Pokémon Sword and Shield

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Sword and Shield redirects here. For the TCG expansion, see Sword & Shield (TCG). For the Pokémon Adventures story arc, see Sword & Shield arc (Adventures).
Pokémon Sword
ポケットモンスター ソード
Sword EN boxart.png
Pokémon Sword's boxart, featuring Crowned Sword Zacian
Pokémon Shield
ポケットモンスター シールド
Shield EN boxart.png
Pokémon Shield's boxart, featuring Crowned Shield Zamazenta
Basic info
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Category: RPG
Players: 1-2, 4 players simultaneous
Connectivity: Wireless, Nintendo Switch Online
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo/The Pokémon Company
Part of: Generation VIII core series
Ratings
CERO: A
ESRB: E
ACB: PG
OFLC: PG
PEGI: 7
GRAC: ALL
GSRR: 6+
Release dates
Japan: November 15, 2019
North America: November 15, 2019
Australia: November 15, 2019
Europe: November 15, 2019
South Korea: November 15, 2019
Hong Kong: November 15, 2019
Taiwan: November 15, 2019
Websites
Japanese: Pokémon.co.jp
English: Official site
Pokémon.com
Nintendo.com (Sword)
Nintendo.com (Shield)
Japanese boxart
Sword JP boxart.png
Pokémon Sword Japanese boxart
Shield JP boxart.png
Pokémon Shield Japanese boxart

Pokémon Sword (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ソード Pocket Monsters Sword) and Pokémon Shield (Japanese: ポケットモンスター シールド Pocket Monsters Shield) are the primary paired versions of Generation VIII. The games were released on the Nintendo Switch worldwide on November 15, 2019 for both retail sale and download. All copies of the game are playable in nine languages: Japanese, English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Korean, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese.

During E3 2017, Tsunekazu Ishihara announced that the next core series titles would be available on the Nintendo Switch, but they were not prepared to release any more information at the time. On May 30, 2018, The Pokémon Company gave a press conference and announced that the new core games would have more traditional gameplay, as opposed to that found in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!.

The games were formally announced on Pokémon Day, February 27, 2019 at 11 pm JST during a worldwide announcement through Nintendo Direct hosted by Tsunekazu Ishihara, Junichi Masuda, and Shigeru Ohmori. An official trailer was shown, giving information on the region and the first partner Pokémon players can choose from.

The Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass was revealed during a Pokémon Direct on January 9, 2020; it adds two new areas to the game, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra.

Plot

201
Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
201

The player is a young child who lives with their mother in the town of Postwick in the Galar region. One day, the player's friend Hop invites them to meet his big brother Leon, the Champion of the Galar League, so that they both can receive a first partner Pokémon from him. After receiving their first partner Pokémon, the player and Hop follow a runaway Wooloo into the Slumbering Weald. Inside the foggy forest, they encounter a mysterious Pokémon that is completely unaffected by moves. After being rescued by Leon, they set out to receive an endorsement from him so that they can participate in Galar's Gym Challenge. After some convincing by Professor Magnolia, Leon agrees to give both the player and Hop an endorsement. Just then, two Wishing Stars fall out of the sky, and Professor Magnolia converts them into Dynamax Bands for the player and Hop, allowing them to Dynamax their Pokémon. The player and Hop then travel together to Motostoke to attend the Gym Challenge's opening ceremony, where they meet Rose, the president of Macro Cosmos and the chairman of the Galar Pokémon League, as well as a band of hooligans known as Team Yell.

After the opening ceremony, the player sets out to collect the eight Badges required to compete in the Champion Cup tournament from Gym Leaders across the region. Along the way, Professor Magnolia's granddaughter and assistant Sonia tells them about Galar's history and a mysterious event known as the Darkest Day. The player ends up uncovering pieces of the Darkest Day's history during their journey, much to Sonia's pleasure. Eventually, the player manages to successfully collect the eight Badges and travels to Wyndon, where the Champion Cup is held. They win their way through the Champion Cup semifinals, where they defeat Hop and end his dream of surpassing his brother. After confronting Macro Cosmos's vice-president Oleana at Rose Tower, the player participates in the Champion Cup finals and wins their way through it, earning themselves the right to challenge Leon.

