Pokemon Sword and Shield differences

Related Articles

Where to find Stray Notebooks in The Slums

July 22, 2022

Assassins Creed is finally set to head to Japan, according to new rumour

July 15, 2022

After waiting almost 2 years, Genshin Impact fan community goes private after their favorite character is confirmed dead

July 15, 2022

If you’re looking for information on the key Pokemon Sword and Shield differences you’ve come to the right place. As with other major installments to the series, developer Game Freak has released two versions of the Gen 8 adventure, delivering Pokemon Sword and Shield between each of the releases to help make your purchasing decision a little bit tricker. 

There’s quite a bit to consider here too. Pokemon Sword and Shield gym leaders are different between the versions, there are slightly different Pokemon Sword and Shield Pokedex entries to look out for, as well as altered Gigantamax appearances, Legendary Pokemon, and more. We get into all of the major Pokemon Sword and Shield differences and exclusives below, so be sure to give this a read to help guide you between the two games. 

Pokemon Sword and Shield differences: Zacian and Zamazenta

As is the norm, there are two Pokemon Sword and Shield Legendaries, with one exclusive to each version. Zacian, the one with a sword in its mouth, will be exclusive to Pokemon Sword. Guess which game Zamazenta will be in… Pokemon Gun! No, we’re kidding; Zamazenta will be obtainable in Pokemon Shield. Both Legendaries are available through the game’s main storyline. 

There is also a third Legendary called Eternatus, which is obtainable in both Pokemon Sword and Shield. 

Pokemon Sword and Shield differences: Exclusive wild Pokemon

In each set of Pokemon games, there tends to be a few wild Pokemon that are exclusive to that specific version. For example, Pokemon Red had Ekans, Oddish, Mankey, Growlithe and a few more, while Blue had Sandshrew, Vulpix, Meowth, Bellsprout, and then some. That pattern has continued throughout the series, and it’s the same for Pokemon Sword and Shield too. The only way to obtain the missing Pokemon in the other versions is by trading. Here’s the full list of Pokemon Sword and Shield differences when it comes to wild Pokemon.

Pokemon Sword Pokemon Shield 1

DeinoLarvitar

2

ZweilousPupitar

3

HydreigonTyranitar

4

Jangmo-oGoomy

5

Hakamo-oSliggoo

6

Kommo-oGoodra

7

GothitaSolosis

8

GothoritaDuosion

9

GothitelleReuniclus

10

SeedotLotad

11

NuzleafLombre

12

ShiftryLudicolo

13

RuffletVullaby

14

BraviaryMandibuzz

15

SwirlixSpritzee

16

SlurpuffAromatisse

17

ScraggyCroagunk

18

ScraftyToxicroak

19

SawkThroh

20

Basculin (Blue Stripe)Basculin (Red Stripe)

21

MawileSableye

22

SolrockLunatone

23

PassimianOranguru

24

TurtonatorDrampa

25

Galarian Farfetch’dGalarian Ponyta

26

Sirfetch’dGalarian Rapidash

27

Galarian DarumakaGalarian Corsola

28

Galarian DarmanitanCursola

29

FlappleAppleton

30

Indeedee (Male)Indeedee (Female)

31

StonjournerEiscue

Pokemon Sword and Shield Gym leaders

Another aspect of Pokemon Sword and Shield that will have some slight differences is with the gym leaders. There are two sets of Pokemon Sword and Shield Gym Leaders (opens in new tab) that will change according to which version of the game you have:

Stow-on-Side (Badge number four)

Pokemon Sword: Fighting Type Gym Leader, Bea
Pokemon Shield: Ghost Type Gym Leader, Allister

Chirchester (Badge number six)

Pokemon Sword: Rock Type Gym Leader, Gordie
Pokemon Shield: Ice Type Gym Leader, Melony

Pokemon Sword and Shield Max Raid Battle encounters 

The new co-op multiplayer mode Max Raid Battles see up to four players take on a Dynamax Pokemon in the Wild Area. But on some rare occasions, you may encounter a Gigantamax Pokemon. During specific periods of time, there’ll be an increased chance to meet a Gigantamax Pokemon, and which version you have will have a part to play regarding the Pokemon you may meet. 

The official Pokemon website (opens in new tab) has revealed that from November 15 – January 2020, Pokemon Sword players are more likely to encounter Gigantamax Drednaw, while Pokemon Shield players have a higher chance of encountering Gigantamax Corviknight. The Pokemon you may encounter are set to change over time for both versions. 

---

Still trying to be the very best? Here’s how to soft reset Pokemon Sword and Shield. Once you’re done with this adventure, you should look into Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and the upcoming Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. 

Pokemon Sword and Shield review | Pokemon Sword and Shield tips | Pokemon Sword and Shield starters | Pokemon Sword and Shield Currydex | Pokemon Sword and Shield camping | Pokemon Sword and Shield fossils | Best Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Shield | Pokemon Sword and Shield type chart | Pokemon Sword and Shield Poke Jobs | Pokemon Sword and Shield Battle Tower | Pokemon Sword and Shield glowing Pokemon | Pokemon Sword and Shield Mystery Gift codes | Gigantamax Pokemon | Pokemon Sword and Shield TM locations | Pokemon Sword and Shield legendaries | Pokemon Sword and Shield shiny hunting | Pokemon Sword and Shield evolution items | Pokemon Sword and Shield rare Pokemon | Pokemon Sword and Shield evolution items