Everything We Learned In the Pokemon Sword and Shield Direct

By Adam Bankhurst

Nintendo, Game Freak, and The Pokémon Company held a Pokémon Direct for Pokémon Sword and Shield and a ton of new information was revealed, including the release date of November 15, Dynamax and Raid battles, the new Legendary Pokémon, and so much more.

We’ve gathered everything new discussed in one place for all to see and look over until we can all jump into the Galar region in Pokémon Sword and Shield this November.

Dynamax

A new phenomenon in certain parts of the Galar region (including all gyms), Dynamax makes Pokémon giant in size and gives them incredible strength. All moves that Pokémon know will be turned into “powerful maximums,” (with some changing entirely, not unlike Z-moves) but Dynamax can only be used once per battle and only lasts three turns.

Max Raid Battle

Four Pokémon trainers can team up to fight and capture wild Dynamax Pokémon, who will stay in Dynamax form for the entire battle and have special powers to make for formidable opponents. Only one Trainer can Dynamax its Pokémon per battle, so coordination is key. If victorious, the Pokémon Trainers will have a chance to catch the Dynamax Pokémon in a “truly dynamic catch sequence.” These Dynamax Pokémon also vary depending on where you are and the current weather, and some Pokémon can only be caught through Max Raid Battle. Max Raid Battles can be joined via Local Wireless or Online (but online battles will require a Nintendo Online subscription).

Pokémon Roaming in the Wild

While there appear to still be random battles with Pokémon in tall grass, there will be Pokémon also roaming and living in the world. While it wasn’t shown, it may be safe to assume you will be able to battle and catch these Pokémon as well.

Wild Area

A place where you can find the widest variety of Pokémon in the Galar region. The wild area stretches between cities and will be home to different Pokémon depending on where you are and what the weather is like. Trainers, for the first time, will also have full control of the camera in Wild Areas.

Diglett Temple/Ruin

Somewhere in the Galar region lies a temple or ruin or something that pays homage to Diglett.

Wooloo – Sheep Pokémon

A brand new Pokémon, Wooloo is defined by its fluffy fur, which is treasured by weavers in a town in the Galar region who use it to craft popular specialty goods. You can learn more about all 7 newly-revealed Pokemon in our rundown.

Gossifleur – Flowering Pokémon

A brand new Pokémon, Gossifleur favors places with clean air and water, and its pollen is said to have healing properties.

Eldegoss – Gossifleur’s Evolution

Gossifleur’s evolution, Eldegoss now has small seeds across its fuzzy head, which are said to promote growth among plants and can revitalize both people and Pokémon.

Drednaw – Bite Pokémon

A brand new Pokémon, Drednaw has a sharp and jagged edge jaw that allows it to bite off chunks of rock and iron. It’s vicious nature make it difficult to obtain except for the most experienced trainers.

Corviknight – Raven Pokémon

A brand new Pokémon, Corviknight is also a flying taxi that will act as a fast travel of sorts for players and will take them to any previous town they have visited.

Leon – Galar Region Champion

The undefeated champion of the Galar region. He is beloved across the region and appears to have a Charizard as a Pokémon.

Hop – Leon’s Younger Brother and Your Rival

Hop is Leon’s younger brother and will be a rival to the player character. He dreams to one day become a champion like his older brother and his journey through the Galar region begins the same day as yours.

Professor Magnolia – Professor of the Galar Region

Professor Magnolia is the Professor of the Galar Region who specializes in researching the Dynamax phenomenon and will help the player character throughout the adventure.

Sonia – Professor Magnolia’s Granddaughter and Assistant

Sonia is Professor Magnolia’s Granddaughter and Assistant and will also help the player character throughout the adventure.

Pokémon Gyms

Gym Leaders will also have Dynamax Pokémon, and each Gym Stadium is built to allow for these Pokémon to grow in size. There also appears to be some type of audience participation or cheering as the battles rage on.

Milo – Grass Gym Leader

Milo is the Grass-Type expert who will challenge the player character on his/her adventure.

Zacian

Zacian is the Legendary Pokémon that will be featured on the cover of Pokémon Sword and will most likely only be catchable in Pokémon Sword.

Zamazenta

Zamazenta is the Legendary Pokémon that will be featured on the cover of Pokémon Shield and will most likely only be catchable in Pokémon Shield.

Pokémon Sword and Shield Release Date

Pokémon Sword and Shield will be released for the Nintendo Switch on November 15, 2019.

Pokémon Sword and Shield Dual Pack

Pokémon fans will be able to purchase the Pokémon Sword and Shield Double Pack which will include both games.

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Adam Bankhurst is a news writer who loves all this and can’t wait to explore the Galar region with Sobble later this year. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst.