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 special Max Moves that can even trigger powerful additional effects (with some changing entirely, not unlike Z-moves).Only trainers wearing a new item, the Dynamax band, can use the new function, and Dynamax can only be used once per battle, lasting 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. For example, Trainers can face Steenee when it's sunny and Lanturn when it's raining!Max Raid Battles can be joined via Local Wireless or Online (but online battles will require a Nintendo Online subscription).
Pokémon Battles and Pokémon Roaming in the Wild
In Pokemon Sword and Shield, wild Pokémon will be roaming the world and will be visible as players traverse the Galar region. Trainers who run into these Pokémon will begin a battle. In tall grass or caves, Pokémon will still jump out and surprise the player with a ! mark, and when that mark is run into, a battle will begin.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.Rotom Phone
Rotom - the electric Pokemon that possesses appliances - returns in Sword and Shield. This time, it will be a part of your Rotom phone, which acts as your Pokedex. The Rotom phone will have other functions, too, including being attachable to your bike to make it move faster.Diglett Temple/Ruin
Somewhere in the Galar region lies a temple or ruin that pays homage to Diglett.Wooloo - Sheep Pokémon
A brand new Normal-type 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.Wooloo has the Fluffy and Run Away Abilities.
Gossifleur - Flowering Pokémon
A brand new Grass-type Pokémon, Gossifleur favors places with clean air and water, and its pollen is said to have healing properties.Gossifleur and its evolution, Eldegoss, have a new ability called Cotton Down, which will send out cotton fluff that will lower the Speed stat of other Pokémon when attacked. They also have the Ability Regenerator.
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.Gossifleur and its evolution, Eldegoss, have a new ability called Cotton Down, which will send out cotton fluff that will lower the Speed stat of other Pokémon when attacked.
Drednaw - Bite Pokémon
A brand new Water/Rock-type 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.Drednaw has the Strong Jaw and Shell Armor Abilities.
Corviknight - Raven Pokémon
A brand new Flying/Steel-type 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.Corviknight has the Pressure and Unnerve Abililties.
Grookey
Professor Magnolia revealed further details on Grookey, the Grass-type starter, including that "The stick held by Grookey was originally a branch from the forest where troops of Grookey live. It gained special powers after being exposed to the energy within Grookey’s body."Grookey is also 1' tall, weighs 11 lbs. and has the Overgrow Ability.
Scorbunny
Professor Magnolia revealed further details on Scorbunny, the Fire-type starter, including that "Scorbunny uses its powerful legs to run and jump around its opponents. The soles of its feet can become very hot, so watch out for those kicks!"Scorbunny is also 1' tall, weighs 9.9 lbs, and has the Blaze Ability.
Sobble
Professor Magnolia revealed further details on Sobble, the Water-type starter, including that "When Sobble touches water, its body blends into its surroundings. [That] Sobble is...a bit timid, and If Sobble feels threatened, it will cry and cause everyone nearby to start crying as well."Pokemon Are Included in Galar Companies' Workforce
Pokemon play a huge role in the Galar region beyond simply battling, and many companies are "eager to include Pokemon as part of their workforce!"Customize Your Appearance
New Pokemon Sword and Shield Trainers will be able to customize their appearance from multiple options. No word on if these are the only choices.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.Zacian's description from Pokemon.com is "Zacian attacks so gracefully that its movements can even captivate its opponents. It holds what appears to be a sword in its mouth."
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.Zamazenta's description from Pokemon.com is "Zamazenta’s regal and majestic movements overwhelm any opponents that dare face it. Its body is covered in what seems to be a 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 Nintendo Switch games.If you buy something through this post, IGN may get a share of the sale. For more, read our Terms of Use.
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.