Pokémon Sword & Shield: Complete Guide
Sword & Shield Pokédex →Pokémon Sword and Shield are the eighth-generation games, released for the Nintendo Switch in November 2019. They are set in Galar, a region inspired by Great Britain, and they were the first mainline games designed from the ground up for a home console.
Their big ideas were Dynamax, a temporary giant-sized battle form, and the Wild Area, a large open space where the camera is free and Pokémon roam in the grass in plain sight. Gym battles take place in packed stadiums, and the Gym Challenge feels like a national sports event.
They suit players who like the idea of Pokémon as a spectator sport, and anyone who wants a more streamlined, accessible adventure.
Sword & Shield quick facts
| Release date | November 15, 2019 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Nintendo Switch |
| Region | Galar |
| Generation | Generation VIII |
| Versions | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield |
| New Pokémon | 81 new species |
| Starters | Grookey, Scorbunny and Sobble |
| Legendary and Mythical | Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, Calyrex, Regieleki, Regidrago, Glastrier and Spectrier |
Story and structure
This section is spoiler-free and focuses on the structure.
You live in the village of Postwick and receive your first Pokémon from the region's Champion, who is also your friend's older brother. Together you enter the Gym Challenge, a tournament that culminates in a series of knockout matches.
While you travel, a rival with a competitive streak pushes you, and the head of a major company announces a plan to solve the region's energy needs. The two threads eventually meet.
The Gym Challenge
Eight Gym Leaders await in stadiums, each preceded by a mission. The leaders use Dynamax in their final battles, and the whole event is broadcast to crowds.
The Champion Cup
After the Gym Challenge, a final tournament leads to a battle with the Champion. It is held in a large stadium and has a distinctly dramatic feel.
Afterwards, the story continues with a legendary Pokémon and additional challenges.
New mechanics explained
Dynamax and Gigantamax
In specific places, a Pokémon can grow to enormous size for three turns. Its HP rises, and its moves become more powerful Max Moves. A few Pokémon have a special Gigantamax form.
Tip: Use Dynamax defensively as well as offensively, because the extra HP lets a Pokémon survive hits it normally could not.
The Wild Area
A huge open region where you can control the camera, find wild Pokémon in plain sight, and encounter different weather. Pokémon in the area can be stronger than those on regular routes.
Tip: Visit it early to pick up items, but avoid high-level Pokémon until your team is ready.
Max Raid Battles
Glowing dens in the Wild Area hold a Dynamaxed Pokémon that you fight with up to three other trainers. Beating one lets you catch it and earn rewards.
Tip: Support moves help the whole team, so pair attackers with a Pokémon that can protect or heal.
Starter Pokémon
The Champion's friend gives you your first Pokémon: three starters, each evolving twice at levels 16 and 35.
| Starter | Final form | Final typing | Evolves at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grookey | Rillaboom | Grass | Levels 16 and 35 |
| Scorbunny | Cinderace | Fire | Levels 16 and 35 |
| Sobble | Inteleon | Water | Levels 16 and 35 |
Grookey line
Scorbunny line
Sobble line
Our recommendation
For a first playthrough, we recommend Scorbunny. Cinderace is fast and strong. Grookey offers strong physical attacks and a helpful ability, and Sobble suits players who like special attackers.
Version differences
Sword and Shield share the same region and story, with differences in cover legendary and a few Gym Leaders and Pokémon.
- Sword features Zacian and Shield features Zamazenta.
- Some Gym Leaders differ between the two versions, and a number of wild Pokémon are version exclusive.
Two paid expansions, the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra, added further areas and Pokémon to both.
Keep exploring
Tips for new players
- Visit the Wild Area early. It has items you can use throughout the game.
- Use Dynamax on your best Pokémon in tough battles, but remember it lasts only three turns.
- Learn the camp feature, which lets you cook and play with your Pokémon.
- Join Max Raid Battles with friends or computer partners for rare rewards.
- Build a team with varied types, as the Gym lineup tests different strengths.
- Use the Exp. Share, which is on by default, to level your team evenly.
- Save before the Champion Cup, which is a long run of battles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Pokémon Sword and Shield?
They share the same story and region. Sword features Zacian, Shield features Zamazenta, and each has some exclusive Pokémon and Gym Leaders.
What is Dynamax?
A temporary giant form that lasts three turns and boosts HP and move power.
Do I need the expansions?
No. The base game is complete. The Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra are optional paid additions.
How many Pokémon did Sword and Shield add?
They added 81 new Pokémon, bringing the total to 890 including the expansions.