As with all main series Pokémon games before them, Pokémon Sword and Shield each have minor differences which you should know about before jumping in. You'll notice different Pokémon and even Gym Leaders appearing in your game depending on the version you buy, so we've gathered all of the version-exclusive characters for you below to help you decide which Pokémon game you should buy - Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield.
If you're eager for a full list of the 400 Pokémon available in the Galar Pokédex, check out our snazzy Galar Pokédex database tool. You can also find out more about the three Pokémon Sword and Shield starters and their evolutions, check out our Pokémon type chart for info on strengths and weaknesses, hunt out Easter Eggs in Pokémon Sword and Shield, and find out how to find and evolve Galar region Pokémon from Sirfetch'd to Frosmoth, Alcremie and many more.
And then there's the Expansion Pass, too. So many 'mon!
What's The Difference Between Pokémon Sword And Shield? - Version Exclusive Pokémon
We'll kick things off with the Pokémon themselves. 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.
Here are all of the Pokémon exclusive to each version:
Pokémon Sword Exclusive Pokémon
Name | Galar Pokédex No. | |
---|---|---|
Seedot | 39 | |
Nuzleaf | 40 | |
Shiftry | 41 | |
Machamp (Gigantamax) | 140 | |
Basculin (red) | 154 | |
Coalossal (Gigantamax) | 163 | |
Flapple | 206 | |
Swirlix | 210 | |
Slurpuff | 211 | |
Farfetch'd (Galarian) | 218 | |
Sirfetch'd | 219 | |
Scraggy | 224 | |
Scrafty | 225 | |
Gothita | 267 | |
Gothorita | 268 | |
Gothitelle | 269 | |
Rufflet | 281 | |
Braviary | 282 | |
Mawile | 295 | |
Indeedee (Male) | 337 | |
Passimian | 343 | |
Turtonator | 347 | |
Solrock | 363 | |
Darumaka (Galarian) | 367 | |
Darmanitan (Galarian) | 368 | |
Stonjourner | 369 | |
Deino | 386 | |
Zweilous | 387 | |
Hydreigon | 388 | |
Jangmo-o | 392 | |
Hakamo-o | 393 | |
Kommo-o | 394 | |
Zacian | 398 |
Pokémon Shield Exclusive Pokémon
Name | Galar Pokédex No. | |
---|---|---|
Lotad | 36 | |
Lombre | 37 | |
Ludicolo | 38 | |
Gengar (Gigantamax) | 143 | |
Basculin (blue) | 154 | |
Appletun | 207 | |
Spritzee | 212 | |
Aromatisse | 213 | |
Croagunk | 222 | |
Corsola (Galarian) | 236 | |
Cursola | 237 | |
Solosis | 270 | |
Duosion | 271 | |
Reuniclus | 272 | |
Vullaby | 283 | |
Mandibuzz | 284 | |
Sableye | 294 | |
Ponyta (Galarian) | 333 | |
Rapidash (Galarian) | 334 | |
Indeedee (Female) | 337 | |
Oranguru | 342 | |
Drampa | 346 | |
Lapras (Gigantamax) | 361 | |
Lunatone | 362 | |
Eiscue | 370 | |
Larvitar | 383 | |
Pupitar | 384 | |
Tyranitar | 385 | |
Goomy | 389 | |
Sliggoo | 390 | |
Goodra | 391 | |
Zamazenta | 399 | |
Pokémon Sword and Shield - Version-Exclusive Gym Leaders
Pokémon Sword and Shield also feature version-exclusive Gym Leaders. Here they are:
Pokémon Sword Exclusive Gym Leaders
- Gym Leader Bea, Fighting-type Pokémon user, Stow-On-Side
Bea is a prodigy in Galar karate, carrying on its century-old traditions and techniques. Known for her stoicism and rarely showing her emotions, Bea is also an expert on Fighting-type Pokémon. Her battle style remains very precise even when she’s backed into a corner.
- Gym Leader Gordie, Rock-type Pokémon user, Circhester
Rock-lover Gordie will stand between you and victory in Circhester if you chose Sword over Shield.
Pokémon Shield Exclusive Gym Leaders
- Gym Leader Allister, Ghost-type Pokémon user, Stow-On-Side
Allister is a talented Trainer of Ghost-type Pokémon who has taken on the mantle of the Ghost-type Gym Leader at a young age. He’s extremely shy and fearful, and he always hides his face with a mask when around other people. Allister rarely makes public appearances and apparently spends most of his time around ruins or in cemeteries.
