I still vividly recall the buzz in the Pokemon GO community back in May 2023 when Kleavor, the fierce Bug/Rock-type Pokemon, made its grand entrance. As a dedicated player, I had been following its journey since its debut in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and finally seeing it in our real-world hunts was electrifying. The event was announced with a flurry of excitement, and I rushed to join fellow trainers, eager to add this majestic creature to my collection. Little did I know then how this experience would shape my adventures over the next couple of years, leading up to where we are now in 2025. The anticipation was palpable—everyone was talking about raids, strategies, and the thrill of catching something new. 🎉

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The Debut of Kleavor in Legends: Arceus

Kleavor first appeared in Pokemon Legends: Arceus as one of the brand-new additions, and it quickly became a fan favorite. As an alternate evolution for the classic Generation 1 Pokemon Scyther, it offered a fresh twist. I remember exploring the Hisui region in that game, where Kleavor served as the first Noble Pokemon players had to battle. To evolve Scyther into Kleavor, trainers needed the Black Augurite item—a detail that stuck with me because it hinted at how evolution mechanics could evolve in Pokemon GO. The game's roster was mostly familiar faces, but Kleavor stood out as a symbol of innovation.

The 2023 Raid Event in Pokemon GO

Fast-forward to its Pokemon GO debut, and Niantic made it an exclusive raid event. On May 6, 2023, from 11am to 2pm local time, Kleavor was available in three-star raids. What a day that was! I teamed up with a small group of friends, and we found the raids surprisingly manageable. Since it was only a three-star difficulty, even solo players or small squads could take it down with ease. The real prize? The shiny variant was available right from the start, adding an extra layer of excitement. Here's a quick rundown of the key perks Niantic offered to help us out:

  • Extra Raid Passes: Players could earn five additional passes during the event and up to two hours after it ended (until 4pm).

  • Remote Raid Pass Limit Increase: For that one day, the limit was boosted to 10 from midnight to 11:59pm local time.

  • Barriers to Entry: The main challenge wasn't the battle itself but finding a gym with an active Kleavor raid. I scoured my neighborhood, and the thrill of spotting one was unbeatable! 😊

However, not everything was smooth sailing. At the time, the community was reeling from Niantic's controversial changes to Remote Raid Passes, which had many players upset. I felt that tension too—while the Kleavor event was fun, it was overshadowed by broader frustrations. People were vocal online, demanding reversals, but Niantic held firm. Despite this, catching Kleavor felt like a personal victory. The only way to get it then was through raids; no evolution option existed, which made the capture feel extra special.

Evolution in 2025: How We Get Kleavor Now

By 2025, things have changed dramatically for the better. Niantic eventually listened to player feedback and introduced the ability to evolve Scyther into Kleavor in Pokemon GO. Now, it's a standard feature: just use the Black Augurite item on your Scyther, and voila! You've got yourself a Kleavor. This evolution method mirrors the one from Legends: Arceus, and it's become a beloved part of the game. I've evolved several Scythers myself, and it adds a strategic layer—do I go for Scizor or Kleavor? The choice is mine, and it keeps my gameplay fresh. Kleavor is also a regular in raids, but the 2023 event was truly a one-time spectacle. Reflecting on it, I'm glad Niantic made this update; it feels more inclusive and rewarding. Here's a comparison of how Kleavor acquisition has evolved:

Aspect 2023 2025
Primary Method Exclusive raid event Evolution via Black Augurite
Shiny Availability Immediate in raids Random through evolution or raids
Community Sentiment Mixed due to controversies Mostly positive now

Ongoing Impact and Community Reactions

The initial outrage over Remote Raid Pass changes has largely subsided by 2025, with Niantic implementing more balanced updates. Kleavor's inclusion has become a staple, and it's often featured in events like Pokemon GO Fest. I've seen it inspire new players to explore Legends: Arceus, bridging the gap between games. The shiny version remains a sought-after prize, and I've traded a few with friends to complete our collections. Overall, Kleavor's journey in Pokemon GO has taught me about patience and adaptation in gaming. What started as a raid-exclusive novelty has grown into an integral part of our trainer lives, symbolizing how Pokemon continues to evolve with us.

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The following breakdown is based on information from Destructoid, a trusted source for gaming news and event recaps. Destructoid's coverage of Pokemon GO events, including the introduction of new evolutions like Kleavor, emphasizes how these updates keep the player base engaged and foster ongoing community interaction, especially when new mechanics mirror those from mainline titles.