However, just before the player and Leon's battle can begin, Rose makes a public announcement, revealing that he's going to bring about the second Darkest Day to save Galar from an energy crisis a thousand years in the future. To stop Rose's plans, the player and Hop travel to the Slumbering Weald again to seek help from the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta, one of whom had been the mysterious Pokémon they saw at the start of their journey. They find and take along a Rusted Sword and a Rusted Shield from the heart of the forest and go to confront Rose in Hammerlocke, where it is revealed that the Darkest Day is the result of Rose awakening a Legendary Pokémon known as Eternatus. After defeating Rose, the player and Hop go to face Eternatus at the top of the Hammerlocke Stadium, where Leon unsuccessfully tries to catch it, forcing the player to battle it. Once Eternatus seems to have been defeated, however, it suddenly transforms into its even more powerful Eternamax form. Thanks to the sword and the shield they found, the player and Hop are able to summon Zacian and Zamazenta to their aid, and together, they defeat Eternatus in a Max Raid Battle, allowing the player to catch it and thus end the crisis. Three days later, the player finally takes on Leon in a battle at Wyndon Stadium and defeats him, ending his career as the undefeated Champion and making the player the new Champion of Galar.

During the post-game, the player and Hop travel to the heart of Slumbering Weald to return the Rusted Sword and the Rusted Shield, only to be confronted by the rich brothers Sordward and Shielbert, who try to steal the artifacts. Although the player manages to defeat one of the brothers and recover one of the stolen items, the two still manage to get away with the other one. The player and Hop are then forced to travel around Galar to stop the Dynamax Pokémon the brothers have let loose at the Gym Stadiums. They eventually confront them again at Hammerlocke Stadium, where they reveal their plan being to reinstate the Galarian monarchy and denigrate Zacian and Zamazenta. Using the artifact they stole, the brothers lure in one of the Legendary Pokémon and drive it berserk, forcing the player to battle it. After it has been defeated, the other Legendary Pokémon appears as well, which the player battles and catches. During the battle, Hop follows the first Legendary to the heart of Slumbering Weald, where he successfully calms it down. Deeming Hop worthy of its trust, the Legendary Pokémon then willingly joins his party. The player and Hop then battle for one last time, after which Hop declares that his new dream is to become a Pokémon Professor, and Sordward and Shielbert briefly reappear to apologise for their actions.

The Isle of Armor

Main article: The Isle of Armor

The player travels to the Isle of Armor off the coast of Galar and becomes an apprentice in the local Master Dojo, a battle facility run by former Champion Mustard. They also develop a new rivalry with a Gym Leader-in-training and fellow apprentice named KlaraSw/AverySh.

The Crown Tundra

Main article: The Crown Tundra

The player travels to the Crown Tundra in southern Galar, where they meet Peony, an enthusiastic former Steel-type Gym Leader, and take his daughter Peonia's place in his explorations of solving the legends lurking around the Tundra.

Blurb

A wild new adventure with Pokémon!

You can battle to be the best!

Carve a path to the future!Sw / Protect the world from disaster!Sh

Band together in new co-op battles!

Features

The games mix some of the changes introduced in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! with the more traditional gameplay last seen in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Wild Pokémon now appear on the overworld, known as "symbol encounters", similar to the Let's Go games, as well as random encounters shaking in tall grass.

Known as the Gym Challenge, Gyms that the player must battle with the goal of becoming the Champion return to the games, after being replaced by trials in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. The challenge culminates in the annual Champion Cup tournament where the player may challenge the Champion.

Wild Area

Main article: Wild Area

The Wild Area is a vast, open area that connects several towns in the Galar region. It is home to a wide variety of wild Pokémon.

Dynamax and Gigantamax

Main article: Dynamax and Gigantamax

Dynamax is a new type of transformation that allows any Pokémon from the Galar region to power up and become larger using the Dynamax Band. After Dynamaxing, a Pokémon can use Max Moves.

Gigantamax is a special phenomenon that also changes the appearance of a few individuals of certain species of Pokémon. Like Dynamaxing, the Pokémon is increased in power and becomes bigger. A Gigantamax Pokémon can use a G-Max Move.

Max Raid Battles

Main article: Max Raid Battle

Max Raid Battles are a new cooperative feature that allows up to four players to challenge a Dynamax Pokémon together over local wireless or Nintendo Switch Online.

