How to Evolve Rhydon in Pokémon Sword and Shield

Back in the fourth generation of Pokémon, Rhydon was one of the older Pokémon to receive a late-stage evolution, alongside the likes of Magmar, Electibuzz, Tangela, and more. The evolution of Rhydon to Rhyperior is a bit doofy, appearance-wise, but Rhyperior does have cool rock-launchers in its arms, not to mention pretty good stats, so you certainly can’t go wrong with having one on retainer. Here’s how to evolve Rhydon in Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Much like the other Gen 4 late-stage evolutions, Rhydon’s evolution into Rhyperior requires a special held item, the Protector. It’s a stiff, heavy red thing, and you’re not gonna find it lying around on the ground somewhere. Or, well, you will actually, but not anywhere you’d normally look. 

How to Evolve Rhydon in Pokémon Sword and Shield

Head to Circhester Bay on Route 9 and use Surf to ride out onto the water. Float past all the trainers on the road until you spot one standing next to a sign. Follow the water to that trainer’s immediate right, and keep going until you find a little island with an item PokéBall on it. In this ball, you’ll find the Protector. Bear in mind, using a Protector to evolve a Rhydon will consume it, so if you want to do this more than once, you’ll need to buy another Protector from the Watt Trader at the Hammerlocke Pokémon Center for 10 Battle Points, obtained from the Battle Tower.

When you’ve got your Protector, give it to your Rhydon to hold onto. Now all you have to do is trade it with someone, and it’ll evolve into Rhyperior, so call up a friend, preferably one that you know won’t try to steal your Pokémon from you, and have them do a trade and trade-back with you. Unfortunately, Rhydon will evolve into Rhyperior after the first trade, so if you were hoping to see the big moment yourself, you’re gonna be a little disappointed.