- Gym Leader Melony, Ice-type Pokémon user, Circhester
As cold as ice, and willing to sacrifice (her Pokémon), you'd do well to turn up the heat when you encounter Melony in the Circhester Stadium.
If you're on the fence about which version you'd like to pick up, hopefully this list will help to make your mind up.
Which version are you going for? Sword or Shield? Or are you eyeing up both? Tell us below.
Comments 133
I'm getting both regardless, but Shield will be my main game.
@NorseGamerTommy you're part of the problem.
I already pre ordered the dual pack because I want that awesome steelbook. I skipped pokemon games for 4 years and won’t let any controversy get in the way of me enjoying SWSH.
At first I wanted to play sword but I prefer larvitar and goomy. If the other version exclusive pokemon in shield are ones I prefer too I’ll play shield. The other game will be used for my first ever nuzlocke challange, maybe even a herdlocke (5 wooloo, 1 yamper).
My choice is still same.
Pokemon SWORD for Fighting type Pokemons.
And of course i will consider Pokemon SHIELD later.
@darkswabber you've skipped 4 years of games and decided to jump back into a lesser game. Right. Makes sense.
it's 2019 why cant we get the other games stuff as DLC like they do in Fire Emblem???
@Gzeus88 please accept that a lot of people don’t care about dexit and want to enjoy the games. I for one like the fact that we can’t use every pokemon, I agree with the people saying this would happen eventually. And people saying the arguments GF uses against all pokemon are false... how do you know that? Have you played the full game? Have you seen every feature? Every animation? No, okay, please wait and see.
@Gzeus88 Dont be such a hateful bish
Nice to see Hydreigon is back. Hydreigon was one of my favourites from Gen V (and of all time), but I've set my heart on Shield, as I would more of a tactician/defender if on the battlefield.
Man, I understand version exclusive Pokémon, for trading. But I don't want to play the same game twice to see all the gym leaders. Surely theses two won't be the only case
Didn't they pull that with the last leader in B2W2? Also ORAS?
It's worth mentioning that purchasing the dual pack with the Steelbook comes with special codes that will allow you to encounter a Larvitar Max Raid in Sword, and a Jangmo-o Max Raid in Shield.
But only if you're buying both games, for whatever reason.
@w00dm4n : Or you can just trade with someone who owns the opposite version.
The content of the alternate versions have always been inconsequential at best. I've completed my Pokédex in Ultra Moon through online trades, for example.
If Mega Pokémon aren't returning, I don't see any point in training a Tyranitar if I cannot access its final form.
@Bobb only other game that had major version differences where BW and BW2. BW had different 8th gym leaders but they had the same team still. BW2 had completely different designs for some locations depending on the version.
Other than that, starting with GS, each game had story differences related to the legendary.
@Gzeus88
You are the problem here. 😒
Leave us to enjoy in Pokemon Sword / Shield Euphoria.
I like both of the gym leader designs. I like the Tyranitar line, but also like the Hydreigon lines, while the other 2 not as much. So right now still pretty even and not completely decided on which one to pick up. I'm leaning towards shield right now because I like that legendary look better.
Luckily for me, I'm getting Sword and my friend is getting Shield, so we can just swap games when we're done to play through them again and see the different version exclusive stuff
Looks awesome,I will be getting the Sword version.
@Anti-Matter no
I was going to just get sword as I prefer the legendary and I usually get the first one in the pair. Now there are exclusive gym leaders I will be getting both.
@darkswabber fair dos. Once the game is released and it can no longer be argued that it's missing mass amounts of content for improved graphics or animations then I'll come back to this comment and give you a big 'I told you so'
@Gzeus88
Whatever.... 🙄
(Preparing my budget for Pokemon Sword due to 15 November 2019)
Then i will leave you alone because i wanna have Pokemon party with someone.
Oh, No need to tell me "I told you so !" because i will told that line to you.
Allister alone has me leaning me towards Shield. Such a cool idea for a gym leader
Good to know that commenters are downvoting anybody that mentions the big problem with sword and shield. Instead of pointing out that at least 12 more Pokemon will be available in game, it's full of people pledging to buy two copies of the game so they can have access to the "exclusive content" in each one.
This article actually made me change my pre-order.
All these articles gave me a Pokemon itch to scratch, so I'll be picking up a dualpack of Pokemon Cyber and Pokemon Sleuth. Also looking forward to Pokemon Yokai Watch 4 version next year.
Meanwhile, I'm playing storm silver, catching all the pokemon of the first 4 generations in the same game and gyms and extremely tough battles, the minimum that the game freak should have done, however, you have to come a fan and make a better game. ...
