[Published: June 1, 2026 | Last updated: June 1, 2026] | 6 min read
TL;DR
- Scyther evolves into Scizor by holding a Metal Coat and trading it with another player – you can request the trade back immediately after evolution.
- Scyther can evolve into Kleavor using a Black Augurite item, but only within Pokémon Legends: Arceus – this evolution is not available in Scarlet & Violet directly.
- You can buy Metal Coat from Delibird Presents shops located throughout the Paldea region.
- Scyther can be found in South Province (Area Four) and other water/bamboo areas across the Paldea map.
- If you own Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can transfer a Kleavor to Scarlet & Violet using Pokémon HOME.
Two Evolution Paths: Scizor vs. Kleavor
Scyther has two different evolutions, each with distinct requirements. Scizor is the Bug/Steel-type evolution, while Kleavor is a Bug/Rock-type evolution from the Hisui region.
The key difference: Scizor can be evolved directly in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet using a Metal Coat, but Kleavor requires a Black Augurite item that only exists in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Your choice depends on which type coverage and stats best fit your team.
Method 1: Evolving Scyther Into Scizor (Metal Coat + Trade)
This is the evolution most players will pursue since it works entirely within Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.
Step 1: Catch a Scyther
Scyther can be found in multiple locations throughout the Paldea Region, particularly in areas near water and bamboo groves. The most reliable spots are:
- North Province (Area Two)
- South Province (Area Four) — particularly around the land bridge
- Casseroya Lake islands
You’ll need at least one Scyther with decent stats and a good Nature if you plan to use Scizor in battle. It’s okay if the Scyther isn’t fully leveled up yet — evolution happens immediately upon trade, regardless of level.
Step 2: Purchase a Metal Coat
Go to Delibird Presents and buy the battle item called Metal Coat. This is a held item, not a consumable, so it doesn’t disappear after use.
Open your map, locate the nearest Delibird Presents (they’re scattered throughout towns in Paldea), and purchase a Metal Coat for a reasonable price. Only one Metal Coat is needed if you’re trading with a friend and trading back. If you want to keep a permanent Scizor and a Scyther, you’ll need two Metal Coats.
Step 3: Equip the Metal Coat to Scyther
Open your bag, find the Metal Coat in your items, and select “Give to Pokémon.” Choose Scyther from your party. The Metal Coat now appears as a held item on Scyther’s summary screen.
Step 4: Initiate a Trade
This is the critical step. Scyther holding a Metal Coat will evolve into Scizor when traded to another player.
You have two options:
With a friend: Ask a trusted friend to trade with you. Once the trade completes, Scyther automatically evolves into Scizor. Request they trade the Scizor back if you want to keep it on your team.
With the community: Use the community trade code system through Link Trade. You only need the right held item and the correct trade code, and the evolution happens automatically after the trade. Join a trade subreddit or Discord community and find a trading partner using the Link Trade feature.
Step 5: Confirm the Evolution
The moment the trade completes, Scyther evolves into Scizor on screen. If trading with a friend, have them immediately trade the Scizor back to you. If using a community trade code, both trainers keep their evolved Pokémon.
That’s it — you now have a Scizor.
Method 2: Evolving Scyther Into Kleavor (Black Augurite + Nighttime)
This evolution is more complex because Black Augurite doesn’t exist in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.
Kleavor evolution is only possible within Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Simply select the Black Augurite from your satchel and use it on a Scyther in your party — it will evolve instantly.
If you don’t own Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you cannot evolve Scyther into Kleavor. However, Kleavor appears as a fixed spawn in the Canyon Biome of the Terarium in the Indigo Disk DLC and can be caught directly in the wild.
If You Own Pokémon Legends: Arceus:
Transfer a Scyther to Pokémon Legends: Arceus using Pokémon HOME, use a Black Augurite on it to evolve it into Kleavor, then transfer the Kleavor back to Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.
The transfer process requires a Pokémon HOME subscription and takes a few minutes.
