Pokémon Sword or Shield: version differences and exclusives (2023)

By Emma Boyle

Contributions from

Vic Hood

last updated

The Pokémon Sword or Shield comparison you've been waiting for

Pokémon Sword or Shield: version differences and exclusives (1)

(Image: © The Pokemon Company)

Jump to:

  • Version-exclusive Pokémon
  • Sword exclusive Pokémon
  • Shield exclusive Pokémon
  • Version-exclusive Gyms
  • Legendary Pokémon
  • Version-exclusive curry ingredients
  • Isle of Armor DLC differences
  • Crown Tundra DLC differences

Pokémon Sword or Shield is a question bothering many Trainers-to-be, since choosing between two versions of the same Pokémon game can be confusing.

You're certainly not alone if you feel similarly stuck. Since the very beginning, Pokémon games have had two versions, with different names and box art. These are just the surface-level differences, however, as there are many more once you begin. Certain Pokémon are exclusive to particular versions, for example, and the list of gyms you can encounter while playing will be different depending on which you pick up.

(Video) Pokemon Sword And Shield Exclusives And Differences Explained

For some players, this admittedly won’t make an iota of difference. However, since Pokémon Sword and Shield actually feature more contrasts between them than previous generations did, it’s definitely not a bad idea to know what those are before you commit. It's always possible to find someone to trade with if you have missed out – and you can always buy both versions if you want to – but that's a bit of a hassle and can be avoided if you want an easier life.

Here's what the differences between Pokémon Sword and Shield are, from exclusive Pokémon to gyms you can take on.

Pokémon Sword or Shield: version differences

Pokémon Sword and Shield: version-exclusive Pokémon

To help you decide whether Pokémon Sword or Shield is the one for you, we’ve compared both versions - as well as their DLC releases - so that you can feel confident in your decision either way.

Pokémon Sword exclusives

  • Deino (Dark/Dragon)
  • Hydreigon (Dark/Dragon)
  • Jangmo-o (Dragon)
  • Kommo-o (Dragon/Fighting)
  • Hakamo-o (Dragon/Fighting)
  • Farfetch'd (Normal/Flying)
  • Sirfetch'd (Fighting)
  • Zweilous (Dark/Dragon)
  • Gothita (Psychic)
  • Gothorita (Psychic)
  • Gothitelle (Psychic)
  • Turtonator (Fire/Dragon)
  • Seedot (Grass)
  • Nuzleaf (Grass/Dark)
  • Shiftry (Grass/Dark)
  • Mawile (Steel/Fairy)
  • Solrock (Rock/Psychic)
  • Basculin (Water)
  • Darumaka (Ice)
  • Darmanitan (Ice)
  • Scraggy (Dark/Fighting)
  • Scrafty (Dark/Fighting)
  • Rufflet (Normal/Flying)
  • Braviary (Normal/Flying)
  • Swirlix (Fairy)
  • Slurpuff (Fairy)
  • Passimian (Fighting)
  • Coalossal, Gigantamax Raid native to Sword but can be shared (Rock/Fire)
  • Flapple, Gigantamax Raid native to Sword but can be shared (Grass/Dragon)
  • Stonjourner (Rock)
  • Indeedee, Male (Psychic/Normal)

Pokémon Shield exclusives

  • Goomy (Dragon)
  • Sliggo (Dragon)
  • Goodra (Dragon)
  • Larvitar (Rock/Ground)
  • Pupitar (Rock/Ground)
  • Tyranitar (Rock/Ground)
  • Galarian Ponyta (Psychic)
  • Solosis (Psychic)
  • Duosion (Psychic)
  • Reuniclus (Psychic)
  • Drampa (Normal/Dragon)
  • Vullaby (Dark/Flying)
  • Mandibuzz (Dark/Flying)
  • Gengar, Gigantamax Raid native to Shield but can be shared (Ghost/Poison)
  • Lapras, Gigantamax Raid native to Shield but can be shared (Water/Ice)
  • Cursola (Ghost)
  • Lotad (Water/Grass)
  • Lombre (Water/Grass)
  • Ludicolo (Water/Grass)
  • Sableye (Dark/Ghost)
  • Lunatone (Rock/Psychic)
  • Croagunk (Poison/Fight)
  • Toxicroak (Poisin/Fight)
  • Basculin, Blue-stripe form (Water)
  • Spritzee (Fairy)
  • Aromatisse (Fairy)
  • Oranguru (Normal/Psychic)
  • Appletun Gigantamax Raid native to Shield but can be shared (Grass/Dragon)
  • Eiscue (Ice)
  • Indeedee, Female (Psychic/Normal)