I only hope that sword and shield do not have the battles of gym leaders or pokemon without brain, that use for example hypnosis in pokemon that already is sleeping, poor AI
@Gzeus88 you've made toxic comment without thinking. Makes sense. Leave people who wants to enjoy games alone man. It's their choice.
I was thinking to pick Sword from the start, then i saw Bea and she made my decision more easy.
@darkswabber thank you for clearing that up. I skipped gen 5, so all I know about it is what read here and there.
Though, as far as I remember, G/S only difference was swapping the positions of Ho-oh and Lugia, with little or no impact on the story. I may be wrong though, it was a long time ago
@NorseGamerTommy same here. Can’t wait.
@Gzeus88 I think most of us here aren’t that petty and won’t bother checking. Mainly because we will be enjoying the game. Haha
Title is clickbait, it should say "Some Version-Exclusive Pokemon" and not "All Version-Excusive Pokemon"
@mariomaster96 It's most likely going to be updated over time and reposted when necessary.
Got the bundle preordered
@adema16 good for you.
What about pokemon gun?
@KingKRoolMain
How about Pokemon Bazooka ? 🤣
Hoping there will finally be a Dark type gym leader.
Woo, I switched to sword but I'll have to check to see which one my buddy is getting.
Only pokemon fans would be ok with exclusive content for reasons that has no reason to be exclusive. Guess it's better then timed 'dlc' like in past games.
@Preposterous Pokemon Cyber makes me think of TRON-like Pokemon and a Hackers-like environment. I feel like it needs to be a thing. You know, if Pokemon wouldn't place a smack down on anyone who tried to make it.
Il just get sword and my misses can play shield and trade me the exclusives, can't wait for November to come plus atelier ryza and star wars around the same time
@Gzeus88 At least wait until there's more info on the games before considering them bad just because of cut pokemon.
Animations and textures clearly aren't a reason for old pokemon to be cut as all old pokemon we've seen so far haven't been improved in that sense, but balance could still be a reason.
If they're reworking old pokemon, rethinking their stats, and giving them new signature moves and abilities that set them apart like many Gen 7 pokemon got, it would make sense to have to wait 2 or 3 games to get all the pokemon back in the game
I personally would love old pokemon to be redone as most Gen 1-3 pokemon had really weird or just bad stats because they were designed pre-physical/special-split. I'd much rather have 200-400 old pokemon brought back per game for 2 or 3 games in exchange for reworks to see lots of forgotten pokemon shine again than just have them be in every game but they're just as bad as they've always been.
Point is, we don't know the full reason why many old pokemon won't be in the game, so hold back on the complaints until after we get all the details, because there could be some really cool reasons why it makes sense to cut a bunch of pokemon >>temporarily<< that they just don't wanna reveal yet. If it turns out there's a really stupid reason, or just no reason at all, then you can complain.
Btw l'm still not going with Sword
@Gzeus88 given we know about 25% of the finished content, the graphics have had a major upgrade, there are now free roaming areas and online multiplayer and nobody bar the press have played more than 10 minutes how do we know it's a lesser game? The lack of 1000 Pokemon? I don't recall anyone chastising Let's Go for having only 153 Pokemon.
I don't preorder games in general, but I especially don't preorder Pokemon games because of these version differences (not just exclusive Pokemon but also an exclusive gym).
@xmrmeow According to leaks, there is supposed to be a camping feature that allows you to play/interact with the Pokemon (like in Pokemon Amie). If there are any "new animations", it's probably there. It's pretty clear that battle animations for returning Pokemon have remained largely the same.
I not a fan of the exclusive gyms leader battles. I hope that we can somehow fight them post game.
Looks like it’s gonna be Shield for me.
Nope Game Freak, it's not happening! I'm sticking with Sword no matter what you do.
I swear Game Freak wants me desperately to buy Shield because it has the exclusives I like, but I'm not doing it. Getting my Sifmon and the shieldmon can buzz off :3
@Gzeus88 Leave people alone man. If they want to get this game it’s not effecting you. Get a life man
@RadioHedgeFund
Lol if you want to continue fooling yourself that you're going to get some vastly improved game from what we've seen already be my guest.
@ARhollow I'll do what I please thank you.
Swords Pokemon are way better.
You don’t like the game? Cool it’s a free country don’t buy it then
@xmrmeow so youre reducing my argument down to being pissed about cut pokemon. How many times do I or others have to explain this.
