Brand-new Pokémon games are on their way in 2019! Yep, that’s right: Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, the second set of mainline Pokémon titles on the Nintendo Switch, are headed to store shelves and the Nintendo Switch eShop later this year. The games were teased back in 2018, when new “core” Pokémon titles were said to be coming in the later half of 2019. Then, as Arceus willed it, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield were officially announced on February 27th, 2019, as part of a Pokémon Direct.
If you’re looking for absolutely everything to know about these upcoming games, well, look no further. We’ve done the research, we’ve scoured the internet, and we’ve put together everything we can find about these upcoming titles. Best of all, we’ll be updating this guide regularly as new information comes about! Keep scrolling to find answers to any questions you may have about the games, and be sure to head over to the additional resources section at the bottom if you want to check out some more great Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield content done by the Nintendo Wire team!
What are Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield about?
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are the debut Generation VIII Pokémon games, introducing brand-new Pokémon, a fresh, new region, and tons of new characters and gameplay mechanics. The two games take place in the “Galar” region, based on the real-life United Kingdom, with hundreds of Pokémon available to catch for players.
Players take on the role of a young Pokémon Trainer, capturing, befriending, and battling with Pokémon. They’ll travel the Galar region, beating other Pokémon Trainers, as well as tougher opponents called Gym Leaders, on their way to winning the Pokémon League Championship. Gameplay switches between freely exploring an overworld, in which players can interact with their environment, and turn-based RPG gameplay during Pokémon battles.
There are two types of battles: Wild Pokémon battles in which players fight and weaken Wild Pokémon in order to capture them with Poké Balls, and Trainer Battles, in which players fight other Pokémon Trainers and their teams of Pokémon. Each player can hold up to six Pokémon at once, with other Pokémon they catch stored away in “Boxes” to collect at any time.
Players can choose from hundreds of Pokémon in order to build their team. Each Pokémon has its own strengths and weaknesses and comes with a Type (Normal, Fighting, Flying, Poison, Ground, Rock, Bug, Ghost, Steel, Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, Dark, and Fairy — each of which are weak and strong to other Types), moves it can learn, and other traits like Abilities which can help or hinder it in battle.
What are the Starter Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
Like past games, there are three Starter Pokémon for players to choose from at the beginning of the game.
Grookey
The Grass-type Grookey, full of “boundless curiosity,” is the first of the three Starters. It’s known as the Chimp Pokémon and comes in at a height of 1’00, a weight of 11 pounds, and knows the Ability Overgrow. Grookey’s also particularly popular among members of the Nintendo Wire team!
Grookey’s confirmed to be able to learn the following moves:
- Scratch
- Razor Leaf
- Growl
- Taunt
- Wood Hammer
- Branch Poke
- Slam
- Uproar
- Knock Off
Scorbunny
The Fire-type Scorbunny, “always running about, bursting with energy,” is known as the Rabbit Pokémon and comes in at a height of 1’00, a weight of 9.9 pounds, and knows the Ability Blaze. Scorbunny is also beloved by members of the Nintendo Wire team!
Scorbunny’s confirmed to be able to learn the following moves:
- Ember
- Quick Attack
- Double Kick
- Growl
- Flame Charge
- Double-Edge
- Headbutt
Sobble
Lastly, we have Sobble, the Water-type Pokémon that is timid and “often shoots out attacks as it hides itself in the water.” This Pokémon is 1’00 tall, weighs 8.8 pounds, and knows the Ability Torrent. Also, Sobble’s pretty well-liked among members of the Nintendo Wire team!
Sobble’s confirmed to be able to learn the following moves:
- Growl
- Bind
- Water Gun
- Liquidation
- Rain Dance
- Soak
- Water Pulse
Who are the box Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
The Legendary Pokémon on the boxes of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are named Zacian and Zamazenta, respectively.
