Pokémon Sword/Shield Walkthrough

Step into the vibrant world of Galar with our comprehensive Pokémon Sword/Shield walkthrough! Whether you're just starting your adventure or looking to become the ultimate Champion, our guide has you covered. From detailed tips on beginning your journey to expert strategies for conquering gyms, navigating the sprawling Galar region, and unlocking exciting post-game content, we've packed in everything you need to triumph. Get ready to catch 'em all and dominate every challenge that stands in your way with our ultimate Pokémon Sword/Shield walkthrough!

Starting Your Adventure

Congratulations, Trainer! You've taken your first step into the Galar region. Here’s everything you need to know to get your journey off to a great start.

1. Choose Your Starter Pokémon

Your adventure begins in your cozy home in Postwick. Before you know it, you’ll be whisked away to meet Chairman Rose and partake in the opening ceremony of the Gym Challenge. But first, the most exciting decision - choosing your starter Pokémon!

You'll get three options:

• Grookey - A Grass-type, naturally cheerful and mischievous.
• Scorbunny - A Fire-type, full of energy and speed.
• Sobble - A Water-type, shy but quite versatile.

Choose the one that appeals to you the most! Remember, each one will have different advantages throughout your journey.

2. Meet Your Rival

You’ll meet your friendly rival Hop, who happens to be the younger brother of the Galar region’s champion, Leon. He’s also starting his journey and will pick a starter that’s weak to yours (nice advantage!). Hop will be your main competition, pushing you to be a better trainer every step of the way.

3. Adventure through Route 1

After choosing your partner, head towards Route 1. This is your chance to encounter and catch your first wild Pokémon. Here's a tip: Try to catch a variety of Pokémon early on to build a balanced team. Talk to everyone and search everywhere - you don’t want to miss any items or useful tips from NPCs.

• Common Pokémon here: Wooloo, Rookidee, and Nickit
• Pro Tip: Don’t skip battling wild Pokémon! These encounters are great for leveling up your team.

4. The Wild Area

The Wild Area is your next big stop. It's this huge open-world spot teeming with different species and dynamic weather conditions. Different weather will affect which Pokémon you can encounter. This is also where you'll experience Max Raid Battles - multiplayer fights against gigantic Dynamax Pokémon.

• Note: The wild area can be overwhelming, but remember, if a Pokémon seems too powerful, you can always come back and catch it later.

5. Explore Motostoke City

After braving the Wild Area, you’ll arrive in Motostoke City. This industrial city is where you’ll finally register for the Gym Challenge and customize your League Card. Don’t forget to explore:

• Pokémon Center: Heal up, buy items, and use the PC to manage your Pokémon.
• Boutique and Hair Salon: Customize your character’s look!
• Helpful NPCs: They often provide essential items and tips.

6. Prepare for Your First Gym

Before you go for the Gym Challenge, make sure your Pokémon are well-trained and your team is balanced with different types. Stock up on items like potions and antidotes that can help you in a pinch.

Tips for New Trainers

• Save Often: Save your progress frequently to avoid losing any of your hard-earned progress.
• Talk to Everyone: NPCs will give you items, tips, and even rare Pokémon.
• Check Your Map: The in-game map is super helpful for finding where you need to go next.

Now you’re ready to take on the Galar region! Keep your Pokémon in tip-top shape, explore thoroughly, and most importantly, have fun on your journey to become the Champion!

Navigating the Galar Region

Welcome to the Galar Region, Trainers! This vast and beautiful land is filled with different environments, Pokémon, and challenges. Whether you're just starting or trying to master every nook and cranny, this guide will help you find your way through Galar.

Starting Your Journey: Postwick to Wedgehurst

Your adventure begins in the quaint little town of Postwick, your home. Right outside your house, you'll meet your rival, Hop, and get ready to receive your first Pokémon from the Galar Champion himself, Leon. Choosing between Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble is the first big decision you’ll make. Afterward, head to Hop's house, and don’t forget to explore around.

