So you’ve got a Bisharp. It’s cool, it’s edgy, it’s been a staple of your team since the Unova days. But now, in the Paldea region, there’s something bigger. Something sitting on a hair-chair. You’ve seen it in competitive matches or on a high-level trainer's team and wondered: what does Bisharp evolve into?
The answer is Kingambit, a massive Dark/Steel-type powerhouse that looks like a Shogun ready to end a war. But getting one isn't as simple as slapping a Dusk Stone on your Bisharp or hitting level 52.
Honestly, the method is kinda weird. It’s specific. If you don’t do it exactly right, you’ll be grinding for hours with nothing to show for it.
The Weird Way Bisharp Evolves Into Kingambit
To evolve Bisharp into Kingambit, you have to prove you’re the "leader of the pack." This isn't flavor text; it's a literal mechanic. You need to find a Bisharp that is leading a group of four Pawniard. If you see a Bisharp wandering alone, keep walking. It’s a loser. It’s not a leader. It won't help you.
You’re looking for a very specific item called the Leader’s Crest.
Step 1: Hunting the Leader's Crest
Go to North Province (Area Two). This is the bamboo forest area. It’s beautiful, but don't get distracted. Look for those groups of Pawniard with a Bisharp standing in the middle.
- Catch that Bisharp.
- Check its held item.
- It should be holding the Leader’s Crest.
If you already have a Bisharp you love (maybe a shiny one or one with perfect IVs), you just need to get that Leader’s Crest and make your Bisharp hold it. You can also use the move Thief to snag it, but catching the leader is usually faster.
Step 2: The Three-Duel Rule
Now comes the tedious part. While your Bisharp is holding the Leader’s Crest, you must defeat three other Leader Bisharps.
These must also be the ones leading a pack of Pawniard. If you accidentally KO a lone Bisharp, it doesn't count toward your total. You’re essentially challenging other "generals" to take their place at the top of the hierarchy.
Pro Tip: Teach your Bisharp a Fighting-type move like Low Kick or Brick Break. Since Bisharp is Dark/Steel, it has a 4x weakness to Fighting. You want to one-shot those rival leaders before they can do the same to you. It’s a brutal mirror match.
Step 3: The Final Level Up
Once you’ve definitely KO’d three pack leaders—and honestly, maybe do a fourth just to be safe because the game doesn't give you a notification—you just need to level up. Use a Rare Candy or an XP Candy.
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Boom. Kingambit.
Why Kingambit is Actually Terrifying
Is it worth the hassle? Yeah. Absolutely.
Kingambit isn't just a bigger Bisharp. It has a signature ability called Supreme Overlord. This ability is essentially a "revenge" mechanic. For every ally on your team that has already been defeated in battle, Kingambit gets a 10% boost to its Attack and Special Attack.
If Kingambit is your last Pokémon standing in a 6v6 match, it’s entering the field with a 50% power boost. That’s basically a free Choice Band without the move lock.
Signature Move: Kowtow Cleave
When it evolves, it learns Kowtow Cleave. It’s a 85-power Dark-type move that never misses. The animation is hilarious too—Kingambit literally bows down (a dogeza in Japanese culture) to trick the opponent into lowering their guard before slashing them.
The Stats: Slow but Deadly
Kingambit is slow. Like, really slow. It has a base speed of 50. You are not outrunning much. But with a base Attack of 135 and massive Defense, you don't really need to. You just take a hit, then delete the opponent from the game.
In the 2026 competitive meta, people are still using Kingambit as the ultimate "cleaner." You keep it in the back, let your other Pokémon do some chip damage, and then bring the Shogun out to sweep.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 100 |
| Attack | 135 |
| Defense | 120 |
| Sp. Atk | 60 |
| Sp. Def | 85 |
| Speed | 50 |
Common Mistakes People Make
Most players fail this evolution because they use the "Let’s Go" auto-battle feature. Auto-battles do not count. You must manually enter the battle and select a move to KO the rival Bisharp.
Also, don't forget the item. If your Bisharp isn't holding that Leader's Crest, you're just committing senseless Bisharp violence for no reason.
If you're struggling to find the packs, try eating a sandwich that boosts "Encounter Power: Steel" or "Encounter Power: Dark." It makes the bamboo forest crawl with Pawniard squads, making the whole process take about ten minutes instead of an hour.
To get started, fly to the North Province (Area Two) Pokémon Center and head straight into the bamboo. Make sure your lead Pokémon has Thief or plenty of Ultra Balls to grab that first Leader's Crest. Once you've secured the item, swap to your main Bisharp and start hunting those pack leaders in the same area.
Next Steps:
- Check your bag for a Leader's Crest; if you don't have one, head to the bamboo forest in North Province (Area Two).
- Equip the Crest to your Bisharp and hunt down three Bisharp leaders (the ones surrounded by Pawniard).
- Use a Rare Candy after the third victory to trigger the evolution into Kingambit.