These Pokémon are “shrouded in mystery” and are “even unknown to those who live in the Galar region.” Zacian’s shining blade can cut through anything and this Legendary attacks so gracefully that its movements can even captivate its foes.
Zamazenta’s gleaming shield, meanwhile, can guard it from any attack. Its regal and majestic movements overwhelm any enemies that dare face it.
What other new Pokémon are there in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
We’re glad you asked! Beyond the three Starters and the two Legendaries, the following new Generation VIII Pokémon have been confirmed:
Gossifleur
The Flowering Pokémon Gossifleur is a new Grass-type, with Cotton Down and Regenerator as Abilities. It’s 1’4″ tall and weighs 4.9 pounds.
Gossifleur’s pollen has a healing effect and prefers lands with clean, healthy water and air. Its pollen can work on people, and used to be used in tea given to sick children throughout the Galar region as a sort of folk remedy.
Gossifleur travels over long distances by means of getting blown by the wind, controlling the direction of its travels by twisting its body and petals.
Eldegoss
Gossifleur evolves into Eldegoss, the Cotton Bloom Pokémon. Like Gossifleur, Eldegoss has Cotton Down and Regenerator as Abilities, and is a Grass-type. Eldegoss weighs 5.5 pounds and is 1’8″ tall.
This Pokémon uses its cotton fluff to protect itself from attackers. Its fluff also comes loaded with tiny seeds, which are believed to be very nutritious for both people and Pokémon. Elegoss spreads its seeds through Galar by sending them on the wind.
Wooloo
Wooloo, the Sheep Pokémon, is a Normal-type that weighs in at 13.2 pounds, is two-feet tall, and boasts the Abilities Fluffy and Run Away.
According to the official Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield website, Wooloo has an extremely fluffy body, and its fur will grow back in three months even if its been completely shorn off.
Wooloo’s fur is particularly popular in the Galar region in which the games take place, with it being used as both clothing and for carpets.
Wooloo live as a herd and tend to mimic the actions of their Trainer or herd leader. They’re also said to be pacifists, and in events where they desire to run from enemies, they will simply “roll away.”
Corviknight
Corviknight, the Raven Pokémon, comes in at a whopping 165.3 pounds. This Flying/Steel-type bird has Pressure and Unnerve as Abilities and is a massive 7’3″ tall.
Corviknight is said to be the strongest Pokémon living in the Galar skies, and that other Pokémon foolish enough to challenge it can be scared away with just a “sharp glare and cry” from the raven.
Because of Corviknight’s “superb” flying skills and intellect, many of this species work for a company called “Galar Taxi,” which helps fly people from town to town.
It appears Corviknight will be used as part of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield’s “Fly” mechanic, helping players get around the map quickly.
Drednaw
Drednaw, the Bite Pokémon, is a Water/Rock-type coming in at 3’3″ tall and 254.6 pounds. Its Abilities are Strong Jaw and Shell Armor.
According to the official games’ site, the sharp, jagged fangs of Drednaw can chomp through even rock and iron, and while it’s a heavy Pokémon, its swole muscles allow it to move quickly.
These Pokémon are known to be very vicious and it takes a talented Trainer to tame and handle them. Many Trainers who discover they can’t handle Drednaw’s viciousness will release them back into the wild.
Impidimp
Impidimp is a Dark/Fairy Pokémon that was discovered in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield’s E3 2019 demo. Not much is known about it.
Alcremie
Alcremie, the Cream Pokémon, is a Fairy-type Pokémon with a height of 1′, a weight of 1.1 pounds, and the Ability Sweet Veil.
Alcremie can produce whipped cream, which becomes “richer the happier Alcremie is feeling.” Desserts made with Alcremie’s cream are “invariably delicious,” which causes many pastry chefs to strive to have an Alcremie as their partner.
When attacked by a foe, Alcremie will throw sweet-scented cream to distract or temporarily blind them in order to allow itself time to escape. Cream that Alcremie throws for this reason will be incredibly soothing. When a foe tries to eat this cream, they’ll rapidly lose the will the fight due to fatigue.