Next stop: Wedgehurst. Simply head north from Postwick. You'll walk through the small route called Route 1, which is a great place to catch some common but useful Pokémon like Wooloo and Rookidee.

Exploring the Wild Area

One of the coolest parts of Galar is the Wild Area, an expansive region full of diverse Pokémon and unpredictable weather. To get there, travel through the Motostoke outskirts. The weather in the Wild Area changes daily, impacting which Pokémon you can find. Make sure to pay attention to:

• Lake Miloch: Great for water-type Pokémon, but watch out for Gyarados!
• Rolling Fields: A perfect place to find Pokémon like Butterfree and Oddish.
• Dappled Grove: Home to plenty of Bug and Grass-type Pokémon.

Pro Tip: Dens scattered throughout the Wild Area host Max Raid Battles. Defeating the Dynamax Pokémon inside can net you some awesome rewards.

Motostoke City: A Mechanical Marvel

Motostoke City is your first big city in Galar and is also where you'll register for the Gym Challenge. The city is divided into lower and upper levels, connected by a giant gear system (a nod to the region's industrial theme).

Make sure to explore the city thoroughly. Key spots include:

• The Pokémon Center: Stock up on items and check out the clothing boutique for some fresh new threads.
• Buddle Inn: Meet important characters like Sonia, who will give you valuable insights and items.

Route 3, Galar Mine, and Turffield

Leaving Motostoke, head to Route 3. It's filled with trainers ready to battle, along with some new Pokémon like Gossifleur.

Highlight: Turffield Gym, where you'll face off against the Grass-type Leader, Milo. Before you get there, travel through Galar Mine. The mine is rich with Rock and Ground-type Pokémon, so prepare for those types.

Bridging the Gap: Routes, Cities, and Gyms

Each city and route in the Galar Region is unique and offers different challenges. Here’s a breakdown to get you on your way:

• Route 4 and Turrfield: After beating Milo, you’ll head through Route 4 to Turrfield.
• Hulbury: Home to Nessa, the Water-type Gym Leader. Prepare with plenty of Electric and Grass-type moves.
• Hammerlocke: A critical junction city-remember to visit the Dragon-type Gym here later in your adventure.

Navigating Specific Challenges

Routes: Many routes have tall grass, trainers, and items hidden off main paths. Keep your eyes open to catch 'em all and gather resources.

Cities: Cities are packed with shops, centers, and NPCs offering side quests. Engage with everyone to maximize your experience and catch exclusive Pokémon.

Travel Tips

1. Pokémon Centers: Use them frequently to heal and stock up.
2. Explore Thoroughly: Hidden items and TMs can give you an edge in battles.
3. Wild Area Pokémon: Levels can vary wildly. If you're not prepared, run!

That’s it for navigating the Galar Region! Keep your wits about you, and don’t hesitate to revisit areas to find new Pokémon and items as you gain more abilities. Have fun, trainers!

Key Gyms and Their Challenges

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Gyms play a crucial role in your journey to become the champion of the Galar region. You need to defeat eight Gym Leaders to collect their badges. Each Gym has its own unique theme and set of challenges. Here’s a breakdown of these Gyms and some tips to help you conquer them.

1. Turffield Gym (Grass Type)

Gym Leader: Milo

• Location: Turffield
• Type Specialty: Grass
• Welcome Challenge: Head to the west side of Motostoke and take Route 3 to get to Turffield.

Turffield's Gym isn't too tricky. Inside, you'll take on the Gym Challenge, which has you herding fluffy Wooloo through an obstacle course. Watch out for the mischievous Yamper that will try to scatter your Wooloo.

• Key Pokémon to Use: Flying and Fire types are your best friends here. Consider using Rookidee and Scorbunny if you've chosen it as your starter.
• Milo's Team: Gossifleur and Eldegoss
• Tip: Dynamax your Pokémon to counter Milo’s Dynamax Eldegoss.

