Can Pokémon Relearn TRs? A Comprehensive Guide to Technical Records in Sword and Shield

Absolutely! In the world of Pokémon Sword and Shield, the answer is a resounding yes, Pokémon can relearn TR moves. If your Pokémon previously learned a move via a Technical Record (TR) and then forgot it, you can head to any Pokémon Center and speak to the move relearner to have them remember it. This mechanic offers a fantastic level of flexibility in building the perfect team, allowing trainers to experiment with move sets without the fear of permanently losing access to valuable TR moves.

Understanding TRs: A Crash Course

Before we dive deeper into the nuances of relearning TR moves, let’s solidify our understanding of what TRs are and how they function within the game.

What are TRs?

TRs, or Technical Records, are items in Pokémon Sword and Shield that teach specific moves to compatible Pokémon. Think of them as single-use versions of Technical Machines (TMs) from earlier games. Each TR is dedicated to one specific move and can only be used once.

How to Obtain TRs

• Max Raid Battles: This is the most common way to obtain TRs. Defeating Pokémon in Max Raid Battles often rewards you with a variety of TRs, sometimes even rare and powerful ones.
• Watt Traders: Located throughout the Wild Area, Watt Traders offer different wares each day, including a selection of TRs in exchange for Watts. Stock up on Watts to afford the ones you want.

TRs vs. TMs

While both TRs and TMs teach moves, the key difference lies in their reusability. TMs in Pokémon Sword and Shield are reusable, while TRs are single-use. This means that once you use a TR, it disappears. However, the move learned from the TR isn’t lost forever, thanks to the move relearner.

The Move Relearner: Your Best Friend

Every Pokémon Center houses a helpful NPC known as the move relearner. This individual allows you to remind your Pokémon of any moves they could learn at their current level, including those learned from TRs. The best part? It’s completely free! No more searching for Heart Scales!

How to Relearn a TR Move: Step-by-Step

1. Visit a Pokémon Center: Head to any Pokémon Center in the game.
2. Talk to the Move Relearner: Find the NPC standing at the left counter.
3. Select “Remember a move”: Choose the Pokémon whose moves you want to change.
4. Choose the Forgotten TR Move: If the Pokémon previously learned a move via TR and then forgot it, it will appear on the list of moves to relearn.
5. Confirm and Enjoy: Select the desired move, and it will replace one of the Pokémon’s current moves.

Important Considerations

• TR-Learned Only: The move relearner can only bring back moves the Pokémon learned specifically through the use of a TR. If a Pokémon can learn a move via TR but learned it through leveling up, it cannot be relearned this way.
• Available Move Slots: Remember that a Pokémon can only know four moves at a time. When relearning a TR move, you’ll need to replace one of the existing moves.
• Experimentation: This system encourages experimentation! Don’t be afraid to try out different move combinations, knowing you can always revert to a previous TR-learned move.

Blank TRs: Duplicating moves

TRs are items that teach certain moves to Pokémon. TRs aren’t included in drop pools or craftable, instead players can use ‘Blank Galarian’ TRs to create/duplicate moves. By adding a blank to a Pokémon as a held item, the first move used (That is a legitimate Gen 8 TR move) will imprint onto the blank.

The Significance of TRs in the Metagame

TRs play a significant role in the competitive metagame of Pokémon Sword and Shield. They provide access to a wide range of moves that might not be available through leveling up, enabling trainers to customize their Pokémon with unique and strategic move sets. The ability to relearn these moves adds another layer of depth to team building, allowing for adaptability and counter-strategies.

Additional Resources

For those interested in exploring the broader implications of gaming and learning, I highly recommend checking out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization explores the intersection of game design, learning, and education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about TRs and move relearning in Pokémon Sword and Shield:

1. Can I relearn a move that my Pokémon could have learned via TR but actually learned through leveling up?

No. The move relearner can only recall moves that were learned through the use of a TR.

2. What happens if I accidentally replace a TR move?

Don’t worry! You can simply visit the move relearner at any Pokémon Center to have your Pokémon remember the forgotten TR move.

3. Are TRs single-use items?

Yes. Unlike TMs in Pokémon Sword and Shield, TRs break after one use.

4. Where can I find TRs?

You can find TRs in the Wild Area by participating in Max Raid Battles or by purchasing them from Watt Traders.

5. Do Watt Traders sell the same TRs every day?

No, the TRs offered by Watt Traders change daily. Be sure to check their stock regularly!

6. How often do Watt Traders reset their inventory?

Watt Traders reset their inventory every day at midnight (if you saved the game any time that day).

7. Do I need Heart Scales to relearn moves?

No. Relearning moves is free in Pokémon Sword and Shield, and you no longer need Heart Scales.

8. Can a Pokémon relearn a move it never knew?

Yes, Pokemon can relearn moves they can no longer learn but were able to learn at some point in the past.

9. Can a Pokémon learn the same move twice?

In general, Pokémon can only learn four moves at a time. However, in some spin-off games like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, Pokémon can learn the same move multiple times.

10. Can I buy TRs in Pokémon Sword and Shield?

Yes, TRs can be bought from Watt Traders around the Wild Area, but the most common way to get them is from completing Max Raids.

11. What are Watts, and how do I get them?

Watts are a currency obtained from interacting with Pokémon Dens in the Wild Area. Defeating Pokémon in Max Raids gives a good amount of watts.

12. What time do Watt Traders reset?

The TRs they offer change at midnight (if you saved the game any time that day).

13. Can a Pokemon remember forgotten TM moves?

Yes, If you use a TM on a pokemon, it will add that move to the “remember a move” list if you end up replacing it.

14. Can my Pokemon forget TMs?

Yes. TMs are mainly used for battle and can easily be forgotten to make room for another move.

15. What is the best TM in Pokémon sword?

TM25: Protect is one of the best.

Conclusion

The ability to relearn TR moves in Pokémon Sword and Shield provides trainers with unprecedented flexibility in team building and strategy. By understanding how TRs work, how to obtain them, and how to utilize the move relearner, you can craft the perfect team to conquer any challenge. So, go forth and experiment with different move combinations, knowing that you can always fall back on your previously learned TR moves!