Pokémon Sword and Shield: version-exclusive Gyms

Pokémon Sword or Shield: version differences and exclusives (3)

Sword and Shield also have version-exclusive gyms so, depending on which version you pick, you will find yourself facing an exclusive Gym Leader with their own type-focus.

Pokémon Black and White had a similar scenario where, depending on which version you picked, you found yourself battling either Drayden or Iris. That said, both Drayden and Iris used Dragon-types, so you likely weren't having a hugely different experience.

This time, though, the version-exclusive Gym Leaders are different people who also use different types.

Pokémon Sword's exclusive gyms are:

  • Bea, the Fighting-type leader
  • Gordie, the Rock-type leader

While in Pokémon Shield you'll be battling against:

  • Allister, the Ghost-type leader
  • Melony, the Ice-type leader

If facing off against any of these particular Pokémon types makes you break out in hives, then it could really help you in your decision whether to go for Pokémon Sword or Shield. If you hate them all then we don’t know what to say – go for the lesser of two evils?

Pokémon Sword or Shield: Legendary Pokémon

Pokémon Sword or Shield: version differences and exclusives (4)

(Video) All Version Differences in Pokemon Sword & Shield

Another classic version difference is in the Legendary Pokémon which plays the biggest part in your Pokémon adventure. Traditionally, the Legendary Pokémon featured on the cover of the game is a Pokémon you’ll be able to catch in your version of the game and this remains true in Pokémon Sword and Shield.

For Pokémon Sword, this is Zacian, a Pokémon carrying a sword in its mouth that can cut through opponents. For Pokémon Shield, it’s Zamazenta, a defense-based Pokémon whose shield-like body can reflect attacks back on opponents.

The Pokémon Company is providing players an opportunity to get the Shiny version of the legendary they didn’t have access to in their original game as part of a temporary promotion (opens in new tab) starting October 22 2021 and running through November 2021. Yes, that’s right. If you’ve got Pokémon Sword, you could get your hands on a Shiny Zamazenta while Pokémon Shield players can get Shiny Zacian. The Pokémon will be free and can be added to your game via a code that’s claimed in-game in the Mystery Gift menu. Where and when you can get that code depends on where you’re living.

In North America, it’s an in-store GameStop offer. In the US, Zacian is available until 11 November while Zamazenta’s code can be obtained between November 12 and 26. In Canada, Zacian is only available until 4 November with Zamazenta available from November 5 to 18. In the UK and Ireland, both Pokémon are available at the same time in GAME and GameStop stores respectively.

Pokémon Sword or Shield: version-exclusive curry ingredients

Pokémon Sword or Shield: version differences and exclusives (5)

These exclusives are more minor than the others but there are version-exclusive curry ingredients in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Fortunately, there are only two total.

Those playing with Pokémon Sword get Bob's food tin to cook with, while those playing with Shield get Bach's food tin. Both can be bought from the ingredients sellers in the Rolling Hills and Hammerlocke sections of the Wild Area in your version of the game.

For those who want to experiment with the ingredient that's not in their version in order to expand their CurryDex, you can either trade Pokémon to get one holding that ingredient, or you can cook with a player who has the opposite version of the game as recipes you create while cooking with others will be added to your CurryDex.

Pokémon Sword or Shield: Isle of Armor DLC differences

Pokémon Sword or Shield: version differences and exclusives (6)

Pokémon Sword and Shield's first expansion, Isle of Armor, is out now and is available for both versions of the game. The Pokémon DLC brings with it a new mentor, dojo master Mustard, new Pokémon (including the return of some old favorites), and new rivals.

