with exceptional damage potential.
The Carrot Conundrum: Iceroot vs. Shaderoot
The key to obtaining your desired steed lies in the carrot. After completing a certain portion of The Crown Tundra storyline, you’ll be tasked with growing a carrot for Calyrex’s loyal companion. This is where the choice happens.
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Iceroot Carrot: Planting this carrot in the snowy patch of farmland near Freezington will attract Glastrier. This choice is best suited for players who prefer a tanky, physical attacker with strong Ice-type coverage.
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Shaderoot Carrot: Opting to plant the carrot in the graveyard soil in the Old Cemetery will lure Spectrier. This path is ideal for trainers who favor a fast, special attacker with excellent Ghost-type moves.
Making the Right Choice: Playstyle Matters
Before planting your carrot, consider your playstyle and team composition.
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Competitive Battlers: Analyze the current meta and identify which form of Calyrex better complements your team’s strengths and covers its weaknesses. Shadow Rider Calyrex has been dominant in competitive circles due to its sheer offensive power and speed. However, Ice Rider Calyrex can still find a niche in Trick Room teams or as a bulky pivot.
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In-Game Adventures: For the main game, consider which type coverage you need. Ice Rider Calyrex is useful against Dragon, Flying, Grass, and Ground-type Pokémon, while Shadow Rider Calyrex excels against Psychic and Ghost-type foes.
Trading and Alternate Saves: Exploring Other Options
While you can’t obtain both steeds in a single playthrough, there are ways to experience both forms of Calyrex.
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Trading: The most straightforward method is trading with another player who chose the opposite steed. Find a friend or online community member willing to trade their Calyrex form for something of value.
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Multiple Saves: Starting a new game on a different Nintendo Switch profile will allow you to replay The Crown Tundra and choose the other carrot. This requires more time investment, but it guarantees you access to both Calyrex forms.
Calyrex and the Power of Choice: A Game Design Perspective
The decision surrounding Calyrex’s steeds reflects a common theme in Pokémon games: meaningful choice. These choices, as explored by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, help foster player engagement and investment in the game world. The ramifications of choosing Glastrier or Spectrier extend beyond mere type matchups; they influence team building strategies, competitive viability, and overall player experience. This carefully designed choice reinforces the importance of decision-making and its lasting impact within the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I undo my choice after planting the carrot?
Unfortunately, no. Once you plant either the Iceroot or Shaderoot Carrot, your choice is permanent for that save file. There’s no turning back, so think carefully!
2. Does the choice affect the rest of The Crown Tundra storyline?
The core storyline remains the same regardless of which steed you choose. The main difference is the Pokémon you encounter and battle during the quest to capture the steed.
3. Is one form of Calyrex inherently better than the other?
It depends on your playstyle and competitive landscape. Shadow Rider Calyrex is generally considered more powerful due to its incredible speed and special attack, but Ice Rider Calyrex can be effective in the right team composition, particularly in Trick Room teams.
4. Can I change Calyrex’s form after catching it?
Yes! You can separate Calyrex from its steed using the Reins of Unity, which you obtain after catching the steed. This allows you to use Calyrex and the steed as separate Pokémon in your party. You can re-fuse them at any time using the Reins of Unity again.
5. Does Calyrex retain its memories from its past with the villagers?
Yes, throughout The Crown Tundra storyline, Calyrex remembers its past interactions with the villagers and its role in helping them. This plays a crucial part in the narrative.
6. Can I use Calyrex in Max Raid Battles?
Yes, both Ice Rider Calyrex and Shadow Rider Calyrex can be used in Max Raid Battles. They can be valuable assets due to their high stats and powerful moves.
7. Does the Ability of the steed affect Calyrex when fused?
Yes, when Calyrex fuses with either Glastrier or Spectrier, it gains the steed’s Ability. Glastrier’s Chilling Neigh increases Attack when it knocks out a Pokémon, while Spectrier’s Grim Neigh increases Special Attack when it knocks out a Pokémon.
8. Can I breed Calyrex or its steeds?
No, Calyrex, Glastrier, and Spectrier are all Legendary Pokémon and cannot be bred.
9. Are there any differences in the overworld based on which steed I choose?
The primary difference in the overworld is which Pokémon appears to help you track down the steed. For example, if you choose Glastrier, you’ll see its footprints in the snow.
10. What are the best natures for Ice Rider Calyrex and Shadow Rider Calyrex?
For Ice Rider Calyrex, Adamant (increases Attack, decreases Special Attack) or Brave (increases Attack, decreases Speed) are good choices, depending on whether you plan to use it in Trick Room. For Shadow Rider Calyrex, Timid (increases Speed, decreases Attack) or Modest (increases Special Attack, decreases Attack) are generally preferred.
11. What are some recommended movesets for each Calyrex form?
- Ice Rider Calyrex: Glacial Lance, High Horsepower, Swords Dance, Close Combat
- Shadow Rider Calyrex: Astral Barrage, Nasty Plot, Psychic, Shadow Ball
12. Can I transfer my Calyrex to Pokémon HOME?
Yes, you can transfer both forms of Calyrex to Pokémon HOME and then to other compatible Pokémon games.
13. Does Shiny hunting apply to Calyrex, Glastrier, or Spectrier?
No, Calyrex, Glastrier, and Spectrier are all Shiny locked in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. This means they cannot appear as Shiny Pokémon.
14. If I trade for the other steed, can I fuse it with my Calyrex?
No, you can only fuse Calyrex with the steed that you obtained in your own game. The Reins of Unity only work with the specific Glastrier or Spectrier that you caught after planting the corresponding carrot.
15. Is the Reins of Unity a Key Item?
Yes, the Reins of Unity are classified as a Key Item, meaning they cannot be held by a Pokémon or traded.