Kingambit, known as the Big Blade Pokémon, has solidified its position as one of the most imposing Dark and Steel-type forces in Pokémon GO. Originally discovered in the Paldea region, this evolution takes the tactical prowess of Bisharp to an entirely new level. However, adding this formidable leader to your Pokédex requires more than just a handful of candies. The evolution process from Bisharp to Kingambit involves a unique challenge that tests a trainer's dedication to the raid circuit and their resource management.

Evolving Bisharp into Kingambit is a multi-step process that combines standard candy accumulation with a specific buddy-based objective. Unlike simple evolutions that only require clicking a button, Kingambit demands that you prove its strength in battle—specifically within the environment of Raid Battles.

The fundamental requirements for Kingambit evolution

To initiate the transformation, you must first possess a Bisharp. If you are starting from a Pawniard, you will need 50 Pawniard Candies to reach the Bisharp stage. Once you have your Bisharp ready, the path to Kingambit opens up, requiring two primary components:

  1. 100 Pawniard Candies: This is the standard energy cost for the evolution.
  2. The Buddy Challenge: You must defeat 15 Dark-type or Steel-type Pokémon in Raids while Bisharp is set as your Active Buddy.

It is important to note that these two requirements must be met on the specific Bisharp you intend to evolve. If you switch your buddy to a different Bisharp, the progress toward the 15 raids will not transfer, as the task is tied to the individual Pokémon's history as your companion.

Setting up your Bisharp as a Buddy

The first tactical step is selecting the right Bisharp. Since Kingambit is a powerhouse in both Master League PvP and high-level PvE raids, it is advisable to prioritize a Bisharp with high Individual Values (IVs), specifically aiming for a 15 Attack stat.

Once you have selected your candidate, navigate to your Trainer profile, tap on your current Buddy, and swap it for Bisharp. From this moment on, every Raid Battle you participate in will count toward the evolution requirement, provided the opponent meets the typing criteria. You do not need to feed your Bisharp berries to make it appear on the map for the raids to count; it simply needs to be assigned as your Buddy in the system.

Mastering the 15 Raid Challenge

The most time-consuming aspect of this evolution is defeating 15 Dark or Steel-type Pokémon in Raids. This task requires a strategic approach to Raid Passes and boss rotations.

Identifying the right targets

Many trainers make the mistake of thinking any raid will work. The requirement is specific: the Raid Boss must be either a Dark-type or a Steel-type. Examples of eligible bosses that frequently appear in rotations include:

  • Steel-types: Mawile, Skarmory, Metagross, Aggron, Scizor, and various Ultra Beasts like Kartana or Celesteela.
  • Dark-types: Tyranitar, Absol, Umbreon, Darkrai, and various regional forms like Alolan Muk or Alolan Exeggutor (when the event allows).

Dual-type Pokémon count as long as one of their types is Dark or Steel. For instance, a raid against a Cobalion (Steel/Fighting) or a Guzzlord (Dark/Dragon) will successfully progress your counter.

Efficient raiding strategies

To complete this task without spending a fortune on Premium Raid Passes, focus on Tier 1 and Tier 3 raids. Tier 1 bosses are easily soloed and allow you to burn your Daily Free Raid Pass quickly. If you are in a rush, look for active events that feature Steel or Dark-type bosses in the lower tiers.

Crucially, your Bisharp does not need to participate in the actual battle. You can use your strongest counters (such as high-level Fighting-types like Terrakion or Keldeo) to take down the boss while Bisharp sits safely in your Buddy slot. This allows you to tackle higher-tier raids where Bisharp might otherwise struggle due to its double weakness to Fighting moves.

Gathering 100 Pawniard Candies

While the raid challenge is underway, you must also secure 100 Pawniard Candies. For veteran players, this might already be in storage, but for those starting fresh, there are several ways to farm this resource efficiently.