2. Hulbury Gym (Water Type)

Gym Leader: Nessa

• Location: Hulbury
• Type Specialty: Water
• Welcome Challenge: Follow Route 5 to reach Hulbury after Turffield.

The Gym Challenge involves a series of water puzzles. You’ll need to turn water valves to navigate through the maze-like paths.

• Key Pokémon to Use: Grass and Electric types will shine here. You might want to catch an Electrike on Route 4.
• Nessa’s Team: Goldeen, Arrokuda, and Drednaw
• Tip: Again, make good use of Dynamax to match her Dynamax Drednaw.

3. Motostoke Gym (Fire Type)

Gym Leader: Kabu

• Location: Motostoke
• Type Specialty: Fire
• Welcome Challenge: Head to the Wild Area, then the northern entrance to enter Motostoke.

Kabu’s Gym Challenge has you catching and defeating wild Pokémon to earn points. Be careful, as you’ll be sharing these battles with other Gym Trainers.

• Key Pokémon to Use: Water, Ground, and Rock types will put out Kabu’s fire. Consider evolving your Sobble if you chose it, or catch a Chewtle.
• Kabu’s Team: Ninetales, Arcanine, and Centiskorch
• Tip: Take advantage of the environment with Water Gun or Rock Throw.

4. Stow-on-Side Gym (Fighting/Ghost Type)

Gym Leaders: Bea (Sword) / Allister (Shield)

• Location: Stow-on-Side
• Type Specialty: Fighting (Sword) / Ghost (Shield)
• Welcome Challenge: Follow through Glimwood Tangle or take Route 6.

This Gym features a "crash and bash" mission where you roll down a course, avoiding obstacles. Be prepared for lots of sliding fun!

• Key Pokémon to Use: For Bea, use Flying, Fairy, and Psychic types like Butterfree or Hattena. For Allister, Dark and Ghost types such as Thievul or Galarian Yamask work well.
• Bea’s Team: Hitmontop, Pangoro, Sirfetch’d, and Machamp
• Allister’s Team: Yamask (Galarian), Mimikyu, Cursola, and Gengar
• Tip: Stay flexible and ready to Dynamax for the final Pokémon.

5. Ballonlea Gym (Fairy Type)

Gym Leader: Opal

• Location: Ballonlea
• Type Specialty: Fairy
• Welcome Challenge: Travel through Glimwood Tangle to reach Ballonlea.

Opal’s Gym Challenge is a quiz show! Answer her questions correctly to gain stat boosts, but wrong answers might reduce your stats.

• Key Pokémon to Use: Poison and Steel types excel here. Toxicroak and Cufant can be great additions to your team.
• Opal’s Team: Weezing (Galarian), Mawile, Togekiss, and Alcremie
• Tip: Keep Poison and Steel moves prepared to deal with these defensive Fairy types.

6. Circhester Gym (Rock/Ice Type)

Gym Leaders: Gordie (Sword) / Melony (Shield)

• Location: Circhester
• Type Specialty: Rock (Sword) / Ice (Shield)
• Welcome Challenge: Navigate through Route 8 to enter Circhester.

The Gym Challenge here involves a tricky floor maze where you're at risk of falling through hidden trapdoors!

• Key Pokémon to Use: For Gordie, use Water, Grass, and Fighting types. For Melony, Fire, Fighting, and Rock types are effective.
• Gordie’s Team: Barbaracle, Stonjourner, Shuckle, and Coalossal
• Melony’s Team: Frosmoth, Darmanitan (Galarian), Eiscue, and Lapras
• Tip: Proper planning for their Gigantamax Pokémon will give you an edge.

Mastering these key Gyms not only earns you badges but also the respect and admiration of trainers all around Galar. Good luck on your journey to the top!

