The Pokemon Sword and Shield starters were revealed today, and once again that age-old question arises: Which one should I choose? We, unfortunately, don’t have many details on the new starters, but we have enough clues to make some guesses on what Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble may play like.
Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble are the starting Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Shield and as such, will probably follow the patterns we’ve seen in previous games. With that knowledge, we can take a guess at their types, evolutions, and Pokedex numbers.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Starters | Grookey
Grookey is this generations grass-type starter. According to the info we have so far, Grookey is “a mischievous Chimp Pokemon that is full of boundless curiosity.” It seems like an extroverted Pokemon, and it’s likely that it will evolve with an emphasis on physical attacks and defense. Grookey will probably be Pokemon Sword and Shield‘s tank starter.
Pokemon Sword and Shield | Grookey Type
So far, the marketing material for Pokemon Sword and Shield lists Grookey as a strict Grass-type. However, we’ll likely to see it change to a dual-type in its second or third evolution. From its actions in the brief reveal trailer, I’d guess that it will end up being a Grass/Fighting type, much like Chesnaught in Pokemon X and Y.
Pokemon Sword and Shield | Grookey Evolutions
We haven’t seen the evolutions for Grookey yet. However, as stated above, we’ll likely see Grookey evolve into a Grass/Fighting type in its second or third form.
Since every starting Pokemon in the main series has had two evolutions, we can assume Grookey will be the same. If Pokemon Sword and Shield follow the pattern of previous games, it will probably evolve at level 16 and level 36.
Pokemon Sword and Shield | Grookey Pokedex Number
So far grass starters have always come first in Pokedex entries. With Melmetal, the latest Pokemon being number 809 in the National Dex, it’s likely that Grookey and its evolutions will be 810, 811, and 812.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Starters | Scorbunny
Scorbunny is the 8th generation Fire-type starter, and, as its name suggests is a rabbit that leaves flames in its wake. Scorbunny is “a rabbit Pokemon that is always running about, bursting with energy,” which seems to indicate that its stats will place emphasis on speed. This means it might play somewhat similar to Greninja by the time it reaches its third evolution.
Pokemon Sword and Shield | Scorbunny Type
Scorbunny is the wildcard amongst the Pokemon Sword and Shield starters. While Grookey and Sobble’s dual-type seems pretty easy to deduce, I’m a bit puzzled at what Scorbunny will end up being. It seems unlikely there will be a second Fighting dual-type, so I’m going to put my money on Scorbunny becoming a Fire/Fairy by its second or third evolution.
Pokemon Sword and Shield | Scorbunny Evolutions
We don’t have info on Scorbunny’s evolutions yet, but I’d wager that they’ll be lean with rounded stats for both physical and special attacks. Defense will likely be average as well. Like most other starters in the series, we’ll probably see Scorbunny evolve at level 16, then again at level 36.
Pokemon Sword and Shield | Scorbunny Pokedex Number
Scorbunny and its evolutions will probably make up the second trio of the new Sword and Shield Pokedex if past titles are any indicator. Scorbunny and its evolutions will likely be 813, 814, and 815 in the National Dex.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Starters | Sobble
Unlike the other two Pokemon Sword and Shield starting Pokemon, Sobble is a lot shyer in its behavior. Its description as “a somewhat timid Water Lizard Pokemon that shoots out attacks as it hides itself in the water” seems to indicate it will focus more on special attacks than physical strength.
Pokemon Sword and Shield | Sobble Type
Sobble, like the other two starters, seems like it will start out as a strict Water-type. However, given its description and behavior in the trailer, I think it will change to a Water/Psychic dual-type in its second or third evolution. It’s likely Sobble will have an emphasis on special attacks and defense at the expense of being weaker when it comes to physical attacks and defense.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Starters | Sobble Evolutions
Sobble is the Water Lizard Pokemon, so the look of its evolutionary line could go plenty of places. It could end up as a big salamander, or perhaps a crocodile. I’ll take a gamble and say that it will probably evolve at level 16 and level 36, just like most other starters.
Pokemon Sword and Shield | Sobble Pokedex Number
Last but not least, Sobble and its evolutions will bring up the rear of the first series of new Pokedex entries. Most likely Sobble and its other forms will be 816, 817, and 818 in the National Dex.
