Shaymin is one free encounter that players can have in Pokémon Legends: Arceus if they meet the right requirements.

First Published February 4, 2022, 06:27

Shaymin is among the plethora of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. However, this Grass-type isn’t encountered in the same as most other rare Pokémon in the new open-world title from Game Freak. Instead, players will need to have a specific save file from a different Pokémon title on their Nintendo Switch. 

Unlike in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Shaymin has been available in Pokémon Legends: Arceus from the get-go. However, since it’s not a traditional encounter, some players are completely unaware they can catch this Mythical Grass-type. Shaymin falls under the same category as Darkrai in Legends: Arceus, as they need a save file from a previous Pokémon game. Darkrai required a save file from Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl while Shaymin requires one from Sword and Shield. 

Below, you can see the steps you need to take to catch Shaymin if you have a Sword and Shield save file on Nintendo Switch you’re playing Legends: Arceus on. 

How to catch Shaymin in Pokémon Legends: Arceus

The first thing to remember when catching Shaymin is to have the Sword and Shield save file on the same Switch profile you’re currently playing Legends: Arceus. If you do, then follow the steps to catch Shaymin. 

However, this can’t be done until the post-game of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This means you need to complete the main story of the game first, then hunt down the Mythical Pokémon.

To do that, head to the Galaxy Team Building located in Jubilife Village. Go into Professor Laventon’s office inside of the building and read her board to take on Request 92: A Token of Gratitude. 

After accepting the request, Medi will direct you to a flower patch in Gracidea where Shaymin will be waiting for you to battle and catch it.

The battle with Shaymin requires you to weaken it first and then you can bring out your party Pokémon to further weaken it into the red health and then throw an Ultra Ball at it. With enough luck, you’ll capture Shaymin and add it to your team. 

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Shaymin can transform into its Sky Forme using the Gracidea item on it. This form of Shaymin gains the Flying-type along with its base Grass-type.

The Sky Forme is also faster than the regular form of Shaymin, so it’s quite useful in battle. Its Sky Forme can only be used during the daytime but as of the time of writing, it’s unclear where you can get the Gracidea item in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. 

That’s the only legitimate way to capture Shaymin in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. 

Featured image courtesy of Game Freak.

Written by Joseph Carr

Joey Carr is a full-time writer for multiple esports and gaming websites. He has 6+ years of experience covering esports and traditional sporting events, including DreamHack Atlanta, Call of Duty Championships 2017, and Super Bowl 53.

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