Pokémon Sword/Shield Walkthrough

Strategies for Gym Battles

Taking on Gym Leaders in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield can be both exciting and challenging. Each Gym has its own unique theme and leader, making every battle a new adventure. To help you clinch those badges, here are some key strategies designed to give you the upper hand in Gym battles:

Understanding Gym Themes

Each Gym specializes in a specific type of Pokémon. This means that knowing the type matchups is crucial. Here’s a quick breakdown of the type weaknesses:

• Grass is weak to Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, and Bug.
• Water is weak to Electric and Grass.
• Fire is weak to Water, Rock, and Ground.
• Electric is weak to Ground.
• Ice is weak to Fire, Fighting, Rock, and Steel.
• Fighting is weak to Flying, Psychic, and Fairy.
• Poison is weak to Ground and Psychic.
• Ground is weak to Water, Ice, and Grass.
• Flying is weak to Electric, Ice, and Rock.
• Psychic is weak to Bug, Ghost, and Dark.
• Bug is weak to Fire, Flying, and Rock.
• Rock is weak to Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, and Steel.
• Ghost is weak to Ghost and Dark.
• Dragon is weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy.
• Dark is weak to Fighting, Bug, and Fairy.
• Steel is weak to Fire, Fighting, and Ground.
• Fairy is weak to Poison and Steel.

Team Preparation

1. Diverse Team Building: Carry a variety of Pokémon types in your team to cover as many weaknesses as possible. If you know the leader’s type specialty, bring Pokémon that can exploit that weakness.

2. Level Up: Make sure your Pokémon are at a high enough level. Generally, being around the same level or slightly higher than the Gym Leader’s Pokémon is a good range.

3. Evolve Pokémon: Evolved Pokémon usually have better stats. If you have a Pokémon that’s close to evolving, it’s worth putting in the extra effort to level up.

Move Sets

1. Type Advantage Moves: Have moves that are super-effective against the Gym Leader’s Pokémon. TM’s can be a great way to add useful moves.

2. Status Moves: Moves that inflict status conditions can be game-changers. For example, Sleep Powder or Thunder Wave can incapacitate the Gym Leader’s Pokémon, giving you a strategic advantage.

3. Coverage Moves: Teach your Pokémon moves outside of their type to cover their weaknesses. For instance, a Water Pokémon knowing an Ice move can be helpful against Grass types.

Item Usage

1. Healing Items: Stock up on Potions, Super Potions, and even Hyper Potions. You never know when a critical heal can save the day.

2. Battle Items: Utilize X Attack, X Defense, and other items that boost stats temporarily. These can turn the tide in tough battles.

3. Held Items: Give your Pokémon items to hold, like Berries that can heal HP or cure status conditions. Items like Focus Sashes can prevent fainting in a pinch.

Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing

One of the coolest new features in Sword and Shield is the ability to Dynamax or Gigantamax your Pokémon:

1. Effective Use: Dynamaxing significantly boosts your Pokémon’s stats and gives them powerful moves for three turns. Use it wisely, preferably when you're in a tough spot or to deal a decisive blow.

2. Counter Timing: Some Gym Leaders will Dynamax their last Pokémon. Plan to Dynamax in response, or use status moves to whittle them down first.

Specific Gym Strategies

• Milo (Turffield, Grass-type): Use Fire, Bug, or Flying moves. Pokémon like Raboot or Wingull can make quick work of Milo’s team.
• Nessa (Hulbury, Water-type): Grass or Electric-types, such as Thwackey or Pikachu, are ideal here.
• Kabu (Motostoke, Fire-type): Water and Rock types will be your best bet. Pokémon like Drednaw shine in this battle.
• Bea (Stow-on-Side, Fighting-type in Sword): Psychic and Fairy moves will help you sweep through her team. Use Pokémon like Ponyta or Ralts.
• Allister (Stow-on-Side, Ghost-type in Shield): Dark and Ghost types work well. Pokémon like Thievul or Gengar can be very useful.
• Opal (Ballonlea, Fairy-type): Steel and Poison types are key. A Steel-type like Mawile or a Poison-type like Skorupi are ideal.

