Pokémon Sword & Shield

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, players choose one of three starter Pokémon—Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble—to begin their journey. The games feature a diverse range of Pokémon species, both new and from previous generations, which players can catch, train, and battle with.

The Galar region itself is divided into various towns and cities, each with its own unique culture and Gym. These Gyms are central to the game’s plot, as players aim to challenge and defeat Gym Leaders to earn Gym Badges and qualify for the Pokémon League.

Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing are dynamic battle mechanics that allow certain Pokémon to grow in size and power for a limited number of turns during battles. This adds a strategic element to battles, as players need to decide when to use these abilities to gain an advantage.

In addition to the main storyline, there are also various side activities to enjoy, such as Max Raid Battles where players team up to battle against giant Dynamaxed Pokémon, participating in the Battle Tower to test their skills, and completing the Pokédex by capturing and evolving a wide variety of Pokémon.

Pokémon Sword and Shield received both praise and criticism upon release, with some fans enjoying the new features and Pokémon designs while others were disappointed with the exclusion of certain features from previous games. The Expansion Pass, which introduced the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra areas, added more content to the games by providing new locations, storylines, and additional Pokémon.