Evolving Scyther
The Essentials: Which Evolution Method to Use?
Scyther branches into two distinct evolutions based on the specific item applied. Neither evolutionary path triggers through experience points, rare candies, or standard leveling mechanics.
Scizor: Requires the Metal Coat. In most mainline games,
Scyther must hold this item while being traded to another player.
Kleavor: Requires the Black Augurite. This item functions as a direct consumable and never requires trading.- Staying as
Scyther: Viable in competitive formats using an eviolite to drastically boost its defenses while utilizing its technician ability.
Your target evolution dictates the required method. You must verify your current game version, as the core mechanics shift dramatically in the Legends series compared to traditional titles.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Arceus (No Trading Required)
The Legends format completely overhauls trade evolutions. You do not need another player or an internet connection to evolve
Scyther in these games.
To obtain
Kleavor, you must locate a Black Augurite. This item drops from defeated
Graveler in the wild or can be dug up by ride Pokémon searching for treasure.
- Obtain a Black Augurite and open your satchel.
- Select the item and use it directly on
Scyther in your active party. - Confirm the prompt to trigger the instant evolution into
Kleavor.
To obtain
Scizor in the Legends games, the Metal Coat functions differently. Instead of giving it to
Scyther to hold, you use it exactly like an evolutionary stone.
- Purchase a Metal Coat using Merit Points at the trading post in town.
- Select the Metal Coat from your inventory.
- Apply it directly to
Scyther to trigger the evolution into
Scizor.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Traditional Trade Method)
In Scarlet and Violet, the traditional trade mechanics return.
Kleavor cannot be evolved natively in Paldea, meaning you must focus on obtaining
Scizor.
You first need to acquire the evolution item. The easiest and most reliable method is purchasing it directly from a shop without relying on random drops.
- Fly to Levincia and navigate to the
Delibird Presents store. - Purchase a Metal Coat for 3,000 Pokédollars.
- Open your bag and select the Metal Coat, choosing to give it to
Scyther to hold. - Connect to the internet and initiate a Link Trade with a trusted partner.
- Once the trade completes,
Scyther will evolve into
Scizor on your partner's screen. Have them trade it back to you.
If you lack a trusted trade partner, the community uses specific Link Codes to swap
Scyther holding the required item. Always verify the incoming Pokémon is also holding the correct item by checking its summary screen before confirming the trade.
Pokémon GO (Candy and Items)
Mobile mechanics simplify the evolution process but require heavy resource grinding. You need both the specific evolution item and a large stockpile of species candy.
Scizor requires exactly 50
Scyther Candy and one Metal Coat. You can obtain the item by spinning PokéStops, opening gifts from friends, or completing specific field research tasks.
Kleavor does not currently evolve from
Scyther in Pokémon GO. It is only available through special Raid encounters. Do not waste candy trying to force this evolution.
Troubleshooting: Why Won't Scyther Evolve?
Players frequently encounter roadblocks when attempting these evolutions. The most common mistake involves the Everstone. If
Scyther holds this item, the trade evolution will fail completely, wasting the trade process.
Another frequent issue occurs in Scarlet and Violet. Players attempt to use the Metal Coat directly from the bag, expecting it to work like a stone. In these games, the item must be held, and the evolution only triggers upon completing a link trade.
Finally, players often search endlessly for the Black Augurite in Paldea. This item does not exist in Scarlet and Violet's base code. You must transfer a
Kleavor via Pokémon HOME if you want to use one in those specific games.
Competitive Verdict: Should You Evolve Scyther?
Evolving is not mandatory for viability.
Scyther holds a solid position in the NU tier, boasting a 12.5% usage rate. Equipping an eviolite makes it surprisingly bulky, allowing it to set up a swordsdance safely against physical attackers.
With the technician ability, moves like dualwingbeat, quickattack, and bugbite hit significantly harder. It also functions as an excellent pivot using uturn or clearing entry hazards with defog. Alternatively,
Scyther can run heavydutyboots to ignore hazard damage entirely, or utilize a choiceband or choicescarf for immediate offensive pressure. It can even use trailblaze to boost its speed further.
Scyther pairs perfectly with teammates like
Duraludon,
Incineroar, and
Swampert.
Munkidori and
Sylveon also provide excellent synergy. However, you must keep it away from
Basculegion, which counters it heavily. If you prefer heavy-hitting priority and Steel-typing, evolve it into
Scizor. If you want a fast, bulky setup sweeper with access to closecombat, keep it as
Scyther.
EVOLUTION CHAIN
SPRITE GALLERY
Related Pokémon guides
Competitive Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you evolve Scyther into Kleavor in Scarlet and Violet?
You cannot evolve Scyther into Kleavor natively in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The required item, Black Augurite, is not available in the Paldea region. You must evolve Scyther in a Legends game and transfer it using Pokémon HOME.
Does Scyther evolve by leveling up?
No, Scyther never evolves by leveling up. It requires specific items to trigger its evolutions. You need a Metal Coat to evolve it into Scizor, or a Black Augurite to evolve it into Kleavor, depending on the game version.
Where do you find the Metal Coat in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
You can purchase the Metal Coat at the Delibird Presents store located in Levincia. It costs 3,000 Pokédollars. You can buy it immediately without needing to unlock specific gym badges first.
Why didn't my Scyther evolve after I traded it?
Your Scyther likely was not holding the Metal Coat during the trade. In mainline games, the item must be equipped in the held item slot. Additionally, ensure Scyther is not holding an Everstone, which completely blocks all trade evolutions.