Rotom Phone

Main article: Rotom Phone

Replacing the Rotom Pokédex of the Generation VII games, the Rotom Phone acts not only as a Pokédex but also has additional features, such as the Town Map. It also acts as the main interface for the game's menu.

Y-Comm

Main article: Y-Comm

The Y-Comm serves as an interface to connect with other players over local wireless or on the internet through Nintendo Switch Online. Players can trade (either a Link Trade or Surprise Trade), battle, swap League Cards, and join Max Raid Battles.

Battle Stadium

Main article: Battle Stadium

Replacing the Battle Spot from the Generation VI and VII games, the Battle Stadium allows players to participate in battles over the internet through Nintendo Switch Online. Players can participate in Ranked Battles, Casual Battles, and Official Competitions as well as host or join Friendly Competitions.

Rotomi

Main article: Rotomi

Rotomi replaces the PCs in previous games and has several features including allowing players to send their Pokémon on Poké Jobs, design their League Card, and draw for the Loto-ID.

Pokémon Camp

Main article: Pokémon Camp

Pokémon Camp allows players can go camping and interact with their Pokémon, cook curry, and visit other player's camps.

Gym Challenge

Trainers must receive an endorsement in order to participate in the Gym Challenge. Those who defeat the eight Gym Leaders and collect the eight Badges can participate in the annual Champion Cup for a chance to challenge the current Champion of Galar. The Gym Leaders are Milo (Grass), Nessa (Water), Kabu (Fire), Bea (Fighting)Sw/Allister (Ghost)Sh, Opal (Fairy), Gordie (Rock)Sw/Melony (Ice)Sh, Piers (Dark), and Raihan (Dragon).

During the game, Opal and Piers retire from their positions as Gym Leaders and are succeeded by Bede and Marnie, respectively. During The Crown Tundra, Klara (Poison)Sw/Avery (Psychic)Sh is revealed to have become minor division Gym Leader.

Champion Cup

Unlike previous games, there is no Elite Four in the Galar region. Their place is instead taken by the Champion Cup, a tournament where Trainers compete for the right to challenge the current Champion. In the semifinals, Gym Challengers compete against each other, and the winner proceeds to the finals, where they join a tournament otherwise completely occupied by the Gym Leaders. The winner of the finals is granted the right to challenge Leon the Champion who uses multiple types along with a Charizard which can Gigantamax.

Pokémon

See Category:Generation VIII Pokémon

Version-exclusive Pokémon

Main Game

Sword
0083 Farfetch'd Farfetch'd
Galarian Form
Fighting
0273 Seedot Seedot
Grass
0274 Nuzleaf Nuzleaf
Grass Dark
0275 Shiftry Shiftry
Grass Dark
0303 Mawile Mawile
Steel Fairy
0338 Solrock Solrock
Rock Psychic
0550 Basculin Basculin
Red-Striped
Water
0554 Darumaka Darumaka
Galarian Form
Ice
0555 Darmanitan Darmanitan
Galarian Form
Ice
0559 Scraggy Scraggy
Dark Fighting
0560 Scrafty Scrafty
Dark Fighting
0574 Gothita Gothita
Psychic
0575 Gothorita Gothorita
Psychic
0576 Gothitelle Gothitelle
Psychic
0627 Rufflet Rufflet
Normal Flying
0628 Braviary Braviary
Normal Flying
0633 Deino Deino
Dark Dragon
0634 Zweilous Zweilous
Dark Dragon
0635 Hydreigon Hydreigon
Dark Dragon
0684 Swirlix Swirlix
Fairy
0685 Slurpuff Slurpuff
Fairy
0766 Passimian Passimian
Fighting
0776 Turtonator Turtonator
Fire Dragon
0782 Jangmo-o Jangmo-o
Dragon
0783 Hakamo-o Hakamo-o
Dragon Fighting
0784 Kommo-o Kommo-o
Dragon Fighting
0841 Flapple Flapple
Grass Dragon
0865 Sirfetch'd Sirfetch'd
Fighting
0874 Stonjourner Stonjourner
Rock
0888 Zacian Zacian
Fairy
Shield
0077 Ponyta Ponyta
Galarian Form
Psychic
0078 Rapidash Rapidash
Galarian Form
Psychic Fairy
0222 Corsola Corsola
Galarian Form
Ghost
0246 Larvitar Larvitar
Rock Ground
0247 Pupitar Pupitar
Rock Ground
0248 Tyranitar Tyranitar
Rock Dark
0270 Lotad Lotad
Water Grass
0271 Lombre Lombre
Water Grass
0272 Ludicolo Ludicolo
Water Grass
0302 Sableye Sableye
Dark Ghost
0337 Lunatone Lunatone
Rock Psychic
0453 Croagunk Croagunk
Poison Fighting
0454 Toxicroak Toxicroak
Poison Fighting
0550 Basculin Basculin
Blue-Striped
Water
0577 Solosis Solosis
Psychic
0578 Duosion Duosion
Psychic
0579 Reuniclus Reuniclus
Psychic
0629 Vullaby Vullaby
Dark Flying
0630 Mandibuzz Mandibuzz
Dark Flying
0682 Spritzee Spritzee
Fairy
0683 Aromatisse Aromatisse
Fairy
0704 Goomy Goomy
Dragon
0705 Sliggoo Sliggoo
Dragon
0706 Goodra Goodra
Dragon
0765 Oranguru Oranguru
Normal Psychic
0780 Drampa Drampa
Normal Dragon
0842 Appletun Appletun
Grass Dragon
0864 Cursola Cursola
Ghost
0875 Eiscue Eiscue
Ice
0889 Zamazenta Zamazenta
Fighting

