In the ever-evolving world of Pokémon Go, catching and evolving new Pokémon is at the heart of every trainer’s journey. With the introduction of Kingambit—the commanding Dark/Steel-type Pokémon from Generation IX—trainers are buzzing with excitement and curiosity. First made available during the “Crown Clash” event from May 10–18, 2025, Kingambit is already proving to be a game-changer in PvE and PvP battle scenarios.
But how exactly do you get Kingambit in Pokémon Go? And more importantly, is it worth the effort?
In this comprehensive 2,000-word guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from its evolutionary prerequisites to its battle prowess and tips to maximize its potential. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive trainer, this guide will help you master the Kingambit evolution process and understand why it’s such a valuable asset.
🛡️ Who Is Kingambit?
Let’s begin by understanding what makes Kingambit so special.
Kingambit, known as the “Big Blade Pokémon,” is a Dark/Steel-type dual-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IX (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet). It evolves from Bisharp, which in turn evolves from Pawniard.
What sets Kingambit apart from many other Pokémon in the game is its unique evolution method and formidable attack stats. Its design resembles a futuristic samurai, exuding both power and authority. In lore, it’s said to command legions of Bisharp and Pawniard, preferring brute force to cunning or strategy—a truly fitting representation of its role on the battlefield.
🧬 Kingambit’s Key Stats and Attributes
Here are the base stats that highlight Kingambit’s potential in Pokémon Go (estimated from core Pokémon mechanics and early data):
- Type: Dark / Steel
- Max CP: Around 3,600 (exact stats subject to balance updates)
- Attack: 252+
- Defense: 190+
- Stamina: 185–200
- Fast Moves: Snarl, Metal Claw
- Charged Moves: Iron Head, Night Slash, Kowtow Cleave (signature move)
📈 Abilities (Adapted to Pokémon Go Mechanics)
While Pokémon Go doesn’t currently support “Abilities” like the mainline games, understanding Kingambit’s core mechanics can help players anticipate its likely role in the meta:
- Defiant (Core Series): Boosts Attack sharply when a stat is lowered.
- Supreme Overlord (Signature Ability): Increases Attack and Special Attack for each fainted ally—likely adapted in Pokémon Go as a passive stat boost under specific conditions (such as in Raids or GO Battle League).
🧭 How to Get Kingambit in Pokémon Go (Step-by-Step)
Now that you’re excited to add this powerhouse to your lineup, let’s break down exactly how to evolve Kingambit in Pokémon Go. It’s not just about collecting candy—you need to fulfill specific battle conditions.
✅ Step 1: Catch Pawniard
Your Kingambit journey begins with the base Pokémon: Pawniard.
📍 Where to Find Pawniard:
- In the Wild: Rare encounters, more common during special events like “Crown Clash”
- 1-Star Raids: Look out for raid eggs featuring Pawniard during relevant events
- 10 km Eggs: Pawniard can also hatch from 10 km Eggs (drop rates vary)
🔍 Pro Tip: Use Incense and Lure Modules during events to increase the spawn rate of rare Pokémon like Pawniard.
✅ Step 2: Evolve Pawniard into Bisharp
Once you have a Pawniard, it’s time to evolve it into Bisharp, the second stage in this evolutionary line.
🔄 What You Need:
- 50 Pawniard Candy
To gather enough Pawniard Candy:
- Catch multiple Pawniards
- Use Pinap Berries to double candy on each catch
- Walk with Pawniard as your Buddy
- Transfer extra Pawniards to Professor Willow for additional candy
✅ Step 3: Make Bisharp Your Buddy
After evolving into Bisharp, it’s crucial to set it as your Buddy Pokémon. This step is non-negotiable because the next evolution requirement only tracks Buddy Battles.