Yamper
Good boy Yamper, the Puppy Pokémon, is a 1’tall Electric-type Pokémon that weights 29.8 pounds and boasts the Ability Ball Fetch.
Yamper is drawn to things that move quickly, tending to chase people, Pokémon, and even vehicles. Yamper also has an organ in its body that generates electricity, which is activated when Yamper runs around. Because Yamper cannot store the electricity it generates, those in the Galar region can often see Yamper running around with sparks crackling around it.
Rolycoly
Rolycoly is a Rock-type, known as the Coal Pokémon. It’s 1′-tall, weighs 26.5 pounds, and has the Abilities Steam Engine and Heatproof.
Rolycoly’s red eye can brighten dark areas, and it can use the lump of coal attached to itself like a wheel to navigate coal mines and caves. Even over rough terrain, it can travel smoothly. Until just about a hundred years ago, every single household in the Galar region had a Rolycoly due to the coal that would drop off its body. With this coal, families could easily heat their homes and cook food.
Duraludon
Duraludon, the Alloy Pokémon, is a Steel/Dragon-type coming in at a height of 5’11” and a weight of 88.2 pounds. It comes packed with the Abilities Light Metal and Heavy Metal.
While the metal that makes up Duraludon’s body is very durable, it’s also incredibly light, meaning this Pokémon is quite quick in spite of its appearance. Duraludon’s body is weak to corrosion and is known to rust easily, though.
Duraludon live in caves and mountainous areas, and their two arms have slightly different shapes, which they use to grind down surfaces for food. Duraludon and Tyranitar share a habitat in the Galar mountains, and the two species can often be found battling each other there.
What other Pokémon are in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
The following Pokémon are confirmed to be in the games as part of the “Galar Dex”:
- Charmander
- Charmeleon
- Charizard
- Caterpie
- Metapod
- Butterfree
- Pichu
- Pikachu
- Raichu
- Cleffa
- Clefairy
- Clefable
- Vulpix
- Ninetales
- Diglett
- Dugtrio
- Growlithe
- Arcanine
- Machop
- Machoke
- Machamp
- Gastly
- Haunter
- Gengar
- Onix
- Steelix
- Tyrogue
- Hitmonlee
- Hitmonchan
- Hitmontop
- Rhyhorn
- Rhydon
- Rhyperior
- Goldeen
- Seaking
- Magikarp
- Gyarados
- Eevee
- Vaporeon
- Jolteon
- Flareon
- Espeon
- Umbreon
- Leafeon
- Glaceon
- Sylveon
- Munchlax
- Snorlax
- Mew
- Hoothoot
- Noctowl
- Chinchou
- Lanturn
- Togepi
- Togetic
- Togekiss
- Wooper
- Quagsire
- Wynaut
- Wobbuffet
- Sneasel
- Weavile
- Mantyke
- Mantine
- Larvitar
- Pupitar
- Tyranitar
- Lotad
- Lombre
- Ludicolo
- Wingull
- Pelipper
- Ralts
- Kirlia
- Gardevoir
- Gallade
- Electrike
- Manectric
- Budew
- Roselia
- Roserade
- Wailmer
- Wailord
- Trapinch
- Vibrava
- Flygon
- Feebas
- Milotic
- Duskull
- Dusclops
- Dusknoir
- Snorunt
- Glalie
- Froslass
- Combee
- Vespiquen
- Drifloon
- Drifblim
- Bronzor
- Bronzong
- Riolu
- Lucario
- Hippopotas
- Hippowdon
- Snover
- Abomasnow
- Roggenrola
- Boldore
- Gigalith
- Woobat
- Swoobat
- Tympole
- Palpitoad
- Seismitoad
- Sawk
- Maractus
- Trubbish
- Garbodor
- Minccino
- Cinccino
- Vanillite
- Vanillish
- Vanilluxe
- Frillish
- Jellicent
- Joltik
- Galvantula
- Axew
- Fraxure
- Haxorus
- Golett
- Golurk
- Rufflet
- Braviary
- Deino
- Zweilous
- Hydreigon
- Bunnelby
- Diggersby
- Pancham
- Pangoro
- Espurr
- Meowstic
- Swirlix
- Slurpuff
- Inkay
- Malamar
- Helioptile
- Heliolisk
- Hawlucha
- Goomy
- Sliggoo
- Goodra
- Pumpkaboo
- Gourgeist
- Bergmite
- Avalugg
- Noibat
- Noivern
- Grubbin
- Charjabug
- Vikavolt
- Wishiwashi
- Mudbray
- Mudsdale
- Stufful
- Bewear
- Bounsweet
- Steenee
- Tsareena
- Wimpod
- Golisopod
- Mimikyu
- Jangmo-o
- Hakamo-o
- Kommo-o
What new moves are in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
New moves will be debuting in Pokémon Sword and Shield! Here are the confirmed ones so far:
- Branch Poke (Grass-type): Not much is known about this move, other than the fact that Grookey can learn it.
