Unearthing the Past: A Comprehensive Guide to Fossil Hunting in Pokémon Sword and Shield
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Want to bring some prehistoric power to your Pokémon team in Sword and Shield? You’ll need to become a fossil hunter! The core of obtaining the four fossil Pokémon—Dracozolt, Arctozolt, Dracovish, and Arctovish—lies in acquiring their respective fossil components and combining them correctly. You’ll collect Fossilized Bird, Fossilized Dino, Fossilized Fish, and Fossilized Drake. You’ll then take these fossils to a specific researcher on Route 6 who will revive them into the unique fossil Pokémon. This guide breaks down each step, from locating the fossils to creating your ancient allies.
Fossil Acquisition: Where to Dig
The Stow-on-Side Bargain
Your fossil-hunting journey begins in Stow-on-Side. Inside the Pokémon Center, you’ll find an NPC who sells fossils. This is arguably the easiest and most reliable way to acquire them, especially early in the game. However, the fossils you get are random and will cost you money. This means you’ll need to visit this NPC regularly and stock up your Poke Dollars.
The Digging Duo: Wild Area Excavators
For a more active approach, head to the Wild Area, specifically the Bridge Field zone, near the Pokémon Nursery. Here, you’ll find the Digging Duo: two brothers who can excavate items for you in exchange for Watts.
Choosing Your Excavator
- The Skilled Brother (Left-Hand Side): This brother is the better choice for fossil hunting. He has a higher chance of finding rare items, including all four types of fossils. However, his digging success rate is lower, and he might break items more often.
- The Stamina Brother (Right-Hand Side): This brother digs for longer, offering a higher chance of getting multiple items. However, he primarily finds common items and only two types of fossils, depending on your game version.
Sword vs. Shield Fossil Distribution
It’s crucial to understand that the availability of certain fossils is version-specific.
- Pokémon Sword: Easier to find Fossilized Bird and Fossilized Dino.
- Pokémon Shield: Easier to find Fossilized Fish and Fossilized Drake.
Therefore, if you’re playing Sword and want Dracovish or Arctovish, or Shield and want Dracozolt or Arctozolt, trading with a player who has the opposite version is recommended. The Games Learning Society likely has some online communities where you could arrange such trades!
Fossil Combination: Assembling Your Ancient Pokémon
Once you have your fossils, it’s time to revive them. Head to Route 6 and look for the researcher inside the cave. Talk to her, and she’ll combine your fossils to create your desired Pokémon. Here’s the formula:
- Fossilized Bird + Fossilized Drake = Dracozolt (Electric/Dragon)
- Fossilized Bird + Fossilized Dino = Arctozolt (Electric/Ice)
- Fossilized Fish + Fossilized Drake = Dracovish (Water/Dragon)
- Fossilized Fish + Fossilized Dino = Arctovish (Water/Ice)
Remember that you need one of each type to make the Pokémon. So, if you want Dracozolt, you’ll need one Fossilized Bird and one Fossilized Drake. You can repeat this process as many times as you like, as long as you have the fossils.
Fossil Pokémon: A Closer Look
Dracozolt
A dual-type Electric/Dragon Pokémon. Dracozolt’s ability to use Bolt Beak effectively makes it a solid offensive choice. The move’s power doubles if Dracozolt moves first, making it a great option for a fast-attacking team.
Arctozolt
A dual-type Electric/Ice Pokémon. Arctozolt also has access to Bolt Beak. Although its Speed stat is lower than Dracozolt, Arctozolt can still be a powerful addition to your team, particularly for coverage against types like Flying and Dragon.
Dracovish
A dual-type Water/Dragon Pokémon. Dracovish is renowned for its powerful signature move, Fishious Rend. Similar to Bolt Beak, Fishious Rend doubles in power if Dracovish moves first. Coupled with its high Attack stat, Dracovish can sweep through opponents.
Arctovish
A dual-type Water/Ice Pokémon. Arctovish is also capable of using the move Fishious Rend. While it might not be as offensively potent as Dracovish, Arctovish has better defensive stats and can be a valuable asset in a hail team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I find fossil Pokémon in the wild?