Its about so much more than the major issue of cutting pokemon. It's the deceit and apathy. It's the recycled 3DS game we are getting for a home console but with less content. It's the increased price for a 3DS game on the switch. It's the complete lack of consideration GF has shown towards fans for years. This has been building since the removal of battle frontier.
So no I'm not going to just drop it. I'm going to do my best to help people realise the degregation of the pokemon games and how the community needs to make a stand. And i dont care how many of you tell me to stop it or leave it alone. I wont until I get tired and right now im fully energised.
I've gotten into the habit of running monotype teams, so I'm waiting to find out what the starters' secondary typings are before I make any decision. I'm leaning toward Shield for now, but once I decide my monotype I might see there's a Sword exclusive I'll want.
I already preordered the dual pack before this announcement. My nephew and I chose which of the 2 games we would get solely based on the look of the legendaries. I picked Shield cause I thought Zamazenta was a lion with a mane that was a shield haha 😆 !
@Gzeus88 You're right that Pokemon has historically been on handhelds and thus costed less money until now. I believe that it costing 50% more ($40->$60) means it should have something along the lines of 50% more content.
We haven't seen the region, the full roster of pokemon, and how much there is to do postgame to keep the game alive. Also things like skipable cutscenes, less handholding, and super fast text mode improve replay value, but we don't know anything about that either yet.
For all we know this region could be bigger, offer many post-game areas, have a battle frontier, and have a roster of 100+ new pokemon available in the game as well as improvements to older pokemon. I'm cautiously optimistic, but I like what I've seen so far.
I'll be right there with you in being disappointed if the game releases and has just as many new pokemon as Gen 6 and 7, is a similar size region, and offers just as little postgame (only a single Battle Tower-like battle facility, with very few post-game areas to explore), and all the problems I had with SM/USUM (i.e. slow dialogue, no-skip cutscenes, and handholding).
Tbh, people being extremely vocal about these concerns might actually improve the game >.> gamefreak ought to know people are upset about these glaring issues other games had, or feature people liked that are getting removed in favor of things that don't appeal to as many players.
I'd much rather have a Emerald-like Battle Frontier with pokemon shaped battle facility buildings than Camping with my pokemon, and all this cutesy petting pokemon stuff they're putting in the new games.
I'm just sayin it seems a little too harsh to jump down the throats of anyone who's excited about the game just cause the devs haven't been moving the game entirely in the direct that a lot of people want it to go in.
@darkswabber Umm no most of the games have big differences, Ruby/Sapphire (ORAS) had a completely different enemy team and boss battles. S/M USUM has different stalls which impacts you ability to buy certain items from the stalls like rare kitchen levels etc. Also dye colors for clothes were version locked. There is a trainer than can’t be fought a second time too if I remember.
who, now hold on. exclusive pokemon have always been a thing but exclusive gym leaders? that there sounds like they are getting more aggressive in their tactics to get people to buy both versions and essentially buying 95 percent of the game twice. that is shady af.
@mousieone Teams are story aspects which I mentioned. I neved played SM and USUM so I didn’t know that. But I get why you mentioned RS and ORAS, I might have downplayed it a bit.
But TBH, RS and ORAS are the only games with really major differences that I would say make them different games instead of complimentary games. (Disregarding sequels and 3rd editions)
@companyoflosers hardly as @darkswabber and I have been talking about other games featured entirely different locations(BW,BW2), different Bosses (RSE, ORAS) and different aesthetics (S/M, USUM) actually Last gen was actually the most annoying with the character customization options ...
Edit: I forgot to mention gen 7 also has time difference between versions. So when is day in Sun it’s night in moon.
@companyoflosers That's not shady - that's what they should be doing. Selling two versions of virtually identical games has always been a bit asinine in my opinion. That's the practice that preys on the hoarder/collector mentality. I hope the games continue to be more and more unique - maybe someday we'll see Pokemon games be more like the Zelda Oracle games, where the two games were completely separate and unique experiences. At least then I'd actually consider purchasing a second version, and those that currently buy both versions would be getting something unique with each. Otherwise, I'd rather they do away with multiple versions altogether.
really not sure with the wolf with sword in mouth?looks like it dumbomon and playing fetch 😂.as much as I want to love the pokemon design am a bit gutted. you know it might win me over......maybe be great!
@Preposterous Oh ni- wait a minute. squints
You sneaky little...
@Anti-Matter you are paying for a HD 3ds game. Go emulate Pokemon sun or moon in 1080p and you will get the same result.