- Unnamed Move (Steel-type, 140 Power): As part of a contest in Japanese magazine CoroCoro, a winner will be able to name this move.
What new Abilities are in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
New Abilities will be debuting in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Here are the confirmed ones so far:
- Ball Fetch: If the Pokémon is not holding an item, it will fetch the Poké Ball from the first failed throw of the battle. Yamper is confirmed to have this Ability.
- Cotton Down: Lowers the Speed of a Pokémon that attacks a Pokémon with this Ability. Gossifleur and Eldegoss are confirmed to have this Ability.
- Steam Engine: Drastically increases Speed when hit by a Fire-type or Water-type move. Rolycoly is confirmed to have this Ability.
Where do Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield take place?
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield take place in the Galar region, an industrial region based off the real-world United Kingdom.
Players will start the game off in the south of the region and work their way up north as they push to become the Galar region Pokémon Champion. Several large grassy locations, like the Wild Area and cities can be seen on the Galar region map, along with fields, forests, mountains, and caves.
Do Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield play like Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!?
Kind of. But also not really. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield return to the gameplay seen in other mainline titles like Pokémon: Red Version and Pokémon: Blue Version all the way to Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon. Wild Pokémon are encountered through random encounters again instead of being seen in the overworld prior to battle. Players are also able to battle Wild Pokémon before catching them, rather than jumping straight to catching them.
Do Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield play like Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun, and Pokémon Ultra Moon?
Mostly, yes, but also kind of no. The Gyms that were present in all mainline games up until Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon are returning in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. In Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, Gyms were replaced by “trials.”
What are the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield version exclusive features?
Like all Pokémon mainline games, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield have a number of Pokémon and features that can only be obtained in one of the games. In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, both Pokémon and Gyms are exclusive to one version or the other.
Exclusive to Pokémon Sword
- The Fighting-type Gym, along with Gym Leader Bea
- Deino
- Zweilous
- Hydreigon
- Jangmo-o
- Hakamo-o
- Kommo-o
Exclusive to Pokémon Shield
- The Ghost-type Gym, along with Gym Leader Allister
- Larvitar
- Pupitar
- Tyranitar
- Goomy
- Sliggoo
- Goodra
Who are the Gym Leaders in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
The following Gym Leaders have been confirmed for the game:
Milo
Milo is the Gym Leader of the first Gym, located in the south of Galar. Milo specializes in the Grass-type and has an Eldegoss, which he Dynamaxes during battle.
Nessa
Nessa is the Water-type Gym Leader. She has a Drednaw, which she Dynamaxes during battle.
Bea
Bea is a Fighting-type Gym Leader exclusive to Pokémon Sword. She has a Hitmontop.
Allister
Allister is a Ghost-type Gym Leader exclusive to Pokémon Shield. She has a Mimikyu.