With these strategies, you’ll be able to conquer the Gyms and make your way to becoming the Champion. Best of luck, Trainer! Get out there and earn those badges!

Pokémon Sword/Shield Walkthrough

Unlocking Post-Game Content

Congrats, Trainer! You've beaten the main story and become the Champion of Galar. But wait, there's more to do! Here’s how to unlock the awesome post-game content in Pokémon Sword/Shield.

The Battle Tower

Once you've seen the credits roll, head to Wyndon. Take the monorail or use your Flying Taxi to reach Rose Tower, which has now been transformed into the Battle Tower. The Battle Tower is a place where you can test your skills against tough Trainers and earn Battle Points (BP). These points are super useful for buying rare items and competitive TMs.

• Battling Tips: You’ll face Trainers with level 50 Pokémon. So, make sure your team is around the same level and equip them with solid moves.
• Rewards: Earn BP to buy items like EV-boosting vitamins, Ability Capsules, and Mints that alter your Pokémon's nature.

The Legendary Quest: Zacian and Zamazenta

Before you get too comfy, there's still a Legendary quest to complete! Head back to the Slumbering Weald, the mystical forest you explored at the start of your journey. Here, you’ll find the resting place of Zacian (Sword) or Zamazenta (Shield).

• How to Start: Go to the shrine at the end of the Slumbering Weald. You'll meet Hop, who’s eager to explore with you.
• Battle with Legendary Pokémon: Be prepared for a tough battle! Use status effects like Sleep or Paralysis to make capturing easier.
• Item Rewards: After catching Zacian or Zamazenta, you’ll receive the powerful Rusted Sword (Sword) or Rusted Shield (Shield) to boost their battle potential.

The Return of the Sword and Shield Heroes

Your journey isn’t quite over! After capturing the Legendary Pokémon, return to the Slumbering Weald to find the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra. These new areas are unlocked via purchased DLC but are packed with fresh stories, brand-new Pokémon to capture, and more.

• Isle of Armor: This expansion introduces you to Kubfu, a Fighting-type Pokémon that evolves into Urshifu. You’ll train him at the Master Dojo to unlock his potential.
• Crown Tundra: Here, you’ll embark on the “Dyna Tree” and “Galarian Star Tournament” quests, featuring Legendary Pokémon from past games.

Completing Your Pokédex

Now that you're a Pokémon Master, it’s time to complete your Pokédex. With over 400 Pokémon in the Galar region, this is no small task.

• Trading: Utilize online trading to capture version exclusives and Pokémon from the other game version.
• Gigantamax Forms: Ensure you catch Pokémon in their Gigantamax forms. Some like Pikachu and Eevee are available as gifts if you have save data from Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee!
• Max Raid Battles: Participate in Max Raid Battles in the Wild Area to find rare and powerful Pokémon.

Competitive Battling and Online Play

Once you’ve assembled your dream team, dive into online battling. Test your strategies against Trainers worldwide and participate in ranked battles. Climbing the ranks will earn you various rewards and give you bragging rights.

• Team Building: Focus on breeding Pokémon with perfect IVs, EV training, and selecting the best movesets.
• Seasonal Competitions: Engage in seasonal events and tournaments to prove you’re the best of the best.

Extra Activities and Side Quests

Don't miss out on other fun activities like improving your Curry Dex, participating in Contests, and finding hidden items throughout the Galar region:

• Improve Currydex: Experiment with different berries to create all types of curry.
• Contests and Events: Participate in in-game events for special rewards and Pokémon with hidden abilities.
• Hidden Items: Use your Item Finder to uncover hidden treasures scattered across Galar.

There’s plenty to keep you busy after the main storyline wraps up. Happy adventuring, Trainer! Now get out there and become a true Pokémon Master!