Bisharp is arguably one of the best steel and dark-types out there, but what if we told you generation nine introduced a Bisharp evolution? Yes, the once two-stage evolution line now has a stage three Pokémon, Kingambit, at the end of it, and trust us when we say you want to know how to evolve Bisharp.
However, before we dive into that, allow us to help you fill out your Pokédex with our how to evolve Riolu, how to evolve Primeape, how to evolve Finizen, how to evolve Togepi, how to evolve Inkay, how to evolve Pawmo, how to evolve Sneasel, and how to evolve Charcadet guides. We can also tell you how Pawniard, Bisharp, and Kingambit fare in comparison to other dark Pokémon and steel Pokémon.
Anyway, onto what you need to know about Bisharp’s evolution.
Who is Bisharp’s evolution?
Until generation nine, Bisharp was the final stage of the gen 5 Pokémon evolution line. However, in Paldea, it’s possible to evolve Bisharp into Kingambit, a Pokémon that resembles a Samurai. While Kingambit is worth the effort, you need to prepare yourself for a slog if you want to get one.
How do I evolve Pawniard?
Let’s get you Bisharp before you worry about how to evolve it. The most popular method of acquiring a Bisharp is to evolve Pawniard. Luckily, you just need to reach level 52 for the stage one ‘mon to evolve. Okay, so it takes a considerable amount of battling with Pawniard, but at least you don’t have to go on a quest for stones, unlike with the Ralts’ evolution line, Shellder’s evolution, Gloom’s evolution, Cetoddle’s evolution, Misdreavous’ evolution, and Floette’s evolution.
Where can I catch Pawniard?
If you want to catch a Pawniard in the Switch games, you can find them in:
- Sword and Shield – Route 8, Giant’s Cap, Motostoke Outskirts, Giant’s Mirror, Stony Wilderness, Motostoke Riverbank, West Lake Axewell, Giant’s Seat, Dusty Bowl, Hammerlocke Hills
- Scarlet and Violet – South Province (Area Five), East Province (Area Three), North Province (Area Two), Tera Raid Battles
How do I evolve Bisharp?
Unfortunately, evolving Bisharp into Kingambit isn’t as easy. In fact, it’s more of a luck-of-the-draw situation to some degree. You see, you need to defeat three Bisharp that are holding a leader’s crest, and the finishing blow in battle must come from your Bisharp. Not every Bisharp in the wild carries this item, so you might have to fight a fair few of them before you get three of them. Once you do, you need to level up your Bisharp for it to evolve.
We do have one bit of advice that may help speed up the process, if you have the switcheroo move you can give a leader’s crest to the opposing Bisharp, and it still counts towards your total. Another tip for you is that the only Bisharp that carry a leader’s crest are the ones surrounded by Pawniards, so bear that in mind before you approach one that’s alone.
As a gen 9 Pokémon, Kingambit is only available in Scarlet and Violet. You can find Bisharp in the following areas in Paldea:
- North Province (Area Two)
- Area Zero
- Tera Raid Battles (it won’t have a leader’s crest)
Should you be after a Bisharp in Sword and Shield despite not being able to evolve it into Kingambit, you should look in the following areas:
- Lake of Outrage
- Giant’s Seat
- Motorstoke Riverbank
- West Lake Axewell
- Stony Wilderness
- Giant’s Mirror
- Dusty Bowl
- Hammerlock Hills
How do I evolve Bisharp in Pokémon Go?
Kingambit isn’t available in Pokémon Go just yet, but you can evolve Pawniard into Bisharp with 50 Pawniard candies. We’ll update this guide with information on Bisharp’s evolution as soon as it’s available, though we suspect its release is still some time away as the majority of Paldea natives are still absent from the game.
Now that you know how to evolve Bisharp, check out our Salandit evolution, Rockruff evolution, Scyther evolution, Happiny evolution, Clefairy evolution, Budew evolution, and Girafarig evolution guides to fill out that Pokédex. Or, if you want to know how to beat the Pawniard evolution line in battle, check out our steel Pokémon weakness and dark Pokémon weakness articles.