Who’s your rival in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
“Hop” is the name of your rival in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
He’s a friendly character who starts his journey at the same time as the player. He’s also Champion Leon’s brother, and his goal is to become Champion just like him.
Who’s the professor in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
Pokémon Sword and Shield’s tree-named professor is Professor Magnolia, an elderly female professor who is studying Dynamax.
Who’s the Pokémon League Champion in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
The Galar League Champion is named Leon.
He’s extremely popular in Galar and has the title of “The Greatest Trainer.” He’s also the older brother of the player’s rival, Hop.
What other new characters are in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
The following new characters are also in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Sonia
Sonia is the granddaughter of Professor Magnolia and a childhood friend of Leon.
She’s a research who works with her grandmother.
Chairman Rose
Chairman Rose was introduced in a trailer released on July 8th, 2019.
He is the chairman of the Galar Pokémon League and the first person to endorse Leon as Champion.
Oleana
Oleana was introduced in a trailer released on July 8th, 2019.
She is Chairman Rose’s secretary and vice president of his company.
What else is new in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
Wild Area
The Wild Area is a new, open area that acts as a connection between a number of towns in Galar. Wild Pokémon will visibly appear in the overworld in the Wild Area. Pokémon found in the Wild Area varies depending on the weather in the Wild Area; for example, if it’s raining, more Water-type Pokémon will appear.
Pokémon will behave differently based on their species; for instance, some will charge at the player while others will run away. Players can approach Pokémon slowly by using the Control Stick. Players can also whistle to attract their attention.
Red pillars of light can sometimes be seen in the Wild Area. These denote Pokémon Dens. By going to a Pokémon Den and interacting with it, players can start a Max Raid Battle with a Dynamax Pokémon.
The following locations are currently known to live within the Wild Area:
- South Lake Miloch
- Rolling Fields
- East Lake Axewell
- Watchtower Ruins
Dynamax and Gigantamax
Dynamaxing
Dynamax and Gigantamax are new gameplay mechanics introduced in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. These are temporary Pokémon transformations that occur in battle, invoked by using a “Dynamax Band.” Dynamaxing dramatically increases a Pokémon’s physical size, changes its moves, and increases its stats. It can be used once per battle, lasts for three turns, and can only be performed in certain areas, like special arenas in Gyms.
Max Moves
Every move a Pokémon knows will be transformed into a “Max Move” while they are Dynamaxed. Max Moves are more powerful than regular moves.
The following Max Moves have been confirmed so far:
- Max Airstream (Flying-type): Boosts the user’s Speed.
- Max Darkness (Dark-type): Lowers the target’s Special Defense.
- Max Flare (Fire-type): Activates harsh sunlight.
- Max Geyser (Water-type): Activates rain.
- Max Guard (Normal-type): Enables the user to protect itself from all attacks, with chance of failure increasing if used in succession.
- Max Knuckle (Fighting-type): Unknown.
- Max Lightning (Electric-type): Activates Electric Terrain.
- Max Overgrowth (Grass-type): Activates Grassy Terrain.
- Max Rockfall (Rock-type): Activates a Sandstorm.
- Max Starfall (Fairy-type): Activates Misty Terrain.
- Max Steelspike (Steel-type): Boosts the user’s Defense.
- Max Strike (Normal-type): Lowers the target’s Speed.
Gigantamaxing
Gigantamaxing, meanwhile, not only boosts a Pokémon’s physical size, but also its physical appearance. Gigantamaxing can only occur on special occasions with Pokémon caught through Max Raid Battles. Gigantamax Pokémon receive special “G-Moves.”
