Evolving Bisharp to Kingambit in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

How to Evolve Bisharp into Kingambit in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

This one's tricky but worth it.

If you’re after Bisharp’s new Gen 9 evolution in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, it’s not as simple as just going out into the Paldea region and catching one – you need to put the work in. Here’s everything you need to know about how to evolve Bisharp into Kingambit in S&V.

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Before we get into it, note that your Pokemon need to be at least level 45 in order to do this. Beating a few Gyms to boost your catch chances will also help immensely. Kingambit isn’t a Pokemon that you’ll be able to snag as soon as your Paldea adventure begins so just be aware that you’ll need to grind first.

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Finding a Leader Crest

To evolve Bisharp, you need a Held Item called Leader’s Crest. It is found by catching (not killing) a wild Bisharp, but not any wild Bisharp – it has to be one leading a group of Pawniard.

Related: How to Evolve Tandemaus into Maushold in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

There is only one place in the Paldea region where you can one of these. It is in a bamboo forest in North Province (Area Two), home to many level 50+ Pokemon. You can find it on the map easily by looking for the Team Star Fighting Badge since this is also where the boss of Team Star’s Fighting crew resides.

Leader Bisharp Map Location in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
The bamboo forest is in North Province (Area Two).
(Credit: The Pokemon Company / Game Freak)

Once you’re in the forest, run around until a group of Pawniard with a Bisharp leader appears. It may take a while so keep looking until one does. Get into a battle with the Bisharp leader and catch it – you’ll notice that it is holding the Leader’s Crest item. Remember not to kill it because Leader’s Crest is a Held Item and isn’t droppable.

Defeating Three Bisharp Leaders

Take the Bisharp that you just caught and make it your main Pokemon. Double-check that it’s holding the Leader’s Crest. You need to use the Pokemon to knock out THREE other Bisharp leaders – don’t catch them like before.

Leader Bisharp in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
You need to defeat three Bisharp leaders. Look for ones surrounded by Pawniard.
(Credit: The Pokemon Company / Game Freak)

Again, if you’re having trouble finding the groups, keep running around until they spawn in. They are rare so have patience.

Related: How to Get Tatsugiri in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Evolving Bisharp into Kingambit

Upon beating the three Bisharp leaders, either use a Rare Candy on your Bisharp or level it up once naturally and its evolution into Kingambit will automatically trigger. Congratulations on your new Blade Pokemon!


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About the Author

Meg Bethany Koepp

Meg was Managing Editor at Prima Games until April 2024.