“Should I buy Pokemon Sword or Shield?” is a totally normal question for any PokeFan to be asking. You see, there are a number of differences between the two versions that could make one appear to be “better” than the other. In this Pokemon Sword and Shield guide, we’ll give you all of the information you need to make that ultimate decision: Sword or Shield?
Should I get Pokemon Sword or Shield?
Should I buy Pokemon Sword or Shield?
We’d recommend taking a look at the exclusive Pokemon and gym leaders listed below, and decide using that information. Or, if you have a friend or family member who is also picking up the game, perhaps plan it out with them to get different versions. That way you’ll be able to trade the missing Pokemon and watch them fight the gym leaders who aren’t featured in your game.
ALSO: The 10 coolest Pokemon unique to Sword and Shield
Does Pokemon Sword have better Pokemon than Shield?
The two new Pokemon games that you need to choose from are Sword and Shield. Each comes with its own Legendary Pokemon and a number of version-exclusive creatures that you can only catch on that specific title. That means, in order to complete the Pokedex, you’ll need to make friends with someone who has the other version (or simply buy both versions yourself!).
New Pokemon Exclusive to Sword
- Zacian (Legendary)
- Galarian Farfetch’d
- Sirfetch’d
- Jangmo-o
- Hakamo-o
- Kommo-o
- Rufflet
- Braviary
New Pokemon exclusive to Shield
- Zamazenta (Legendary)
- Galarian Ponyta
- Galarian Rapidash
- Goomy
- Sliggoo
- Goodra
- Vullaby
- Mandibuzz
In addition to the above pocket monsters, a number of returning Pokemon are also distributed between Sword and Shield. Deino and its evolutions, for example, only pop up in Pokemon Sword, while Larvitar and its evolutions only appear in Pokemon Shield.
As more Pokemon are revealed after launch, we can update this list to be more complete. For now, use the officially confirmed information above to help you reach a decision.
Do Pokemon Sword and Shield have different gym leaders?
They won’t matter quite as much as exclusive Pokemon, but several of the gyms you face in Sword and Shield can differ depending on the version you are playing. We already know about Bea and Allister, but if a recent datamine proves accurate, there are even more exclusive gyms:
Pokemon gyms exclusive to Sword
- Bea — Fighting Type Gym Leader
- Opal — Fairy Type Gym Leader
- Gordie — Rock Type Gym Leader
Pokemon gyms exclusive to Sword
- Allister — Ghost Type Gym Leader
- Sopp — Poison Type Gym Leader
- Melony — Ice Type Gym Leader
When looking at the exclusive gym leaders, you’ll be wanting to focus on the type of Pokemon that they are using. This way, you’ll be able to plan a team around your chosen version’s gym leaders. Melony’s ice type Pokemon will take a beating from a team of fire types, for example, so if you’re planning to pick Scorbunny as your starter, then Pokemon Sword may be the better version for you.
Is Pokemon Sword better than Shield?
The question of whether one game is better than the other is difficult to answer, as it comes down to the player’s opinion. When looking at performance and overall gameplay, both Pokemon Sword and Shield should be exactly the same. There should be no objective advantage of one over another.
Like with previous games in the series, the choice is ultimately not all that significant, and the experience should largely be the same and equally enjoyable.
More Pokemon Sword and Shield Guides
Check out our list of Pokemon Sword and Shield guides below:
- Pokemon Sword and Shield Post-Game | What is the endgame like?
- Pokemon Sword and Shield Gyms List | Which are version exclusive?
- How many Pokemon are in Sword and Shield?
- Pokemon Sword and Shield Age Rating | Safe for children?
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