Scyther remains one of the most iconic Pokemon from Generation 1, and Pokemon Legends Z-A gives this fan-favorite Mantis Pokemon the spotlight it deserves. What makes Scyther especially appealing in this game is its evolution chain—transforming into the formidable Steel/Bug-type Scizor, and eventually reaching its ultimate form as Mega Scizor.
If you’re looking to add this powerful Pokemon to your roster, you’ve come to the right place. This guide covers everything from catching your first Scyther to unlocking its Mega Evolution form.
Finding Scyther: Location and Catch Tips
Before you can evolve Scyther, you’ll need to catch one first. Here’s what you need to know:
Where to Find Scyther:
- Location: Wild Zone 13
- Time: Night only (make sure to adjust your in-game time if needed)
- Prerequisites: Progress through the main story until Wild Zone 13 unlocks
Catching Strategy:
When you venture into Wild Zone 13 at night, stick to the central pathway—that’s where Scyther typically spawns. But here’s a word of caution: this area is also home to an Alpha Trevenant, which can be quite aggressive and challenging to deal with if you’re not prepared.
Scyther won’t make things easy for you. It’s an aggressive Pokemon that fights back hard, so come prepared:
- Weaken it first with super-effective moves (Rock, Fire, Flying, or Electric-type attacks work well)
- Use Ultra Balls for the best catch rate
- Bring plenty of healing items in case the battle drags on
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with Wild Zone locations and spawn patterns, check out the Wild Zone 13 complete guide for more detailed information.
Evolution Requirements: Getting the Metal Coat
Here’s where things get interesting. Unlike some Pokemon that evolve through simple leveling, Scyther requires a special item and trading mechanic to transform into Scizor.
What You’ll Need:
- A Scyther (obviously!)
- A Metal Coat item
- Access to Link Trade functionality
How to Obtain the Metal Coat
The Metal Coat isn’t available early in the game, so you’ll need to be patient. You won’t be able to get this crucial evolution item until after completing Main Mission 35: Reaching Rank A.
Once you’ve hit Rank A, you have two options for obtaining the Metal Coat:
- Side Mission 101: Steadfast as Steel (Located in Bleu Sector 5)
- Side Mission 114: A Feather from Skarmory (Located in Vert Sector 7)
Both missions reward you with a Metal Coat upon completion, so pick whichever is more convenient based on your current location in the game.
The Evolution Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Pokemon Legends Z-A uses a trade evolution system, which can feel intimidating at first. However, there’s a clever workaround using trade codes that makes the process much easier—even if you don’t have a friend available to trade with.
Here’s the complete evolution method:
- Press (X) to open your party menu
- Equip the Metal Coat to Scyther as a held item
- Select Link Trade from the menu
- Enter the trade code: 0176-0176 (This is the community-established code for Scyther trades)
- Alternatively, trade with a trusted friend if you have one available
- Wait for another Scyther to arrive from the trade
- Check the evolution icon—it should now be lit up on your traded Scyther
- Select Scyther in your menu and choose ‘Evolve’
- Congratulations! Your Scyther will transform into Scizor
Important Notes About Trade Evolution
Manual Evolution Required: Remember that Pokemon Legends Z-A changed how evolution works. Trade evolutions don’t happen automatically anymore—you need to manually trigger the evolution from the menu after receiving your Pokemon back from a trade.
Trading Etiquette: When using trade codes, it’s common courtesy to trade back the Scyther you received. Most players in the community follow this unspoken rule, making it a smooth experience for everyone involved.
Alternative Option: If you’re worried about losing your original Scyther, you can trade it back after the evolution conditions are met and still trigger the evolution. The game recognizes that your Scyther has fulfilled the trade requirement.
Reaching Ultimate Power: Mega Scizor
Getting Scizor is impressive, but why stop there? Mega Scizor represents the pinnacle of this evolution line, offering massive stat boosts and incredible battle presence.
Requirements for Mega Evolution:
- A fully evolved Scizor
- Scizorite (the Mega Stone specific to Scizor)
- Sufficient Mega Energy built up during battle
How to Get Scizorite
The Scizorite isn’t just lying around—you’ll need to purchase it from a special vendor:
- Location: Stone Emporium on Main Street in Vernal Zone (next to Wild Zone 12)
- Cost: 50,000 Poke Dollars
That’s a hefty price tag, so make sure you’ve been battling trainers and collecting money throughout your adventure. The investment is worth it though—Mega Scizor becomes an absolute powerhouse.
To Trigger Mega Evolution in Battle:
- Make sure Scizor is holding the Scizorite
- Build up Mega Energy during the battle
- Press (L) when the Mega Evolution option becomes available
- Watch Scizor transform into its ultimate form
Why Scizor is Worth the Effort
If you’re wondering whether this evolution chain is worth pursuing, here’s why Scizor stands out:
Type Advantage: The Steel/Bug typing gives Scizor excellent defensive capabilities with only one weakness to Fire-type moves (though it’s a 4x weakness, so be careful).
Mega Evolution Power: Mega Scizor gains massive boosts to Attack and Defense, plus the Technician ability that powers up weaker moves—making it devastatingly effective with the right moveset.
Versatility: Scizor works well in both offensive and defensive roles, adapting to various battle strategies.
Competitive Viability: For those interested in battling, Scizor consistently ranks among the strongest Pokemon in Legends Z-A.
Additional Resources
For more help with Pokemon Legends Z-A:
- Official Pokemon Legends website: https://legends.pokemon.com/
- Get the game: Pokemon Legends Z-A on Nintendo Store
- Check out our complete Wild Zones guide for more spawn locations
Final Thoughts
Evolving Scyther into Scizor and eventually Mega Scizor takes some patience and effort, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. This evolution line gives you access to one of the most reliable and powerful Pokemon in the entire game. The trade evolution mechanic might seem complicated at first, but once you understand the process, it becomes second nature.
Just remember: get to Rank A, complete one of the Metal Coat missions, use the trade code system, and manually trigger the evolution. Before you know it, you’ll have a shiny new Scizor ready to dominate battles across Lumiose City.
