Are you trying to find Scizor in Pokemon Platinum? You're in the right place, guys! Scizor, the evolution of Scyther, is a Bug/Steel-type Pokemon known for its impressive attack stat and useful resistances. Getting your hands on one in Pokemon Platinum requires a bit of effort, but this guide will walk you through all the steps. Let's dive in!

Catching Scyther: The First Step

Before you can get Scizor, you need to catch a Scyther. Scyther is a dual-type Bug/Flying Pokemon, and it's relatively rare in Pokemon Platinum. Here's where you can find it:

• Route 210: This is one of the primary locations where you can find Scyther. Route 210 is divided into northern and southern sections, with the northern part often covered in fog. Scyther appears in the tall grass in both sections, but it's quite rare, so be patient.
• Route 215: Another place to look for Scyther is Route 215, which connects Veilstone City and Route 214. Like Route 210, Scyther is a rare encounter in the tall grass here.
• Great Marsh: The Great Marsh in Pastoria City is also a potential location for Scyther. The Great Marsh is a large area with different zones, and you'll need to pay an entry fee to explore it. Use the binoculars at the entrance to check each zone for Scyther before entering, as the Pokemon available change daily.

Tips for Catching Scyther

• Patience is Key: Scyther is rare, so don't get discouraged if you don't find it right away. Keep searching the tall grass, and eventually, one will appear.
• Use Repels Wisely: If you're a higher level than most of the other wild Pokemon in the area, use Repels to reduce the number of encounters with weaker Pokemon, increasing your chances of finding Scyther.
• Status Conditions Help: Use status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis to make Scyther easier to catch. Pokemon with moves like Sleep Powder or Thunder Wave can be very helpful.
• False Swipe: A move like False Swipe, which always leaves the target with at least 1 HP, is excellent for weakening Scyther without knocking it out.

Evolving Scyther into Scizor

Okay, so you've caught yourself a Scyther. Congrats! Now, the next step is evolving it into the awesome Scizor. Unlike many Pokemon that evolve by leveling up, Scyther evolves through trading while holding a specific item: the Metal Coat. Here’s how to do it:

1. Obtain a Metal Coat: The Metal Coat is a crucial item for evolving Scyther. There are a few ways to get one in Pokemon Platinum:
   • Route 228: You can find a Metal Coat on Route 228, which is part of the Survival Area. You'll need to navigate through the rough terrain, so make sure you have a Pokemon that knows Rock Climb and Strength.
   • Pickup Ability: Some Pokemon with the Pickup ability, such as Aipom, Ambipom, and Pachirisu, have a chance of finding a Metal Coat after a battle. The higher the level of the Pokemon with Pickup, the better the chance of finding rare items.
   • Magnemite and Steelix: Wild Magnemite and Steelix have a small chance of holding a Metal Coat when caught. You can use the move Thief or the ability Compound Eyes (which increases the chance of wild Pokemon holding items) to improve your chances.
2. Give the Metal Coat to Scyther: Once you have the Metal Coat, give it to your Scyther to hold. Simply go into your bag, select the Metal Coat, and choose "Give" to give it to Scyther.
3. Trade Scyther: Now, you need to trade your Scyther to another player. This is the only way to evolve Scyther into Scizor in Pokemon Platinum. Find a friend or someone online who is willing to trade with you.
4. Trade Back (Optional): After Scyther evolves into Scizor upon being traded, you can ask the person you traded with to trade it back to you so you can have Scizor in your party.

Important Considerations for Trading

• Reliable Trading Partner: Make sure you trade with someone you trust, especially if you want your Scizor back. Communicate clearly about trading back after the evolution.
• Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection: Pokemon Platinum supports online trading via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Ensure you have your Nintendo DS connected to the internet and have the necessary friend codes.

Why Choose Scizor?

So, why go through all this trouble to get a Scizor? Here’s why Scizor is an excellent addition to your team:

• Typing: Scizor's Bug/Steel typing gives it a unique set of resistances, including resistances to Normal, Bug, Steel, Grass, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves, as well as a immunity to Poison-type moves. This makes it a very versatile Pokemon in battle.
• Attack Stat: Scizor has a fantastic Attack stat, making it a powerful physical attacker. It can dish out significant damage with moves like Bullet Punch, X-Scissor, and Iron Head.
• Movepool: Scizor has a diverse movepool, allowing it to cover a variety of opponents. It can learn moves like Swords Dance to boost its Attack, as well as priority moves like Bullet Punch to strike first in battle.
• Competitive Viability: Scizor is a popular choice in competitive Pokemon battles due to its typing, stats, and movepool. It can be used in a variety of strategies, including offensive and defensive roles.

Moveset Suggestions for Scizor

To make the most of your Scizor, here are some suggested movesets:

Offensive Moveset

• Bullet Punch: A Steel-type priority move that allows Scizor to strike first, even against faster opponents. It's especially useful for finishing off weakened foes.
• X-Scissor: A powerful Bug-type move that provides excellent coverage against Psychic, Dark, and Grass-type Pokemon.
• Iron Head: Another strong Steel-type move that can deal significant damage and has a chance to cause the target to flinch.
• Swords Dance: A move that sharply raises Scizor's Attack stat, making it even more dangerous on the offensive.

Defensive Moveset

• Bullet Punch: Still useful for priority and finishing off opponents.
• Roost: A recovery move that allows Scizor to heal its HP, increasing its longevity in battle.
• Defog: A move that clears away entry hazards like Stealth Rock and Spikes, which can be helpful for supporting your team.
• U-Turn: A Bug-type move that allows Scizor to switch out while dealing damage, providing momentum in battle.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Breeding for IVs: If you're serious about competitive battling, consider breeding Scyther to obtain a Scizor with optimal Individual Values (IVs). IVs are hidden stats that affect a Pokemon's overall performance.
• EV Training: EV training, or Effort Value training, involves battling specific Pokemon to increase certain stats. Focus on training Scizor's Attack and HP or Special Defense to maximize its potential.
• Nature: A good nature for Scizor is Adamant (increases Attack, decreases Special Attack) or Impish (increases Defense, decreases Special Attack). These natures complement Scizor's strengths and minimize the impact of its weaker Special Attack stat.

Conclusion

Finding and evolving Scyther into Scizor in Pokemon Platinum takes some time and effort, but it’s well worth it. With its fantastic typing, high Attack stat, and versatile movepool, Scizor is a valuable asset to any team. Follow this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to adding this powerful Pokemon to your collection. Happy hunting, and may your trades be successful! Now go out there and catch 'em all, trainers! You got this!