Separating Royalty: How to Remove Calyrex From Its Steed in Pokémon Sword and Shield

So, you’ve conquered the Crown Tundra, caught the High King Pokémon, Calyrex, and now you’re wondering how to separate him from his trusty steed, Glastrier or Spectrier. Don’t worry, it’s a simple process! The key lies in the Reins of Unity. Access your Key Items pocket in your bag, select the Reins of Unity, and then target Calyrex. If you have an empty slot in your party, Calyrex will separate from whichever steed he’s currently bonded with. Re-fusing them is just as easy, simply use the Reins of Unity on Calyrex again.

Understanding Calyrex and its Steeds

Calyrex, introduced in the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass, The Crown Tundra, is a unique Legendary Pokémon. His story is intertwined with two other Pokémon: Glastrier, an Ice-type steed, and Spectrier, a Ghost-type steed. You’ll only be able to obtain one of these steeds in your playthrough, based on which type of carrot seeds you choose to plant during the Legendary Clue 1 questline.

When Calyrex is united with either Glastrier or Spectrier, he transforms into either Ice Rider Calyrex (Psychic/Ice-type) or Shadow Rider Calyrex (Psychic/Ghost-type), respectively. This transformation significantly alters his stats and battle strategies, offering different strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these differences is crucial for competitive battling and team building.

The Importance of Separation

Why would you want to separate Calyrex from his steed? There are a few strategic reasons:

• Team Flexibility: Separating Calyrex allows you to potentially use Glastrier or Spectrier on separate teams, providing broader options for team composition.
• Predictability: Separating them can create unpredictability for your opponent, especially when they are unaware of your game strategy.
• Niche Strategies: Specific strategies might require Calyrex or his steed to be separate, leveraging their individual abilities.
• Collection Purposes: Some players simply prefer to have all forms available for their collection.

The Reins of Unity: Your Key to Transformation

The Reins of Unity are the core mechanics to fusing or unfusing Calyrex with his steed. Without these special reins, you cannot fuse or unfuse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Calyrex and his Steeds

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Calyrex and his relationship with Glastrier and Spectrier:

How do I get the Reins of Unity?

You obtain the Reins of Unity during the Legendary Clue 1 questline in The Crown Tundra. After obtaining either Glastrier or Spectrier, Peony will give you the Reins. Without having completed the questline, you will be unable to receive the Reins of Unity.

Can I get both Glastrier and Spectrier in one game?

No, you can only obtain one of them per playthrough. To get the other, you’ll need to trade with another player or start a new game. Remember you can share your thoughts and gaming experiences with fellow gamers at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Which Calyrex form is better: Ice Rider or Shadow Rider?

It depends on your battling style and team composition. Shadow Rider Calyrex boasts incredible Special Attack and Speed, making it a potent offensive threat. Ice Rider Calyrex, on the other hand, has exceptional Attack and Defense, making it a powerful physical attacker and tank. Select the type of Calyrex that matches your preferred battling styles.

What are the base stats of Calyrex’s different forms?

• Calyrex (base): HP: 80, Attack: 80, Defense: 80, Sp. Atk: 80, Sp. Def: 80, Speed: 80
• Ice Rider Calyrex: HP: 80, Attack: 165, Defense: 150, Sp. Atk: 85, Sp. Def: 130, Speed: 50
• Shadow Rider Calyrex: HP: 80, Attack: 85, Defense: 80, Sp. Atk: 165, Sp. Def: 100, Speed: 150

Does the Ability change when Calyrex fuses with a steed?

Yes. Calyrex has the ability Unnerve and, depending on the steed it rides, it can gain the abilities As One (Glastrier) or As One (Spectrier). As One combines Calyrex’s ability with the abilities Chilling Neigh (Glastrier) or Grim Neigh (Spectrier).

Can I breed Calyrex, Glastrier, or Spectrier?

No, none of these Pokémon can breed. They are Legendary Pokémon and are unable to produce eggs.

What is the best nature for Shadow Rider Calyrex?

A Timid nature (increases Speed, decreases Attack) is generally considered the best for Shadow Rider Calyrex, maximizing its already high speed. Other viable options include Modest (increases Special Attack, decreases Attack).

What is the best nature for Ice Rider Calyrex?

An Adamant nature (increases Attack, decreases Special Attack) is preferred for Ice Rider Calyrex, boosting its physical attack power. Jolly (increases Speed, decreases Special Attack) can be used to outspeed certain threats, but the power loss can be significant.

Can Calyrex be shiny?

No, Calyrex, Glastrier, and Spectrier are shiny locked in Pokémon Sword and Shield. This means that you cannot obtain them in their shiny forms through normal gameplay.

What level should my Pokémon be to battle Calyrex?

Calyrex is Level 80, so it’s recommended to have a team of Pokémon around Level 70-80 or higher to stand a decent chance.

What are some good strategies for catching Calyrex?

• Status Conditions: Inflict status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis to increase your chances of capture.
• False Swipe: Use moves like False Swipe to bring Calyrex’s health down to 1 HP without knocking it out.
• Ultra Balls: Stock up on Ultra Balls, which are the most reliable Poké Balls for catching strong Pokémon.
• Timer Balls: If the battle drags on, Timer Balls become increasingly effective.

Can I reuse the Master Ball on Calyrex?

While you receive a Master Ball from Peony, you don’t have to use it on Calyrex. You can save it for another Legendary Pokémon if you prefer. However, Calyrex can be a challenging catch, so it’s a perfectly reasonable target for the Master Ball.

Is Calyrex good competitively?

Yes, especially Shadow Rider Calyrex. Its high Speed and Special Attack make it a formidable offensive threat in competitive battling, particularly in formats where restricted Legendaries are allowed. Ice Rider Calyrex is also viable, providing strong physical bulk and offensive presence.

What are some good movesets for Calyrex?

• Shadow Rider Calyrex: Astral Barrage, Nasty Plot, Psyshock/Psychic, and Substitute/Calm Mind/Focus Blast.
• Ice Rider Calyrex: Glacial Lance, High Horsepower, Swords Dance, and Close Combat/Hammer Arm.

Are Glastrier and Spectrier good on their own?

While they are primarily known as Calyrex’s steeds, Glastrier and Spectrier can be effective in certain team compositions. Glastrier’s high Attack and Defense make it a strong physical attacker and tank, while Spectrier’s high Special Attack and Speed allow it to function as a fast special sweeper.

Mastering the Separation and Fusion

Ultimately, separating and fusing Calyrex with Glastrier or Spectrier is a key mechanic in Pokémon Sword and Shield’s Crown Tundra DLC. Mastering this process opens up new strategic possibilities and allows you to utilize the strengths of each form to their fullest potential. Whether you’re a competitive battler or a dedicated collector, understanding the Reins of Unity and the nuances of Calyrex and his steeds is essential for success.