Pokémon Sword and Shield are finally available to the public and they are incredibly popular. Lots of kids will be asking for them, and we suspect a lot of parents will need help. If you happen to be one of those parents, then this is our guide for you. Bookmark this page and refer to it if you need help with your kids’ newest favorite game.
What is the ESRB Rating?
Pokemon Sword and Shield are rated E for everyone by the ESRB.
The content descriptors are Comic Mischief and Mild Cartoon Violence.
The rating summary reads, “This is a role-playing game in which players assume the role of a Pokémon trainer trying to become champion. Players explore the fictional Galar Region and engage in turn-based combat with other trainers. Players select various attacks (e.g., fire, lightning/electricity) from a menu to defeat Pokémon. Melee-style attacks (e.g., rolling, scratching, bouncing) are also used, as impact sounds, light effects, and diminishing health bars indicate damage. One creature is seen with a large drop of mucous hanging from its nose.”
What are the differences between the two games?
The Pokémon Company and Game Freak always release two different versions of their Pokémon games. The biggest differences between the two versions has always been in the available Pokemon, but this time around there are version exclusive gyms to battle in as well.
Pokémon Sword Exclusive Pokémon
- Deino
- Zwellous
- Hydreigon
- Jangmo-o
- Hakamo-o
- Kommo-o
- Gothita
- Gothorita
- Gothitelle
- Seedot
- Nuzleaf
- Shiftry
- Rufflet
- Braviary
- Swirlix
- Slurpuff
- Scraggy
- Scrafty
- Sawk
- Basculin (Red stripe)
- Mawile
- Solrock
- Passimian
- Turtonator
- Galarian Farfetch’d
- Sirfetch’d
- Galarian Darumaka
- Galarian Darminitan
- Flapple (new Generation 8 Pokemon)
- Indeedee (Male)(New Generation 8 Pokemon)
- Stonjourner
Pokémon Shield Exclusive Pokémon
- Larvitar
- Pupitar
- Tyranitar
- Goomy
- Sliggoo
- Goodra
- Solosis
- Duosion
- Reuniclus
- Lotad
- Lombra
- Ludicolo
- Vullaby
- Mandibuzz
- Spritzee
- Aromatisse
- Croagunk
- Toxicroak
- Throh
- Basculin (Blue Stripe)
- Sableye
- Lunatone
- Oranguru
- Drampa
- Galarian Ponyta
- Galarian Rapidash
- Galarian Corsola
- Cursola
- Appletun (New Generation 8 Pokémon)
- Indeedee (F)(New Generation 8 Pokémon)
- Eiscue (New Generation 8 Pokémon)
Version Exclusive Gyms
The fourth and sixth gym that you battle in during the game are different based on which version you play.
In Pokémon Sword the fourth gym features Bea and her party of fighting-type Pokémon. The sixth gym is run by Gordie and his squad of rock-type Pokémon.
In Pokémon Shield the fourth gym is run by Allister who uses ghost-type Pokémon and the sixth gym is led by Melony and her ice-type Pokémon.
All of the other gyms are identical in both versions.
The differences in the gym lineups means that you’ll need different Pokémon in your party to help overcome the gym challenges and, ultimately, the gym leader.
Legendary Pokemon
Each game features a different legendary Pokémon that is pictured on the front cover of the game. You are able to capture them after you complete the main story arc of the game.
Pokémon Sword has Zacian who is fairy type. When you find the rusted sword and give it to him he becomes fairy/steel type.
Pokémon Shield has Zamazenta who is fighting type. When you find the rusted shield and give it to him he becomes fighting/steel type.
Do you need Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo Switch Online isn’t mandatory, but it does a lot to enrich the experience. Nintendo Switch Online is required for online battling and trading. You also need it in order to participate in Max Raid Battles with other players. (The game will provide you with AI controlled teammates, but it just isn’t the same.)
How do you reset the game?
Sometimes you will just get stuck and feel the need to start over. The Pokémon Company, knowing that its target audience is largely made up of children, makes it relatively difficult to delete a save game so you can start over. They don’t want it to be something that can be done by accident.
In the case of Sword and Shield, you use the data management settings in the Switch menu.
- Turn on your Nintendo Switch
- From the Nintendo Switch Home Screen, select System Settings
- Find Data Management on the next screen
- Navigate down to the Delete Save Data option
- Choose Pokémon Sword & Shield to delete your file for your current profile.
- Note: Make SURE that you are deleting the save file for the correct profile.
You can then restart your Pokémon Sword or Shield game.
What starter Pokémon should they pick?
Choosing your starter Pokémon is one of the biggest decisions your child will make while playing Pokémon Sword and Shield. They get to choose one of three Pokémon that each have two evolutions: Scorbunny, Grooky, and Sobble. Check out our guide to help you choose between them!
What is the difference between Dynamax and Gigantamax?
One of the key new features in Sword and Shield is the Dynamax mechanic. Pokémon have the ability, in specific situations, to grow to a massive size and power up each of their attacks. This is similar to the mega-evolution that was introduced in Pokémon X and Y (Generation 6), except that the dynamax has a maximum duration of three turns. The attacks your Pokémon uses while in dynamax form are called Max Movs and are very similar to Z-moves that were introduced during Pokémon Sun and Moon (Generation 7).
You might hear your kids using the term Gigantimax in relation to these battles. These terms are NOT interchangable. Any Pokémon can Dynamax, but there are only certain Pokémon that has a Gigantimax form. This means that they have a special form and access to super powerful G-Max Moves that are unique and powerful.
The only way to find Gigantimax Pokémon is in Max Raid battles. These are special battles that you enter by finding circular rock formations in the wild area.
Tips for catching Pokémon
- Make sure you are using the right Pokeballs. You start with access to regular Pokeballs. But, as you defeat gyms you’ll have access to Great Balls and Ultra balls in the PokeCenter shops. You’ll get the best results from using the higher levels Pokeballs. You get a single Master Ball After defeating all of the gyms and completing the story. That should be reserved for catching the game’s legendary Pokémon Zacian or Zamazenta.
- Reduce the opposing Pokémon’s HP as low as you can without making it feint. This can be tricky, but you can buy a move called False Swipe at the PokeCenter on the way to Route 3. (False Swipe will never reduce a Pokémon to 1 HP.)
- Use status effects! Pokémon who are under status effects are easier to catch. Ideally, you would use one of your Pokémon to put them to Sleep, but poison, paralysis, and frozen work as well.
Was this guide helpful? Leave your comments and questions below! We can add more to this document as time goes on!
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Linda Wrobel