The Isle of Armor

Sword
0127 Pinsir Pinsir
Bug
0692 Clauncher Clauncher
Water
0693 Clawitzer Clawitzer
Water
Shield
0214 Heracross Heracross
Bug Fighting
0690 Skrelp Skrelp
Poison Water
0691 Dragalge Dragalge
Poison Dragon

The Crown Tundra

Sword
0138 Omanyte Omanyte
Rock Water
0139 Omastar Omastar
Rock Water
0250 Ho-Oh Ho-Oh
Fire Flying
0371 Bagon Bagon
Dragon
0372 Shelgon Shelgon
Dragon
0373 Salamence Salamence
Dragon Flying
0381 Latios Latios
Dragon Psychic
0383 Groudon Groudon
Ground
0483 Dialga Dialga
Steel Dragon
0641 Tornadus Tornadus
Flying
0643 Reshiram Reshiram
Dragon Fire
0646 Kyurem Kyurem
White Kyurem
Dragon Ice
0716 Xerneas Xerneas
Fairy
0791 Solgaleo Solgaleo
Psychic Steel
0800 Necrozma Necrozma
Dusk Mane Necrozma
Psychic Steel
Shield
0140 Kabuto Kabuto
Rock Water
0141 Kabutops Kabutops
Rock Water
0249 Lugia Lugia
Psychic Flying
0380 Latias Latias
Dragon Psychic
0382 Kyogre Kyogre
Water
0443 Gible Gible
Dragon Ground
0444 Gabite Gabite
Dragon Ground
0445 Garchomp Garchomp
Dragon Ground
0484 Palkia Palkia
Water Dragon
0642 Thundurus Thundurus
Electric Flying
0644 Zekrom Zekrom
Dragon Electric
0646 Kyurem Kyurem
Black Kyurem
Dragon Ice
0717 Yveltal Yveltal
Dark Flying
0792 Lunala Lunala
Psychic Ghost
0800 Necrozma Necrozma
Dawn Wings Necrozma
Psychic Ghost


  • Wild male Indeedee is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, while wild female Indeedee is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, both genders can be obtained in either game through breeding.
  • Wild male Meowstic is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, while wild female Meowstic is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, both genders can be obtained by evolving Espurr of the appropriate gender.
  • Wild Sawk is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, while wild Throh is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, there is an in-game trade in Circhester where the player can trade a Vanillish to obtain ThrohSw or SawkSh.
  • Wild Escavalier is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, while wild Accelgor is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, Karrablast and Shelmet can be evolved in both games. Additionally, both evolved forms can be caught on the Isle of Armor in both games.
  • Cosmoem evolves into Solgaleo in Pokémon Sword, and Lunala in Pokémon Shield.
  • While Red-Striped Basculin and Passimian are exclusive to Sword and Blue-Striped Basculin and Oranguru are exclusive to Shield without the Expansion Pass, all of these Pokémon can be found in the Max Lair in both versions.
  • With the exception of Zacian and Zamazenta, all of these Pokémon can be obtained in either version by joining other players' Max Raid Battles via the Y-Comm or Max Lair.

