How To Get Zacian In Pokémon Sword ?

If you’ve just completed the main storyline in Pokémon Sword and are wondering where Zacian is hiding, you’re not alone. Zacian isn’t just any Legendary — it is the poster Pokémon of the Sword version, admired for its Fairy/Steel typing, extraordinary base stats, and the majestic Crowned Sword form that completely changes the tempo of competitive battles.

Many players, however, finish the main game and still don’t know exactly how to get Zacian — and more importantly, when you actually get access to catch it.

This guide will take you step-by-step through the process, give you tips to ensure you don’t lose your only chance, share alternative ways to obtain Zacian if you’re playing Shield, and help you prepare effectively so your encounter becomes legendary — literally.

Can You Get Zacian in Pokémon Sword?

Yes — Zacian is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, which means Sword players can catch it in-game during the post-game storyline.
Players on Pokémon Shield cannot catch Zacian normally and must trade for it or transfer it using Pokémon HOME.

Why is Zacian such a big deal?

Fairy/Steel typing gives it immunity or resistance to many common moves.
Its Crowned Sword Form boosts its Attack to mind-blowing levels.
It is one of the strongest Legendaries ever introduced, even banned in some competitive formats due to how powerful it is.

If you’re here because you want a team that feels unbeatable, Zacian is the key.

Also Read: How to Get Rolycoly in Pokémon GO

Step-by-Step: How to Catch Zacian in Pokémon Sword

Before you race into the Slumbering Weald, take a breath — Zacian is not catchable until you complete the post-game questline. Many players miss this and wander endlessly.

Step 1 – Complete the Main Story

Your first goal? Defeat Champion Leon and become the new Champion of Galar. Once the ending credits roll, the main game is technically over — but Zacian still won’t be waiting for you yet.

Step 2 – Begin the Post-Game Quest (Sordward & Shielbert Arc)

Once you return to the game after credits, a new storyline begins:

A strange pair named Sordward and Shielbert arrive, claiming royal heritage.
Their actions cause Dynamax Pokémon to rampage across Galar.
You will be tasked with gathering clues, battling their forces, and restoring peace.

This storyline is mandatory to unlock Zacian. Keep following Hop and Sonia as they guide you toward Slumbering Weald.

Step 3 – Travel to the Slumbering Weald

You first visited this forest earlier in the game — but now it’s different.

Navigate deeper into the forest until you reach The Tower Summit, where the final sequence unfolds.

Step 4 – Battle Zacian Before the Capture

Once the storyline concludes, Hop will stand beside you as Zacian emerges. Before you throw a Poké Ball — you must fight it.

You cannot catch Zacian until after you defeat it in battle.
So approach this duel seriously — Zacian will be strong, fast, and ready to strike.

Preparation Checklist: What You Need Before the Fight

This encounter is an opportunity you only get once. So it’s better to arrive prepared rather than regret it later and restart from an earlier save.

✔ Recommended Levels

Make sure your Pokémon team ranges between Level 60–70 or higher.
Although Zacian comes at Level 70, strategic play can still help weaker teams succeed.

✔ Items to Carry

Ultra Balls (at least 20)
Timer Balls (10 or more – extremely useful in long battles)
Max Potions
Max Revives
Paralyze Heals (if required)
Master Ball (optional — only use if you are desperate and do NOT want risk)

✔ Smart Catching Tip

Before the battle begins:
👉 SAVE your game.
If anything goes wrong or you accidentally faint it — you can restart and try again.

🧬 Best Tactics to Weaken Zacian

Use these strategies to improve your chances:

Apply Sleep or Paralysis status conditions — this dramatically improves catch rate.
Avoid knocking it out — ideally drop it to yellow or red HP using weaker moves.
Start with Ultra Balls, then switch to Timer Balls after 10–15 turns — Timer Balls become incredibly strong late in combat.

