Pokémon Sword and Shield officially launched today, and are now available for fans to play on the Nintendo Switch.
As the first core Pokémon RPGs to launch on Nintendo Switch systems, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield include a new region to explore, new Pokémon to discover, and new ways for Pokémon fans to play.
Pokémon Sword and Shield feature the following for pocket monster hunters to enjoy:
- A new region to explore: Players can dive into the Galar region for the first time, exploring its idyllic countryside, contemporary cities, thick forests, and craggy, snow-covered mountains.
- The Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomenon: In the Galar region, pokémon can Dynamax, growing into an enormous version of themselves during power. Dynamaxing boosts the power of that pokémon, and they become much more difficult to catch or take down. On rare occasions, some pokémon can go one step further and become Gigantamax pokémon, where they not only become bigger, but also alter their appearance and use powerful G-Max moves, which regular Dynamax pokémon can’t utilize.
- Trek across the Wild Area: A vast expanse of untamed wilderness in the Galar region, the Wild Area is where trainers can find a wide variety of wild pokémon to battle and catch. The types of pokémon players can find in the Wild Area, and the situations in which trainers can battle them can change, even depending on in-game weather conditions. In addition, as Gaming Instincts has previously reported, the Wild Area is home to some pokémon which vastly outlevel the player at the beginning of the game, offering a challenge to die-hard fans, or trainers who would like to find an early 3rd stage evolution pokémon.
- Max Raid Battles: While battling pokémon in the Wild Area, trainers can take part in a new battle format, called Max Raid Battles. These are epic multiplayer battles in which up to four trainers band together to catch a wild Dynamax pokémon.
- Three new starter pokémon: Trainers can get to know one of three new first partner pokémon—grass-type chimp Grookey, fire-type rabbit Scorbunny, or water type lizard Sobble.
- A myriad of new pokémon to discover: The Galar region hosts its own unique pokémon ecology, from the sheep Wooloo who provides the wool for goods in Galar, to grass-type Gossifleur, whose pollen is used in medicine. Many other Galarian forms of beloved pokémon are available for trainers to learn about, capture, and befriend.
- New legendary pokémon: The Galar region is home to two mysterious legendary pokémon, Zacian and Zamazenta.
- Set up Pokémon Camps: Players can train and increase their bond with a pokémon beyond battles alone. Trainers can set up a camp almost anywhere, and play with their pokémon using a variety of toys, cook and enjoy different curries together, and even visit other player’s camps.
Pokémon Sword and Shield are available now for the Nintendo Switch, starting at USD $49.
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