✅ Step 4: Defeat 15 Dark-type or Steel-type Pokémon in Raids
Here’s where things get interesting. To evolve Bisharp into Kingambit, you must defeat 15 Dark-type or Steel-type Pokémon in Raid Battles with Bisharp as your buddy. Note:
- You don’t need to use Bisharp in the actual battle; it just needs to be your active Buddy at the time of victory.
- Both 1-star and higher Raid Battles count.
- Defeating any Dark- or Steel-type Pokémon—such as Sneasel, Mawile, or Alolan Meowth—counts toward the total.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your Raid Battle victories register properly. If a glitch occurs, restart the app and ensure Bisharp remains your active buddy.
✅ Step 5: Evolve Bisharp into Kingambit
Once the 15 Raid condition is fulfilled, you’ll be prompted with the option to evolve Bisharp into Kingambit.
🔄 Evolution Requirement:
- 100 Pawniard Candy
Make sure you have the necessary candy saved up before initiating the evolution. It can take some time if you haven’t been farming Pawniard regularly, so consider using Rare Candies if you’re in a rush.
🎯 Best Moveset for Kingambit in Pokémon Go
Once you’ve evolved your Kingambit, it’s time to build a strong moveset to unleash its full potential in battle.
Recommended Moveset:
- Fast Move: Snarl (quick energy gain + STAB)
- Charged Moves:
- Kowtow Cleave: Kingambit’s signature Dark-type move. Reliable, consistent damage.
- Iron Head: Solid Steel-type option for Fairy-type counters.
Other Viable Moves:
- Night Slash (for potential boost chance)
- X-Scissor (coverage against Psychic and Grass)
- Brick Break (coverage against Ice, Rock, and Normal)
🏆 Is Kingambit Good in Pokémon Go?
In PvP (GO Battle League):
Kingambit has the potential to be a top-tier closer in PvP formats like Ultra League and Master League, depending on CP thresholds.
- Strengths: Counters Ghost, Rock, and Fairy-types; excellent closing stats.
- Weaknesses: Double weakness to Fighting; vulnerable to Fire and Ground types.
In PvE (Raids and Gyms):
Kingambit is a high-DPS Dark-type attacker, making it useful against Psychic and Ghost-type raid bosses like Mewtwo, Giratina, and Hoopa. While not as dominant as Shadow Tyranitar or Hydreigon, it’s still a worthy option in most raid lineups.
📅 Kingambit and the Crown Clash Event
If you’re wondering why Kingambit suddenly appeared in the game, it’s all thanks to the Crown Clash event, which ran from May 10 to May 18, 2025. This event marked the official Pokémon Go debut of Kingambit and introduced its unique evolution mechanic inspired by the core series titles.
During Crown Clash, players enjoyed:
- Increased Pawniard spawns
- Raid Battles featuring Bisharp and Dark/Steel-types
- Evolution bonuses and themed field research
- Avatar items inspired by Kingambit’s armor design
🎁 Missed the Event? Don’t worry! Kingambit remains available post-event—you just need to meet the same evolution requirements.
🎮 Final Tips for Trainers
- Stock Up on Candies: Farming 150 Pawniard Candy can take time—use all available candy-boosting methods.
- Watch for Events: Niantic may bring back Crown Clash-type events or themed raids featuring Pawniard.
- PvP IV Consideration: Search for high bulk stats (DEF/STA) for Great and Ultra League formats.
- Battle Buddy Glitch: Always verify that Bisharp is set as your buddy before raid victories count.
👑 Conclusion: Is Kingambit Worth the Grind?
Absolutely. Kingambit is one of the most exciting additions to Pokémon Go’s Gen IX roster, and it brings with it a fresh strategic edge—both in terms of evolution and battle capabilities. Whether you’re building your PvP arsenal or just love collecting rare and stylish Pokémon, Kingambit deserves a spot in your squad.
Now that you know the full process, it’s time to hit the gyms, raid hard, and claim your crown. After all, a samurai king like Kingambit is not meant to sit on the sidelines.
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