How to Evolve Bisharp into Kingambit in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: A Comprehensive Guide

Evolving Pokémon is a core mechanic of the Pokémon franchise, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are no exception. Some evolutions are straightforward, involving leveling up or using evolution stones. Others, however, are more complex, requiring specific items, locations, or even defeating certain Pokémon. Kingambit, the evolved form of Bisharp, falls into the latter category. This guide will provide you with a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to evolve your Bisharp into a powerful Kingambit in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

## Understanding Kingambit and Its Evolution

Kingambit is a dual-type Dark/Steel Pokémon, known for its high Attack and Defense stats. It’s a formidable addition to any team, especially against Psychic and Fairy-type Pokémon. Before diving into the evolution process, it’s important to understand the unique requirements for evolving Bisharp into Kingambit.

Unlike traditional leveling or item-based evolutions, evolving Bisharp into Kingambit requires a combination of factors: finding a specific Pokémon holding a rare item and then defeating three of those Pokémon while your Bisharp holds the Leader’s Crest. Let’s break down each step.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Evolving Bisharp into Kingambit

### 1. Catching a Bisharp

The first step, and arguably one of the more challenging ones, is to acquire a Bisharp. Bisharp is not a common Pokémon and can be found in specific areas of the Paldea region.

* **Location:** Bisharp can primarily be found in the North Province (Area Two) and North Province (Area Three). They are often located in bamboo groves and rocky areas within these regions. Look for them near the Team Star’s Fighting Crew base.
* **Rarity:** Bisharp is relatively rare, so patience is key. You might need to explore the area for some time before encountering one. Use encounter-enhancing items or sandwiches that increase the encounter rate of Dark or Steel-type Pokémon to improve your chances. Sandwiches like the Great Peanut Butter Sandwich, Ultra Herbed Sausage Sandwich, or the Great Decadent Sandwich can increase the encounter rate of Dark-type Pokémon. The Ultra BLT can increase the encounter rate of Steel-type Pokémon.
* **Level:** Bisharp in these areas are typically around level 50-60, so make sure your team is prepared for the battle.
* **Tips for Catching:**
* **Lower its HP:** Reduce Bisharp’s health to the red zone without knocking it out.
* **Inflict Status Conditions:** Paralysis or Sleep are excellent status conditions to increase your catch rate. Avoid Burn or Poison, as they can eventually knock out the Bisharp.
* **Use Appropriate Poké Balls:** Ultra Balls, Timer Balls (if the battle has gone on for several turns), and Quick Balls (at the start of the battle) are effective choices.

### 2. Obtaining the Leader’s Crest

Once you have a Bisharp, the next crucial step is to obtain the Leader’s Crest item. This item is essential for the evolution process.

* **What is the Leader’s Crest?** The Leader’s Crest is a held item that is specifically used for evolving Bisharp into Kingambit. It symbolizes leadership and is carried by a specific type of Bisharp.
* **Where to Find the Leader’s Crest:** The Leader’s Crest is *not* a purchasable item from any store. Instead, you must find a Bisharp that is surrounded by a group of Pawniard. These Bisharp are acting as the leader of the Pawniard group. These leader Bisharp will always be holding the Leader’s Crest.
* **Location of Leader Bisharp:** These special Bisharp can be found in the same general area as regular Bisharp: North Province (Area Two) and North Province (Area Three). They are more likely to be found near the bamboo groves. The leader Bisharp are visually distinct because they are surrounded by four Pawniard.
* **Stealing the Leader’s Crest:** You can catch the leader Bisharp to obtain the Leader’s Crest. However, there is an easier method. You can use the move Thief or the ability Frisk to steal the Leader’s Crest from the Bisharp. Thief will steal the held item while damaging the target, and Frisk will reveal the held item of the target.

### 3. Defeating Three Bisharp Holding the Leader’s Crest

This is where the evolution process becomes unique and a bit challenging. You need to defeat *three* Bisharp that are holding the Leader’s Crest while your own Bisharp is also holding the Leader’s Crest. This requirement adds a strategic element to the evolution.

* **Equip the Leader’s Crest:** Give the Leader’s Crest you obtained to the Bisharp you want to evolve into Kingambit. To do this, go into your bag, select the Leader’s Crest, and choose “Give to Pokémon.” Select your Bisharp.
* **Finding Leader Bisharp:** As mentioned before, leader Bisharp are found in North Province (Area Two) and North Province (Area Three), surrounded by Pawniard. They’re not always easy to spot, so thoroughly explore the area.
* **Engaging in Battle:** Once you find a leader Bisharp, engage in battle. Make sure your Bisharp holding the Leader’s Crest is in your active party.
* **Defeating the Leader Bisharp:** Defeat the leader Bisharp. It is crucial that *your* Bisharp holding the Leader’s Crest participates in the battle and is present when the opposing leader Bisharp is defeated. It doesn’t necessarily have to be the Bisharp that lands the final blow, but it must be actively involved in the battle.
* **Repeat:** Repeat this process two more times. You must defeat a total of three leader Bisharp while your Bisharp holds the Leader’s Crest.
* **Tracking Progress:** There is no in-game tracker for this evolution requirement. You will need to keep track of how many leader Bisharp you have defeated.