But, while the Isle of Armor content for Pokémon Sword and Shield is pretty much the same, which version of the game you have will determine which rival you face off against.

Owners of Pokémon Sword will get Klara, a poison-type trainer, as their rival; while owners of Pokémon Shield will face off against Avery, a psychic-type trainer.

(Video) ALL 68 Version Exclusive Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword or Shield: Crown Tundra DLC differences

Pokémon Sword or Shield: version differences and exclusives (7)

Pokémon Sword and Shield’s second expansion, The Crown Tundra, is out now and is available for both versions of the game. Larger than Isle of Armor, The Crown Tundra takes players to colder climes where they’ll be appointed as the leader of an exploration team tasked with investigating the far reaches of the land, including its underground Pokémon Dens.

Like Isle of Armor, the content in The Crown Tundra is quite similar between Pokémon Sword and Shield. In terms of version-exclusive Pokémon, Sword players will be able to catch Omanyte, Omastar, Bagon, Shelgon, and Salamence. Shield players on the other hand will be able to watch Kabuto, Kabutops, Gible, Gabite, and Garchomp.

More notable differences between the Sword and Shield versions are the Legendary Pokémon you’ll be able to encounter in the game’s new Dynamax Adventures. Sword has the legendaries Ho-Oh, Latios, Groudon, Dialga, Tornadus, Reshiram, Xerneas, and Solgaleo, while Shield has Lugia, Latias, Kyogre, Palkia, Thundurus, Zekrom, Yveltal, and Lunala.

This can be worked around, though, as you can simply join in the Dynamax Adventure of someone with the opposite version to you in order to try and catch that version’s exclusive Legendaries in a team Dynamax Adventure.

Do you now have a better idea of whether Pokémon Sword or Shield is for you? Maybe it's both? Either way, we've included the best prices on both Pokémon Sword and Shield below:

  • Gotta catch 'em all? Check out our list of the best Pokémon games of all time

Pokémon Sword or Shield: version differences and exclusives (8)

(Video) All Version Differences in The Isle of Armor & Crown Tundra (Sword & Shield)

Emma Boyle

Emma Boyle is TechRadar’s ex-Gaming Editor, and is now a content developer and freelance journalist. She has written for magazines and websites including T3, Stuff and The Independent. Emma currently works as a Content Developer in Edinburgh.

With contributions from

  • Vic HoodAssociate Editor, TechRadar Gaming
See more how-to articles

More about gaming

This PS5 SSD has never been cheaper than this in this Cyber Monday dealHere's how to get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate much cheaper for three years

Latest

(Video) ALL VERSION EXCLUSIVES In CROWN TUNDRA! - Pokemon Sw/Sh/IoA

Cyber Monday fitness deals: I'm kitting myself out to hit my 2023 workout goals
See more latest►

FAQs

Does Pokémon sword or shield have better exclusives? ›

In terms of version-exclusive Pokémon, Sword players will be able to catch Omanyte, Omastar, Bagon, Shelgon, and Salamence. Shield players on the other hand will be able to watch Kabuto, Kabutops, Gible, Gabite, and Garchomp.

Is there a big difference between Pokémon Sword and Shield? ›

The main difference between Pokémon Sword and Shield is the exclusive Pokémon that you can only to catch in one or the other of the games.

Is Zamazenta or Zacian better? ›

Zamazenta is probably better than you think, and would be far more interesting if Zacian didn't do basically the same job, but far better. There IS a trick you can use to surprise opponents and make it interesting, which we'll discuss, but it's still kind of niche.

Does Sword and Shield have version exclusives? ›

Pokemon Sword and Shields expansions, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, each come withe some exclusives for each version.

What is the rarest Pokemon in Sword and Shield? ›

Unfortunately, Feebas is among the rarest Pokémon in Sword & Shield. This Pokémon has a spawn rate of 1% at one of the two fishing spots in the lake by the Professor's house.

