Gotta Catch ‘Em All (and Store ‘Em): A Deep Dive into Pokémon Storage in Sword & Shield
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So, you’ve embarked on your adventure in the Galar region, becoming a champion trainer and catching a whole host of Pokémon. But how many can you actually keep? In Pokémon Sword and Shield, you can store up to a whopping 960 Pokémon across 32 boxes in your PC. This ample storage ensures you can truly “catch ’em all” within the Galar Pokédex and beyond.
Understanding the Box System
The Pokémon storage system in Sword and Shield is your digital haven for all your captured creatures. It’s accessible from any Pokémon Center via the PC. Understanding how this system works is crucial for any serious collector or competitive battler.
Initial Box Capacity
When you begin your journey, you won’t have access to all 32 boxes immediately. Initially, you will start with 8, which doesn’t hold very many pokemon at all.
Unlocking More Boxes
Expanding your box capacity is a straightforward process. Once you fill up your boxes, you’ll unlock more, one by one. The trigger to unlock new boxes is simple: place at least one Pokémon in each currently available box. Exit and re-enter the box system, and voilà, more boxes will appear. This process can be repeated until you reach the maximum of 32 boxes.
Individual Box Capacity
Each box is designed to hold 30 Pokémon. This is a consistent number across the entire storage system, making it easy to calculate your total storage capacity.
Why so many boxes?
30 Pokémon is a good standard number for those who have been around the video game series. This number will provide players the space to store different types, and levels. The more boxes, the easier it is to create multiple teams, and complete the Pokedex.
Maximizing Your Storage
To truly take advantage of the storage system, here are a few tips to make the most of your 960-Pokémon capacity:
- Organize Your Boxes: Designate specific boxes for different types, competitive teams, shiny Pokémon, or Pokémon for trade. This will make finding the right Pokémon much easier.
- Use Nicknames: Giving your Pokémon nicknames can help you quickly identify specific individuals, especially if you have multiple of the same species.
- Regularly Review Your Collection: Periodically go through your boxes and release any Pokémon you no longer need, such as those with poor stats or duplicates you’ve already used for breeding.
The Bigger Picture: Pokémon HOME
While 960 slots might seem like a lot, dedicated Pokémon trainers may still find themselves needing more space. That’s where Pokémon HOME comes into play.
What is Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based storage service designed to house your entire Pokémon collection across multiple games. It acts as a central hub, allowing you to transfer Pokémon from various titles, including Pokémon Sword and Shield, Let’s Go, Pokémon GO, and even older games via Pokémon Bank (with a Premium Plan).
Pokémon HOME Premium Plan
The Premium Plan of Pokémon HOME significantly expands your storage capacity. With it, you can store up to 6,000 Pokémon. This is a game-changer for serious collectors.
Transferring to Pokémon HOME
Transferring Pokémon to HOME from Sword and Shield is a simple process. You’ll need to access Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch and link it to your game. From there, you can move Pokémon between your Sword and Shield boxes and your Pokémon HOME boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon Storage in Sword and Shield
1. Can you catch all 400 Pokémon in the Sword and Shield Pokédex?
Yes, it is indeed possible to catch all 400 Pokémon in the Galar Pokédex. This is a significant accomplishment for any trainer.
2. Can you run out of box space in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Yes, it is possible to run out of box space, but only if you fill all 32 boxes, meaning you have 960 Pokémon.
3. How do you get more than the initial 8 boxes in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
To unlock more boxes, place at least one Pokémon in each of your currently available boxes. Then, exit and re-enter the box system. More boxes will appear.
4. What happens when your Pokémon box is full in Sword and Shield?
If the currently selected box is full, the game won’t let you catch a Pokémon. If all boxes are full, you won’t be able to catch any more Pokémon until you release some from your boxes.
5. Is there a limit to Pokémon boxes in Sword and Shield?
Yes, the limit is 32 boxes in Sword and Shield.
6. Can you breed a Gigantamax Pokémon to pass down the G-Max trait?
No, Gigantamax Pokémon cannot pass down their G-Max trait to their offspring.
7. How long does it take to complete the Pokédex in Sword and Shield?
Completing the Galar Pokédex can take anywhere from 40 to 50 hours, depending on your play style and efficiency. Getting 100% completion of the game can take upwards of 100 hours.
8. Can you get all Legendary Pokémon in Sword and Shield?
While not all Legendary Pokémon are available in the base game, the Crown Tundra DLC allows you to encounter and catch many Legendary Pokémon from previous generations.
9. How many Pokémon can you carry in your party in Sword and Shield?
Trainers can carry a maximum of six Pokémon in their party at any given time.
10. What is Pokémon HOME, and how does it work with Sword and Shield?
Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based storage service that allows you to store and manage your Pokémon across multiple games. It can be linked with Sword and Shield to transfer Pokémon back and forth.
11. Can you fit all Pokémon from all generations into Pokémon HOME?
With the Premium Plan, Pokémon HOME can store up to 6,000 Pokémon, which is enough to hold every Pokémon from all generations, including alternate forms and variations.
12. Do you get the Poké Ball back when you release a Pokémon?
No, you do not get the Poké Ball back when you release a Pokémon.
13. How many Pokémon cards fit in a storage box?
A standard storage box can typically fit around 400-500 unsleeved Pokémon cards.
14. How many times can you use the Mystery Box in Pokémon GO?
The Mystery Box in Pokémon GO can be used once every three days after sending a Pokémon to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!
15. Does Pokémon HOME work with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, Pokémon HOME does work with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet as of Version 3.0.0, allowing you to transfer Pokémon between the games.
Conclusion
So, whether you’re a casual collector or a hardcore competitive battler, the storage system in Pokémon Sword and Shield offers ample space to house your team. With the ability to store 960 Pokémon in-game and up to 6,000 in Pokémon HOME, the possibilities are endless. Happy catching, trainers!
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