Pokemon Sword and Shield Protector: How to evolve Rhydon into Rhyperior

Pokemon sword and Shield Gym — (Image credit: Nintendo)

The Pokemon Sword and Shield Protector is needed to evolve Rhydon into Rhyperior, a tanky colossus that's a powerful addition to any team in Pokemon Sword and Shield. But the Protector isn't easy to find, and even getting a Rhydon can be a little tricky without knowing where to look first. That's why we've put together this guide on how to find Rhydon and Rhyhorn in Sword and Shield, as well as how you can evolve them into Rhyperior by finding a Protector item.

How to get Rhydon in Pokemon Sword and Shield

The big Rock-type pocket monster Rhydon can be found in Pokemon Sword and Shield by heading to Route 10, where there’s a 25% chance it can appear in the long grass. Beyond that, there’s also a really solid chance to find him roaming around as one of the bigger solo monsters to fight in the lower end of Dusty Bowl in the Wild Area. You could also find a Rhyhorn in the Motostoke Riverbank section of the Wild Area and level it up to 42 so that it evolves into Rhydon. Look out for the Intense Sun or Sandstorm weather symbols, as if they are in effect they will make you more likely to find both Rhydon and Rhyhorn in the wild. As always, if you’ve got a friend with a spare, set up a trade!

Where to get a Protector in Pokemon Sword and Shield

Now that you’ve wrangled a Rhydon, you need to find the item necessary to evolve it into Rhyperior. To find the Protector you have to head to Route 9 (specifically Circhester Bay) and ride out into the water, past all the trainers until you see a trainer standing next to a sign post. Go up and around so you’re on his right hand side and progress further to the right in the water until you find a little cay with a Pokeball sitting there. You’ve found the Protector!

You can also pick up a Protector from the Hammerlocke Pokemon Center. Speak to the Watt Trader lass to the side of the Pokemart vendors and she will offer you a Protector for 10 BP. You earn Battle Points by fighting in the Battle Tower, which is only available in the postgame of Pokemon Sword and Shield.

How to evolve Rhydon into Rhyperior in Pokemon Sword and Shield

Now you’ve got the item, you need to get in touch with a trusted friend who also owns Pokemon Sword and Shield. Simply use Link Trade to set up a direct connection and send your friend your Rhydon while it's holding onto the Protector.

To equip the item head into the menu and make your Rhydon hold the Protector so that it goes with the monster when you send it over the internet to your friend. When you get it back the Rhydon will have evolved into the superior Rhyperior, and the evolutionary process will come to an end. Simple!