@RadioHedgeFund it was a remaster of gen 1.
so is it true that if the pokemon isn’t in the regional dex you can’t get it in the game? so there won’t be any trading of exclusives? in that case pick wisely.
also why are people angry that other people like this game? “you’re paying for a 3ds game” yeah so? so what if someone wants to? does it affect you at all, in any way whatsoever, if somebody likes this game? are you going to be forced to play it because someone else likes it? no? then just let people be happy and stop taking out your bad feelings on others.
I was thinking Sword originally, but seeing T-tar and Goodra being in Shield, plus the Ghost Gym? I think I just changed teams!
And so nice to see some positive things in the comments for once!
@Gzeus88 No, that would be people like you, attacking people for looking forward to playing a game. People aren't a "problem" because they are looking forward to playing a game. The problem is this increasingly toxic community that attacks anyone who doesn't go along with the loud minority.
@darkswabber That herdlock idea sounds kinda fun! I might have to try it!
@BeanoWild
Pardon me. 😒
Let me enjoy my purchase Pokemon Sword and nobody can't change my decision.
@xmrmeow
The Galar region looks to be quite large. That official Galar map image provided by Gamefreak looks pretty scaled down and doesn't seem to accurately represent the size of the actual region.
@ReaperExTenebris
"the outlook for this game isn't good"
Who cares?! 🙄
That was your opinion.
My opinion, Pokemon Sword / Shield are good enough as Pokemon 3DS.
Stop discourage other peoples want to buy Pokemon Sword / Shield.
@ReaperExTenebris
One word from me: I don't care with your opinion !
I will play Pokemon Sword / Shield once it released.
I will accept its quality just the way it is.
If I was buying games I would get the Shield version since it has better exclusive pokemon.
Meanwhile Sword has the better gym leader.
Oh well I'll just focus on better games coming out this year.
Emperor Palpatine: Gooood, let the hate flow through you.
Hardcore Pokemon Fans: Let's down vote every official trailer, rage comment every story, flame everyone not as angry as us, and scream and cry that we won't buy Sword/Shield (even though we probably will anyway). We must stay united in our fan rage!!!!!11j3489432u89edffd!!!!
Emperor Palpatine: Whoa dudes, chill. It's just a game. A game that will likely still be good, just not exactly what you wanted...have these guys ever been outside? The world sucks, the national dex isn't that big of a dig. I mean, I promote hate, but this makes me look like the Easter Bunny.
@Heavyarms55
Its merely helping sheeple recognise the error of their ways
@ReaperExTenebris I've now learned that there is little point in making valid arguments against these types of people
They've made up their mind and that's it. It doesn't matter if they are supporting a 3DS game on a home console and paying full price for it. They dont care woo. Its pokemon. Gosh have you seen the new megaevo...sorry dynamax sorry gigamaxing? Those animations, graphics, its pushing the limits of the switch!!!! And have you not seen the new pokemon!? They look nothing like older gen pokes that have been needlessly cut just to put these new 1s in. Dont you realise that GF are the best developer in the world and they could literally crap on a plate and they would eat it up every single time. Oh GF your tired ass games are beautiful.
@Gzeus88
Keep your opinions to yourself. 😒
Never ever forcing peoples to agree with your toxic comments.
@BeanoWild It shouldn't matter. Post-game it should have had all 800 Pokemon available for transfer.
Do you see how daft that sounds now?
@Gzeus88 I'm not; I just don;t have the unrealistic expectations a lot of 'fans' seem to have.
A new region, 150ish Pokemon, half of which will be new. Some new gyms, a few new extra-curricular activities, maybe the candy feature from Let's Go!, a new story, 4-player raid battles, a few secret Pokemon and some sort of post-game challenge.
I'll drop 40 notes for that as its a decent amount of content and business as usual.
@RadioHedgeFund 40? These games are not being charged at 3DS prices though.
Ultimately if you want to play just another pokemon game be my guest. It just doesnt help the cause to enact change needed for GF to make these games much better than they are.
Tyranitar being exclusive to shield hopefully does not mean Aggron is version exclusive to sword. This happened with the sixth gen games.
@ReaperExTenebris Ummmm, I think that the Ghost leader is a boy. XD
I think i'll go the "Let's GO" route and pass on both.
Everything i've seen so far looks pretty bad. And if the rumors are true that even certain Raid Bosses are locked behind buying both games, than yeah, pass.
But for the statistic: I'd have gone with Sword for the sword doggo.