Can you get Zamazenta in Pokemon sword? ›

In Pokemon Sword, Zamazenta cannot be caught. The only way to obtain it is via trading. Learn how to trade Pokemon in Sword and Shield by viewing our guide. In Pokemon Shield, Zamazenta can be caught above the tower of Hammerlocke Gym.

What is the most overpowered Pokemon in Sword and Shield? ›

Easily the most overpowered Pokemon from Sword & Shield has to be Urshifu, an addition from the Isle of Armor DLC. Its mix of Fighting-type with either Dark or Water might seem fairly unexciting, but this bear has a remarkable amount of Speed and Attack and some signature moves that counter all kinds of strategies.

Is sword stronger than Shield? ›

I say, the sword is truly more powerful than the shield. A shield is a material object one hides behind, relying on its strength to protect, not one's own. Those who hide behind their shield, trust in its strength not their own, leaving them weak and unable to improve.

Why did they remove Pokemon from Sword and Shield? ›

As the post tells it, Game Freak said it decided to cut the national Pokédex, thereby limiting the number of Pokémon in Sword and Shield, because the company decided to redo all models “from scratch.” The wireframes, which are apparently the same across multiple games, are supposed to prove that Game Freak's rationale ...

What should I use my Masterball on Shield? ›

Pokemon Sword & Shield: Pokemon That Are Actually Worth Using Your Master Ball On
  1. 1 Gigantamax Drednaw.
  2. 2 Shinies. ...
  3. 3 Gigantamax Lapras. ...
  4. 4 Galarian Forms. ...
  5. 5 Dynamax Adventure Legendaries. ...
  6. 6 Calyrex (And Its Steed) ...
  7. 7 Regis. ...
  8. 8 Gigantamax Snorlax. ...
Sep 20, 2021

Who defeats Zacian? ›

Zacian is weak against - Poison and steel-types. Zacian counters - Beedrill, Victreebel, Roserade, Nihilego and Overqwil for poison-types. Metagross, Dialga, Excadrill and Genesect for steel-types. Gengar and Mewtwo, especially if it knows Psystrike, are both good choices.

Is Zamazenta a girl? ›

Trivia. Zacian and Zamazenta are both genderless in-game similar to most other Legendary Pokémon, however the Pokédex entries for them imply that Zacian is female and Zamazenta is male.

What legendary is not in Sword and Shield? ›

Gen 4 has 43 Pokemon still missing from the roster, including some Legendary Pokemon that are surprisingly not included as part of the Dynamax Adventure. Arceus, Darkrai, and Manaphy are sadly absent from Pokemon Sword and Shield.

Which Legendary Pokémon is not available in Sword and Shield? ›

Pokémon Not In Sword and Shield From Hoenn:
  • Poochyena.
  • Mightyena.
  • Wurmple.
  • Silcoon.
  • Beautifly.
  • Cascoon.
  • Dustox.
  • Taillow.
Oct 1, 2021

What Legendary Pokémon are in Pokemon Sword without DLC? ›

Pokemon Sword and Shield contains four Legendary Pokemon. You can catch two of the three in each version of the game. Zacian and Zamazenta can only be caught in Sword or Shield respectively. Eternatus, the hidden Legendary Pokemon in Sword and Shield, can be caught in both versions of the game.

Is Eevee rare Sword? ›

You can catch an Eevee on Route 4 in Pokemon Sword and Shield. It's very rare, but sometimes you'll see it in the overworld!

What Pokémon is no 254 Sword? ›

Cleffa
NameTypeEV Yield
1'00" 0.3m6.6lbs 3kgN/A
National PokédexGalar PokédexHidden Ability
#173#254Friend Guard
2 more rows

What Pokémon is number 283 in Pokémon Sword? ›

Vullaby
NameTypeCategory
1'08" 0.5m19.8lbs 9kgFemale: 100%
National PokédexGalar PokédexAbilities
#629#283Big Pecks Overcoat
2 more rows
Dec 9, 2019

How do you get a shiny Zacian? ›

Soon, you'll be able to get Shiny Zacian and Shiny Zamazenta by visiting a GameStop store and picking up a special code card. The codes let you receive Shiny Zacian in Pokémon Shield and Shiny Zamazenta in Pokémon Sword. Both Pokémon arrive at Lv.

