Pokémon Sword/Shield: Max Raid Battles Guide

Welcome to our ultimate 'Pokémon Sword/Shield: Max Raid Battles Guide!' Dive into the thrilling world of Max Raid Battles, where you and your friends take on powerful Dynamax Pokémon for epic rewards. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to dominate these encounters. Discover the essentials with 'Understanding Max Raid Battles,' learn where to find hidden treasures in 'Key Locations and Rewards,' and master your tactics with 'Using Strategies for Each Battle.' We’ll also provide tips on 'Managing Health and Resources' and reveal the secrets to 'Unlocking All Max Raid Battles.' Get ready to become a Max Raid Battles expert and catch ‘em all!

Understanding Max Raid Battles

Max Raid Battles are one of the most exciting features introduced in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. These battles are challenging encounters where you team up with other players to take down a gigantic, Dynamaxed Pokémon. Here's everything you need to know to master Max Raid Battles.

What Are Max Raid Battles?

Max Raid Battles involve battling a wild Dynamax Pokémon that appears in Pokémon Dens scattered throughout the Wild Area. These Pokémon are super strong and have increased HP compared to their regular forms. They also possess special moves and abilities that can make the battles quite tough!

How to Spot Max Raid Dens

Finding a Max Raid Battle is pretty straightforward. As you explore the Wild Area, look for dens with a beam of light shooting out. These beams can be:

• Red: Indicates a normal Max Raid Battle.
• Purple: Rare and often contains stronger Pokémon or rarer species.

You can also use a Wishing Piece to trigger a Max Raid Battle in an inactive Pokémon Den by tossing it into the den.

Joining a Max Raid Battle

To join a Max Raid Battle, simply approach an active Pokémon Den and press the action button. You can choose to:

• Invite Others: This option lets you join forces with friends or other players online. The more, the merrier!
• Don't Invite Others: If you prefer to battle solo, the game will pair you with NPC trainers. Keep in mind, NPC trainers might not always be the most helpful.

Battle Mechanics

Fighting against Dynamax Pokémon follows some unique rules:

1. Turns and Actions: The Dynamax Pokémon might attack multiple times per turn and can put up barriers that need to be destroyed before you can damage it directly.
2. Dynamax Ally: One trainer can Dynamax their Pokémon, but only for three turns. Choose your moment wisely!
3. Limited Revives: If a Pokémon faints, it will return after a few turns. However, if four Pokémon faint at any time during the battle, it's game over!

Stardust, XP Candies, and Other Rewards

Winning Max Raid Battles offers sweet rewards. Expect to get:

• XP Candies: These candies give your Pokémon instant experience points, helping them level up faster.
• TRs (Technical Records): These are one-time-use items to teach Pokémon powerful moves.
• Berries and Treasures: Including rare berries, nuggets, and vitamins.

And, of course, you get the chance to catch the Dynamax Pokémon after the battle, which might have hidden abilities or unique moves.

Tips for Success

• Type Advantage: Focus on using Pokémon that have type advantages against the raid boss.
• Dynamaxing: Communicate with your team about who's Dynamaxing and when. Timing is crucial.
• Special Moves: Moves that boost stats or lower the opponent’s stats can be very effective.
• Use Shields Wisely: Destroying a barrier quickly with multi-hit moves or powerful attacks can turn the tide of battle.

Conclusion

Max Raid Battles are a thrilling part of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. They require strategy, teamwork, and a bit of luck. Dive into the Wild Area, track down those glowing dens, and show those Dynamax Pokémon who’s boss! Happy battling!

Key Locations and Rewards in Pokémon Sword/Shield

The Wild Area

The Wild Area is the heart of Pokémon Sword and Shield. This expansive open-world zone is where much of the action happens, especially when it comes to Max Raid Battles. There are several key spots you won't want to miss:

• Lake of Outrage: This area is packed with powerful and rare Pokémon. It’s also where you can find valuable evolution stones lying around shiny spots on the ground.
• Giant's Cap: Look for Pokémon Dens here; they often contain strong Pokémon and valuable Watts.
• Hammerlocke Hills: Another great spot for finding more dens and powerful Pokémon. Keep an eye out for changing weather, which affects the types of Pokémon you’ll encounter.
• Dusty Bowl: This area contains several Pokémon Dens and has a mix of weather that brings in different types of Pokémon.

