Pokemon Sword Vs. Pokemon Shield: Version Exclusive Pokemon, Differences, Legendaries, And Raids

Pokemon Sword and Shield have finally launched on Nintendo Switch, marking the start of the series’ eighth generation. Regardless of which version you pick up, the core adventure will be the same across both titles, so you can generally expect to encounter similar characters, Gen 8 Pokemon, and story beats whether you’re playing Sword or Shield. However, as has been the case since the series’ debut, each version also features some distinct elements, so the experience will differ somewhat depending upon which game 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. Below, we’ve rounded up all of the differences between Pokemon Sword and Shield to help you decide which version is right for you. For our full thoughts on the games, be sure to also check out our Pokemon Sword and Shield review.

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’ July trailer, some cities in the Galar region will be home to different Gyms depending on which version you’re playing. 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. There’s a second exclusive Gym in each version as well. The sixth Gym in Sword will be led by the Rock-type trainer Gordie, while those playing Shield will instead do battle with the Ice-type Gym Leader Melony.

Version-Exclusive Pokemon

Just as in the past, Sword and Shield are each home to a handful of Pokemon that can’t be captured in the other version. There are some monsters that are much more common in one version than another, and in the case of Sawk and Throh, you’ll be able to trade a Vanillish in Circhester for the one you can’t find in your game. Below is the full list of full version exclusives.

Sword-exclusive Pokemon

• Seedot