How to Evolve Scyther on Your Own: A Comprehensive Guide
The question of evolving Scyther without relying on others has plagued Pokémon trainers for years. Scyther, the mantis Pokémon, is a fan favorite, but its evolution into the powerful Scizor has traditionally been tied to a rather inconvenient mechanic: trading. This article will delve into the nuances of Scyther’s evolution, focusing specifically on methods for evolving it solo, and answering common questions to help you navigate this process.
The Direct Answer: Evolving Scyther Solo
Unfortunately, the most straightforward answer is that you cannot directly evolve Scyther into Scizor on your own in most traditional Pokémon games. The classic method requires a Metal Coat, which Scyther must hold while being traded. This mechanic is designed to encourage interaction with other players. The game code does not provide any other in-game items or methods to trigger evolution into Scizor without trading.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. While the Scizor evolution path is generally locked behind trading, Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduces an alternate evolution for Scyther: Kleavor. This evolution is entirely achievable on your own and bypasses the need for trading. To evolve Scyther into Kleavor you need a specific item, Black Augurite, which is not obtained through trading.
Therefore, to evolve Scyther alone, you have the following options:
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus: Evolve Scyther into Kleavor using a Black Augurite.
- Using a mod or save editor: This method involves modifying game data, which is not a legitimate method, and is not recommended for most players due to the risks involved and the potential for breaking your game.
This means that if your aim is to obtain Scizor in a game other than Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you will need to trade Scyther while it is holding the Metal Coat, meaning you’ll need to interact with another player, or potentially use other methods, which are either illegitimate or generally not available in the core series titles.
Understanding the Traditional Evolution Method
Before diving into alternatives, let’s recap the classic, and in many cases, only way to obtain Scizor. The traditional evolution of Scyther into Scizor involves two key steps:
- Obtaining a Metal Coat: This item is typically found in-game, either through exploration, as a reward, or occasionally from specific Pokémon.
- Trading with a Metal Coat: You must equip the Metal Coat onto your Scyther. Then, trade the Scyther to another player. During the trade process, if the Scyther has a Metal Coat it will evolve into Scizor.
This method has remained largely consistent across the main series of Pokémon games, making it a familiar, yet often frustrating, hurdle for players who prefer solo gameplay.
The Alternative: Evolving into Kleavor in Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus, changes the evolution landscape for Scyther by introducing Kleavor, a Bug/Rock type evolution. This evolution allows players to achieve an evolved form for Scyther without having to rely on trading with another player. To achieve this evolution, the following steps are required:
- Obtain a Black Augurite: You can acquire this rare item by:
- Defeating wild Graveler or Golem, which have an 8% chance to drop it.
- Digging with Ursaluna, where it is hidden on the ground.
- Finding it on the ground in Space-time Distortions.
- Completing the request “A Nosepass to Guide the Way.”
- Use the Black Augurite: Select the Black Augurite from your inventory and use it on your Scyther. The evolution into Kleavor will occur immediately.
This new method gives solo players the opportunity to achieve an evolved form of Scyther independently.
Why the Trade Evolution?
The trade evolution mechanic for Pokémon like Scyther was initially implemented to encourage player interaction and collaboration. It creates a social element in the game, making the world feel more connected. However, this can be frustrating for players who prefer single-player experiences or do not have access to other players for trading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about Scyther’s evolution that will provide a deeper insight into the subject:
1. Can I evolve Scyther into Scizor without trading in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?
No. You need to have a Scyther hold a Metal Coat and then trade it with another player to evolve it into Scizor in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
2. What other items can evolve Scyther?
Other than the Metal Coat for Scizor, the Black Augurite in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is needed to evolve it into Kleavor.
3. Is it possible to find a wild Scizor in any Pokémon game?
No. Scizor cannot be found in the wild in any standard Pokémon game. The only way to obtain Scizor is to evolve it from Scyther via trade. There are some exceptions where it may be a fixed encounter. In Pokémon Legends Arceus it can be found as a rare spawn.
4. Can I evolve Scyther at level 100?
Yes. Level doesn’t affect Scyther’s evolution, unlike some other Pokémon. You can evolve it at any level, including level 100, by trading it with a Metal Coat.
5. Can Alpha Scyther evolve into Alpha Scizor?
Yes, in Pokémon Legends: Arceus you can evolve an Alpha Scyther into an Alpha Scizor. The resulting Scizor will retain the Alpha status and its oversized appearance.
6. How many candies does Scyther need to evolve?
In Pokémon GO, Scyther needs 50 Scyther candies and a Metal Coat to evolve into Scizor. In the main games, the candy system does not exist, so it requires only the Metal Coat and a trade.
7. Is Scyther better than Scizor?
This depends on your play style. Scyther is faster but has a lower attack stat, and it is more vulnerable. Scizor has a higher attack stat, better typing, and better defenses but is slower. Scizor, however, is only weak to fire, but it’s 4x weakness.
8. What are the trade codes for trading Scyther?
While trade codes vary per game, a common code for trading Scyther, which was used often during its release in certain games, is 02600260 (Scyther’s Pokedex Number). Make sure both trainers have the right trade code and that Scyther holds the Metal Coat.
9. Can I evolve a shiny Scyther?
Yes. There is nothing preventing you from evolving a shiny Scyther. If you’ve obtained a Shiny Scyther, it is often recommended to evolve it as a Shiny Scizor is highly sought after.
10. Why does my Scyther not evolve when traded?
If your Scyther isn’t evolving when traded, ensure that it is holding a Metal Coat and that the trade is done correctly. Also double-check that the trade is not local, but is via online or wireless trade.
11. How do I get a Metal Coat?
Metal Coats are often found in various ways through out games. Here are some examples:
- Hidden in the World: Found in hidden locations on the map.
- Item Pickup: As an item a Pokémon can find when walking.
- Poke Stop/Gym: By completing Poke stops or Gyms in Pokemon GO.
- Specific Trainer Battles: As a reward for specific battles.
- From Specific Pokemon: As a rare drop from a specific Pokemon.
- Purchased: Sometimes sold from shops with in the game.
12. Can you evolve other Pokémon via trade?
Yes, multiple Pokémon require trading to evolve, including Kadabra, Haunter, Machoke, Graveler, and others. These are often referred to as ‘trade evolutions’.
13. What is the easiest way to evolve Scyther?
The easiest way to evolve Scyther into Scizor is by finding a friend to trade it with while it holds a Metal Coat. The easiest way to evolve Scyther into Kleavor is by obtaining the black Augurite.
14. Is it worth it to evolve Scyther?
Yes. Scizor is a powerful Pokémon with better stats and a strong typing. Kleavor, on the other hand, is a strong alternative with an unusual typing. It is definitely worth evolving Scyther into either form.
15. Can you evolve Scyther into anything else?
In addition to Scizor and Kleavor, Scyther doesn’t have any other evolutions. Its evolutionary options are limited to these two forms, depending on the game.
Conclusion
Evolving Scyther can be a complex process depending on which game you play. While the classic evolution into Scizor requires a trade, Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers a single-player alternative with Kleavor. While solo evolution into Scizor is generally not possible, understanding the mechanics and alternatives can help you make informed choices. Whether you prefer to trade with a friend or embrace the path of Kleavor, evolving Scyther is a rewarding endeavor that adds depth to your Pokémon journey.