How do you unlock shiny? ›

Shinies are found by simply trying to catch Pokémon and seeing if they display as an alternate colour in the battle and post-battle screens. They won't appear as a different colour in the field, so you have to attempt to catch them first.

What is the most op Pokemon ever? ›

Arceus is, without a doubt, the most powerful Legendary Pokémon. This Normal type Mythical Pokémon is the creator of the universe and thus the closest that the Pokémon world has to a god.

What is the hardest Pokemon to evolve in Pokémon Sword and Shield? ›

It might not be the toughest Pokemon to catch in Sword or Shield, but Toxel is certainly among the hardest Pokemon to evolve. Toxel will evolve into Toxtricity at level 30. Its evolution has two variants; Amped and Low Key.

Who is the strongest trainer in Sword and Shield? ›

Pokemon: The 10 Strongest Trainers In Sword & Shield, Ranked
  1. 1 You. That's right, you are the strongest Trainer in both Sword and Shield!
  2. 2 Leon. It probably isn't a surprise to see that Leon, the Galar Champion is on this list. ...
  3. 3 Game Freak's Morimoto. ...
  4. 4 Raihan. ...
  5. 5 Shielbert. ...
  6. 6 Sordward. ...
  7. 7 Oleana. ...
  8. 8 Marnie. ...
Apr 11, 2020

Who would win Zacian or Zamazenta? ›

Zamazenta has 3 weaknesses to worry about with Fire, Fighting, and Ground-type moves, while Zacian would only have to worry about two weaknesses Fire and Ground. Meaning Zacian's type neutralizes Fairy's weaknesses. This puts Zacian forward as a better Pokémon, battle wise.

Who was the first to beat Sword and Shield? ›

The humble Wooloo, a rounded sheep-Pokémon, rolls around the Galar region in search of love and glory. One Wooloo, called Ares, found that with a 21-year-old college student and Pokémon player who goes by Celvx online — together, they beat Pokémon Sword and Shield and became the new Galar champions.

How long does it take to 100% Sword and Shield? ›

When focusing on the main objectives, Pokémon Sword and Shield is about 25½ Hours in length. If you're a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 102 Hours to obtain 100% completion.

Why is Pokémon getting rid of ash? ›

Ash Ketchum and Pikachu leaving Pokémon, will no longer be the main characters in 2023. After finally becoming the very best like no one ever was, Ash Ketchum's 25 year journey in the animated Pokémon TV series will soon be coming to end as the series will focus on brand new characters next year.

Are there Z moves in Sword and Shield? ›

While many are excited about this new feature, at E3, Game Freak revealed that it comes at a cost. The developer announced during a Nintendo Treehouse presentation earlier this week that Sword and Shield will lack Mega Evolutions and Z-Moves.

Is Ash removed from Pokémon? ›

The beloved protagonist of the Pokémon TV series, Ash Ketchum, is finally leaving the show after 25 years of training to be the very best. The news, while nostalgic and bittersweet, isn't surprising for those who kept up with Ketchum all this time.

How do you get unlimited Master Balls in Sword and Shield? ›

The only way to get more Master Balls in Pokemon Sword and Shield is to win them from the Loto ID in the Pokemon Centre. All you have to do to enter the lottery is visit the Centre, walk over to the Rotom PC, press X, and select Loto ID.

Can a Master Ball fail Sword and Shield? ›

Despite claiming to be able to catch a Pokemon 100% of the time, there are moments where the Master Ball will fail, though it isn't a very common occurrence for long time players.

What happens if you knock out Calyrex? ›

Save your game first just in case, although if you knock Calyrex out or lose to it, it'll stay there waiting for you, which makes your life easier.

