How to evolve Onix in Pokemon Sword

The Pokemon Sword and Shield Metal Coat to evolve Onix into Steelix is a lovely item to have, as Steelix is a great Pokemon in any team with its defensive stats and selection of powerful ground/steel attacks. That's why we'll lay out how to find the Metal Coat item in Pokemon Sword and Shield, and explain how you can evolve Onix into Steelix.

Where to catch Onix in Pokemon Sword and Shield

Everybody loves Onix, the Pokemon made out of stacked up rocks... You can find Onix in Pokemon Sword and Shield out in the open in the Wild Area. It’s quite an easy creature to spot given its build, and it’s usually one of the first you’ll spot on your first trip to Sword and Shield’s open-world area. Given that it’s a Rock and Ground type you want to look out for the Intense Sun or Sandstorm weather effects when you’re hunting Onix. In the early game you can grab one in East Lake Axwell, with more powerful versions found in Giant’s Seat and Motostoke Riverbank.

To pick up the Metal Coat you need to be beyond Route 6. If so, make your way to Stow-on-Side. Head to the westernmost part of the city to find an alley that leads to a ladder and then another ladder that takes you up onto the rooftops of the city. From there, walk down the ramp and then you’ll see two bags on the edge of the roof to the north, west of an NPC you can talk to.

How to evolve Onix into Steelix in Pokemon Sword and Shield

Metal Coat collected, find yourself a trusted friend (the most difficult part of this guide) and ask them if they’d be willing to conduct a back and forth trade with you. Send them your Onix whilst it holds the fabled Metal Coat and upon trading it will transform into Steelix. It is then the responsibility of your lovely friend to send Steelix back to you unscathed. To equip the item simply find the Metal Coat in your menu and with Onix in your party, select the option to make it hold the item.

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Jordan Oloman has hundreds of bylines across outlets like GamesRadar+, PC Gamer, USA Today, The Guardian, The Verge, The Washington Post, and more. Jordan is an experienced freelance writer who can not only dive deep into the biggest video games out there but explore the way they intersect with culture too. Jordan can also be found working behind-the-scenes here at Future Plc, contributing to the organization and execution of the Future Games Show.