The following Pokemon are confirmed to have Gigantamax forms. Their confirmed G-Moves are also listed:
Alcremie
“The cream pouring out of its body hardens when subjected to impacts—the stronger the impact, the harder it becomes. This gives Alcremie a truly impressive resistance to physical attacks. Additionally, the giant “Berry” decorations on Alcremie’s body are as hard as diamonds, and it’s said that most attacks won’t even be able to leave a scratch. Alcremie will launch high-calorie cream missiles around itself to attack its opponents. Any Pokémon that touches this cream will be filled with energy and euphoria but at the same time will fall into a state of complete confusion.“
G-Max Finale: “Fairy-type moves used by Gigantamax Alcremie will change to G-Max Finale. G-Max Finale will heal all Pokémon on Alcremie’s side while dealing damage to an opponent!”
Corviknight
“Corviknight uses its massive wings to catch updrafts created by Gigantamax energy to hover in the air while it battles. The armor on its body has been reinforced, so attacks from Pokémon on the ground barely have any effect on it! Gigantamax energy has caused the armor covering Corviknight’s wings to separate and become blade birds, capable of flying independently. Corviknight launches these blade birds at the target, using them to slash its opponents.”
G-Max Wind Rage: “Flying-type moves used by Gigantamax Corviknight will change to G-Max Wind Rage. G-Max Wind Rage deals damage to an opponent, but that’s not all—it will also remove any effects of moves like Reflect, Light Screen, Spikes, and Electric Terrain that the opponents may have!”
Drednaw
“The power of Gigantamaxing has allowed it to stand on its hind legs and become bipedal! From its standing position, it can come crashing down on opposing Pokémon and crush them with its massive body! Drednaw normally keeps its neck retracted within its shell, but when it attacks, it can rapidly shoot its neck out. Its jaws are also incredibly strong, capable of easily biting through huge metal towers. The strength of its jaws combined with the force of its neck gives Drednaw the power to punch a hole through a rocky mountain in a single strike.”
G-Max Stonesurge: “Water-type moves used by Gigantamax Drednaw will change to G-Max Stonesurge. G-Max Stonesurge doesn’t just deal damage to an opponent—it will scatter sharp rocks around the opponent and cause Pokémon entering the battlefield to take damage!”
Max Raid Battles
Max Raid Battles are new types of battles against Wild Dynamax Pokémon. During Max Raid Battles, up to three other players can connect using the “Y-Comm” over the internet or via local wireless, and work together to catch the Dynamax Pokémon. If three other players cannot be found, NPC-controlled “Support Trainers” will be added to the battle in their place.
Dynamaxed Pokémon that can be found during Max Raid Battles change every day. Which Pokémon appear is also dependent on the weather. Some Pokémon are also exclusive to Max Raid Battles. Some Max Raid Battles also have limits, like a 10-turn one, for instance.
During Max Raid Battles, all four participating Pokémon can target each other or the Dynamaxed opponent. Only one player can activate Dynamax during a Max Raid Battle, though, which will last for three turns until it expires. The player can can Dynamax rotates each turn, and once a player uses Dynamax, no other player can.
The enemy Pokémon in a Max Raid Battle can use multiple attacks each turn, including moves that aren’t Max Moves. When the Max Raid Pokémon’s HP drops to a certain level, it will use a protection guard that will need to be attacked and depleted before the Max Raid Pokémon can receive damage again. This protection guard uses “bars” to indicate its health, and each attack a player’s Pokémon uses on it will deplete one bar.
Once the Max Raid Pokémon is defeated, the player will be able to capture it.
The Rotom Pokédex is returning in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, this time as the “Rotom Phone”
Rotom returns from Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon in its role as the player’s Pokédex. This time, though, it’s as part of the “Rotom Phone,” a device that includes not only the Rotom Pokédex, but a slew of other new features.
The bike is returning in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
The Pokémon series’ staple means of transportation, the bike, is returning in Pokémon Sword and Shield. The Rotom Phone can be attached to the bike to help it move faster and over water, too.
Multiplayer functions in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are handled by the “Y-Comm”
The “Y-Comm” is the successor to features like the C-Gear, Player Search System, and Festival Plaza interfaces from previous Pokémon games. The Y-Comm is used for trading Pokémon and Link Battles over both local wireless and the internet. A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for online play.
