Scyther's evolution, Scizor, takes an already fabulous design and ramps it up to 11, as well as being a powerhouse in battle. Better still, Scyther got a second evolution in Legends Arceus courtesy of Kleavor. Both of the second-stage creatures are fierce in battle, falling under different types, so you can even make room for all three members of this evolution line of one team, in PLA, at least. So, allow us to explain how to evolve Scyther into both of them.
An interesting thing to note about the gen 1 Pokémon is that while Scyther is a grass Pokémon in the first generation games (Red, Blue, Yellow, and even Green in Japan), it's now a bug and flying Pokémon hybrid, which can make it an intimidating foe against dark Pokémon and fighting Pokémon. If you ever struggle in a fight against Scyther, we can help you with our bug Pokémon weakness and flying Pokémon weakness guides.
Here's what you need to know about Scyther evolutions:
How many evolutions does Scyther have?
There are two Scyther evolutions. The first is Scizor, a ferocious steel- and bug Pokémon from Johto, while the second, Kleavor, debuted years later in Pokémon: Legends Arceus. Like the other two, Kleavor is a bug-type, but it also doubles as a rock Pokémon.
Where can I catch Scyther?
Scyther isn't an early game 'mon, so don't expect to get this formidable bug for a while. Instead, it typically pops up from the mid-game and beyond, giving you a solid team member option for those trickier battles. If you want to add Scyther to your team or simply fill out your 'dex, check the following areas and games on Nintendo Switch:
- Let's Go Pikachu - Route 14 and Route 15
- Let's Go Eevee - Scyther is exclusive to Let's Go Pikachu, so you need to trade to get it in Let's Go Eevee
- Sword and Shield - Scyther isn't part of the base game, but you can catch one if you have the Isle of Armor expansion pass and travel to the Training Lowlands, Max Lair, or Fields of Honor
- Brilliant Diamond - Route 229 and the Grand Underground (Grassland Cave, Sunlit Cavern, Riverbank Carn, Still-Water Cavern, and Big Bluff Cavern)
- Shining Pearl - As Scyther is exclusive to Brilliant Diamond, you need to trade with another trainer
- Legends: Arceus - Obsidian Fieldlands (The Heartwood and Grandtree Arena), Coronet Highlands (Primeval Grotto), and Alabaster Icelands (space-time distortions)
- Scarlet and Violet - South Province (Area Four and Area Six), North Province (Area Two, Casseroya Lake, and Socarrat Trail), South Province (Area Four), and Terra Raid Battles
How do I evolve Scyther into Scizor?
You need to give Scyther a metal coat and trade it with the item to evolve it into Scizor. Admittedly, this is my least favorite evolution method, as not everyone has pals to trade with. In the early days, this made it impossible for me to get one of my favorite Pokémon, Alakazam. Luckily, in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you just need to give Scyther the item to get it to evolve.
Here's where you can find the metal coat in the Switch games:
- Sword and Shield - Stow-on-Side, Bridge Field, or try to catch a Steelix, Bronzor, or Magneton that's holding one (though there's only a 5% chance they will be)
- Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl - you can get a metal coat from Byron on Iron Island or try to catch a Magnemite, Skarmory, Bronzor, Steelix, Beldrum, or Bronzong that's holding one (though there's only a 5% chance they will be)
- Legends: Arceus - Jubilife Village Trading Post, sometimes from Ginter (though it's known as metallic spread if you buy it from him), and in space-time dimensions
- Scarlet and Violet - Delibird Presents in Levincia and the Porto Marinada auction
Where can I catch Scizor?
In a couple of games, you can skip evolving Scyther and catch Scizor, just make sure you bring some ultra balls with you:
- Legends: Arceus - space-time distortions in the Alabaster Icelands
- Scarlet and Violet - five-star or six-star Tera Raid Battle
How do I evolve Scyther into Kleavor?
Scyther needs a black augurite to evolve into Kleavor, giving it the same evolution method as Scizor in Legends: Arceus. You can find black augurite in the following places:
- Complete request 68 (A Nosepass to Guide the Way)
- Catch a wild Graveler that's holding one (5% chance it has a black augurite)
- Purchase it from Ginter (known as the jet-black rock)
- Ursaluna can find them
- You can find them in space-time distortions
Where can I catch Kleavor?
Kleavor only appears in mass outbreaks in the Obsidian Fieldlands, making them quite rare in the wild. If you're fortunate enough to find one, make sure you have great balls and ultra balls on hand if you want to catch it.
How do I evolve Scyther in Pokémon Go?
In Pokémon Go, you can only evolve Scyther into Scizor, and to do that, you need 50 Scyther candies and a metal coat. You can get Kleavor periodically in Pokémon Go, but only when it appears in a three-star raid.
Scizor or Kleavor
Scizor and Kleavor are only in one game together, Legends: Arceus, and if you want one of the Scyther evolutions on your team, the best one really comes down to what you want. If you have room for a steel-type, pick Scizor; if you want a rock-type, go for Kleavor.
Looking at their stats, Kleavor is slightly better on the attack front, with a stat of 135 compared to Scizor's 130. However, Scizor's defense is slightly higher, as is its special attack.
Now that you know how to evolve Scyther, you might want to check out our how to evolve Inkay, how to evolve Primeape, and how to evolve Charcadet guides to further fill out your Pokédex. We can also help you out with Ralts' evolution, Rockruff's evolution, and Salandit's evolution, Misdreavus' evolution.