Now that the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield is right around the corner, it's time to get excited! The latest addition to the Pokémon series brings many new features and Pokémon species.
So far, Pokémon Sword and Shield looks like it's worth the hype. These are the reasons why you should look forward to its release.
1. New Pokémon
With every new Pokémon game comes new types of Pokémon. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, you'll encounter Gen 8 Pokemon from the Galarian region. The Galar region and the Pokémon themselves are inspired by England.
You just might encounter Morpeko, the above Pokémon who has two different forms. This Pokémon is constantly hungry, and gets even angrier when it's been hungry for too long. That's when Morpeko changes from an Electric to a Dark type.
Yamper, the Electric corgi-like Pokémon is another unique addition to the game. It has an ability called "Ball Fetch" that comes in handy when you're trying to catch wild Pokémon. If you're not able to catch the Pokémon on your first try, Yamper will bring the unused Poké Ball back to you.
As you can see, the new Pokémon definitely come with a fair share of quirks. You can check out the full list of new Pokémon here.
2. Dynamax and Gigantamax
Did you think that Pokémon can't get bigger and more powerful than their Mega Evolution? Well, now they can become gigantic with the new Dynamax and Gigantamax features.
Dynamax and Gigantamax might seem similar, but they have some distinctions to look out for. Using your Dynamax band will cause your Pokémon to temporarily grow in size during a battle. It also alters their moves and changes their stats for three turns.
While Gigantamaxing also makes Pokémon huge, only certain types of Pokémon can Gigantamax. Gigantamax Pokémon will also have a changed appearance, as well as a powerful move called G-Max. So far, the only Pokémon that can Gigantamax are Charizard, Butterfree, Pikachu, Meowth, Eevee, Corviknight, Drednaw, and Alcremie.
3. Pokémon Camp
In Pokémon X and Y, we have Pokémon Amie, while in Pokémon Sun and Moon we have Pokémon Refresh. These modes allow us to bond with our Pokémon and improve their moods. Pokémon Sword and Shield will introduce Pokémon Camp, an even more fun way to interact with our Pokémon.
You'll now get to set up camp anywhere around Galar. On the campsite, you can give your Pokémon toys, play with your Pokémon, cook curry for your Pokémon, and have other players visit your camp.
4. Farfetch'd Evolution
We finally have a Farfetch'd Evolution! This Gen 1 Pokémon is long due for an evolution. It now turns into the gentlemanly Sirfetch'd while in Galar.
5. Huge Wild Area
Pokémon Sword and Shield will likely have the biggest map in the entire series, and will also have something called a Wild Area. This remote area connects several towns around Galar, and is also filled with various types of Pokémon. As the weather changes in the game, so does the Pokémon you'll come across.
6. Awesome Starter Pokémon
You'll get the option of choosing from three brand new starter Pokémon: Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble.
Each Pokémon has unique abilities. While Grookey can transmit energy to plants, Scorbunny harbors a fire sac that allows it to power up. The water Pokémon Sobble, becomes invisible when it touches water, and also has a contagious cry—once it starts crying, everyone around it will start bawling too.
7. Online Battle Stadium
The online Battle Stadium is another exciting feature coming to Pokémon Sword and Shield. It's similar to the Battle Spot we've seen in Pokémon Sun and Moon, but it comes with a few changes.
First off, you won't have a numerical rank. The Battle Stadium will operate on a tier-based ranking system. Once you earn points from won battles, you'll increase your tier.
If you want to practice before you start competitively battling trainers from around the world, you can try the casual, unranked battles. There isn't any limit on what types of Pokémon you can use in casual battles, which means you can bust out your Mythical and Legendary Pokémon.
8. Max Raid Battles
When you traverse the Wild Area, you might come across a beam of light coming from a Pokémon Den. Team up with a group of four friends to defeat the Dynamax Pokémon that lurks inside. Keep in mind that this Dynamax Pokémon won't return to its original size after three turns—that makes it extra powerful.
Only one person in your party can unleash their own Dynamax Pokémon. If you manage to defeat it, you can capture it.
9. Autosave
Pokémon Sword and Shield finally has autosave! This isn't really a substantial change, but it beats forgetting to save and losing all of your hard work.
10. Galarian Forms
Some Pokémon from previous generations have the ability to evolve into a Galarian form. The Pokémon confirmed to have a Galarian form right now are Ponyta, Weezing, Zigzagoon, Linoone, and Obstagoon.
Get Ready to Catch 'Em All... Again!
Pokémon Sword and Shield definitely looks promising. The new features, Galarian Pokémon, and the expansive map will make this game stand out from the previous Pokémon games.