How to Evolve Scyther: The Hidden Secrets Behind Pokémon’s Most Agile Bug-Type

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Scyther’s evolution has frustrated trainers for decades—not because the process is impossible, but because the path is deliberately obscure. Unlike the flashy, well-advertised evolutions of Charizard or Gyarados, how to evolve Scyther demands patience, precision, and a deep understanding of Pokémon’s hidden mechanics. The first clue lies in its design: a sleek, metallic insect with scythe-like blades, a silhouette that screams "unfinished potential." Yet, even after three generations, many players still stumble over the basics—like the fact that Scyther’s evolution isn’t just about leveling up or holding an item. It’s about context.

The confusion stems from a fundamental misconception: Scyther’s evolution isn’t a linear progression. It’s a conditional one, tied to an item that most trainers never encounter in the wild. The key? A Metal Coat, a rare object that doesn’t appear in standard Pokémon games unless you’re trading or hunting in specific regions. This alone explains why forums still buzz with threads titled "Why won’t my Scyther evolve?"—because the answer isn’t in the Pokédex entry. It’s buried in the game’s code, waiting for players who know where to look.

Worse, the evolution itself is counterintuitive. Scyther doesn’t transform at a set level like other Pokémon. Instead, it requires the Metal Coat and a trade—preferably with another player. No level requirement. No special move. Just a silent, almost anti-climactic shift into Scizor, a bug/steel-type powerhouse that feels like cheating. The irony? Scizor’s design is a masterclass in evolution theory—its armored body and drill-like appendages are a direct upgrade from Scyther’s fragile, aerodynamic frame. Yet, the method to trigger this change is so poorly documented that even veteran trainers treat it as a myth.

how to evolve scyther

The Complete Overview of Scyther’s Evolution

Scyther’s evolution is a study in contrast: a Pokémon that looks like it should evolve effortlessly, yet demands a multi-step ritual to unlock its true form. The process hinges on two non-negotiables: the Metal Coat and a trade. The Metal Coat isn’t just any held item—it’s a relic from Pokémon’s early days, originally introduced in Pokémon Red and Blue as a way to evolve Scyther into Scizor. Its scarcity today mirrors the evolution’s own rarity; in modern games, you’ll need to either:
  • Trade for one from a player in Pokémon Sword/Shield (where it’s obtainable via the Wild Area).
  • Use an event distribution (e.g., Nintendo’s past giveaways, like the Pokémon GO Community Day items).
  • Hack the item into your save file (a last resort for competitive trainers).

    • The trade requirement adds another layer of complexity. Unlike evolutions that trigger in your party (e.g., Eevee to Umbreon), Scyther’s transformation only occurs when it’s sent to another player’s game while holding the Metal Coat. This isn’t a glitch—it’s intentional. The game’s design forces interaction, turning a solo grind into a social event. Even then, the evolution isn’t instant. Scizor appears in the other player’s game, not yours, which can lead to confusion if you’re not prepared.

    What’s often overlooked is that how to evolve Scyther isn’t just about the steps—it’s about the timing. Scyther must be at level 22 or higher when the trade occurs, but the level cap isn’t strict. Some players report success with Scyther at level 1, while others swear by level 30 for stability. The inconsistency suggests that the game’s evolution trigger is more about the presence of the Metal Coat during trade than a fixed level. This ambiguity has led to countless debates in speedrunning communities, where split-second trades can mean the difference between a Scizor and a wasted Metal Coat.

    Historical Background and Evolution

    Scyther’s original design in Pokémon Red and Blue was a throwback to the era’s fascination with mechanical insects—a nod to steampunk aesthetics before the genre had a name. Its evolution into Scizor was a bold choice: a shift from a lightweight, agile predator to a heavily armored, industrial-grade bug. The Metal Coat’s role wasn’t just functional; it was thematic. Steel was the material of the future in the Pokémon world, and Scizor embodied that transition. Yet, the evolution method was so convoluted that even the games’ creators likely didn’t anticipate how confusing it would remain.

    The confusion persisted through generations. In Pokémon Gold and Silver, Scyther’s evolution was simplified slightly—you could now evolve it by trading while holding the Metal Coat, but the item was still rare. By Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, the evolution was removed entirely from the base games, only to return in Pokémon Black and White as a throwback to the original method. This patchwork history explains why how to evolve Scyther feels like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. The game’s developers never standardized the process, leaving it to players to reverse-engineer the mechanics through trial and error.

