Releasing on November 15 for the Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Sword and Shield will introduce a whole collection of fresh Pokémon to capture. Details on the starters, the setting, and the new Pokémon powers have all been announced for these two role-playing games (“Sword” and “Shield”). This is a rundown of everything we know about Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Setting
The setting for Pokémon Sword and Shield is a new region known as Galar. Like many other regions in the series, it is based on a real-world location. In this case, Galar takes inspiration from the United Kingdom both in terms of geography and style.
The resident professor in this area is Professor Magnolia and the main villains are a group known as Team Yell. NPCs will also use regional slang common in the United Kingdom, even referring to your mother as “mum.”
Starters
One of the most important aspects of any Pokémon game is the starter Pokémon that players will be able to get their hands on. These are the first Pokémon that anyone will see. They usually have great designs in order to make sure they leave a good impression.
The three starters are Sobble, Grookey, and Scorbunny. Sobble is a frog-like water Pokémon that is shy and caring. Meanwhile, Grookey is a green monkey with a cheeky personality. Finally, Scorbunny is a fire-type Pokémon that is full of energy. And as you might have guessed from the name, Scorbunny looks like a rabbit. According to Game Freak, these are the most distinctive starting creatures ever in a Pokémon game.
Max Raid Battles
Outside towns in Pokémon Sword and Shield, you can enter environments known as Wild Areas. As in other tall grass locations, you can battle wild Pokémon by randomly encountering them. However, these special areas allow you to participate in Max Raid Battles.
These are four-player co-operative battles with extra powerful Pokémon that have their own special moves and abilities. If the players manage to defeat the monster then the party is given the opportunity to attempt to capture it.
Exclusive Pokémon
Pokémon trainers have one mission: collect them all. Doing so, though, is easier said than done because different versions in the series often have exclusive Pokémon. That means that players have to trade with others in order to get all the available creatures.
The same is true for Pokémon Sword and Shield. In Pokémon Sword, trainers will be able to catch Sirfetch’d. This is a special evolved form of Farfetch’d that can transform once it has been involved in many battles. Meanwhile, Pokémon Shield has an alternate version of Ponyta that has a cloud-like rainbow mane rather than traditional fire.
New Forms
Regional variants were first introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon. They show traditional Pokémon with alternate appearances, known as forms, to help them fit in with the local environment.
Carrying on that idea, Pokémon Sword and Shield will both feature new Galarian forms for already established Pokémon. These include a cloudy-maned Ponyta and a Weezing that appears to have a top hat and mustache. The other announced Pokémon with alternate versions are Zigzagoon and Linoone, which are now black-and-white rather than brown.
New Mechanics
More recent Pokémon have introduced new mechanics such as Z-Moves. The first of these is known as Dynamax. It allows players to transform their Pokémon into huge versions of themselves. While in this form they can use extra powerful attacks for three turns.
On the other hand, Gigantamax is another special ability that works as a super Dynamax. Only a select few Pokémon can use this ability, and it drastically changes their appearance as well as making them gigantic. They can then use unique G-Max Moves.
Legendary Pokémon
As usual, there will be several legendary Pokémon in the two new titles. Zacian and Zamazenta are wolf-life Pokémon that grace the covers of Sword and Shield respectively. They resemble heraldic creatures that are common on coats of arms found throughout the region.
Zamazenta seems to have a shield incorporated into its design, covering its body. Conversely, Zacian is a more nimble monster that has what appears to be a sword in its mouth.
There is plenty about Pokémon Sword and Shield to keep fans excited. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are each available for pre-order now, and will be released on November 15, 2019.
Will you be getting them? Let us know in the comments below what you are looking forward to!
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