So you've got a Scyther and want to evolve it? Honestly, I remember scratching my head for days back in Pokémon Silver when I first tried this. Scyther's evolution isn't straightforward like leveling up a Pidgey. There's one core method that's been consistent across most games, plus some variations depending on the version you're playing. Let me break this down based on 20+ years of playing every generation.
Bottom line first: To evolve Scyther into Scizor, you need to trade it while it holds a Metal Coat. No Metal Coat? No evolution. This applies to main series games from Gold/Silver to Scarlet/Violet. Spin-offs like Pokémon GO have different rules.
The Core Evolution Method Explained
Here's the universal truth about evolving Scyther in main games: Trade + Metal Coat = Scizor. I tried skipping items or trading without the coat multiple times - it just doesn't work. Here's exactly how to nail it:
Step-by-Step Evolution Guide
- Get a Metal Coat: Find this item in-game (locations below) or steal it from wild Magnemite (5% drop rate). Took me 30 minutes farming once.
- Give Metal Coat to Scyther: Access your bag, select the coat, choose "Give to Pokémon," pick your Scyther.
- Initiate trade: Connect with another player locally or online. Must be a real trade - wonder trades won't trigger evolution.
- Trade completes = Evolution: During the trade, Scyther evolves immediately. Your partner gets a Scizor. Negotiate getting it back!
Watch out: If your Scyther holds an Everstone, evolution gets blocked! Happened to my cousin who forgot to remove it. Also, trading via NPCs (like in-game trades) doesn't work.
Where to Find Metal Coat (By Game Version)
Metal Coat locations vary wildly. Here's where I've found them most reliably:
| Game Version | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gold/Silver/Crystal | Magnemite (5% hold rate), Steelix cave floor | Easiest to farm Magnemite near Power Plant |
| Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald | Wild Magnemite (5%) or Team Aqua hideout | Bring a Pokémon with Thief/Covet |
| Diamond/Pearl/Platinum | Iron Island basement, Global Terminal | Bastiodon in Iron Island also hold it rarely |
| Sword/Shield | Lake of Outrage, Stony Wilderness | Sparkling item spots reset daily |
| Scarlet/Violet | East Province (Area Three), Porto Marinada auction | Auction prices fluctuate - I paid 8,000 Pokédollars |
| Pokémon GO | PokéStop spins, Field Research | Random drop - took me 47 spins last week |
Scyther Hunting Grounds
No Scyther yet? These are the best spots across franchises:
- FireRed/LeafGreen: Pattern Bush in the Sevii Islands (15% encounter rate)
- HeartGold/SoulSilver: Bug-Catching Contest (Tues/Thurs/Sat) - won one after 3 attempts
- X/Y: Friend Safari (Bug-type) - requires friends (sadly)
- Sword/Shield: Max Raid Battles in Rolling Fields
- Pokémon GO: Parks/forests biome, nests rotate biweekly
Pro tip: Scyther appears more during rainy weather in recent games. Found three in 20 minutes during a thunderstorm in Violet.
Pokémon GO Specific Evolution
GO handles evolution differently. To evolve Scyther here:
- Collect 50 Scyther Candy (walk 5km per candy as buddy)
- Get a Metal Coat (random drop from PokéStops)
- Go to Scyther's profile, tap "Evolve"
Massive bonus: No trading required! But finding Metal Coat is RNG hell. Took my friend 3 weeks of daily spins.
Scizor vs Scyther: Why Evolve Anyway?
Is evolution worth it? Let's compare stats:
| Stat | Scyther | Scizor |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | 110 | 130 |
| Defense | 80 | 100 |
| Speed | 105 | 65 |
| Weaknesses | Rock (4x), Fire, Electric, Ice, Flying | Fire (4x) |
The trade-offs? Scizor hits harder and tanks better but becomes slower. Losing that 4x rock weakness is huge though - one stealth rock used to demolish my Scyther. Still miss the speed sometimes.
Move tip: Teach Scizor Bullet Punch (egg move). Priority Steel attack compensates for low speed. Won me countless battles.
Evolution Troubleshooting
When things go wrong (and they will):
- Evolution not triggering? Confirm Metal Coat is equipped before trading. Double-check item slots.
- Trade succeeded but no Scizor? Your partner might have canceled evolution - enable "Don't Evolve" in settings?
- Accidental wonder trade? Gone forever. RIP my first shiny Scyther.
- Pokémon HOME issues? Items don't transfer via HOME. Must trade directly in-game.
If all else fails, reset and try again. Corrupted my Diamond save file once during trade - now I always backup.
Legends & Spin-off Evolution Quirks
Special cases worth mentioning:
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus - Uses "Linking Cord" instead of trading. Buy for 1,200 Merit Points.
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon - Scizor evolves naturally at Lv. 40+ with Metal Coat in bag.
- Pokémon Quest - Requires specific "Evolve" stone recipes. Annoyingly grindy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you evolve Scyther without trading?
Only in Pokémon GO, Legends: Arceus, and some spin-offs. Main series always requires trade. Wish they'd change this.
What level should I evolve Scyther?
After it learns Wing Attack (Lv. 17) or Air Slash (Lv. 38). Scizor learns fewer moves naturally. Evolved mine at Lv. 50 to grab Dual Wingbeat first.
Can Scizor mega evolve?
Yes! In X/Y through Ultra Sun/Moon. Needs Scizorite. Boosts attack to 150 and gives technician ability. Broken in competitive play.
Why won't my Scyther evolve in Pokémon GO?
Three possibilities:
1. Missing Metal Coat (check items)
2. Insufficient candy (50 required)
3. GPS error - restart app
Happened during community day last year. So frustrating.
Can you breed Scizor to get Scyther?
Yes! Breed Scizor with Ditto to get Scyther eggs. Nature/IVs carry over. Got my competitive Scyther this way.
Final Reality Check
Look, evolving Scyther is a hassle. Trading mechanics feel outdated, Metal Coat hunting is tedious, and losing speed hurts. But Scizor's raw power and typing advantages make it worthwhile for serious trainers. For casual play? Maybe stick with Scyther's cool factor.
If you're still wondering "how do you evolve a Scyther" after reading this - focus on the essentials: Metal Coat + real trade. Everything else is details. Got questions I missed? Hit me up on Trainer forums - same username.
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