Can You Separate Calyrex from its Loyal Steed? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you absolutely can remove Calyrex from Glastrier or Spectrier in Pokémon Sword and Shield’s Crown Tundra DLC. This process is central to understanding Calyrex’s unique mechanic and maximizing its potential in battle. Using the Reins of Unity, you can freely fuse and unfuse Calyrex with either of its steeds, granting you strategic flexibility and control over its typing and stats. Understanding this mechanic unlocks a new layer of depth within the game.

Understanding Calyrex and its Steeds

Calyrex, a Psychic/Grass-type Legendary Pokémon, plays a pivotal role in the Crown Tundra storyline. In ancient times, it ruled over the Galar region. But with the passage of time, Calyrex’s power waned. The rediscovery of its connection to Glastrier (Ice-type) and Spectrier (Ghost-type) allows Calyrex to regain some of its former glory, albeit in new, hybridized forms: Ice Rider Calyrex (Psychic/Ice) and Shadow Rider Calyrex (Psychic/Ghost).

The Reins of Unity: Your Key to Transformation

The Reins of Unity are the key item that allows you to fuse and separate Calyrex from its chosen steed. After you catch Calyrex and have obtained either Glastrier or Spectrier by planting the appropriate carrot seeds (Iceroot Carrot or Shaderoot Carrot), Peony will create the Reins of Unity. This item is essential for customizing Calyrex to fit your team composition and battle strategy.

How to Separate and Fuse Calyrex

The process is straightforward:

1. Open your Bag: Access your in-game bag by pressing the X button and navigate to the Key Items pocket.
2. Select the Reins of Unity: Find the Reins of Unity in your Key Items and select “Use this item.”
3. Choose Calyrex: If Calyrex is fused with either Glastrier or Spectrier and in your party, the game will prompt you to select Calyrex for separation.
4. Separation or Fusion: The game will ask if you wish to unfuse the pair. Selecting yes will immediately separate Calyrex from its steed. If Calyrex is separate, you can use the Reins of Unity to fuse it with Glastrier or Spectrier. However, only one fusion can be active at a time. You must unfuse Calyrex from its current steed before using the Reins of Unity to fuse it with the other.

Strategic Implications

The ability to separate and fuse Calyrex and its steeds offers significant strategic advantages. The choice depends on your preferred playstyle and the specific challenges you face.

• Ice Rider Calyrex: Excels in Attack and Defense. It’s a powerful physical attacker that can withstand significant damage.
• Shadow Rider Calyrex: Dominates in Special Attack and Speed. It’s a formidable special sweeper, capable of dishing out massive damage quickly.

Understanding these differences allows you to tailor Calyrex’s form to specific battles or team compositions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to separating Calyrex from its steed, providing further insight into this mechanic and its implications:

1. What happens if I knock out Calyrex before catching it?

   If you accidentally faint Calyrex during the initial encounter, you’ll be given the option to retry the fight. The game ensures that you have the opportunity to catch this crucial legendary.

2. Can I get both Glastrier and Spectrier?

   Yes, you can obtain both Glastrier and Spectrier, but it requires trading with another player or using Pokémon Home with two save files. Within a single playthrough, you can only choose one based on which carrot you plant.

3. Which Calyrex form is better, Ice Rider or Shadow Rider?

   There’s no definitively “better” form; it depends on your team composition and battle strategy. Shadow Rider Calyrex is often favored for its exceptional speed and special attack, making it a potent offensive threat. Ice Rider Calyrex offers a balance of attack and defense, making it a more durable option.

4. Does separating Calyrex affect its stats permanently?

   No, separating Calyrex does not permanently affect its base stats. Its stats change only when it is fused with either Glastrier or Spectrier, reflecting the stat boosts provided by the fusion.

5. Does separating Calyrex delete the special move Glacial Lance or Astral Barrage?

   Yes, it does. Separating Calyrex from Glastrier or Spectrier will result in Calyrex forgetting either the special move Glacial Lance (if separated from Glastrier) or Astral Barrage (if separated from Spectrier).

6. Can Calyrex fuse with other Pokémon besides Glastrier and Spectrier?

   No, Calyrex can only fuse with Glastrier or Spectrier using the Reins of Unity. These are the only two Pokémon designed to interact with Calyrex in this unique way.

7. Can I use Calyrex in competitive battles?

   Yes, both Ice Rider Calyrex and Shadow Rider Calyrex are permitted in certain competitive formats, depending on the rules and restrictions of the specific tournament or battle. However, their high stats and powerful abilities often make them highly sought-after and potentially restricted.

8. Do I need to separate Calyrex to complete the Crown Tundra storyline?

   No, separating Calyrex isn’t strictly necessary to complete the main storyline. However, understanding and utilizing this mechanic allows for greater strategic depth and customization, enhancing your overall experience.

9. Can I use the Reins of Unity multiple times?

   Yes, the Reins of Unity can be used infinitely. You can freely fuse and unfuse Calyrex with its steeds as many times as you like, providing strategic flexibility throughout your adventure.

10. Why does Calyrex have two steeds?

    The in-game lore suggests that Glastrier and Spectrier were originally one horse. In the past, Calyrex was a beloved king who rode a single powerful steed. Over time, this steed became divided into two forms (Glastrier and Spectrier), and Calyrex eventually forgot what it looked like.

11. Is Calyrex a mythical or legendary Pokémon?

    Calyrex is classified as a Legendary Pokémon. Mythical Pokémon are typically event-exclusive and not obtainable through normal gameplay, whereas Calyrex can be caught within the Crown Tundra DLC.

12. Does the nature of Glastrier or Spectrier affect Calyrex’s stats when fused?

    Yes, the Nature of the specific Glastrier or Spectrier you have will influence the fused form’s stats. Thus, careful consideration should be given to capturing a Glastrier or Spectrier with a beneficial Nature to optimize your Ice Rider or Shadow Rider Calyrex.

13. Can you combine Calyrex in Scarlet and Violet?

    No, Calyrex and the Reins of Unity are specific to Pokémon Sword and Shield. They are not available in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

14. Is Calyrex the most powerful Pokémon?

    While Calyrex boasts an impressive base stat total of 680 in both its Ice Rider and Shadow Rider forms, its status as the “most powerful” Pokémon is subjective and depends on the context. Other Pokémon possess unique abilities, movepools, and type matchups that can give them an edge in specific situations.

15. How do I maximize Calyrex’s potential in battle?

    To maximize Calyrex’s potential, consider its strengths and weaknesses in both forms. For Shadow Rider Calyrex, focus on boosting its Special Attack and Speed. For Ice Rider Calyrex, prioritize Attack and Defense. EV training and selecting appropriate movesets are essential for optimizing its performance in battles. Consider joining a local Games Learning Society to learn tips and tricks from other Pokémon trainers! You may also learn about their educational outreach programs and how they harness the power of games like Pokemon for education at their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

By mastering the art of separating and fusing Calyrex, you can unlock the full potential of this legendary Pokémon and dominate the Crown Tundra and beyond. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for strategic gameplay and optimizing your team for any challenge.