Getting Scizor in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is not as straightforward as catching most other Pokémon. Unlike many species you can find roaming around the map, Scizor does not appear in the wild based on all currently available information about the game. Instead, players must follow a specific evolution method that involves both an item and a trade. If you’re determined to add this powerful Bug and Steel-type Pokémon to your team, this guide will walk you through each step clearly and simply.
Before you begin, you should know a few important things about Scizor:
- Scizor does not spawn as a wild encounter in standard gameplay.
- It is only obtainable by evolving Scyther.
- Its evolution depends on the special item known as Metal Coat.
- The evolution triggers only during a trade, not through leveling or in-game interaction.
This means that no matter how long you search the environment or how advanced your campaign progress is, you won’t stumble into a wild Scizor. Players need to focus on the method the game intends: evolution through trading.
Step 1: Catching or Obtaining Scyther
Your first task is simple. You need a Scyther.
Scyther is the natural pre-evolution of Scizor, and it appears in several areas in most Pokémon titles. While each game differs, Scyther is typically found in forested regions or areas with dense vegetation. Check your in-game Pokédex for habitat hints and visit zones where the species has been spotted.
A few tips to make this step easier:
- Use stealth when catching Scyther, since it can be startled easily.
- Bring Poké Balls suited for agile or flying Pokémon if the game offers them.
- Save your game before approaching if the encounter is difficult or rare.
Once you have Scyther in your party, the next requirement comes into play.
Step 2: Acquiring a Metal Coat
To evolve Scyther into Scizor, you need a Metal Coat. This item has been consistent across many Pokémon generations and works the same way here: it acts as the catalyst for Scyther’s trade-based evolution.
Metal Coat may be found in several ways depending on the game’s structure:
- As a rare drop from certain Pokémon.
- In shops, usually for a premium price.
- Hidden in specific regions or given as a reward for missions.
If you find more than one, consider saving extras, as Metal Coat is also used for evolving other Steel-type Pokémon in some games.
Once you have the item, open your bag and make Scyther hold the Metal Coat. This is crucial. If Scyther is not holding the item at the time of the trade, the evolution will not occur.
Step 3: Trading Scyther While It Holds Metal Coat
This is the key moment in the process. In Legends Z-A, the evolution into Scizor happens only when Scyther is traded while holding Metal Coat. Nothing else triggers the evolution.
Follow these steps carefully:
- Open your party menu.
- Select Scyther.
- Choose the option that allows it to hold an item.
- Give it the Metal Coat.
- Initiate a trade with another player through the game’s trading system.
- Complete the trade while Scyther is still holding the item.
When the trade goes through, Scyther should immediately evolve into Scizor on the receiving end. Depending on your arrangement, the player you trade with will send your new Scizor back, or you can work out whatever exchange benefits both of you.
If the evolution doesn’t activate, check the following:
- Did Scyther actually have the Metal Coat equipped?
- Was it removed by accident before trading?
- Did you trade the wrong Scyther?
- Did the trading system glitch?
Once you confirm that everything is correct, try again.
Step 4: Verifying Scizor in Your Pokédex
After the evolution completes, check your Pokédex to ensure Scizor is properly registered. This also gives you a chance to look at its stats, moves, and typing. Scizor typically boasts high Attack, good defensive typing, and access to moves that make it extremely useful in many battle scenarios.
Some players prefer resetting if the Scizor they receive has an unwanted nature or stats. If you care about competitive builds or future challenges, save before trading so you can retry if needed.
Tips for Players Without Trade Partners
Not everyone has someone readily available to trade with. Here are a few options:
- Join online communities where players help each other with trade evolutions.
- Ask friends who may not actively play but can assist with the trade.
- Check if the game offers NPC trade stations or special in-game trade features.
Even if you play solo, most Pokémon communities are very trade-friendly, so finding someone willing to help should not be difficult.