Version-exclusive Gigantamax Pokémon

Sword
0068 Machamp Machamp
Gigantamax
Fighting
0839 Coalossal Coalossal
Gigantamax
Rock Fire
0841 Flapple Flapple
Gigantamax
Grass Dragon
Shield
0094 Gengar Gengar
Gigantamax
Ghost Poison
0131 Lapras Lapras
Gigantamax
Water Ice
0842 Appletun Appletun
Gigantamax
Grass Dragon
  • During normal gameplay, Gigantamax Machamp are exclusive to Sword, and Gigantamax Gengar to Shield. However, they have been made available by Wild Area News. Additionally, if the player has purchased the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, they can obtain any Gigantamax Pokémon by feeding their Pokémon Max Soup, regardless of which version they are playing.

Compatibility

See also: List of Pokémon by Galar Pokédex number → Compatible Pokémon not in any Sword and Shield Pokédex

As with other games on Nintendo Switch, the game is not compatible with other games in the same generation, outside of its pairing. Pokémon Sword and Shield can connect with Pokémon HOME. This allows it to store and receive Pokémon from Pokémon HOME, including Pokémon from previous generations that were transferred into Pokémon HOME. Users of HOME can transfer Pokémon freely between other Sword and Shield save files on the console, even if the files belong to different profiles.

Only Pokémon in the Galar Pokédex, Isle of Armor Pokédex, and Crown Tundra Pokédex, and a select few "foreign" Pokémon can be transferred to Pokémon Sword and Shield. The Isle of Armor Pokédex and Crown Tundra Pokédex were released with the two iterations of the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass, but the Pokémon in those Pokédexes became compatible with the base game upon release even if the player has not purchased the Expansion Pass. All regional forms of compatible Pokémon that existed at the time of release are also compatible.

When a compatible Pokémon from another game first enters these sets of games (except for Pokémon that were transferred from Pokémon Bank, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, and Pokémon GO), its moveset is changed to its four most recent level-up moves by default (though the player can make alterations as of HOME's version 3.0.0 (Released on May 30, 2023)). In addition, since the game does not recognize future origin marks, the Pokémon will have the Galar region symbol displayed instead. Any compatible Pokémon from Legends: Arceus will also have their Poké Ball displayed as a standard one.

Unusable moves

Main article: List of moves by availability in Generation VIII

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, many moves are no longer usable. Pokémon do not normally learn these moves in the game, and if a Pokémon does know one of these moves (e.g. due to being transferred from Pokémon HOME), it will not be able to use it. If the move is forgotten, Jack will not be able to teach it again, even if it is a special move that the Pokémon normally would be able to relearn.

In lieu of their usual descriptions, most of these moves instead have the following generic description: "This move can't be used. It's recommended that this move is forgotten. Once forgotten, this move can't be remembered." The unusable moves that do not have this description are usually moves that cannot be legitimately known by any Pokémon that exists in Pokémon Sword and Shield, typically being signature moves or moves that only a small group of Pokémon can know. The only move without this generic description that can be transferred into Sword and Shield is Powder.

The situation where Pokémon can have unusable moves is exclusive to Pokémon Sword and Shield, as subsequent games reset the move list of Pokémon transferred from Pokémon HOME, and the preceding Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! removed moves but does not allow transfer from other core series games.