Max Raid Battles

Max Raid Battles are cooperative battles where you and up to three other players or NPCs team up to take down a giant Dynamax Pokémon. Here’s what you can find and earn:

• Pokémon: You'll encounter Dynamax Pokémon of varying strengths, from one-star (easiest) to five-star (toughest). Higher star rating Pokémon are rarer and tougher but yield better rewards.
• Candy: After a successful Raid Battle, you’ll usually receive Exp. Candy (XS, S, M, L, XL) which helps level up your Pokémon quickly.
• TRs (Technical Records): These are one-time-use items that teach your Pokémon powerful moves. You can obtain rare TRs that you won't find easily elsewhere.
• Rare Berries: Certain Max Raid Battles reward you with unique berries that can be useful in various situations, like stat boosting or status condition healing.

Key Rewards

Winning Max Raid Battles grants you a plethora of items that can boost your gameplay. Here are some of the key rewards you can earn:

• Dynite Ore: Exclusively found in the Crown Tundra during Dynamax Adventures. This can be exchanged for various items.
• Armorite Ore: Found in the Isle of Armor; handy for teaching a move tutor new moves.
• Gigantamax Pokémon: Some rare Max Raid Battles feature Gigantamax forms of Pokémon, which have unique appearances and G-Max Moves.

Notable Gigantamax Locations

Certain areas in the Wild Area have higher chances of spawning Gigantamax Pokémon:

• Watchtower Ruins: Known for hosting Ghost-type Gigantamax Pokémon.
• Bridge Field: A spot where you might find a Gigantamax Snorlax or others depending on the day's events.
• Stony Wilderness: Another great place to encounter various Gigantamax forms frequently.

Extra Tips

• Weather Check: The Pokemon appearing in the Wild Area depend on the weather. Make sure to check the forecast in your town map to find specific types of Pokemon.
• Wishing Pieces: Use these items on empty Pokémon Dens to attract a Dynamax Pokémon. They’re sold by the Watt Traders found in the Wild Area.
• Raid Dens reset: If you clear all active Draids Dens, this will reset all the dens across the wild area, giving you another chance to find rare and Gigantamax Pokémon.

Exploring these key locations and mastering Max Raid Battles will give you a competitive edge and enrich your adventure in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Gather your friends, utilize these tips, and may your Pokémon journey be stellar!

Using Strategies for Each Battle

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, battles are everywhere, from wild encounters to epic trainer showdowns. Using the right strategy isn't just about having the strongest Pokémon; it's about knowing how to use them. Here’s your go-to guide for crafting winning strategies for each battle type.

Know Your Types

The first rule of any Pokémon battle? Know the type chart! Every Pokémon has one or two types, and each type has strengths and weaknesses. For instance, a Water-type move will deal double damage to a Fire-type Pokémon, but only half damage to a Grass-type. To make the best of this, keep a mental (or physical) note of these type interactions. You can't go wrong with understanding the basics:

• Fire beats Grass
• Grass beats Water
• Water beats Fire

But it doesn't stop there. There are more complex match-ups to remember, like how Fairy-types are strong against Dragon-types. A quick reference or a type chart app can be super handy.

Balanced Teams

A balanced team is key to long-term success. You want a mix of types so you can handle any situation. Let's look at a well-rounded team setup:

• Fire-type: For melting away those pesky Ice and Bug-types.
• Water-type: To douse Fire-types and rock Ground ones.
• Electric-type: Perfect for taking down Water and Flying Pokémon.
• Grass-type: Great against Water, Rock, and Ground types.
• Psychic-type: Effective against Fighting and Poison types.
• Dragon-type: Versatile but watch out for Fairy-types!

Max Raid Battles

Max Raid Battles are unique challenges where you and three trainers (or NPCs) take on a Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon. Here, teamwork and strategy can make or break the battle. Keep these tips in mind:

• Target Weaknesses: Focus on the raid Pokémon’s weaknesses. Coordinate with your team to bring the right types.
• Supportive Roles: Don’t be afraid to play support. Moves that heal or boost stats can be game-changers.
• Dynamax Wisely: Dynamax your Pokémon strategically. Don’t immediately trigger it unless it’s necessary. Sometimes waiting a turn can turn out better.
• Shield Mechanic: Raid Pokémon may use protective shields. Breaking these quickly is crucial, so use moves that hit multiple times or Pokémon with high attack stats.

