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Should I catch every Pokemon I see in Pokemon sword?

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To answer the question directly, catching every Pokémon you see in Pokémon Sword can be beneficial in terms of completing the Pokédex, but it’s not strictly necessary unless you’re aiming for 100% completion or want to collect EXP candies and level up your main squad quickly. Catching multiple Pokémon, including duplicates, can also help build up your Catch Combo, earning more Candies and increasing the odds of encountering Pokémon with better stats, but consider the cost of Pokeballs and the potential waste of resources.

FAQs about Catching Pokémon in Pokémon Sword

General Questions

Q: Do you need to catch every Pokémon to complete the Pokédex? A: Yes, to complete the Pokédex and get the Shiny Charm, you need to catch every Pokémon in the game, not just see them, and reach research level 10 on each.
Q: Is it worth catching multiple of the same Pokémon? A: Yes, catching the same species consecutively builds up your Catch Combo, earning more Candies and potentially encountering Pokémon with more impressive stats.
Q: Should I purify my Pokémon or not? A: Purifying a Shadow Pokémon improves its appraisal, reduces the amount of Stardust and Candy required for upgrades, and replaces Frustration with Return, a beneficial Charged Attack.

Completion and Rewards

Q: What happens when you catch all the Pokémon in Pokémon Sword? A: Catching all Pokémon leads to completing the Pokédex, earning a certificate, and obtaining the Shiny Charm, which increases the appearance rate of Shiny Pokémon.
Q: Do you need all the Pokémon to get the Shiny Charm? A: Yes, completing the Pokédex by catching all the Pokémon is required to get the Shiny Charm.
Q: Can you complete the Pokédex without trading? A: No, trading is necessary to obtain all the Pokémon, including Version Exclusives and evolution-by-trade Pokémon.

Pokémon Care and Development

Q: Does it matter if you power up before evolving? A: It doesn’t matter for most cases, but CP is determined by base stats, level, and IVs, so if you care about PvP, consider the implications.
Q: Is a 0-star Shadow Pokémon good? A: A 0-star Shadow Pokémon might be good if it has decent attacks and CP, as purifying it could increase its appraisal but lose the Shadow Bonus effect.
Q: Is it better to purify or evolve first? A: Purifying before evolving gives a significant Combat Power increase and costs fewer candies to evolve.

Strategy and Tips

Q: Should I keep all Shadow Pokémon? A: Yes, keep them because they inflict more damage, although they have lower defense, and can be used in Gyms and as Buddies, but cannot be traded.
Q: What is the easiest Pokémon game to complete the Pokédex? A: Pokémon Sun and Moon are considered to have one of the easiest Pokédex to complete.
Q: What Pokémon do you not need to complete the Pokédex? A: Certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon like Mew, Celebi, and others are not required for a Shiny Charm-ready Pokédex.

Game Mechanics

Q: Can you complete the Pokédex in sword and shield without trading? A: No, it is not possible to complete the Pokédex without trading due to Version Exclusives and Pokémon that evolve through trade.
Q: Do you have to catch 400 Pokémon for the Shiny Charm? A: Yes, in Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, you need to catch all 400 Pokémon and then speak with Professor Jacq at the Naranja/Uva Academy.
Q: What is the reward for completing the Galar Pokédex? A: Completing the Galar Pokédex by obtaining all 400 Pokémon results in a certificate and the Shiny Charm, enhancing your Pokémon journey.