The main leg of the Pokemon Sword and Shield Crown Tundra DLC questline involves helping out (and eventually capturing) the legendary Pokemon Calyrex. But the type of Calyrex you catch ultimately depends on which of two choices you make along the way. The legend of Calyrex mentions the Pokemon’s loyal steed, a horse-like Pokemon it would ride around the region. When you first meet Calyrex after reaching Freezington, it’s floating around without its famous horse. Once the time comes, it’s up to you to write history by deciding which horse it used to ride. To do so, you lure one of two possible ponies out using either the Shaderoot Carrot or Iceroot Carrot. So which should you choose to grow?
To execute your decision, you have to first obtain the Carrot Seeds by trading eight Dynite Ore to the farmer in Freezington. If you need more Dynite Ore than what you got before reaching the town, another run of the Max Lair should be all it takes. With the seeds in hand, Calyrex identifies two patches of land it should be able to grow the various vegetables from – a nearby graveyard, and a snowy allotment. It’ll show you an image of these two spots, but you’ll have to find them yourself by going traveling just beyond town. It takes an entire bag for the Pokemon to produce a single carrot, so once you’ve made your choice, there’s no going back.
What’s the Difference Between the Shaderoot Carrot and Iceroot Carrot?
The first spot, by the graveyard, will produce a Shaderoot Carrot. This results in Calyrex riding the Ghost-type Spectrier into battle during your inevitable showdown. The second, produced by planting the seed in a snowy allotment, produces an Iceroot Carrot that spawns the Ice-type Glastrier in its place. You’ll have to fight either horse on its own back in town, so prepare a team for that. Once it retreats to the Crown Shire, the next fight will be against Calyrex sat atop your chosen steed.
Like Urshifu in the Isle of Armor, the difference between these two Pokemon is more than just their typing. They look vastly different for one, and also have a unique name, ability, and, when paired with Calyrex, a signature move. On top of that, Calyrex gains the Ice Rider or Shadow Rider ability when paired, allowing it to use both its own Unnerve ability and the ability of the chosen horse at the same time. Which horse you choose will have a dramatic difference to your team. Here’s the difference between the two possible outcomes.
Calyrex + Glastrier
Type: Psychic/Ice
Ability: Unnerve Chilling Neigh (Raises Attack when Calyrex knocks out a target and prevents the opponent from eating berries)
Signature Move: Glacial Lance
Calyrex + Spectrier
Type: Psychic/Ghost
Ability: Unnerve Grim Neigh (Raises Special Attack when Calyrex knocks out a target and prevents the opponent from eating berries)
Signature Move: Astral Barrage
How to Separate Calyrex and Spectrier/Glastrier
Though you catch Calyrex atop its trusty steed, essentially nullifying any mention of the chosen horse’s name, the two can be separated to fight as two individual legendary Pokemon. To separate Calyrex and Glastrier or Spectrier, just use the Reins of Unity on Calyrex while you have a spare slot in your party. To reunite the two, use the Reins of Unity on Calyrex while both it and Glastrier or Spectrier are in the party.
