Scyther returns in Pokémon Legends: Z‑A and still evolves the classic way: trade it while it holds a Metal Coat to get Scizor. The catch is that Metal Coat is locked behind late-game progress, so planning your route matters.
Where to catch Scyther (Wild Zone 13)
Scyther spawns in Wild Zone 13 on North Boulevard in the northwestern part of Lumiose City. It appears at night and typically around level 38. Loop the central path of the zone and watch your flank — an Alpha Trevenant patrols the area and can disrupt captures.
Bring Great Balls or Ultra Balls and weaken Scyther before throwing. If you’re hunting a specific Nature or a shiny, settle in; the loop is short and easy to reset.
When Metal Coat unlocks (missions and postgame vendor)
Metal Coat doesn’t show up until you’ve pushed the story far enough. The earliest opportunity is tied to Main Mission 35: Reaching Rank A. From there, you have three reliable paths:
| Method | When it unlocks | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Mission 101: “Steadfast as Steel” | After Main Mission 35 (Rank A) | Bleu Street, southwest Lumiose (near Wild Zone 16) | Speak to the Rust Syndicate grunt near the large archway; win the battle to receive a Metal Coat. |
| Side Mission 114: “A Feather from Skarmory” | After finishing the main story (postgame) | Near the entrance to Wild Zone 17 | Completing the mission awards a Metal Coat. |
| Vendor purchase | After the credits roll | Racine Construction HQ (southeast Lumiose; fast‑travel spot) | Buy Metal Coat for 4,980 Pokédollars with unlimited stock. |
Evolve Scyther into Scizor (trade steps)
Once you have a Metal Coat and a caught Scyther, evolving is straightforward. Trade evolutions in Legends: Z‑A require a manual confirmation after the trade — they don’t auto‑trigger.
- Press X to open the party menu and give Scyther the Metal Coat as its held item.
- Open Link Trade (Local or Faraway).
- Set an eight‑digit room code and match with your trading partner. Many players use 0176‑0176 for Scyther swaps, but any code you coordinate on works.
- Trade Scyther while it’s holding Metal Coat. The item is consumed on evolution.
- After the trade completes, select Scyther’s entry in your party and choose Evolve to confirm Scizor.
- Trade back if you arranged a swap. Always coordinate the return to avoid losing your original Pokémon.
Optional next step: Mega Scizor
Once Scizor is on your team and you have access to Mega Evolution, it uses the Scizorite Mega Stone. Mega Stones are sold in‑game at the Stone Emporium on Vernal Street once that shop’s inventory is available.
The short version: catch Scyther at night in Wild Zone 13, reach Rank A, secure a Metal Coat from Side Mission 101 (or later sources), then trade Scyther while it holds the item and confirm the evolution. From there, Scizor is ready to battle — and later, to Mega Evolve.
