The eighth generation of Pokemon games is right around the corner, as Pokemon Sword and Shield launch for Nintendo Switch on November 15. As always you’ve got a choice between two different versions of the game, and regardless of which one you pick up the core adventure should be the same across both titles. This means that you’ll mostly encounter the same characters, Gen 8 Pokemon, and story beats whether you’re playing Sword or Shield. But, as has been the case since Pokemon first debuted, each version will also feature some distinct elements, so the experience will differ somewhat depending upon which version you play.
Traditionally, the biggest difference between Pokemon games is which monsters you can capture in the wild, but some installments have shaken things up in more dramatic ways with version-exclusive locations and characters. There is still much we don’t know about Pokemon Sword and Shield, but we’ve already gotten a look at some of the ways in which the two games will differ, and we’ve broken them down below. Be sure to check back as Nintendo and The Pokemon Company reveal more details about the titles and we continue to update this list as we learn more. Be sure to also check out our Pokemon Sword and Shield release date and pre-order guide.
Version-Exclusive Gyms
In a first for the series, Pokemon Sword and Shield will feature some version-exclusive Gym Leaders. As we learned from the games’ latest trailer, some cities in the Galar region will be home to different Gyms depending on which version you’re playing. It’s unclear at present just how many Gyms will differ between the two games, but we know of at least one. In Pokemon Sword, players will challenge Bea, a Fighting-type expert. However, the same Gym in Shield will be led by Allister, a Ghost-type trainer.
Version-Exclusive Pokemon
Just as in the past, Sword and Shield will each be home to a handful of Pokemon that can’t be captured in the other version. We don’t yet know the full list of version-exclusive Pokemon in each game, but The Pokemon Company has confirmed a handful of older monsters that can only be found in Sword or Shield.
Sword-exclusive Pokemon
- Deino
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