No, fossil Pokémon in Sword and Shield are not available in the wild or through Max Raid Battles. They can only be obtained by reviving fossils with the researcher on Route 6.
2. Which version of the game is better for getting all fossils?
Neither version is inherently better. Pokémon Sword makes it easier to find Fossilized Bird and Fossilized Dino, while Pokémon Shield makes it easier to find Fossilized Fish and Fossilized Drake. Trading with another player is the most efficient way to get the fossils exclusive to the other version.
3. Is one of the Digging Duo better than the other for finding fossils?
Yes, the skilled (left-hand side) brother is better for finding fossils. He is more likely to unearth rare items, including all four types of fossils. The stamina brother mostly finds common items and only two fossil types depending on your game version.
4. How much Watts do I need to pay the Digging Duo?
The Digging Duo charges 500 Watts per dig. It’s best to accumulate a substantial amount of Watts before approaching them. This is done by interacting with active Pokémon Dens.
5. Are the fossil Pokémon strong in competitive battling?
Yes, Dracovish and Dracozolt are particularly strong in competitive battling. Dracovish’s Fishious Rend is incredibly powerful if it moves first, and Dracozolt’s Bolt Beak can also deal significant damage.
6. Can fossil Pokémon breed?
No, the fossil Pokémon (Dracozolt, Arctozolt, Dracovish, and Arctovish) cannot breed. They are considered to be in the Undiscovered Egg Group.
7. Does the weather in the Wild Area affect fossil digging?
No, the weather does not affect the rate at which you find fossils. The Digging Duo’s performance remains consistent regardless of weather conditions.
8. Can I get duplicate fossil Pokémon?
Yes, you can get as many duplicate fossil Pokémon as you like, as long as you have the required fossils.
9. Is there a way to increase the chances of finding specific fossils?
Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed method to increase the chances of finding specific fossils. It’s mostly based on luck and persistence. Focus on using the skilled Digging Duo member. Trading between the two versions will also help you get your specific fossil needs.
10. What level are the fossil Pokémon when revived?
The fossil Pokémon are revived at level 10.
11. Can I shiny hunt the fossil Pokémon?
Yes, you can shiny hunt the fossil Pokémon. The easiest way to do this would be to save before reviving and reset if the Pokémon is not shiny.
12. How much money is recommended to have before going to the Stow-on-Side Bargain NPC?
Having around 20,000 to 30,000 Poke Dollars is a good starting point, as this will allow you to purchase a decent number of fossils in one go.
13. Is Dracovish a legendary Pokemon?
No, Dracovish is not a legendary Pokémon. It’s a standard, albeit unique, Pokémon that you obtain by reviving fossils.
14. What are the best natures for the fossil Pokemon?
- Dracovish: Adamant (increases Attack, decreases Special Attack) or Jolly (increases Speed, decreases Special Attack)
- Dracozolt: Adamant or Jolly
- Arctovish: Adamant or Brave (decreases Speed, but helps in Trick Room teams)
- Arctozolt: Hasty (increases Speed, decreases Defense) or Naive (increases Speed, decreases Special Defense)
15. Are there any limited-time events or codes for getting these fossils?
Historically, The Pokémon Company International has distributed codes that you can claim in-game via the “Mystery Gift” option in the main menu. These codes can grant players various items and even Pokémon! To claim gifts via the Mystery Gift option, you must follow these instructions:
- Open your menu screen
- Choose the Mystery Gift option
- Select, “Get With Code/Password”
- Enter a valid code
- If you followed the instructions correctly, you should receive your gift soon after
Conclusion: A Rewarding Expedition
Unlocking the power of fossil Pokémon in Sword and Shield requires patience, exploration, and a bit of luck. By understanding where to find the fossils, which Digging Duo member to choose, and how to combine them correctly, you’ll add these powerful and unique Pokémon to your team. Good luck, and happy digging! With some diligence and a little bit of luck, you’ll have a team of fossil Pokémon ready to take on any challenge. Consider researching the ways that games, like Pokémon, can provide unique learning opportunities at GamesLearningSociety.org.