Pokemon Sword and Shield - Latest Pokemon Direct Reveals More Upcoming Features, Release Date

More Upcoming Features and Release Date Confirmed

Pokemon Sword and Shield, the latest entry to the beloved Pokemon series of role-playing games, is set for release on November 15, 2019 worldwide for the Nintendo Switch. This information was confirmed on Nintendo’s Pokemon Direct live stream on June 5. More game features in the highly-anticipated title were also presented in the event.

New Pokemon

Wooloo

Woloo is a gentle sheep Pokemon known for its fluffy wool. This material is highly-prized by weavers and is used to make popular specialty goods in a certain town in the Galar region.

Gossifleur

The flowering Pokemon Gossifleur possesses pollen that is said to have healing properties. It prefers to inhabit places with clean air and water. Gossifleur evolves into Eldegoss.

Eldegoss

Eldegoss, the cotton bloom Pokemon, is Gossifleur’s next stage of evolution. It releases seeds from its fuzzy head that promote growth in plants, as well as revitalize both humans and Pokemon.

Drednaw

The bite Pokemon Drednaw boasts a powerful jaw strong enough to tear through rock and iron. It will prove difficult for unseasoned trainers to tame Drednaw because of its vicious nature.

Corviknight

Corvinknight, the raven Pokemon, is a dark-colored avian with a plate of armor encasing its body. The player can ride an airborne taxi flown by Corviknight to travel from town to town in the game.

Legendary Pokemon

The two flagship Pokemon for Pokemon Sword and Shield were also revealed in the live stream event. The two Pokemon, officially named Zacian and Zamazenta, resemble large armored wolves and were seen fighting each other in the trailer. They are stopped by a mysterious presence in the forest, presumably of another legendary Pokemon yet to be announced.

Zacian

Zacian, the Pokemon representing Pokemon Sword, appears as a fleet-footed lupine wielding a golden sword with its jaws to attack Zamazenta. Its design suggests its nature as an offense Pokemon.

Zamazenta

Zamazenta, the Pokemon representing Pokemon Shield, is visually bulkier than its counterpart. Unlike Zacian, Zamazenta is heavily-armored to imply its specialty for defense, easily blocking Zacian’s assault in the trailer.

Upcoming Features

Wild Area

Though not entirely new to the series, Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Wild Areas are living, breathing, and ever-changing environments inhabited by various untamed Pokemon. Different Pokemon will appear depending on the player’s location and current weather conditions. This makes wild encounters different each day.

Players will also be able to freely adjust the game’s camera. This is useful for finding hidden items, passageways, and Pokemon on the player’s adventure.

While not explicitly stated in the trailer, Pokemon Sword and Shield may no longer adopt random encounters in the wild, as untamed Pokemon can be seen walking about in different locations.

Dynamaxing

Dynamaxing is a new mechanic introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield. This allows Pokemon to transform into gigantic versions of themselves to engage in battles of epic proportions. Assuming the form boosts a Pokemon’s abilities into “Max Moves.”

Pokemon can Dynamax once each battle and revert to their normal forms after three turns.

Max Raid Battles

Pokemon Sword and Shield will allow up to four connected players to battle wild Dynamaxed Pokemon. These enhanced versions of wild Pokemon do not revert to their normal forms and have a variety of unique moves at their disposal.

The challenging team of players must coordinate their strategy against the towering foes. For a temporary advantage, one player in the team will be allowed to Dynamax his or her Pokemon.

Upon defeating the wild Dynamaxed Pokemon, the player team will have a chance to capture it. Some Pokemon can only be obtained after the player beats their Dynamaxed versions.

New Characters

Leon

The Galar region’s undefeated league champion Leon is adored by all trainers, both young and old. He is described as having a shining personality. Leon is the older brother of Hop, the player’s rival.

Leon is accompanied by a Charizard in the trailer, which could imply that he prefers either fire or dragon Pokemon.

Hop

Hop is the player’s rival in Pokemon Sword and Shield. He trains his Pokemon tirelessly and dreams of becoming Galar region’s champion like his brother Leon.

Hop was seen using a Sobble in the trailer, though it is unclear what Pokemon he will actually choose in the game’s final version.

Professor Magnolia

Professor Magnolia specializes in the study of the mysterious Dynamax phenomenon affecting Pokemon. She regularly imparts her knowledge and findings to Hop and the player in their journey across the Galar region.

Sonia

Sonia is Professor Magnolia’s grand daughter and research assistant. It is assumed that Sonia will constantly be traveling to represent the professor as the player is adventuring out in the world.

Milo

An expert in grass type Pokemon, Milo is one of the gym leaders that players will encounter. Milo possesses a Dynamaxed Eldegoss in the trailer which the player must battle.

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