Can You Catch ‘Em All? Obtaining Starter Pokemon in Sword and Shield
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Yes, you absolutely can get starter Pokemon beyond your initial choice in Pokemon Sword and Shield. While you’re locked into selecting one of the Galar region starters (Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble) at the beginning of the game, there are several ways to acquire other starters from previous generations, including some of the more popular ones like Torchic and Cyndaquil. Let’s dive into the methods you can use to expand your starter collection and complete your Pokedex!
Methods to Obtain Additional Starter Pokemon
1. Pokemon Home: The Central Hub
Pokemon Home is your key to transferring Pokemon from older games into Sword and Shield. This cloud-based service acts as a central hub, allowing you to move Pokemon from titles like Pokemon GO, Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, and previous core series games (via Pokemon Bank on the 3DS). If you’ve been diligent in collecting Pokemon over the years, you likely have a wealth of starters waiting to be transferred. Keep in mind some Pokemon may not be transferable as noted in the extracted text.
To use Pokemon Home:
- Download the app on your Nintendo Switch and mobile device.
- Link your Nintendo Account.
- Transfer Pokemon from compatible games to Pokemon Home.
- Move Pokemon from Pokemon Home to Sword and Shield.
2. Dynamax Adventures: A Chance Encounter
The Crown Tundra DLC introduced Dynamax Adventures, a cooperative gameplay mode where you team up with other trainers (or AI partners) to battle through a series of Dynamaxed Pokemon. At the end of the adventure, you have the opportunity to catch a Legendary Pokemon or, more relevantly, a starter Pokemon from previous generations. Mudkip, Torchic, and Treecko are examples of starters obtainable through this method. This provides a unique way to acquire starters that weren’t initially programmed into the base game.
3. Trading: The Classic Approach
Trading remains a core mechanic in Pokemon Sword and Shield, and it’s a reliable way to acquire any starter Pokemon. You can trade with friends, other players online, or even use the GTS (Global Trade System) in Pokemon Home to search for specific starters. The community is generally active, and many trainers are willing to trade starters, especially if you have something of value to offer in return.
4. Pokemon GO Connectivity: Bringing the Mobile World
Pokemon GO can be directly linked to Pokemon Home. This allows you to transfer Pokemon caught in Pokemon GO to Pokemon Home, and then to Sword and Shield. Community Day events in Pokemon GO often feature increased spawns of starter Pokemon, making it an excellent opportunity to catch multiples and transfer them to your Sword and Shield game.
5. Mystery Gifts and Events: Keep an Eye Out
While not a guaranteed method, The Pokemon Company occasionally distributes starter Pokemon through Mystery Gift events. These events are time-limited, so it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest news and announcements from official Pokemon sources.
Starter Pokemon Availability: A Generation-by-Generation Overview
Not all starter Pokemon are available in Sword and Shield. Availability depends on whether the Pokemon’s data was included in the game’s code. Here’s a general overview:
- Kanto (Gen 1): Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Squirtle, Wartortle, and Blastoise are available, often obtainable through Pokemon Home transfers or special events.
- Johto (Gen 2): Cyndaquil, Quilava, and Typhlosion are notably unavailable in Sword and Shield natively.
- Hoenn (Gen 3): Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip are obtainable through Dynamax Adventures in the Crown Tundra DLC.
- Sinnoh (Gen 4): Turtwig, Grotle, and Torterra are not natively available in Sword and Shield.
- Unova (Gen 5): Tepig, Pignite, and Emboar are not natively available in Sword and Shield.
- Kalos (Gen 6): Froakie, Frogadier, and Greninja are not natively available in Sword and Shield. However, Greninja is slated to be transferable to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet when full Pokemon Home integration is implemented.
- Alola (Gen 7): Starter Pokemon from the Alola region are often obtainable via Pokemon Home if you have them in other compatible games.
Important Note: This list is based on the most current information available and can change with future game updates or event distributions.
