If you’re looking for information on the key differences between Pokemon Sword and Shield, you’ve come to the right place. As with other major installments in the series, developer Game Freak has released two versions of the Gen 8 adventure, handing out Pokemon Sword and Shield between each release to help you make your purchasing decision a little trickier.
There is a lot to consider here as well. The Pokemon Sword and Shield gym leaders differ between versions, with slightly different Pokemon Sword and Shield Pokedex entries to note, as well as modified Gigantamax skins, Legendary Pokemon, and more. We cover all the important Pokemon Sword and Shield differences and special cases below, so be sure to read this to help guide you between the two games.
Pokemon Sword and Shield differences: Zacian and Zamazenta
As is the norm, each edition has a unique Pokemon Sword and Shield Legend. Zacian with a sword in his mouth will be exclusive to Pokemon Sword. Guess what game Zamazenta will be in… Pokemon Gun! No, we’re kidding; Zamazenta can be obtained in Pokemon Shield. Both Legends can be accessed through the game’s main story.
There is also a third Legendary named Eternatus, which can be obtained in both Pokemon Sword and Shield.
Pokemon Sword and Shield differences: Special wild Pokemon
Each set of Pokemon games tends to have a few wild Pokemon specific to that particular edition. For example, Pokemon Red had Ekans, Oddish, Mankey, Growlithe and a few others, Blue had Sandshrew, Vulpix, Meowth, Bellsprout and later some. This pattern has continued throughout the series and is the same for Pokemon Sword and Shield. Trading is the only way to get Pokemon that are missing in other versions. Here is the complete list of Pokemon Sword and Shield differences when it comes to wild Pokemon.
Pokemon Sword | Pokemon Shield | |
---|---|---|
one
|
deino | Larvitar |
2nd
|
Zweilous | pupitar |
3
|
Hydreigon | cruel |
4
|
Jangmo-o | grumpy |
5
|
Hakamo-o | sliggoo |
6
|
Kommo-o | good |
7
|
gothita | solosis |
8
|
Gothorita | duality |
9
|
Gotitelle | Reuniclus |
10
|
seedbed | lotad |
11th
|
Nuzleaf | lumbar |
12
|
shift | ludicolo |
13
|
frill | vullaby |
14
|
Bravery | mandibuzz |
15
|
whirlpool | spritzee |
16
|
slurry | aromatisse |
17
|
sizzling | croagunk |
18
|
sly | toxic |
19
|
saw | Bell |
20
|
Basculin (Blue Stripe)
|
Basculin (Red Striped)
|
21
|
mawile | sable |
22
|
solrock | lunaton |
23
|
Passimian | orangutan |
24
|
turtonator | dram |
25
|
Galarian Farfetch’d | Gallic Ponyta |
26
|
Sirfetch’d | Galarian Rapidash |
27
|
Galarian Darumaka | Gallic Corsola |
28
|
Gaul Darmanitan
|
Cursola |
29
|
aileron | Apple |
30
|
really (Male) | Really (Female) |
31
|
Stonjourner | Eiscue |
Pokemon Sword and Shield Gym leaders
Another aspect of Pokemon Sword and Shield that will have some minor differences has to do with gym leaders. There are two sets of Pokemon Sword and Shield Gym Leader that will vary depending on the version of the game you have:
Juxtaposition (Number four badge)
Pokemon Sword: Martial Gym Leader, Bea
Pokemon Shield: Ghost Type Gym Leader, Allister
Chirchester (number six badge)
Pokemon Sword: Rock-Type Gym Leader, Gordie
Pokemon Shield: Ice Type Gym Leader, Melony
Pokemon Sword and Shield Max Raid Battle matches
The new co-op multiplayer mode Max Raid Battles takes on Dynamax Pokemon for up to four players in the Wild Area. However, in some rare cases, you may encounter a Gigantamax Pokemon. During certain time periods, your chances of meeting a Gigantamax Pokemon will increase, and which version you have will play a role in the Pokemon you may encounter.
official Pokemon Web site He announced that between November 15 and January 2020, Pokemon Sword players are more likely to encounter Gigantamax Drednaw, while Pokemon Shield players have a higher chance to encounter Gigantamax Corviknight. The Pokemon you may encounter are set to change over time for both versions.
After finishing this adventure, you should look inside. Pokemon Legends: Arceusand approaching Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
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