Scyther’s evolution doesn’t show up until the second generation. In Kanto, the mantis ‘mon is a lone wolf with no means of ascension. That changes in Johto with the introduction of Scyther’s first stage two evolution, known as Scizor, before Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduced us to a second final evolution for Scyther, Kleavor. Luckily, we can 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 – Salandit’s evolution is a fine choice.
Here’s what you need to know about Scyther evolutions.
How many evolutions does Scyther have?
There are two Scyther evolutions, though there are quite a few years between the introduction of the two; Scizor arrived in generation two in 1999 while Kleavor didn’t show up until Legends: Arceus in 2022. Both of these Pokémon fall under different types, making them dangerous in different ways.
Who is Scyther’s evolution Scizor?
Scizor is number 212 in the Pokédex and is a native to the Johto region. An interesting thing about Scizor is that not only does the creature use its wings for flying, but it also uses them as a means to adjust its body temperature. It also makes use of its pincers as an intimidation tactic, though it’s also more than happy to actually swing them about.
Who is Scyther’s evolution Kleavor?
Kleavor is number 900 in the Pokédex and hails from Hisui, which is actually Sinnoh. It’s known to be a highly violent creature that shields itself with its huge axes. The best advice for poor, unsuspecting people is to flee should you encounter Kleavor. For those of you in the modern age, it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever encounter one, given the only sightings of Kleavor are in Hisui, none in Sinnoh as it is today.
Where can I catch Scyther?
As Scyther appears in numerous games, we’ve listed where you can catch it across the titles that appear on Nintendo Switch:
- Let’s Go Pikachu – you can find Scyther in 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 – you can find Syther in 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?
To evolve Scyther in Scizor you need to give it the metal coat and then trade Scyther while it’s holding the item. That’s right, it’s the same way you need to evolve the likes of Kadabra, Machoke, and Haunter from gen one (minus the metal coat).
Here’s where you can find the metal coat in the Switch games:
- Sword and Shield – you can find one in 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 – You can buy one at the 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 – you can get a metal coat through 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 – Scizor only appears in space-time distortions in the Alabaster Icelands
- Scarlet and Violet – Scizor may appear as a five-star or six-star Tera Raid Battle
Beyond the above games, you must get the metal coat and trade Scyther with it to get Scizor. Legends: Arceus is unique in that you can catch Scizor or evolve Scyther by simply giving it the metal coat, minus the trading part, making it the only game in which you don’t need a pal to trade with. The same is true for getting the likes of Gengar and Alakazam in PLA.
As you can likely guess from the fact you need the metal coat, Scizor is a bug and steel Pokémon, which means it has a lot of resistances. You may want to discover the steel Pokémon weakness just in case you ever encounter one.
How do I evolve Scyther into Kleavor?
To evolve Scyther into Kleavor, you need to give it the black augurite item. Kleavor is an interesting creature; you can make the argument that Kleavor is a gen 8 Pokémon or a gen 4 Pokémon. You see, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is part of the eighth generation of Pokémon games, yet given that Hisui is Sinnoh, you can also argue that Kleavor belongs to generation four. Either way, this bug and rock Pokémon is a formidable foe and is even one of the Pokémon Legends: Arceus noble Pokémon.
Below is a list of places you can find black augurite in Pokémon Legends: Arceus:
- You get one for completing request 68 (A Nosepass to Guide the Way)
- You can try your luck and catch a wild Graveler that’s holding one (5% chance it has a black augurite)
- You can 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?
If you want to skip the evolution steps and catch a Kleavor, your only hope is to check out massive mass outbreaks in the Obsidian Fieldlands. If you opt to do this, make sure you have plenty of ultra balls, as this powerful Pokémon is unlikely to yield to a great ball or lower.
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.
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, Salandit’s evolution, Misdreavus’ evolution, and Wurmple’s evolution.