Who beats Zamazenta? ›

Zamazenta is weak against - Fairy, flying and psychic-type. Zamazenta counters - Togekiss, Gardevoir and Granbull for fairy-types. Moltres, Shadow Lugia, Shadow Ho-Oh, Rayquaza and Honchkrow for flying-types. Alakazam, Mewtwo, Espeon, Metagross, Latias, Latios, Hoopa (Unbound) and Tapu Lele for psychic-types.

Can Zacian fly? ›

It is also capable of flying. When together with Zamazenta, it can negate the power of Eternatus, even in its Eternamax state. Zacian attacks with graceful, swift and captivating movements, which have been compared to a dance.

Why does Zacian have two? ›

Zacian's regular form is the Hero of Many Battles. If given the Rusty Sword item to hold, it will change into the Crowned Sword form. This form gives increased stats and adds Steel-type to Zacian.

Who is Zamazenta sister? ›

In the English Pokedex, Zacian is stated to be the elder sister of Zamazenta and fights to protect her younger brother with her sword.

Can Cinderace be female? ›

The Cinderace you select for this can either be male or female.

Is Lunala a girl? ›

Pokédex entries

It is said to be a female evolution of Cosmog. When its third eye activates, away it flies to another world. Said to live in another world, this Pokémon devours light, drawing the moonless dark veil of night over the brightness of day.

What Pokémon can't be caught on Switch? ›

Pokemon You Can't Get on Switch
  • Deoxys.
  • Snivy.
  • Servine.
  • Serperior.
  • Tepig.
  • Pignite.
  • Emboar.
  • Samurott.
Feb 1, 2023

Where is Mew in Pokémon Sword? ›

Choose Take a Stroll with Pokeball Plus and then follow the on-screen commands. You'll be asked to tap the button on the red side of the Pokeball Plus. A prompt saying that there's a present for you in the Pokeball Plus will appear. Select A to accept the gift and it will be Mew!

Will Sword and Shield eventually have all Pokémon? ›

Sword and Shield will be the first new, mainline Pokémon games not to support every single Pokémon species. Not only will you not be able to catch 'em all in Sword and Shield, you also will not be able to transfer Pokémon outside of the games' regional Pokédex.

What Pokemon can't be shiny? ›

Events & Un-obtainable Shiny Pokémon

In addition to this, in Pokémon Black, White, Black 2 & White 2, several of the wild Pokémon are coded to not be shiny, specifically the legends Victini, Reshiram and Zekrom. In X & Y, none of the Legendary Pokémon can be shiny.

What is the rarest Pokemon Legendary? ›

The Lake Guardians - Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf

Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf are the Lake Guardians of the Sinnoh and, despite being the only legendary Pokémon to appear in the wild outside of events and Daily Adventure Incense, they're three of the rarest Pokémon in the game.

Can you get arceus in Sword and Shield? ›

Arceus is not obtainable in the Pokémon Sword and Shield series. It cannot be traded into the series either.

Is type null a legendary? ›

Type: Null (Japanese: タイプ:ヌル Type: Null) is a Normal-type Legendary Pokémon introduced in Generation VII. It evolves into Silvally when leveled up with high friendship.

Does the rusted Sword do anything? ›

It allows Zacian V to deal 30 more damage to the opponent's Active Pokémon.

How do you get the Isle of armor pass for free? ›

How to get to the Isle of Armor in Pokémon Sword and Shield
  1. Purchase the expansion pass for your version. Unfortunately, you won't get this extra Sword and Shield content for free. ...
  2. Head to Wedgehurst Train Station. Once you download the update, you'll receive an Armor Pass in your inventory.
Jun 17, 2020

Which Pokemon game has better exclusives? ›

Pokémon Violet Has The Best Exclusives

It essentially comes down to the individual's preference of which Pokémon the player prefers. That said, there does seem to be a bit of a subtle nod toward Scarlet being focused on the past while Violet embodies a bit more futuristic feel.

Why is Sword more popular than shield? ›

swords are seen as more powerful or “cooler” than shields, so it attracted more people and 2. zacian (the legendary) is quite powerful in comparison to zamazenta.

