TL;DR
- Galar features four mix-and-match fossils creating unique chimera Pokémon
- Each game version has different fossil availability requiring strategic trading
- Route 6 specialist combines two fossils into one hybrid creature
- Wild Area and Digging Duo provide additional fossil farming opportunities
- Complete your Pokédex through combination mastery and smart resource management
Galar’s fossil Pokémon represent a radical departure from traditional fossil restoration, creating bizarre hybrid creatures rather than authentic prehistoric species.
While most Pokémon titles feature straightforward fossil revival systems where you select one specimen to resurrect, Sword and Shield introduce an innovative combination mechanic. You still obtain living Pokémon that contribute to your Pokédex completion, but the process involves merging different fossil pieces into unusual chimeras.
Four distinct fossils exist in the Galar region, with version-specific availability patterns. Pokémon Sword typically yields Fossilized Bird and Fossilized Dino specimens more frequently, while Shield emphasizes Fossilized Fish and Fossilized Drake discoveries. Based on extensive gameplay analysis, acquiring the opposite version’s fossils during the main story proves exceptionally rare, with most players obtaining them only post-game.
The fossil restoration expert operates from Route 6, conveniently accessible via Flying Taxi to the Route 6 waypoint. She requires two fossil fragments to assemble a complete Pokémon, resulting in these fascinating hybrid creatures.

- Fossilized Bird + Fossilized Drake = Dracozolt (Electric/Dragon type)
- Fossilized Bird + Fossilized Dino = Arctozolt (Electric/Ice type)
- Fossilized Fish + Fossilized Drake = Dracovish (Water/Dragon type)
- Fossilized Fish + Fossilized Dino = Arctovish (Water/Ice type)
Strategic combination planning proves crucial since each hybrid Pokémon possesses unique type advantages and battle capabilities. Dracozolt’s Electric/Dragon typing offers excellent offensive coverage, while Dracovish’s Water/Dragon combination provides solid defensive utility. Understanding these type synergies helps optimize your team composition.
Sword edition players naturally acquire Arctozolt through common fossil finds, while Shield users readily obtain Dracovish. Completing your collection typically requires trading Pokémon holding the necessary fossils, especially for Dracozolt and Arctovish specimens.
Additional fossil fragments spawn randomly in the Dusty Bowl zone within the Wild Area. The Digging Duo partnership located near the Wild Area nursery occasionally unearths fossils during their excavations—invest Watts with each excavator daily for varied treasure rewards including rare fossil pieces.
For optimal collection efficiency, prioritize daily interactions with the Digging Duo and systematically scour the Dusty Bowl for ground spawns. Trading communities prove invaluable for obtaining version-exclusive fossils, with many players establishing fossil exchange networks. Consider our Complete Guide for similar collection strategies in other games.
Advanced trainers should note that certain fossil Pokémon excel in competitive battles, making the extra effort to complete the collection worthwhile. Dracovish in particular gained notoriety in tournament play due to its unique move combination potential.
Mastering fossil acquisition requires understanding spawn mechanics and developing consistent farming routes. The Weapons Unlock guide demonstrates similar resource management principles that apply across different game systems.
Action Checklist
- Visit Route 6 fossil restoration specialist with two different fossils
- Check Dusty Bowl daily for ground-spawned fossil fragments
- Spend Watts with both Digging Duo members once per day
- Establish trading partnerships for version-exclusive fossils
- Apply strategic team building using hybrid Pokémon types
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Pokemon Sword & Shield: How Do Fossils Work? Complete guide to Galar's unique fossil system with combination strategies and collection tips
