Tyranitar returns to Pokémon Sword & Shield. Well, just Shield actually. Here is how to catch one, and what Sword players can do to get one.

Pokémon Sword & Shield is the latest game in the long-running Pokémon Series. The name is a bit deceptive, as they are technically two separate games, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. Each generation of Pokémon has split up the games like this, with some even having a third version. The games are basically the same but do have some variations. Certain Pokémon will only appear in one version of the game, they have different gyms, different characters, etc.

In order to complete their Pokédex, one of the Pokémon that players must catch is Tyranitar. Tyranitar is a Rock/Dark-type Pokémon and first appeared in Pokémon Gold & Silver. It is a Pokémon that has three evolutions. First is Larvitar, which is a rock/ground type Pokémon. Upon reaching level 30 it evolves into a Pupitar and then becomes a Tyranitar at level 55 as well as changing type to rock/dark.

How to Catch Tyranitar in Pokémon Sword & Shield

As mentioned earlier, there are two versions of the game. Which version a player chooses to play is usually unimportant, but in this case, it does matter. Tyranitar can only be found in Pokémon Shield. It’s bad news for players who only have Pokémon Sword, but there is hope. They can trade a Pokémon Shield player for a Tyranitar. Perhaps they will offer a Pokémon exclusive to Pokémon Sword in return.

For those who have Pokémon Shield, Tyranitar can be found in the Dusty Bowl, which is located within the Wild Area in any weather condition. Its earlier evolutions Larvitar and Pupitar can both be found just beyond the Lake of Outrage. To get to the area where they show up, players will need to have unlocked the bike upgrade that allows them to travel across water. The Pokémon have a small chance to show up, but they can be found if the player wanders around in the tall grass.

Whichever evolution the player goes after, an easy way to capture the wild Pokémon is by using a Quick Ball. Simply throw it at the Pokémon at the beginning of battle, and it has a good chance of capturing the Pokémon outright, with no fighting required. While it is true that this may not be the most fun way to capture a Pokémon, it does ensure that players won’t accidentally deal too much damage through a super effective attack or a critical hit, causing the wild Pokémon to faint and forfeiting the chance at capture.

Pokémon Sword & Shield is available now on Nintendo Switch.