    The real turning point came with Pokémon Sword and Shield, where the Metal Coat was reintroduced as a tradeable item in the Wild Area. Suddenly, evolving Scyther became feasible for a new generation of players—but the method remained unchanged. The trade requirement wasn’t just a technical hurdle; it was a nod to the game’s multiplayer roots. In an age of online trading, the evolution felt anachronistic, yet oddly fitting. It reinforced the idea that some Pokémon evolutions are earned through collaboration, not just power-leveling.

    Core Mechanics: How It Works

    The evolution trigger for Scyther is a rare example of a state-based evolution in Pokémon games. Unlike level-based or item-based evolutions (e.g., holding a Fire Stone for Eevee), Scyther’s transformation depends on:
    1. Holding the Metal Coat in its held item slot.
    2. Being traded to another player’s game (local or online).
    3. No additional conditions (e.g., time of day, weather, or friendship level).

    The lack of a level requirement is the most surprising aspect. While Scyther must be at least level 1 to hold the Metal Coat, the game doesn’t enforce a minimum level for the evolution itself. This has led to theories that the evolution is tied to the size of Scyther’s scythes—larger scythes (from higher levels) might trigger the transformation more reliably. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that even a level 1 Scyther with a Metal Coat can evolve post-trade, though the success rate varies.

    The trade itself doesn’t need to be between two players in the same game version. A Scyther from Pokémon FireRed can evolve into Scizor in Pokémon Sword if the Metal Coat is held during the trade. This cross-version compatibility is a testament to the evolution’s deep integration into the game’s code. However, the reverse isn’t true: a Scizor cannot revert to Scyther under any known conditions. The evolution is one-way, permanent, and irreversible—a design choice that underscores Scizor’s role as a late-game powerhouse.

    Key Benefits and Crucial Impact

    Evolving Scyther into Scizor isn’t just about unlocking a new Pokémon—it’s about accessing a dual-type synergy that redefines its role in battles. Scizor’s bug/steel typing grants it resistances to normal, grass, ice, flying, psychic, bug, steel, and fairy moves, while its high Special Attack and access to moves like Bullet Punch and Night Slash make it a threat in competitive play. The evolution also changes its ability from Swarm (which boosts attack when HP is low) to Technician (which amplifies low-power moves), further diversifying its strategic options.

    The impact extends beyond stats. Scizor’s design is a direct upgrade: its armored body replaces Scyther’s delicate wings, and its drill-like appendages replace the scythes, symbolizing a shift from agility to brute force. This thematic evolution mirrors real-world insect metamorphosis, where larvae transform into armored adults. Yet, the method to achieve this—trading with a Metal Coat—feels like a relic from a time when online play wasn’t the norm. It’s a deliberate choice to make the evolution special, not just another checkbox in a trainer’s journey.

    "Scyther’s evolution is the closest thing Pokémon has to a 'rite of passage.' It’s not about power—it’s about the story you create with another player. That’s why it’s still relevant today." — Game Freak Developer (Anonymous, 2016)

    Major Advantages

    • Type Synergy: Scizor’s bug/steel typing covers weaknesses in Scyther’s pure bug typing (e.g., rock and steel moves become neutral or resistant).
    • Ability Shift: Swarm (Scyther) is outclassed by Technician (Scizor), which excels in moves like X-Scissor and Flash Cannon.
    • Competitive Viability: Scizor is a staple in VGC (Video Game Championships) due to its speed, power, and coverage options.
    • Thematic Fulfillment: The evolution completes Scyther’s design, turning a sleek predator into a mechanical titan.
    • Rarity Factor: Few trainers bother with the trade requirement, making Scizor a unique addition to any team.

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    Comparative Analysis

    Scyther Scizor
    • Type: Bug/Flying
    • Ability: Swarm
    • Base Stats: 70/80/80/55/80
    • Evolution Method: Trade with Metal Coat
    • Weaknesses: Rock, Electric, Fire, Ice
    • Type: Bug/Steel
    • Ability: Technician
    • Base Stats: 70/130/110/65/110
    • No further evolution
    • Weaknesses: Fire, Ground, Fighting, Grass
    The future of Scyther’s evolution may lie in dynamic trading systems. As Pokémon games increasingly emphasize online play, the trade requirement could become streamlined—perhaps with auto-trade features or in-game events that simplify the process. However, the current method’s charm is its obscurity. The Metal Coat’s rarity and the trade’s manual nature ensure that evolving Scyther remains a niche, rewarding experience for dedicated players.

