How to Get Zacian in Pokémon Sword: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Zacian is one of the most sought-after Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Sword, and if you’re wondering how to get Zacian in Pokémon Sword, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining Zacian, its forms, and how to maximize its potential in battles.

What is Zacian?

Zacian is a Legendary Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield. It is the mascot for Pokémon Sword and features prominently on the game’s cover. Zacian has two forms:

• Hero of Many Battles Form: Zacian’s base form without an item.
• Crowned Sword Form: When Zacian holds the Rusted Sword, it transforms into this form, gaining the Steel-type in addition to its Fairy-type and boosting its attack power significantly.

How to Get Zacian in Pokémon Sword

Unlike some other Legendaries, Zacian is a post-game exclusive, meaning you can only catch it after completing the main storyline. Follow these steps to capture Zacian:

Step 1: Complete the Main Story

To unlock Zacian, you must first complete the main storyline by defeating Leon in the Champion Cup and becoming the Galar Champion. After the credits roll, the post-game adventure begins.

Step 2: Return to the Slumbering Weald

Once you’ve beaten the game, travel back to the Slumbering Weald, where you first encountered Zacian (or Zamazenta if you’re playing Pokémon Shield). Here, you will meet Sordward and Shielbert, who play a role in the post-game storyline.

How to Get Zacian in Pokémon Sword

Step 3: Battle and Defeat Sordward or Shielbert

Sordward and Shielbert claim to be descendants of royalty and seek to awaken the legendary Pokémon. Depending on your version of the game, you will face off against one of them in a battle. After defeating them, a series of events will unfold, leading to the reawakening of Zacian and Zamazenta.

Step 4: Battle Dynamaxed Pokémon in Various Gyms

To continue the quest, you’ll need to travel to different Galar Gyms and defeat Dynamaxed Pokémon that have been artificially powered up due to Sordward and Shielbert’s meddling. These battles are part of stabilizing the energy across Galar.

Step 5: Face Zacian in the Energy Plant

After handling the Dynamax incidents, return to the Energy Plant at Hammerlocke Stadium. Here, Zacian will make its grand appearance. In Pokémon Sword, Zacian will be hostile and battle you directly.

Step 6: Battle Zacian and Capture It

• Save your game before battling Zacian to avoid accidental knockouts.
• Zacian is level 70, so bring high-level Pokémon with moves that can weaken it without knocking it out.
• Use Ultra Balls or a Master Ball if you have one to increase your chances of capturing Zacian.
• After some patience and strategy, Zacian will be yours!

Best Strategies to Catch Zacian

Here are some tips to make capturing Zacian easier:

• Paralyze or Put Zacian to Sleep: Status effects like Paralysis (via Thunder Wave) or Sleep (via Hypnosis) make Zacian easier to catch.
• Use False Swipe: This move reduces Zacian’s HP to 1 without knocking it out.
• Bring Strong Defenders: Zacian has powerful moves, so having Tanks like Toxapex or Corviknight can help in the battle.
• Stock Up on Ultra Balls: Zacian has a low catch rate, so you may need several Ultra Balls to secure the catch.

How to Get Zacian’s Crowned Sword Form

Once you’ve caught Zacian, you’ll need the Rusted Sword to transform it into its Crowned Sword Form. Here’s how to get it:

1. After catching Zacian, Hop (your rival) will give you the Rusted Sword as part of the story.
2. Equip Zacian with the Rusted Sword to transform it into its Crowned Sword Form, boosting its Attack and giving it a Steel typing.

Zacian’s Moves and Abilities

Zacian is one of the strongest Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield, boasting incredible stats and abilities.

Zacian’s Ability

• Intrepid Sword: When Zacian enters battle, its Attack is boosted immediately, making it a formidable opponent.

Best Moveset for Zacian

• Behemoth Blade (Exclusive Move): Deals double damage to Dynamaxed Pokémon.
• Sacred Sword: Great against opponents that boost their stats.
• Play Rough: Powerful Fairy-type STAB move.
• Iron Head: Covers Fairy and Ice weaknesses.

Can You Get Zacian in Pokémon Shield?

If you’re playing Pokémon Shield, you won’t be able to catch Zacian directly, but there are two ways to obtain it:

1. Trade with a Pokémon Sword player.
2. Use Pokémon HOME if you have transferred Zacian from another save file.

Conclusion

Zacian is one of the most powerful and iconic Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to capture Zacian, obtain its Crowned Sword Form, and optimize it for battle. If you’re playing Pokémon Shield, consider trading or transferring from Pokémon HOME to add Zacian to your collection.

Now that you know how to get Zacian in Pokémon Sword, it’s time to embark on your journey and claim this legendary warrior for yourself!