Like other entries in the series, there are bound to be a number of Pokemon Sword and Shield differences. We could be looking at game-specific Pokemon again, possible story changes, and more. If you’re curious about what Pokemon Sword and Shield differences there will be, we’re here to help. Read our guide for all the latest intel we have on this aspect of the games.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Differences | Specific Pokemon
The major change we’re expecting for these Pokemon Sword and Shield differences is, naturally, which Pokemon will only be available on each title. From Red and Blue, all the way through to Sun and Moon, players have had to buy both games or trade Pokemon with friends to complete their Pokedex.
This is because not every Pokemon is available to catch in each game. Sword and Shield will be no different and we suspect that there will be a good 10 to 15 Pokemon that will evade your grasp if you don’t trade with mates or buy both versions.
We don’t know which Pokemon will only be specific to each title yet, other than the Legendary exclusives: Sword will include Zacian and Shield will feature Zamazenta.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Differences | Do I need to buy both?
You don’t have to, but the Pokemon Sword and Shield differences that are almost certain to be present means you might want to think about doing so.
Aside from the game-specific Pokemon, there might be story alterations between Sword and Shield that will mean you have a different experience to someone else. There could be other factors that Nintendo and Game Freak haven’t disclosed yet too, so there’s always a chance that each game will be slightly different.
The main reason you might want to buy both is if you don’t know anyone else who plays Pokemon games. Without someone to trade with, you won’t be able to get every Pokemon. If that’s the case, purchasing Sword and Shield is your only surefire way to catch ’em all.
Abandoned Pokemon
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10 Abandoned Monsters That Need Help in Pokemon Sword and Shield
There are a lot of Pokemon. Each generation brings around 100 new ones while also maintaining the massive number of returning favorites. Some are bound to be left by the wayside, but it doesn't have to be this way. Here are 10 Pokemon that deserve support in Pokemon Sword and Shield -
Alomomola
Some Pokemon landed on this list because of untapped potential. Alomomola landed on this list because it needs a purpose. It's one of the dozens of water types that never get any attention, it can't evolve, and there's nothing else notable about it. You'd think it would be an evolution to Luvdisc, but it instead just feels like 'dex filler. -
Carbink
Carbink has a cool design and a relation to the Mythical Pokemon Diancie. Sadly, because Mythical Pokemon can't evolve, they have no gameplay relation, just a lore one. Carbink is just left alone as a neat design with neat typing and nothing else going for it. -
Carnivine
Carnivine basically serves a second stab at the Venus Fly Trap Pokemon concept after the Bellsprout line. Despite having a much better design than its Gen 1 compatriots, it gets no love and no support. It's time to see what Carnivine could do with a bigger set of jaws. -
Castform
One of the many gimmick Pokemon that could fill this list, Castform changes into one of several different elemental forms in weather. Despite that being its gimmick, Castform hasn't gotten updated forms as the games have gone on. There are way more than Sunny Day and Hail in Pokemon now, but Castform is trapped in the past. -
Fearow
Some Generation 1 favorites get all the luck. Sure, we probably don't need more birds, but Fearow is an old school favorite that has needed a boost since the original games. The design is there, and some fans still hold out hope for a third evolution whenever a new game emerges from Game Freak. -
Inkay
Inkay has one of the most obtuse and silly evolution requirements of any Pokemon. It requires you to hold your system upside down in order to reach its evolved form. It's cute exactly once, and then it becomes a burden. Will this weird requirement work on future systems? Or will future games have the "Upside Down Chamber" to go with the everpresent Moss Rock? -
Shuckle
When Gold and Silver introduced Shuckle's ability to create Berry Juice by holding a Berry, it was pretty clever. However, besides that and its bizarre stats, there hasn't been much to go around for this classic turtle friend especially since Berries aren't really a thing anymore. -
Stunfisk
Stunfisk got a bum rap going into the previous generation. One of its signature abilities prevented it from being Paralyzed, which is now a standard feature of all Electric types. That means that half of all Stunfisk now have a distinct disadvantage over other members of its species. A Pokemon with such weird typing deserves better. -
Zangoose
Look at Zangoose. In any other monster-driven RPG, Zangoose would be right near the top of the list in terms of sheer cool factor. Because this is Pokemon, it's a crowded field, and this cat ferret Pokemon only gets a rivalry with a similarly overlooked poison snake. Justice for Zangoose. -
Farfetch'd
If I had to rank all these Pokemon, I think Farfetch'd would take the top spot. He's has a great look, his name is fun to say, he has a stick, and yet he has no support. Probably one of the least usable Pokemon out of Generation 1, Farfetch'd deserves way better than he got.