Dynamax and Gigantamax

Don’t underestimate the power of Dynamaxing. It turns your Pokémon into a giant powerhouse for three turns. Gigantamax forms have unique moves called G-Max moves that offer extra effects.

• Timing: Decide the right moment to Dynamax. Early on, it can give you a strong opening. Late game, it can be a turning point.
• Moves: Dynamaxing changes your moves to more powerful Max Moves or G-Max Moves. These often have additional effects like setting weather or terrain.

Status Effects

Sometimes, brute force isn’t enough. Status effects can make a huge difference by inflicting conditions like paralysis, sleep, or poison.

• Burn: Lowers the opponent's Attack.
• Paralysis: May prevent the opponent from attacking and reduces their speed.
• Poison: Slowly drains the opponent's health.
• Sleep: Keeps the opponent from attacking for a few turns.

Moves like Toxic, Thunder Wave, and Will-O-Wisp are excellent for throwing off strong opponents.

EV Training and IV Breeding

Get into the nitty-gritty with EV (Effort Value) training and IV (Individual Value) breeding to maximize your Pokémon's potential.

• EVs: Earn these by defeating specific Pokémon or using items like Protein. They boost your Pokémon’s stats.
• IVs: These are natural stat boosts. Breeding Pokémon can help you get better IVs through selective breeding.

Held Items

Never underestimate the power of a good held item. Items like Leftovers can heal, while Focus Sash can ensure your Pokémon survives a powerful hit. Other useful items include:

• Choice Scarf: Increases Speed, locks you into one move.
• Assault Vest: Boosts Sp. Def but restricts move usage to attacking moves.
• Life Orb: Boosts power of moves but deal recoil damage.

Closing Thoughts

Whether it's a casual trainer fight or a high-stakes Raid Battle, combining these strategies will give you a competitive edge. Remember, a well-rounded approach with type advantages, smart item choices, and effective status moves can make even the toughest battles more manageable. Go out there and become the champion of Galar!

Managing Health and Resources in Pokémon Sword/Shield

Keeping your Pokémon in tip-top shape and managing your items effectively are essential strategies for becoming the ultimate Pokémon trainer in Sword and Shield. Here's a friendly guide to help you manage health and resources like a pro.

Healing Your Pokémon

Pokémon Centers: Your primary healing spots are Pokémon Centers found in every major town and city. They are free and fully restore your team's health and PP (Power Points). Make a habit of visiting these regularly, especially before and after significant battles.

Healing Items: Sometimes you’re too far from a Pokémon Center, and that’s where items come in. Always carry a stash that includes:

• Potions: Basic healing items. Use them during or after battles to restore HP. There are various types - Potion, Super Potion, Hyper Potion, and Max Potion, each restoring more HP than the last.
• Revives: Handy for bringing fainted Pokémon back to action. Keep a few on hand for tougher battles.
• Status Healers: Paralyze Heals, Antidotes, Awakenings, Burn Heals, and more can cure status conditions. Include a mix of these items in your bag.

Managing PP (Power Points)

Every move has a limited number of times it can be used, shown as PP. Once a move runs out of PP, it can't be used until restored, so monitor this closely.

• Ethers and Elixirs: These items restore PP, with Ethers restoring one move's PP and Elixirs restoring all moves for a single Pokémon. They’re rare, so use them sparingly.

Maximizing Efficiency in Battles

Switch Strategically: Don’t be afraid to swap Pokémon during battles. Switching can save a weakened Pokémon from fainting and bring in a better matchup against your opponent.

Use the Right Moves: Focus on type advantages. Moves that exploit an opponent's weakness will end battles quicker and preserve your items and PP. Remember the nifty little chart of type matchups: Water beats Fire, Fire beats Grass, and so on.

Collecting Resources

Wild Area Visits: The Wild Area is your go-to spot for collecting berries, items, and other goodies.