Multiplayer requests from other players will arrive through “stamps” on the left side of the overworld screen. Players can open the Y-Comm menu using the “Y” Button and respond to these requests, including ones to join Max Raid Battles.
Will all Pokémon from past games be available in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
No, not all Pokémon will be available in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. While past games in the series have always had a method for bringing over all existing Pokémon into the games (Pokémon not native to the Alola region in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon could be transferred over through Pokémon Bank), Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield will be the first mainline games in the franchise to not include all existing Pokémon. Any Pokémon not in the “Galar Dex” will not be in the game at all.
The games’ director, Junichi Masuda, has stated this was a “difficult decision” to make in a response to fan outcry regarding the news. Prior to this statement, Masuda and fellow designer Shigeru Ohmori said that there is “currently no decision” regarding whether all Pokémon will be patched into the games at a later date.
Will Mega Evolutions be in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
No, Mega Evolutions will not be available in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. These special Pokémon forms debuted in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y for the Nintendo 3DS and appeared in every game (including Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!) thereafter, but will not be making a return in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
Will Z-Moves be in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
No, Z-Moves will not be available in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. These high-powered attacks debuted in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon for the Nintendo 3DS and reappeared in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon. They were absent in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! and will also be absent in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
Are there special pre-order bonuses or bundles for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield?
Why, yes! There’s a Pokémon Sword and Shield Double Pack that will get you both games and codes for two sets of “Dynamax Crystals,” one for each version. By using these, you can face off against Dynamax Larvitar and Dynamax Jangmo-o in Max Raid Battles earlier than usual and regardless of version (in regular battles, Larvitar is exclusive to Sword and Jangmo-o is exclusive to Shield.) The Dynamax Crystals can only be redeemed in one save file.
There’s also the plush keychain bundle you can get from ordering either Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield from the Pokémon Center store. Orders from here will come with a free, random plush keychain of Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble. “Early purchases” will also get 12 in-game Quick Balls.
For those in the UK (or those who want to import), there’s the Pokemon Sword and Shield Dual Pack, which comes with both games (in their original, plastic cases) and a “golden dual card steelbook” for storing both cartridges.
For those also in the UK/want to import, there’s also ShopTo.net’s special bonuses. Pre-orders of the standard game will include a tracksuit for your character to wear, while the Dual Pack will not only come with a steelbook, but also those tracksuits and a 21 cm figurine of the three starters, Sobble, Grookey, and Scorbunny.
These exclusive tracksuits are also available by pre-ordering at GAME in the UK and Spain and Smyths Toys in the UK.
What can I play Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield on?
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are Nintendo Switch-exclusive games, meaning you can only play them on a Nintendo Switch system.
When does Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield come out?
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield will release worldwide on November 15th, 2019. You’ll be able to purchase physical copies at your favorite game retailer or digital copies on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
UPDATE HISTORY
7/8/2019 (9:55 a.m. PST): Article launched!
7/10/2019 (8:20 a.m. PST): Added ShopTo.net, GAME, and Smyths Toys pre-order bonus information.
Additional resources
Looking for more Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield content? Oh, boy, do we have some goodies for you. Check out the following for even more Galar region fun:
- Check out our analysis on “Dexit” — the news that not all Pokémon will be available in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. It’s a multi-parter, so be sure to read both part one and part two!
- We got to play a bit of the games! Read through our E3 2019 demo impressions of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield!
- We did a little breakdown of the Galar region after it was first revealed back in June 2019!
- We also did a breakdown of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield’s characters in June 2019!
Written by Daniel Dell-Cornejo
Daniel is an editor at Nintendo Wire. Always with his head in the clouds, he is never apart from his creative thoughts – a blessing for an aspiring fiction writer. As a journalist and lifelong gamer, he aims to provide readers with the very best in Nintendo coverage.
