Pokémon Sword and Shield are the first core RPG games from Game Freak and The Pokémon Company coming to a console. Both titles are set to launch for the Nintendo Switch on Nov. 15.
As we get closer to the release date, it might be hard for fans to decide which version to purchase. After all, just like previous Pokémon games, certain story elements, creatures, and other features are exclusive to each version to entice players to buy both of them.
Here are some of the major differences between Sword and Shield.
Version-exclusive Pokémon
Just like previous core RPG titles, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield have version-specific Pokémon. This means you’ll only be able to capture certain creatures in one specific version of the game. This encourages trading with other players while you try to complete your Pokédex.
At time of writing, these are the Pokémon that are exclusive to both games:
Pokémon Sword
- Deino
- Zweilous
- Hydreigon
- Jangmo-o
- Hakamo-o
- Koomo-o
- Zacian
- Galarian Farfetch’d
- Sirfetch’d
- Gothita
- Gothorita
- Gothitelle
- Rufflet
- Braviary
- Mawile
- Turtonator
- Passimian
- Scraggy
- Scrafty
- Swirlix
- Slurpuff
- Seedot
- Nuzleaf
- Shiftry
- Lunatone
- Galarian Darumaka
- Galarian Darmanitan
- Flapple (Item only available in Sword to evolve it)
- Stonjourner
- Indeedee (Male)
Pokémon Shield
- Larvitar
- Pupitar
- Tyranitar
- Goomy
- Sliggoo
- Goodra
- Zamazenta
- Solosis
- Duosion
- Reuniclus
- Vullaby
- Mandibuzz
- Sabeleye
- Drampa
- Oranguru
- Spirtzee
- Aromatisee
- Croagunk
- Toxicroak
- Lotad
- Lombre
- Ludicolo
- Solrock
- Eiscue
- Indeedee (Female)
- Galarian Ponyta
- Galarian Rapidash
- Galarian Corsola
- Cursola
- Appleton (Item only available in Shield to evolve it)
Version-specific gym leaders
For the first time in the series’ history, Pokémon Sword and Shield will have different gym leaders in the same locations of the story. This isn’t a simple swap of characters, either, like in Pokémon Black and White. This time, the type of gym and its theme will both change.
These version-exclusive gyms and gym leaders include:
Pokémon Sword
Bea: Fighting-type gym
Gordie: Rock-type gym
Pokémon Shield
Allister: Ghost-type gym
Melony: Ice-type gym
