Pokemon Sword and Shield - Version Differences

Differences Between Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

Main series Pokemon games come in pairs upon release. The latest installments, Sword and Shield, is no different and introduces version exclusive Pokemon. In addition, one of the trailers showcased exclusive gyms, a feature that hasn’t existed in most previous games. Here, we compiled a list of the currently known differences between the two games.

Pokemon

The Galar region is home to many wild Pokemon. One of the challenges that a Pokemon Trainer must undertake is collecting and storing data for each and every Pokemon in the region. The problem lies in that some Pokemon only appear in specific versions. Pokemon such as Deino, Jangmo-o, Farfetch’d, and their respective evolutions can only be caught in Pokemon Sword. Meanwhile, Pokemon like Larvitar, Goomy, and their respective evolutions can only be found in Pokemon Shield. If you wish to obtain all of these and don’t have the necessary version, you will need to find someone to trade Pokemon with.

Galar Region Pokedex

List of Version Exclusive Pokemon

Gym Leaders

The first mention of exclusive gyms in Galar region was in a video posted a year ago. Other than catching Pokemon, a Pokemon Trainer must also prove their expertise in handling Pokemon by collecting gym badges. In Pokemon Sword, trainers will challenge the fighting Gym leader Bea, while in Pokemon Shield, they will face the ghost leader Allister.

However, unique gyms like these have existed in past games. Pokemon Black and Pokemon White were the first games to have this mechanic, although this consisted of gym leaders that both excel with Dragon-type Pokemon. In Pokemon Black, players battled Drayden, and in Pokemon White, players battled Iris. Another example is in Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire where each game has its own set of villains. This led the trainer to explore different areas. Despite their similarities, Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield offer a fresh experience to the player. In fact, in Pokemon Sword, Bea specializes in fighting type Pokemon, whereas her counterpart Allister would rather use ghost types instead. Unlike the previously mentioned games, these two types are very different from each other.

List of Version Gym Leaders

List of Galar Gym Leaders

Rivals

In the upcoming expansion, the player’s rival will vary depending on the version of the game. The two new rivals are in their journey in order to become gym leaders at Galar.

Klara is the player’s new rival in The Isle of Armor in Pokemon Sword. She is a trainer who favors poison type pokemon.

Avery, meanwhile, is the player’s new rival in The Isle of Armor in Pokemon Shield. He is a trainer who has an affinity for psychic type pokemon.

New Rival Characters in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield’s Expansion Pass

Pokemon Sword and Shield Recommended Article List