@roadrunner343 i mean if they get MORE unique, sure, but right now, they are small differences but still enough to make people consider buying both becaus ocd reasons. if they are gonna tempt people to buy both, make the difference in content more glaring then. almost to the point of making them different games. hell make each version happen in a different starting region. imagine if pokemon gold started in kanto and silver started in johto. THATid be fine with because id feel like i was buying entirely different content. but i dont want to pay twice for 98 percent the same content on both versions.
@companyoflosers It sounds like we agree in principal - I've personally always strongly disliked multiple versions that were essentially identical, so I feel like this is a step in the right direction. However, like you said, this still isn't really enough differentiation for my personal taste, so I would like to see them either move away from multiple versions altogether, or continue to make them more unique. I really like your idea of starting in multiple regions as well.
@RadioHedgeFund
People will literally burn down Gamefreak's headquarters if Sword/Shield only have 150 Pokemon. I expect 400-500 (and I've seen rumors of 450 and 600).
@Einherjar
Can you link the rumor that states that raid bosses are locked behind buying both Sword + Shield?
@westman98 @RupeeClock mentioned it in this thread and i saw it being discussed several times on twitter, no hard sources.
But yeah, if it turns out to be true, it's a poor move.
But not the straw that broke the camels back for me, but another reason on top.
Going by the footage they've released so far, the technical state of the game is more than enough for me to pass.
I'm by no means a "graphics enthusiast", but when a company says that "including all mons is too difficult due to rendering and animating them" and then recycle models while animations consist of said models literally T-Posing (Watch the overworld Wingulls for instance) than yeah, it smells of a rush job i'm not to keen to spend huge amounts of money on.
@Einherjar
Here's your source.
https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-gb/buy-now/
@RupeeClock
Can Dynamax Crystals not be obtained in-game?
@westman98
Don't know the full details, but it seems like Dynamax Crystals will be items that allow you to trigger Max Raid Battles.
There might be a few you can find in-game, or it might be their chosen method of distributing access to Max Raid Battles via mystery gift events.
It might be that the Dynamax Crystals allow you to repeat the Max Raid Battles, but maybe with a limit such as once per day.
@ReaperExTenebris
Could you stop bothering me ?
It's my decision to buy Pokemon Sword, NOT yours.
Shopto in the UK are offering a seperate Steelbook with each standard version of the game and a free tracksuit DLC for £39.85. https://www.shopto.net/en/pokemon/
@RupeeClock Kudos!
So, if i understand this correctly:
-These mons are available normally
-This bonus DLC enables their Raid Boss variant in the game they normally wouldn't show up (Which is pointless, since you get this bonus for buying both games anyways) and makes them catchable earlier.
So, in essence:
They lock a multi player boss behind a paywall (of sorts) for a completely pointless bonus?
@ReaperExTenebris
"i'm just saying that with current evidence, it's a bad idea."
You don't have any right to tell me buying Pokemon Sword is a bad idea.
Your comments toward me was a bad idea.
Hush !
@ReaperExTenebris It might of been a mistake, but I am pretty sure they are referring to the character as a "he".
@ReaperExTenebris Ah, yeah. I like the design either way.
@Anti-Matter well we can see the like:dislike ratio
@BeanoWild
I don't care with the ratio of like vs dislike toward Pokemon Sword / Shield !
What is your business to keep discouraging me to not consider Pokemon Sword / Shield ?!
I have decided to buy Pokemon Sword at Day One and leave you alone with all your petty saltiness.
@BeanoWild
Cut it out !! 😠
I don't want to play pirated Pokemon Sun / Moon with Citra emulator !!
I want to buy and play Pokemon Sword on my Nintendo Switch !
None of your business to keep insulting what i want to play !
@Anti-Matter well it's a lazily made game. You will be disappointed
@BeanoWild
No, i will not. 😡
I'm already content with the features so far.
Could you leave me alone and stop preaching me with your saltiness toward Pokemon Sword / Shield ??
I mean, seriously.
It's like you keep telling me how disgusting the food i'm eating right now.
That's really rude.
Watch your attitudes ! 😡
@Anti-Matter I'm just saying. Everyone was hyped for yooka laylee and look how it came out. Except this game dosent even look like a graphical upgrade let alone a new game.
@BeanoWild
Don't say any words.
Enough ! 😡
@Anti-Matter I was gonna say sorry but oh well I'm not allowed to say sorry
@BeanoWild To be fair, it is Anti Matter's decision whether or not he buys the game. Just because the majority hate a game doesn't mean it'll be bad. For example just imagine that there might be one person out there somewhere who likes Fallout 76 despite all the negativity.