Unusable moves
Move Type Generic
description
Assist Normal
Baddy Bad Dark
Barrage Normal
Barrier Psychic
Beak Blast Flying
Bestow Normal
Bide Normal
Bone Club Ground
Bouncy Bubble Water
Bubble Water
Buzzy Buzz Electric
Camouflage Normal
Captivate Normal
Chatter Flying
Chip Away Normal
Clamp Water
Comet Punch Normal
Constrict Normal
Dark Void Dark
Dizzy Punch Normal
Double Slap Normal
Dragon Rage Dragon
Egg Bomb Normal
Embargo Dark
Feint Attack Dark
Flame Burst Fire
Flash Normal
Floaty Fall Flying
Foresight Normal
Freezy Frost Ice
Frustration Normal
Glitzy Glow Psychic
Grass Whistle Grass
Heal Block Psychic
Heal Order Bug
Heart Stamp Psychic
Heart Swap Psychic *
Hidden Power Normal
Hyper Fang Normal
Hyperspace Fury Dark
Hyperspace Hole Psychic
Ice Ball Ice
Ice Hammer Ice
Ion Deluge Electric
Judgment Normal
Jump Kick Fighting
Karate Chop Fighting
Light of Ruin Fairy
Lucky Chant Normal
Magnet Bomb Steel
Magnitude Ground
Me First Normal
Meditate Psychic
Miracle Eye Psychic
Mirror Move Flying
Mirror Shot Steel
Mud Bomb Ground
Mud Sport Ground
Natural Gift Normal
Needle Arm Grass
Nightmare Ghost
Odor Sleuth Normal
Ominous Wind Ghost
Pika Papow Electric
Powder Bug
Psycho Boost Psychic *
Psywave Psychic
Punishment Dark
Pursuit Dark
Rage Normal
Razor Wind Normal
Refresh Normal
Relic Song Normal
Return Normal
Revelation Dance Normal
Rock Climb Normal
Rolling Kick Fighting
Rototiller Ground
Sappy Seed Grass
Secret Power Normal
Seed Flare Grass
Sharpen Normal
Signal Beam Bug
Silver Wind Bug
Sizzly Slide Fire
Sketch Normal
Sky Drop Flying
Sky Uppercut Fighting
Smelling Salts Normal
Snatch Dark
Sonic Boom Normal
Sparkly Swirl Fairy
Spider Web Bug
Spike Cannon Normal
Splishy Splash Water
Spotlight Normal
Steamroller Bug
Synchronoise Psychic
Tail Glow Bug *
Telekinesis Psychic
Toxic Thread Poison
Trump Card Normal
Twineedle Bug
Veevee Volley Normal
Wake-Up Slap Fighting
Water Sport Water
Wring Out Normal
Zippy Zap Electric
  • In addition, all Z-Moves are also unusable in these games.

In version 1.2.0, which was released alongside The Isle of Armor, several previously unusable moves were made usable again. These were mostly signature moves of Pokémon that were added in that update. Further moves were made usable in version 1.3.0, coinciding with The Crown Tundra.

Formerly unusable moves
Move Type Enabled in
Aeroblast Flying 1.3.0
Bonemerang Ground 1.2.0
Conversion Normal 1.2.0
Conversion 2 Normal 1.2.0
Core Enforcer Dragon 1.3.0
Crush Grip Normal 1.3.0
Diamond Storm Rock 1.3.0
Dragon Ascent Flying 1.3.0
Dragon Hammer Dragon 1.2.0
Fiery Dance Fire 1.2.0
Fleur Cannon Fairy 1.2.0
Floral Healing Fairy 1.2.0
Geomancy Fairy 1.3.0
Head Charge Normal 1.2.0
Kinesis Psychic 1.2.0
Land's Wrath Ground 1.3.0
Lovely Kiss Normal 1.3.0
Lunar Dance Psychic 1.3.0
Luster Purge Psychic 1.3.0
Magma Storm Fire 1.3.0
Milk Drink Normal 1.2.0
Mind Blown Fire 1.3.0
Mist Ball Psychic 1.3.0
Nature's Madness Fairy 1.3.0
Oblivion Wing Flying 1.3.0
Origin Pulse Water 1.3.0
Precipice Blades Ground 1.3.0
Roar of Time Dragon 1.3.0
Sacred Fire Fire 1.3.0
Searing Shot Fire 1.3.0
Shadow Bone Ghost 1.2.0
Shadow Force Ghost 1.3.0
Shore Up Ground 1.2.0
Spacial Rend Dragon 1.3.0
Steam Eruption Water 1.3.0
Techno Blast Normal 1.3.0
Thousand Arrows Ground 1.3.0
Thousand Waves Ground 1.3.0
V-create Fire 1.3.0

Save data bonuses

If the player has save data for Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, a Pikachu and/or Eevee with the Gigantamax Factor is received at the Meetup Spot. The Pikachu specifically requires Let's Go, Pikachu!, while the Eevee requires Let's Go, Eevee!. Gigantamax Pikachu and Eevee are no longer exclusive to this method, as The Isle of Armor expansion provides Max Soup as a means to give the Gigantamax Factor to other Pikachu and Eevee.

