Kanto Starters in Galar: A Comprehensive Guide to Catching ‘Em All in Sword and Shield
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Yes, you can get both Bulbasaur and Squirtle, and their evolutions, in Pokemon Sword and Shield! While they weren’t initially available in the base game, the Isle of Armor DLC made it possible to obtain them. Furthermore, Charmander is obtainable in the base game post the main story, so you can have all three original starters! Let’s dive into the details of how you can assemble your dream Kanto team in the Galar region.
How to Obtain the Kanto Starters
Getting Bulbasaur and Squirtle Through the Isle of Armor
The Isle of Armor DLC introduces the Dojo, a central hub where you’ll meet Honey and your mentor, Mustard. Early in the DLC storyline, you’ll be given a choice: either Bulbasaur or Squirtle. This is a pivotal moment, so choose wisely! However, don’t fret if you want both. After you choose one, the only way to get the other one will be to trade with other people, and hope that they are willing to give them to you.
Charmander: A Post-Game Gift
Unlike Bulbasaur and Squirtle, Charmander is obtainable in the base game without the DLC. After defeating Leon and becoming the Champion of Galar, visit his room in his house in Postwick. On one of the beds, you’ll find a Poke Ball containing a Charmander. This is a guaranteed encounter and doesn’t require the DLC.
Breeding for More
Once you have at least one of each starter (through the methods described above or trading), you can breed them at a Nursery to get more. To do this, simply leave the starter Pokemon with Ditto at a Nursery. Ditto is an incredibly useful Pokemon because it can breed with almost any Pokemon in the game. After some time, an egg will be produced, which you can then hatch to get another Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander!
FAQs: Kanto Starters in Sword and Shield
1. Are the Kanto starters shiny locked in Sword and Shield?
The Charmander given to you by Leon after becoming the Champion is shiny locked, meaning it cannot be shiny. However, Bulbasaur and Squirtle, obtained through the Isle of Armor, are not shiny locked and can be shiny if you get lucky. Additionally, any Kanto starters hatched from eggs are not shiny locked either.
2. How early can I get the Kanto starters in Sword and Shield?
You can get Charmander immediately after becoming the Champion of Galar. For Bulbasaur and Squirtle, you’ll need to purchase and access the Isle of Armor DLC. You can access this DLC fairly early in the game, even before completing the main storyline.
3. Can I get all three Kanto starters without trading?
Yes, you can get all three Kanto starters without trading. You will get Charmander from Leon and you will pick either Bulbasaur or Squirtle from the Isle of Armor Dojo. Then you can transfer whichever one you did not pick from Pokemon Home.
4. What is the easiest way to get a shiny Kanto starter in Sword and Shield?
The easiest way to get a shiny Kanto starter is through breeding using the Masuda method. This involves breeding a Pokemon from one region with a Ditto from another region. This significantly increases the odds of hatching a shiny Pokemon. Using a Shiny Charm, obtained by completing the Pokedex, further increases your chances.
5. Do Kanto starters have Gigantamax forms in Sword and Shield?
Yes, Venusaur and Blastoise have Gigantamax forms. They were introduced with the Isle of Armor DLC. To obtain the ability to Gigantamax your Venusaur or Blastoise, you need to complete specific challenges on the Isle of Armor. You cannot Gigantamax Charizard because it was already released to the base game.
6. Can I transfer my Kanto starters from Pokemon GO to Sword and Shield?
Yes, you can transfer Kanto starters from Pokemon GO to Pokemon Sword and Shield through Pokemon HOME. You will need to transfer your Pokemon from Pokemon GO to Pokemon Home, and then transfer from Pokemon Home to Pokemon Sword and Shield.
7. Is Pokemon HOME required to get all Kanto starters in Sword and Shield?
While not strictly required, Pokemon HOME makes it significantly easier to obtain all three Kanto starters. It allows you to transfer starters from other games, such as Pokemon GO or other Pokemon games on the Nintendo 3DS.
8. Are there any version exclusives affecting Kanto starter availability?
No, the availability of Kanto starters is the same in both Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield. Both versions allow you to obtain Charmander post-game, and both versions can access Bulbasaur and Squirtle through the Isle of Armor DLC.
9. What are the best natures and abilities for Kanto starters in competitive battles?
- Venusaur: Modest or Timid nature, Chlorophyll ability.
- Charizard: Timid or Jolly nature, Blaze ability.
- Blastoise: Modest or Calm nature, Torrent ability.
These are general recommendations, and the best choice can depend on your specific team composition and strategy.
10. Can I find Kanto starters in the Wild Area?
No, Kanto starters do not appear in the Wild Area in Pokemon Sword and Shield. They can only be obtained through the methods described above (Leon’s Charmander, Isle of Armor choice, or trading/transferring).
11. How do I evolve Charmander into Charizard in Sword and Shield?
Charmander evolves into Charmeleon at level 16, and Charmeleon evolves into Charizard at level 36. Simply level up your Charmander by battling, using Exp. Candies, or participating in Max Raid Battles.
12. Is it possible to breed a shiny Gigantamax Venusaur or Blastoise?
Yes, it is possible to breed a shiny Bulbasaur or Squirtle and then give them Max Soup from the Isle of Armor to unlock their Gigantamax potential. This means you can have a shiny Gigantamax Venusaur or Blastoise.
13. Can I change the ability of my Kanto starter in Sword and Shield?
You can change the ability of your Kanto starter using an Ability Capsule or an Ability Patch. An Ability Capsule allows you to switch between the Pokemon’s two standard abilities. An Ability Patch, a rarer item, allows you to change to the Pokemon’s hidden ability.
14. What is the most efficient way to level up my Kanto starters quickly?
The most efficient ways to level up your Kanto starters include battling high-level Pokemon in the Wild Area, participating in Max Raid Battles, and using Exp. Candies obtained through various in-game activities.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokemon game mechanics and strategies?
You can learn more about Pokemon game mechanics, strategies, and the impact of gaming on learning at the Games Learning Society website. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for insightful articles and research on the intersection of gaming and education.
Conclusion
While the initial absence of Bulbasaur and Squirtle was disappointing for many fans, the Isle of Armor DLC rectified this by making them readily available. Coupled with the post-game Charmander, trainers can now assemble their iconic Kanto team in Pokemon Sword and Shield. With breeding mechanics and the possibility of shiny hunting, the journey to create the perfect Kanto team is both rewarding and engaging. So get out there, explore the Galar region, and catch ’em all!