@Matthew010 true, but he will be disappointed. I'm just trying to warn him.
@BeanoWild I completely agree there are features that are mildly disappointing, but like Anti I am also looking forward to the game. I won't get it launch day, but I'll look forward to playing it when I do.
What I am trying to say is we all have different opinions of what's good and what's not. Whereas I might say Daemon X Machina looks like a generic mech game, someone else might get 100s of hours od enjoyment out of it. Just because I am disappointed by it doesn't mean the next person will also be.
@Matthew010 daemon x machima? Oh that's a good looking ga- what was it called? It's very forgettable
Still my choice is Pokemon Sword for Sirfetch'd. 😉
And i like the Blue logo.
@Anti-Matter right? Was thinking about getting Shield, because of the Ghost gym leader, but that Sirfetch'd is just too darn awesome! So now it's sword for me (until another exclusive for shield knocks me of my socks and changes my mind 😜)
I never played a pokemon game before. Now I am considering giving it a chance. But, what is the main reason to play pokemon? What is the purpose? Goal? Replayability factor? Longevity? I will probably get one of these new games, even though I have no idea what I'm getting myself into. Guess I'm gonna have to see some gameplay on you tube.
Since Sirfetch'd is clearly going to be the fighting gym's signature mon, I can't wait to see what the ghost gym's signature ghost will be!
@aVagabond The pvp battling, I'd say. After I finish the main game, I end up breeding, shiny hunting and then eventually pvping other players. The actual battle mechanics are very indepth and fun - knowledge is power in the game so the more you know, the stronger you and your team will be. Its like... a way better version of chess, in that way. Not to mention these are new games and the latest in the series. So they'll just be building on the core aspects we've come to know and love while adding in a number of additions. Raid battles, for example.
It's gonna be great!
I’m relatively new to Pokémon (having only started playing in ORAS), but I have thoroughly enjoyed both those games and Pokémon Moon. After the announcement of S&S I was really exited to be able to bring my favorite Pokémon to my switch and play there. I have a few shiny Pokémon including a 5 IV shiny decidueye that I spent a few weeks breeding for. Decidueye is my favorite Pokémon and the shiny is probably my favorite shiny. My second favorite Pokémon is probably Mega Sableye, so I was really exited to have both of those in HD. When the Let’s Go games were announced I was kinda bummed that I would not be able to bring my favorite pokemon, that I spent time getting, to them, and I skipped the game because of that. Now with Sword and Shield I am moderately frustrated that, once again, I am not going to be able to bring in my favorite Pokémon and am skipping them for that reason. I play Pokémon mostly for the variety and excitement of having all these options, and honestly probably would have been fine with few to no new Pokémon if I had the chance to keep my old ones. Because of this, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the games very much at all if I were to leave behind my favorite mons that I spent so much time obtaining. That being said, I fully understand and support anyone who, like @Anti-Matter and many others, are happy with how the games are looking and are buying them day one.
(Side note: I really liked mega evolutions and cannot understand why they got rid of them from the single player. Banning them from online play I can kinda understand, but not even being able to access them offline? That seems like a step backwards to me almost as much as cutting out so many Pokémon does!)
Sorry for making all y’all bear through my rambling XD
@TheBlobfish For the record, I understand your point of view but only ever focusing on previous pokemon in a new game defeats the purpose of the new game. But since you're intending not to, its neither here nor there. I'll say its fine to have favourites but what really makes the games/concept shine as a whole is picking up new pokemon and giving them a shot - even those you never figured you would like can become favourites. I, for one, generally despise the grass typing but Cherrim is one of my favourite pokemon despite that because I gave it a shot. But I suppose different people have different tastes so you're welcome to skip this gen if you really want.
I also never liked the Mega Evolutions concept so I've been very happy to see the back of it, going into Sword and Shield. But at least you can continue to play previous titles that have the features you want. Nothing is stopping you from doing so now or anytime in the future.
@TheBlobfish I'm curious to see if some of the Mega Evolution appearances show up as transformations in Gigantimax. We already know that the mode changes the forms of SOME Pokémon…
It's also important to remember that Mega Evolution was plot-related to Gen VI, and only made it into Gen VII through the backdoor of Ultra Beasts and Z-Rings (though frankly I can't recall the explanation used in Let's Go!). The story they're trying to tell with Gen VIII may not allow for Mega Evolution. It certainly doesn't for Z-Moves, where Dynamax/Gigantimax seems to be an evolution of the concept with more cultural ties to stadium sports and less to Hawaiian dance.