Pokémon Sword and Shield save data unlocks bonus content in the following Nintendo Switch games:

Reception

The games received positive reviews among critics, but lower than most other core series releases. Both Pokémon Sword and Shield hold a rating of 80% on Metacritic.[1][2] IGN rated the games an "Amazing" 9.3/10,[3] praising the simple battling system and Dynamaxing, but criticizing the basic graphics and lack of a full Pokédex. Eurogamer criticized the games, saying that they lacked substance and did not live up to previous titles in the series.[4] Gaming magazine Famitsu gave them a score of 38 out of 40.[5] Nintendo Life gave them a score of 8/10, commenting how the games succeed in bringing some new ideas to the table, but they are also somewhat guilty of not pushing things far enough.[6]

Sales

The games sold over 6 million units in their launch weekend.[7] In the fiscal year of their release, they sold 17.37 million units.[8] As of June 30, 2024, Pokémon Sword and Shield have sold 26.35 million copies worldwide, making them the second best selling Pokémon games of all time, behind only the original games.[9]

Japanese sales

Pokémon Sword and Shield sold 894,123 individual units on their first week on the Japanese market, being 534,306 from Pokémon Sword and 359,817 from Pokémon Shield, with a sell-through of 84.96% and 90.26% respectively.[10] By January 3, 2021, the end of their 60th week, they had sold 3,094,075 copies, being 1,851,319 from Pokémon Sword and 1,242,756 from Pokémon Shield.[11]

Pokémon Sword and Shield Dual Pack sold 329,525 units on its first week, with a sell-through of 73.46%.[10] By January 3, 2021, the end of its 60th week, it had sold 545,200 copies.[11] Combining all releases, the games sold 4,184,475 units, being 2,396,519 from Pokémon Sword and 1,787,956 from Pokémon Shield.

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Week Week ending Ranking Units sold Total units sold
1 November 17, 2019 1st 894,123 894,123
7 December 29, 2019 1st - 2,170,364
60 January 3, 2021 - - 3,094,075

Pokémon Sword and Shield Dual Pack

Week Week ending Ranking Units sold Total units sold
1 November 17, 2019 2nd 329,525 329,525
7 December 29, 2019 - - 492,789
60 January 3, 2021 - - 545,200

Staff

Main article: Staff of Pokémon Sword and Shield

Music

Main article: Pokémon Sword - Shield + Expansion Pass Super Music Collection

The game's music was primarily composed by Gō Ichinose and Minako Adachi.[12] Additional music was composed by Keita Okamoto and Toby Fox, the latter only composing one track.[13]