Scizor vs. Kleavor: Which Should You Choose?
| Stat | Scizor | Kleavor |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Bug / Steel | Bug / Rock |
| HP | 70 | 75 |
| Attack | 130 | 130 |
| Defense | 100 | 100 |
| Sp. Atk | 55 | 45 |
| Sp. Def | 80 | 95 |
| Speed | 65 | 45 |
Scizor has higher speed and special defense, making it better for competitive play and sweeping. Kleavor has higher HP and special defense, making it bulkier but slower.
For most players, Scizor is the better choice — its Technician ability combined with Bullet Punch is legendary for priority damage in competitive battles. But Kleavor works fine for story mode and casual play.
Where to Get a Metal Coat if Delibird Presents Doesn’t Stock It
If you’re having trouble finding the Metal Coat in Delibird Presents, try these alternatives:
- Check multiple Delibird Presents locations across different towns
- Visit Delibird Presents in Mesagoza (the main academy town) — it typically stocks more items
- The Metal Coat is listed as a “battle item” in the shop, not a regular Poké Ball or healing item, so scroll through the correct category
The Metal Coat costs around 1,000 Pokédollars, which is cheap by mid-game standards.
Common Mistakes When Evolving Scyther
- Trading without the Metal Coat: Scyther will trade but won’t evolve. Always check that the Metal Coat is equipped before initiating the trade.
- Forgetting to ask for the Scizor back: If you trade with a friend, explicitly ask them to return it. Some players forget.
- Using the wrong trade method: Surprise Trade and Wondertrade do not trigger evolution — only Link Trade does.
- Attempting Kleavor evolution in Scarlet/Violet: Black Augurite doesn’t exist in these games. You must use Pokémon Legends: Arceus or catch a wild Kleavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scyther Evolution
How do you evolve Scyther in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?
Give Scyther a Metal Coat to hold and trade it with another player. Once the trade completes, it automatically evolves into Scizor. You can ask your trading partner to immediately trade it back to you.
Can you evolve Scyther into Kleavor in Scarlet & Violet?
No, you cannot evolve Scyther into Kleavor in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet because Black Augurite only exists in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. You can catch a wild Kleavor in the Indigo Disk DLC instead.
Where do you get a Metal Coat in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?
Purchase a Metal Coat from Delibird Presents. It’s listed under battle items and costs around 1,000 Pokédollars.
Does Scyther need to be a high level to evolve?
No. Upon trading Scythers while holding Metal Coats, they will automatically evolve immediately upon trade completion — you won’t need to wait for the next level-up. Even a low-level Scyther will evolve.
What is Scizor’s best move set after evolution?
Scizor learns physical attack moves naturally through level-up, including X-Scissor, Superpower, and Bullet Punch. Pairing Scizor with Swords Dance (learned via TM) creates a powerful sweeper. Technician ability boosts priority moves, making Bullet Punch especially effective.
Can you get Mew and use it to catch Kleavor or Scizor?
Mew is a Mythical Pokémon that cannot be encountered via normal gameplay but can be obtained through Mystery Gift events. Mew can learn any move and is said to possess the genetic codes of all Pokémon. While Mew is incredibly strong and versatile, it doesn’t help directly with Scyther evolution — it’s a separate legendary catch. However, during the Mew vs. Mewtwo event, trainers received a free Mew through Mystery Gift, and something special happens if you bring Mew into a Tera Raid Battle against Mewtwo.
Key Takeaways
- Evolve Scyther into Scizor using a Metal Coat + trade in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.
- Kleavor evolution requires Pokémon Legends: Arceus and a Black Augurite item.
- Metal Coat is cheap and widely available from Delibird Presents.
- Always confirm your trading partner will trade the Scizor back if you want to keep it.
- For competitive play, Scizor is superior due to higher speed and priority move coverage.
- You can also catch a wild Kleavor in the Indigo Disk DLC instead of evolving one.