Which game is more popular Sword or shield? ›

Together, the two games have sold over 20 million copies. Pokemon Sword has sold more copies than Pokemon Shield, though. There is a reason for that.

How many exclusive Pokémon are in Sword? ›

There are 46 Pokémon exclusive to the Sword version of the game, including powerful Dragon-type, pseudo Legendaries, and Legendary Pokémon. Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, Pokémon Sword and Shield feature various Pokémon exclusive to each version of the game.

What is the number 1 Pokemon game? ›

Pokémon Go is the most successful Pokémon game of all time in terms of player count.

What is the most unfamous Pokemon? ›

The 20 Least Known Pokemon You Probably Don't Know Exist
  1. 1 The Coral Pokemon From Gen VIII: Cursola.
  2. 2 The Dragon Orb & Electron Pokemon From Gen VIII: Regidrago & Regieleki. ...
  3. 3 The Dancing Pokemon From Gen VII: Oricorio. ...
  4. 4 The Season Pokemon From Gen V: Sawsbuck. ...
  5. 5 The Jewel Pokemon From Gen VI: Carbink. ...
Mar 22, 2022

What is the most overpowered Pokémon in Sword and Shield? ›

Easily the most overpowered Pokemon from Sword & Shield has to be Urshifu, an addition from the Isle of Armor DLC. Its mix of Fighting-type with either Dark or Water might seem fairly unexciting, but this bear has a remarkable amount of Speed and Attack and some signature moves that counter all kinds of strategies.

Why did they remove Pokémon from Sword and Shield? ›

As the post tells it, Game Freak said it decided to cut the national Pokédex, thereby limiting the number of Pokémon in Sword and Shield, because the company decided to redo all models “from scratch.” The wireframes, which are apparently the same across multiple games, are supposed to prove that Game Freak's rationale ...

Is SWORD stronger than Shield? ›

I say, the sword is truly more powerful than the shield. A shield is a material object one hides behind, relying on its strength to protect, not one's own. Those who hide behind their shield, trust in its strength not their own, leaving them weak and unable to improve.

Should I buy SWORD or Shield? ›

In short, it depends on what you want from the game. Both Pokemon Sword and Shield will provide you with the same experience as the same features have been added in the game. Your choice on what to choose will weigh on the version-exclusive Pokemon and the Gigantamax Raids you wish to play.

Is Pokemon sword or Shield better than Scarlet and Violet? ›

While Sword & Shield are fun Pokemon games, Scarlet & Violet wins as the better pair of games between the two. The gameplay improvements make the titles much more enjoyable than their predecessors, leading to hours of enjoyment past the credits rolling.

What Pokémon is 376 in Sword? ›

Dracovish
NameTypeCategory
7'07" 2.3m474.0lbs 215kgN/A
National PokédexGalar PokédexAbilities
#882#376Water Absorb Strong Jaw
2 more rows
Nov 15, 2019

What Pokémon is number 257 in Pokemon Sword? ›

Togepi
NameTypeEV Yield
1'00" 0.3m3.3lbs 1.5kgN/A
National PokédexGalar PokédexHidden Ability
#175#257Super Luck
2 more rows

Can you get all 3 starters in Pokemon Sword? ›

Without having to rely on anyone else at all, in Pokemon Sword and Shield you can easily get all three starters relatively early in your journey. You'll just need a single copy of Pokemon Sword or Shield, The Pokemon Home app, and an internet connection.

Videos

1. Pokemon Sword VS Pokemon Shield! Version Exclusives and More!
(PaPaSea)
2. Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Exclusives And Differences Explained
(GameSpot)
3. Should You Buy Pokemon Sword OR Shield? Version Exclusives, Wild Area Map, Install Size & More
(Austin John Plays)
4. Pokemon Sword vs Pokemon Shield - ALL Version Exclusive Pokemon, Gym Leaders, and More!
(Nikachu)
5. SWORD VS SHIELD! Version exclusives for Pokemon Sword and Shield
(LandonAero)
6. Best Pokémon Version to Pick in Every Generation
(MandJTV)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated: 12/07/2022

Views: 5652

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.