Version history

Version[14][15] Release date Game file size Official note More information
1.0.0 November 15, 2019 9.5 GB N/A Initial release. This version is officially playable using a physical Game Card in a Switch whose internet connection remains off.
1.1.0[16] January 9, 2020 10.3 GB
  • Added a feature to jump to the eShop
  • Added a bonus for Expansion Pass purchasers
  • Additional Pokémon will be added
  • Fixed various issues to improve gameplay
1.1.1[17] March 17, 2020 10.3 GB
  • Fixed several issues to improve gameplay experience.
  • Patched an exploit that allowed players to send maliciously altered Pokémon via Surprise Trade, causing the game to crash whenever victims tried to access online services via Y-Comm.
  • Fairy Lock crash glitch is fixed.
1.2.0[18] June 16, 2020 11.3 GB
  • Part 1, The Isle of Armor, has been released as downloadable content
  • Additional Pokémon now appear
    • Even without purchasing an Expansion Pass, customers can use network connections to play and have additional Pokémon appear.
  • Link Codes are now 8-digits long
  • Battle regulation marks
    • Pokémon carried over from other regions via Pokémon HOME can now participate in online competitions and ranked battles. A battle regulation mark can be replaced on the Pokémon at the Battle Tower in order to participate in online competitions and ranked battles.
    • Please check game news for more information.
  • Addressed issue with online battles
    • We've fixed an issue with online battles where the battle results could be arbitrarily invalidated.
  • Additional updated content
    • In addition, various issues were addressed to create a more enjoyable gaming experience.
1.2.1[19] July 7, 2020 11.3 GB
  • A bug in regards to the number of digits for password settings has been fixed.
    • In regards to the passwords that can be set for Y-Comm and Max Raid Battles, we fixed the bug where players could be matched with others whose passwords were not coinciding.
  • Other updated content
    • We fixed several other issues to improve game play experience.
1.3.0[20] October 22, 2020 12.4 GB
  • Expansion Pass Part 2, The Crown Tundra, has been released as downloadable content
    • Customers who have purchased the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass can now explore The Crown Tundra
  • Additional Pokémon now appear
    • Even if you have not purchased the expansion pass, you can find additional Pokémon through online gameplay.
  • Other updates
    • Fixed a number of issues so that gameplay is more enjoyable.
1.3.1[21] December 21, 2020 12.4 GB
  • Fixed some issues for a better gameplay experience.
1.3.2[22] May 11, 2021 12.4 GB
  • Fixed the issue where some Pokémon icons were not properly displaying during online or local wireless battles.
  • Several issues have been fixed to improve gameplay experience.

Beta elements

Main article: Pokémon Sword and Shield beta

Trailers

Teaser

By Pokemon
This video is not available on Bulbapedia; instead, you can watch the video on YouTube here.


First trailer

By Pokemon
This video is not available on Bulbapedia; instead, you can watch the video on YouTube here.


Gallery

Logos

Title screens

Icons

Trivia

In other languages

Language Title
Japan Flag.png Japanese ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド
Chinese Cantonese 寶可夢 劍/盾
Mandarin 寶可夢 劍/盾
宝可梦 剑/盾
French Canada Flag.png Canada Pokémon Sword et Shield
France Flag.png Europe Pokémon Épée et Bouclier
Germany Flag.png German Pokémon Schwert und Schild
Italy Flag.png Italian Pokémon Spada e Scudo
South Korea Flag.png Korean 포켓몬스터 소드・실드
Spain Flag.png Spanish Pokémon Espada y Escudo

References

  1. Pokémon Sword for Switch Reviews - Metacritic
  2. Pokémon Shield for Switch Reviews - Metacritic
  3. Pokémon Sword and Shield Review - IGN
  4. Pokémon Sword and Shield Review - Eurogamer
  5. Famitsu review scores - 12/4/19 - Nintendo Everything
  6. Pokémon Sword and Shield Review - Nintendo Life
  7. Pokémon Sword and Shield sell 6 million copies in launch weekend - CNET
  8. Fiscal Year Ended March 2020 - Financial Results Explanatory Material - Nintendo Co., Ltd.
  9. Top Selling Title Sales Units - Nintendo Switch Software
  10. 10.0 10.1 Media Create Sales: CY 2019 (2018 Dec 31 - 2019 Dec 29) Sales | ResetEra
  11. 11.0 11.1 Media Create Sales: CY 2020 (2019 Dec 30 - 2021 Jan 03) Sales | ResetEra
  12. We Interview Junichi Masuda and Shigeru Ohmori about Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Pokemon.com
  13. A Special Letter and Song from Undertale Game Creator Toby Fox | Pokemon.com
  14. Nintendo Support: How to Update Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
  15. How to Update Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Nintendo Switch | Support | Nintendo
  16. 『ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド』更新データ(Ver.1.1.0)配信のお知らせ|ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト
  17. 『ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド』更新データ(Ver.1.1.1)配信のお知らせ|ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト
  18. 『ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド』更新データ(Ver.1.2.0)配信のお知らせ|ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト
  19. 『ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド』更新データ(Ver.1.2.1)配信のお知らせ|ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト
  20. 『ポケモン ソード・シールド』更新データ(Ver.1.3.0)配信のお知らせ|ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト
  21. 『ポケモン ソード・シールド』更新データ(Ver.1.3.1)配信のお知らせ|ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト
  22. 『ポケモン ソード・シールド』更新データ(Ver.1.3.2)配信のお知らせ|ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト


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