If you’re playing Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Legends ZA) and want to add the powerful Bug/Steel-type Scizor to your team, this guide will walk you through exactly how to get it. The process might sound a little unusual, but once you understand the steps, acquiring Scizor is straightforward.
Scizor is a dual-type Bug/Steel Pokémon known for its high Attack stats and strong defensive typing. It isn’t found roaming wild in the game world in its final form—so you won’t simply stumble upon it in a wild encounter.
Because of this, securing Scizor requires a deliberate evolution method rather than catching it directly. If you’re aiming for a competitive build or just want a strong team member for the late game, getting Scizor is a smart move.
How to Acquire Scizor – Step by Step
- Obtain a Scyther first.
Before you can evolve into Scizor, you need its pre-evolution, Scyther. Make sure you have one in your roster. - Obtain a “Metal Coat” item.
This special evolution item is required in the process. Without it, the evolution cannot trigger. - Initiate a trade while the Scyther is holding the Metal Coat.
This is the crucial part: you must trade your Scyther while it is holding the Metal Coat. Only then will it evolve into Scizor when the trade completes.- Make sure you attach the Metal Coat to Scyther before starting the trade.
- Use the Link Trade system (or whichever trading mechanism is implemented in the game) to complete the trade.
- Once the trade is successful, your Scyther returns as Scizor.
- Check your new Scizor.
Once the trade returns your Pokémon, you should now see it as Scizor in your box. At this point you can calculate its stats, moves, and nature to fit your strategy.
Important Notes & Tips
- You cannot find a wild Scizor in the game world. There are no known locations to find a wild Scizor in Legends ZA.
- Because trading is required, you’ll either need access to another player (online or local) or use whatever trade system the game supports.
- If you are playing solo and cannot trade with others, check if there is any in-game trade NPC or feature that simulates it. Some players report using mirror trades with others just to trigger these evolutions.
- Choose a good nature and moveset for Scizor. Since its Attack stat is strong, a nature that boosts Attack or Speed (and doesn’t penalize them) is ideal.
- Double-check that the item (Metal Coat) is attached to the Scyther before trading; missing this step means the evolution won’t happen.
Recommended Moves & Usage for Scizor
Once you have Scizor, you’ll want to make it worthwhile. Some recommended moves (based on general Pokémon mechanics) include:
- Bullet Punch (Steel) – a fast priority move, good for finishing off weakened foes.
- Iron Head (Steel) – strong physical Steel move, can cause flinch.
- Swords Dance (Normal/Status) – boosts Attack to make Scizor hit even harder.
- Lunge (Bug) – decent Bug-type attack that may lower the opponent’s Attack stat.
Make sure you complement these with items, nature selection, and potential IV/EV training (if the game supports it) so that Scizor performs well in your team.
When to Evolve and How to Plan Around It
Since obtaining Scizor requires a trade, it might be worthwhile to plan when you evolve it. Some players may prefer to evolve just before post-game content so they can make full use of the stronger form. Others may want it as soon as possible for story progression or tougher battles.
Also, consider these points:
- Keep the Scyther until you’re ready with the Metal Coat and a trade partner.
- If you’re concerned about losing a specific nature or IVs, you might wait until you’ve bred or caught a desirable version of Scyther.
- Ensure your trade is safe and the other player knows what process you’re trying to perform—this avoids miscommunication or accidentally trading a Scyther without the item.
- After the trade you can continue training Scizor, evolving its moveset or optimizing its role in your party.