Hatching 12km Eggs

Pawniard has traditionally been a staple of the "Strange Eggs" obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket Leaders (Cliff, Arlo, and Sierra). Hatching these 12km eggs is one of the most reliable ways to get high-IV Pawniard and a significant chunk of candy (usually between 16 and 32 per hatch). Given the current egg pools, keeping a steady supply of Rocket Radars is essential for candy farming.

Catching in the wild and events

Pawniard is a rare wild spawn, often appearing more frequently during events focused on Dark or Steel types. When you encounter one, always use a Pinap Berry to double the candy yield. If you have a Mega Evolution active that shares a type with Pawniard—such as Mega Tyranitar, Mega Gyarados, or Mega Aggron—you will receive additional bonus candy for every catch.

Walking and Rare Candies

If you are just a few candies short, walking with Bisharp as your buddy (after completing the 15 raids) earns you one candy every 5km. While not the fastest method, it supplements your total. Rare Candies obtained from GBL (Go Battle League) or Raids can also be used, though it is often better to save those for Legendary Pokémon.

Analyzing Kingambit’s Meta Relevance

Once the 15 raids are won and the 100 candies are spent, you will possess Kingambit. Understanding how to use this Pokémon is vital to justify the effort spent on evolution. Kingambit features a high Attack stat and a dual typing that provides a staggering number of resistances.

Kingambit in PvP

In the Master League, Kingambit acts as a formidable counter to Ghost and Psychic-type giants like Mewtwo and Giratina. Its access to moves like Snarl or Metal Claw (Fast Moves) and Iron Head or Dark Pulse (Charged Moves) allows it to apply significant pressure. Its Steel typing offers a safety net against Dragon-type attacks, which are prevalent in the upper tiers of GBL. However, trainers must be extremely wary of Fighting-type moves, as Kingambit takes 256% damage from them.

Kingambit in PvE

As a raid attacker, Kingambit serves as a top-tier non-shadow/non-mega option for both Dark and Steel roles. While it may not surpass a Shadow Metagross in raw DPS (Damage Per Second), its TDO (Total Damage Output) is impressive due to its bulk. It is an excellent addition to any team facing Fairy, Ice, or Rock-type Raid Bosses.

Obtaining a Shiny Kingambit

For collectors, the quest doesn't end with a regular Kingambit. Shiny Pawniard and Shiny Bisharp are available in Pokémon GO, featuring a distinct blue color scheme instead of the traditional red. To get a Shiny Kingambit, you must first obtain a Shiny Pawniard or Bisharp.

The shiny rates for Pawniard are generally higher in 12km eggs compared to standard wild spawns. Once you have a Shiny Bisharp, the evolution requirements remain the same: 15 specific raids as a buddy and 100 candies. The resulting Shiny Kingambit is a trophy of both luck and effort, showcasing a majestic blue and gold aesthetic.

Summary of the Evolution Path

To ensure a smooth evolution process, follow this checklist:

  1. Selection: Pick a Pawniard or Bisharp with the best possible stats for your intended use (PvP or Raids).
  2. Evolution I: If starting as Pawniard, use 50 candies to evolve it into Bisharp.
  3. Buddy Up: Set that specific Bisharp as your Buddy.
  4. Raid Circuit: Participate in 15 raids against Dark or Steel-type bosses. Keep track of your progress in the evolution menu on the Bisharp's profile page.
  5. Finalize: Ensure you have 100 Pawniard Candies. Once the raid task shows as complete (indicated by a checkmark or the "Evolve" button lighting up), trigger the transformation.

This evolution method represents a shift in Pokémon GO’s mechanics, moving away from passive item collection (like the Sinnoh Stone) toward active gameplay requirements. While it may take several days or even weeks depending on the current raid rotation and your access to Raid Passes, the result is one of the most powerful and visually striking Pokémon available in the current game environment. Whether you are looking to climb the ranks in the Go Battle League or simply want a new leader for your Steel-type raid team, Kingambit is well worth the specialized effort required to obtain it.