Also Read: Best Zekrom Moveset in Pokémon GO: Full Guide for PvP, Raids & Gyms

Capturing Zacian: The Final Step

Once Zacian is weakened and affected by a status condition, it’s time to capture.
Ultra Ball…and click… shake… shake… 👀
This is the moment.

Once caught, Zacian becomes yours permanently unless traded away. This single encounter defines your Sword playthrough — make it memorable.

⚔ Get the Rusted Sword – Unlock Crowned Sword Zacian

Catching Zacian is only half the story. To truly unleash its power, you need the Rusted Sword — its legendary item.

Where is Rusted Sword obtained?

You will automatically receive it during the post-game storyline while dealing with Sordward and Shielbert.

Once Zacian holds this item, it transforms into Crowned Sword Zacian — gaining massive stat boosts and an entirely new form designed for destructive gameplay.

Why Crowned Sword Form Matters

Attack stat becomes astronomically high
New appearance and animations
Access to signature move Behemoth Blade

If you plan on using Zacian in online battles or against Dynamax raids, you do not want to skip this.

Alternate Ways to Get Zacian

Maybe you’re playing Pokémon Shield, but you want Zacian — don’t worry, you still have options.

1️⃣ Trade with Other Players

Use Link Trade with a friend
Search community Discord groups or Reddit trade posts

2️⃣ Pokémon HOME Transfer

If you have Zacian in Pokémon GO or another copy of Sword, you can transfer through Pokémon HOME.

3️⃣ Limited-Time Event Distributions

Sometimes The Pokémon Company releases Mystery Gift events where shiny Zacian is distributed — often through retailers like GameStop or online codes.
These events are rare but worth watching for.

Is Zacian Shiny-Locked?

Yes — in Pokémon Sword, Zacian cannot be encountered shiny in-game.
It is shiny-locked, meaning the only way to own a shiny Zacian is through special distribution events or trading with another player who got one legitimately.

If you see “shiny Zacian” online for sale — be cautious. Many are hacked.

How to Use Zacian Effectively (Quick Strategy Guide)

Now that you have Zacian — what do you do with it?

Zacian is naturally powerful, but pairing it with smart moves makes it unstoppable.

Recommended Moveset

Behemoth Blade
Play Rough
Close Combat
Crunch or Wild Charge

Best Team Pairings

To balance Zacian’s weaknesses (Fire & Ground type moves), consider pairing it with:

Rotom-Wash
Landorus-T
Ferrothorn (for defensive support)
Dragapult (speed synergy)

Where Zacian Dominates

Raids (especially Dynamax Pokémon — Behemoth Blade deals double damage)
Online battles (where permitted)
Story replay and exploration cleanup

You’ll quickly notice your Galar adventures feel easier — Zacian is that powerful.

Also Read: Is Cetitan Good in Pokémon GO? A Complete Gamer’s Breakdown

Final Tips Before You Go

To ensure no mistakes happen during your legendary encounter:

✔ Save your game before the battle
✔ Bring enough Ultra Balls and Timer Balls
✔ Do NOT accidentally faint Zacian
✔ Apply Sleep or Paralysis for highest catch chance
✔ Keep one open Poké-slot or box space

Your journey up to this point — battles, victories, setbacks — all lead to this:
one chance to catch Zacian and crown yourself as the true Champion of Pokémon Sword.

Final Words

Catching Zacian isn’t just a mechanical task — it’s the emotional finale of your Sword journey. Players start this game dreaming of controlling the Legendary on the box art — and finally reaching this moment feels rewarding.

If you follow this guide step-by-step, you will not miss the opportunity, you will not fail the encounter, and you will walk away with one of the strongest Pokémon ever created — waiting in your party, loyal to you, ready to turn every battle into a statement.

So prepare your team, pack your Poké Balls, and walk into the Slumbering Weald with confidence.
Zacian awaits. Go claim your legend.

How to Get Zacian in Pokémon Sword ?