Optimizing Your Starter Hunt
To maximize your chances of acquiring all the starter Pokemon you desire:
- Utilize Pokemon Home Effectively: Regularly transfer Pokemon from older games to Pokemon Home and then to Sword and Shield.
- Participate in Dynamax Adventures: Focus on completing Dynamax Adventures in the Crown Tundra DLC to encounter and catch Hoenn starters.
- Engage in Trading: Actively seek out trades with other players, offering desirable Pokemon in exchange for starters.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with official Pokemon news and announcements to take advantage of Mystery Gift events or other special distributions.
- Connect Pokemon GO: Link your Pokemon GO account to Pokemon Home to transfer starters caught during Community Day events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get all three Galar starters (Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble) without trading?
Yes! You’ll need Pokemon Home. Create a secondary save file, play through the beginning to get your first starter from the professor, transfer that starter to Pokemon Home, then restart the game and select a different starter to repeat the process. You can then transfer them all to your main save file via Pokemon Home.
2. Is Torchic available in Pokemon Sword and Shield?
Yes, Torchic is available, but only through Dynamax Adventures in the Crown Tundra DLC.
3. What starter Pokemon can be transferred from Pokemon GO to Sword and Shield?
Any starter Pokemon you catch in Pokemon GO that is also programmed into Sword and Shield can be transferred. This includes starters from Kanto, Hoenn, and some from other regions.
4. Can I get Greninja in Pokemon Sword and Shield?
No, Greninja is not available in Pokemon Sword and Shield. However, it is planned to be compatible with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet once Pokemon Home integration is complete.
5. Are there any starter Pokemon that are completely unobtainable in Sword and Shield?
Yes, several starter Pokemon are not natively available in Sword and Shield, including those from the Johto and Unova regions, such as Cyndaquil and Tepig.
6. How do Dynamax Adventures work for getting starter Pokemon?
In Dynamax Adventures, you battle a series of Dynamaxed Pokemon, and at the end, you encounter a Legendary Pokemon or, sometimes, a starter. The Pokemon you encounter are randomly generated, so it may take multiple attempts to find the starter you’re looking for.
7. Can I breed starter Pokemon in Sword and Shield to get more?
Yes, once you obtain a starter Pokemon, you can breed it at a Pokemon Nursery to hatch more of that starter.
8. Is Pokemon Home a paid service?
Pokemon Home offers both free and paid (Premium) versions. The Premium version allows you to transfer more Pokemon and access additional features.
9. What is the best way to find trades for starter Pokemon online?
Use online forums, social media groups, and the GTS feature in Pokemon Home to find potential trade partners.
10. Can I transfer starter Pokemon from older 3DS games to Sword and Shield?
Yes, using Pokemon Bank on the 3DS to transfer Pokemon to Pokemon Home, and then from Pokemon Home to Sword and Shield.
11. Are the starter Pokemon shiny locked in Dynamax Adventures?
No, starter Pokemon encountered in Dynamax Adventures can be shiny.
12. What DLC do I need to access Dynamax Adventures?
You need the Crown Tundra DLC to access Dynamax Adventures.
13. Can you get mega evolutions with the starter Pokemon in Sword and Shield?
No, Mega Evolution is not a mechanic in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
14. Do Mystery Gift events ever feature starter Pokemon?
Yes, sometimes Mystery Gift events include starter Pokemon. Keep an eye on official Pokemon news for announcements.
15. Is there any connection between educational games and Pokemon, specifically regarding strategy and learning?
Absolutely! While Pokemon is primarily entertainment, the game inherently encourages strategic thinking, planning, and resource management. Players must understand type matchups, build effective teams, and adapt their strategies to different opponents. These skills are readily transferrable to real-world problem-solving. Organizations like the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org, explore the educational potential of games, including how games like Pokemon can contribute to cognitive development and learning.
By understanding these methods and FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to expand your collection of starter Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Shield, enhancing your gameplay experience and completing your Pokedex!