### 4. Leveling Up Bisharp to Trigger Evolution

After defeating three leader Bisharp while your Bisharp holds the Leader’s Crest, the final step is to level up your Bisharp. This level up will trigger the evolution into Kingambit.

* **Leveling Up:** You can level up Bisharp by battling other Pokémon, using Rare Candies, or using EXP. Candies.
* **Recommended Method:** Battling is often preferred, as it provides additional experience and allows you to fine-tune your Bisharp’s stats (EV training) if you’re aiming for competitive play. However, Rare Candies are a quick and easy method if you just want the evolution.
* **Evolution Trigger:** Once Bisharp gains a level after defeating three leader Bisharp while holding the Leader’s Crest, it will immediately begin to evolve into Kingambit. You’ll see the evolution animation, and your Bisharp will transform into the majestic Kingambit.

## Tips and Tricks for Easier Evolution

* **Sandwiches:** As mentioned earlier, sandwiches that increase the encounter rate of Dark and Steel-type Pokémon can significantly speed up the process of finding Bisharp and leader Bisharp.
* **Auto-Heal:** Keep plenty of Potions, Super Potions, and Hyper Potions on hand to heal your Bisharp during battles. A fainted Bisharp won’t be able to participate in defeating the leader Bisharp, thus halting your progress.
* **False Swipe:** Use a Pokémon with the move False Swipe. This move guarantees that the opposing Pokémon will be left with at least 1 HP, making it easier to catch them, especially the leader Bisharp holding the Leader’s Crest (if you opt to catch instead of steal).
* **Frisk or Thief:** As mentioned before, Pokémon with the ability Frisk or the move Thief are invaluable for quickly determining if a Bisharp is holding the Leader’s Crest.
* **EV Training:** If you are planning to use your Kingambit competitively, you may want to consider EV training it before evolving. This involves battling specific Pokémon to increase certain stats.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

* **Forgetting the Leader’s Crest:** Make sure your Bisharp is holding the Leader’s Crest when battling the leader Bisharp. Without it, the defeats won’t count towards the evolution requirement.
* **Not Participating in Battle:** Ensure your Bisharp actively participates in the battles against the leader Bisharp. Simply having it in your party isn’t enough; it needs to be involved in the combat.
* **Defeating the Wrong Bisharp:** Only defeating the Bisharp holding the Leader’s Crest counts towards the evolution. Random Bisharp encounters won’t contribute to the evolution progress.
* **Not Leveling Up:** Don’t forget to level up your Bisharp *after* defeating the three leader Bisharp while holding the Leader’s Crest. The evolution won’t trigger until you level it up.

## Kingambit’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Now that you have your Kingambit, understanding its strengths and weaknesses is crucial for effective battling.

* **Strengths:**
* **High Attack Stat:** Kingambit boasts a high Attack stat, making it a powerful physical attacker.
* **High Defense Stat:** Kingambit also has a high Defense stat, allowing it to withstand physical attacks.
* **Dark/Steel Typing:** This typing provides resistance to several common types, including Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Grass, Ice, Dragon, Dark, and Fairy. It is immune to Psychic-type moves.
* **Supreme Overlord Ability:** This ability increases Kingambit’s attack power for each defeated ally Pokemon in the party. This can lead to very high attack power in long battles.
* **Weaknesses:**
* **Weak to Fighting and Fire:** Kingambit is weak to Fighting and Fire-type moves, which can be exploited by opponents.
* **Relatively Low Speed:** Kingambit’s Speed stat is relatively low, meaning it will often move last in battles.

## Kingambit’s Best Movesets

To make the most of Kingambit’s strengths, consider these powerful movesets:

* **Physical Attacker:**
* **Kowtow Cleave:** A strong Dark-type move that always hits.
* **Iron Head:** A powerful Steel-type move with a chance to flinch the opponent.
* **Stone Edge:** A Rock-type move that provides coverage against Flying-type Pokémon.
* **Swords Dance:** A move that sharply raises Kingambit’s Attack stat, making it even more formidable.
* **Defensive Pivot:**
* **Kowtow Cleave:** A strong Dark-type move that always hits.
* **Iron Head:** A powerful Steel-type move with a chance to flinch the opponent.
* **Protect:** A move that protects Kingambit from damage for one turn.
* **Thunder Wave:** A move that paralyzes the opponent, reducing their speed.

## Conclusion

Evolving Bisharp into Kingambit in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is a rewarding but intricate process. By following these detailed steps, you can successfully obtain this powerful Pokémon and add it to your team. Remember to be patient, explore the North Province, and keep track of your progress. With a little effort and the right strategy, you’ll have a Kingambit ready to dominate the battlefield. Good luck, and happy training!