@ThatNyteDaez
That does sound exciting. Would you say that the latest games would be the best representation of the pokemon franchise for the switch then? Or is "Let's go Pikachu/Eevie" better?
Also, sorry to ask a question which may have been asked already but how many pokemon will there be in the latest game? Not both, but one of them?
What I'm aiming at is longevity and fun factors.
Thanks for your time and effort. 😃
...If anything, this list has made it harder. Why can't it be easier by dumping nearly all of my favs on one version like in the past? I'd argue that these are too well distributed....
@ThatNyteDaez
Part of the reason I want a new game is because the switch is just so much more comfortable to play on, and also I do want a HD Pokémon. Additionally, I have yet to see a good reason for the Pokémon reduction. Now please correct me if I am wrong, but from my admittedly light reading it seems that the whole “model and animation improvement” is a load of malarkey because of the almost (if not completely) recycled animations from the 3ds games. I fully support recycling game assets, but you cannot have it both ways. It really feels kinda scummy to me, but once again I may be missing a perfectly good reason for the cut. Also, I am fully willing to admit that I am sorta salty about this whole situation. I feel a bit led on by the Pokémon Company. I was quite exited about Pokémon for switch, then let’s go happened and I was a bit bummed. Let’s go was probably great, it just did not appeal to me in the least as I have zero gen 1 nostalgia. Then it was announced that a main series Pokémon game was coming in 2019 and I was exited again and fully willing to wait, and it was announced and looked great! Then this whole thing happened. I do not understand why they could not have all of them and take another year or something. (Once again, someone please tell me if I am missing a perfectly good reason, because I very well may be!)
@marandahir
I thought there was a whole dual timeline thing for megas? Regardless, I see what you mean and after pondering it for a bit longer I think you are right. It does make more sense to remove megas, even if I don’t like it. XD
IM just geting sword for one reason ITS A DOG WITH A SWORD YEEEETT.
I'm getting both and I don't care if that annoys people!
Nice to see some of the dragons/psuedo-legendaries make it. But I'm just here wondering what shield's equivalent of Sirfetch'd is.
I'm leaning more towards Shield right now, but since I've decided on getting it used, I might get Sword if I find a good deal. I'm not that bothered about exclusive pokemon anyway, online trading exists.
I still think Version-Exclusive Gym Leaders are pretty worthless unless you're going to be able to rematch them, but more likely than not, you'll have your Gym Battle as your sole interaction and that's it - they're pointless now.
I'll most likely get both, but the question is which do I want first?
I'd love to use a Hydreigon on an single player run, but unless they changed the levels he evolves at, or this game is dramatically different in the late game, he'll never be fully evolved by the time you reach the end. Goodra on the other hand is feasible. Tyranitar is also right on the edge. Kommo-o is probably the most feasible.
None of them matter if they aren't obtainable until super late game/post game.
And I'm not considering Sirfetch'd until I know how he evolves. Their comment about "many battles" makes me worry it's really high level.
@TheBlobfish It seems the talk of new animations may be related to that new Pokemon Camp feature. It shows a bunch of Pokemon running around and playing with each other.
We also still don't know the full extent of the cut Pokemon but it seems very likely that it's mostly the plethora of legendary Pokemon from previous generations and megas.
@Heavyarms55
That’s just the problem though, those animations are reused as well! Again, that would be no problem for me if they did not use it as a reason for the cut.
I bought the double pack, but I'm giving one to my bro for his birthday.
@TheBlobfish Reused from what? Didn't look that way in the video to me. I suppose many of them could come from Pokemon Amie or whatever that was called. I never used that feature. Either way, I very much don't care.
In short, I'm much more annoyed by the so called fans than the animations or the limited Pokedex. The worst thing that could come from this issue is it tainting the community so bad that you can't find opponents for battles after the game comes out without fighting through 20 pages of whiners.
@Bobb I’m the same, I love the Gym Leader rosters and would hate if there was total exclusivity of characters in each game. With Black and White, Drayden or Iris were the Opelucid City Gym Leaders respectively but both were still in the game. Hopefully there’s the opportunity to fight the other either post-game or engaging with them in some other form (such as teaming up with them in-story)
Catch me waiting for my Sword pre-order this month while I'm getting Shield next month and knowing I'm going to enjoy playing both of them regardless of the changes. 😎🍵
I always got both versions when it came to Gen 5 - 7 including ORAS [All three in Sinnoh's case], so I'm keeping up with that tradition with LGPE and SWSH.
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