Pokémon Sword and Shield have introduced a huge collection of new creatures to catch and train. Including the 81 Pokémon in these latest titles, there are now almost 900 in the franchise. So catching them all has never been such a daunting task.
Even for dedicated fans, it can be intimidating to know where to start in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Deciding which Pokémon are the best to use as you begin your adventure in Galar is difficult. This is especially true when there are so many new features and mechanics to get familiar with. Fortunately, this guide will run you through the best of the new Pokémon so you don’t waste your Poké Balls.
Drednaw
Evolving from Chewtle at level 22, Drednaw is a water type Pokémon. While its earlier form has a goofy design, the evolution looks much better and resembles a snapping turtle.
One useful ability that Drednaw has is Shell Armor. This stops opposing Pokémon from being able to land any critical hits. It is also an incredibly useful creature to Dynamax as it is an effective tank. This means it can absorb a large amount of damage while dealing plenty out as well.
Scorbunny
Choosing your starter is one of the most agonizing decisions you’ll make in any Pokémon game. Sword and Shield are no different in that respect. But which is the best Pokémon out of the three starters on offer? You get to choose between Grookey (a Grass-type), Scorbunny (a Fire-type), and Sobble (a Water-type). While all three have advantages and disadvantages, Scorbunny is perhaps the best to pick.
After all, it has a type advantage against the first gym and fire is generally a safe bet to choose in Pokémon games. Scorbunny also proves useful in later gym battles as it is powerful against ice. There are also many other new Grass-type Pokémon to capture, making Grookey less appealing.
Galarian Weezing
Just like the previous generation, Sword and Shield have introduced new alternative forms of preexisting Pokémon. As the new region of Galar is heavily influenced by the UK, the new forms are inspired by that location. The best Galarian form isn’t particularly powerful or a great fighter but it certainly looks the most interesting. Galarian Weezing becomes a Fairy-type in addition to Poison and wears a pair of handsome top hats.
Eternatus
Eternatus is one of the three legendary Pokémon in Sword and Shield. It has pretty good stats and a powerful attack known as Eternabeam. It is essentially a Dragon-type version of Hyper Beam, so it can deal a huge amount of damage.
Another great ability that Eternatus has makes it especially useful for Max Raid Battles. This is because it can learn Dynamax Cannon, a move that has a power level of 100. However, when used against a Dynamaxed Pokémon it deals double damage. As Max Raid Battles feature Dynamaxed creatures, it allows you to make short work of them.
Rookidee
Rookidee may not look imposing and will probably be overlooked by lots of players. Yet, it is a very useful Pokémon and can play an important role in your party. That’s because it can learn a variety of powerful flying moves. These are effective against several types of Pokémon you encounter throughout the game.
Like Pidgey, it can also be caught early in the game and so prove useful in the beginning. Furthermore, the creature will eventually evolve into Corviknight, which can learn Steel-type moves as well.
Gigantamax Charizard
Charizard has always been a fan favorite in the Pokémon games. In Sword and Shield, he has a brand new design thanks to the fact that he can Gigantamax. This dramatically increases the size of the creature along with its stats.
Unlike Dynamax forms, this new feature also switches the appearance of the Pokémon significantly. Charizard has perhaps the best design of all the Pokémon that can Gigantamax. It now looks like some sort of mythical dragon and is far more intimidating when compared to its usual version.
Zamazenta
Zamazenta is one of the two version-exclusive legendary Pokémon. It is only available in Pokémon Shield and is generally considered a more complete creature than its counterpart in Pokémon Sword.
The main reason for this is that Zamazenta has a focus on defense, meaning you can train it to take very little damage in most fights. However, its fighting type and steel moves also make it an excellent attacker that can quickly wipe out opponents.
Centiskorch
Centiskorch is one of the new Pokémon introduced in Sword and Shield. Not only does it have a great design that makes it attractive but it is quite also useful in battles. That is the result of it having a distinctive dual typing of Fire and Bug.
This effectively means that it is only weak against three kinds of attacks while having lots of offensive potential. Centiskorch evolves from Sizzlipede at level 28 and also has an impressive Gigantamax form.
Which new Pokémon from Sword and Shield is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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