• Berry Trees: Shake them to drop berries, which can heal HP, remove status effects, or even boost your Pokémon’s stats during battle. Just don’t get too greedy - shake too much, and a wild Pokémon might attack, causing you to lose whatever fell.

Dens and Max Raid Battles: Look out for glowing dens and participate in Max Raid Battles. Not only can you catch powerful Pokémon, but you also earn valuable rewards like Exp. Candies, TRs (Technical Records), and other useful items.

Budgeting and Shopping Smart

Pokémon Centers’ Mart: These shops offer a range of items from Poké Balls to Potions. Here are some tips for managing your in-game currency (Pokédollars):

• Stock Up Smartly: Prioritize essentials like healing items, status cures, and Revives. Buying in bulk can save you money in the long run.
• Sell Unneeded Items: Occasionally, clean out your inventory and sell items you rarely use. Nuggets, Pearls, and Stardust are great for earning extra cash.

Training and Leveling Up

Experience Points (XP): Battle wild Pokémon, trainers, and participate in Max Raid Battles to gather XP. Consistent training ensures your Pokémon grow stronger and become more resilient in tougher battles.

Exp. Candies and Rare Candies: These candies, found in Max Raid Battles, provide instant XP. Use them for a quick boost, particularly when you need to level up rapidly before a challenging gym battle.

Conclusion

Balancing health and resources is a constant task in Pokémon Sword and Shield, but with these tips, you'll stay prepared for any challenge that comes your way. So get out there, train hard, and always keep an eye on your Pokémon’s well-being!

Unlocking All Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Sword/Shield

Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Sword and Shield bring an exciting co-op element to the game. They allow you to team up with other players to take down gigantic Pokémon. But unlocking them all can be a bit confusing. Here’s how you can open up Max Raid Battles and make sure you get the most out of them.

Step 1: Complete the Main Story

Before you can get into the nitty-gritty of Max Raid Battles, you need to finish the main storyline. This means defeating all the Gym Leaders, taking down the Champion Cup, and ultimately becoming the Champion of the Galar region. Once you’ve done that, you’ll unlock the very important feature: The Battle Tower. This isn’t directly linked to Max Raids but is a necessary step in your progression.

Step 2: Visit the Wild Area

The Wild Area is where Max Raid Battles primarily take place. You’ll notice many large glowing dens scattered throughout. These dens are the key to entering Max Raid Battles. When you approach a den, especially if it’s glowing with a beam of light, interact with it to see which Pokémon you’ll be up against.

• Dull Glow Den: Ordinary raids that might not require as much effort.
• Bright Beam Den: These have stronger Pokémon and potentially better rewards.

Step 3: Participate in Dynamax Adventures (DLC Required)

If you have the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra DLC, you’ll get access to Dynamax Adventures. This is a new type of Max Raid Battle where you and up to three other players navigate a series of battles. The big draw here is the chance to catch Legendary Pokémon.

1. Head to Crown Tundra.
2. Speak to Peony in the Max Lair.
3. Choose your path and start battling!

This part of the game won’t unlock until you’ve progressed through enough of the DLC story, so make sure to follow Peony’s clues and instructions.

Step 4: Join the Rotom Rally

Participating in the Rotom Rally mini-game can also help unlock more Max Raid Battles. By collecting Watts and leveling up your bike, you can make it easier to explore the Wild Area and find more dens. Talk to the Watt Traders in the Wild Area to exchange Watts for valuable items and services that can aid in your raids.

Step 5: Update the Wild Area News

Every month or so, Game Freak updates the Wild Area News, which changes the Pokémon available in Max Raid Battles. To make sure you don’t miss out, go to the Mystery Gift tab in your menu.

1. Select “Get the Wild Area News”.
2. Ensure your game is connected to the internet.

Keep an eye out for special events, too! Sometimes there'll be events featuring rare or even shiny Pokémon.

Tips for Success

• Bring the Right Team: Make sure you have Pokémon that can take advantage of type weaknesses. For instance, if you’re battling a Water-type Pokémon, bring Electric or Grass-types.
• Use the Right Moves: Moves that cause status effects like Sleep or Paralysis can make battles much easier.
• Communicate with Your Team: If you’re playing online, coordinate with your teammates to strategize your moves. Communication is key!

By following these steps, you’ll unlock and dominate all Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Happy raiding!