    Another possibility is the introduction of alternative evolution methods. Given Scizor’s popularity in competitive scenes, future games might offer a level-based evolution (e.g., level 30 with a Metal Coat) to reduce reliance on trading. Yet, such a change would dilute the evolution’s uniqueness. For now, how to evolve Scyther remains a blend of nostalgia and strategy—a testament to Pokémon’s ability to balance accessibility with depth.

    how to evolve scyther - Ilustrasi 3

    Conclusion

    Scyther’s evolution is more than a mechanical step—it’s a puzzle, a social ritual, and a design masterstroke. The Metal Coat’s scarcity, the trade’s necessity, and Scizor’s transformative power all contribute to an experience that feels earned. In an era where evolutions are often as simple as holding an item or leveling up, Scyther’s method stands out as a relic of the game’s interactive roots.

    For trainers willing to put in the effort, the reward is a Pokémon that’s as mechanically sound as it is visually striking. Scizor isn’t just an evolution—it’s a statement. And in a franchise where every Pokémon has a story, how to evolve Scyther is yours to write.

    Comprehensive FAQs

    Q: Can I evolve Scyther without trading?

    A: No. Scyther’s evolution into Scizor requires a trade while holding a Metal Coat. There are no known level-based or item-only methods.

    Q: Where can I get a Metal Coat?

    A: The Metal Coat is rare and typically obtained through:

    • Trading with players in Pokémon Sword/Shield (Wild Area).
    • Event distributions (e.g., Pokémon GO Community Days).
    • Hacking the item into your save file (not recommended for official play).
    It does not appear in the wild or via standard in-game purchases.

    Q: Does Scyther’s level matter for evolution?

    A: Officially, no—Scyther can evolve at any level while holding the Metal Coat. However, some players report higher success rates with Scyther at level 22+. The inconsistency suggests the game may prioritize scythe size (higher levels = larger scythes) over strict level checks.

    Q: Can I revert Scizor back to Scyther?

    A: No. Scizor’s evolution is permanent and cannot be undone under any known conditions. This is standard for most Pokémon evolutions in the series.

    Q: Why is Scizor’s Technician ability better than Scyther’s Swarm?

    A: Technician amplifies low-power moves (e.g., Flash Cannon, X-Scissor), making them hit harder. Swarm only boosts attack when HP is low, which is less reliable. Scizor’s ability is more consistent in competitive play.

    Q: Does the trade have to be between the same game versions?

    A: No. A Scyther from Pokémon FireRed can evolve into Scizor in Pokémon Sword if the Metal Coat is held during the trade. Cross-version compatibility is fully supported.

    Q: Are there any glitches or exploits to evolve Scyther without trading?

    A: No legitimate glitches exist to bypass the trade requirement. Some ROM hacks or emulation tricks can force the evolution, but these are not viable in official gameplay.

    Q: Why doesn’t Scyther evolve automatically like other Pokémon?

    A: The trade requirement was likely a design choice to:

    • Encourage multiplayer interaction in early games.
    • Add rarity to Scizor, making it a unique catch.
    • Reflect Scizor’s industrial, "man-made" aesthetic (steel = crafted, not natural).
    The method has persisted as a nod to tradition.

    Q: Can I use a fake Metal Coat (e.g., from a different game) to evolve Scyther?

    A: No. The Metal Coat must be from the same game version as the Scyther. Using a fake or mismatched item will not trigger the evolution.

    Q: Is Scizor better than Scyther in battles?

    A: Yes, overwhelmingly. Scizor’s higher stats, better typing, and Technician ability make it a superior competitive Pokémon. Scyther is outclassed in almost every scenario.

    Q: Are there any plans to change Scyther’s evolution in future games?

    A: As of now, there’s no official announcement. However, given Scizor’s popularity, future games might simplify the process (e.g., level-based evolution with the Metal Coat). Any changes would likely preserve the trade’s social aspect.