What is Better Pokémon Sword or Shield?

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The choice between Pokémon Sword and Shield ultimately depends on what you want from the game, as both versions provide the same experience with the same features, but differ in version-exclusive Pokémon and Gigantamax Raids. The decision comes down to personal preference, particularly regarding the legendary Pokémon, Zacian and Zamazenta, and other exclusive creatures that can only be found in one version of the game.

Understanding the Differences

To make an informed decision, it’s essential to understand the differences between the two games. The main variations lie in the Pokémon exclusives and gym leaders, which are unique to each version.

Version-Exclusive Pokémon

Each game has its set of exclusive Pokémon, such as Galarian Ponyta and Sirfetch’d in Pokémon Sword, and Galarian Corsola, Cursola, Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar, Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo, Sableye, and Lunatone in Pokémon Shield. These exclusives can be a significant factor in deciding which version to play, especially for shiny hunters or those looking to complete their Pokédex.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between Pokémon Sword and Shield? The primary differences are the Pokémon exclusives and gym leaders. Each version has unique Pokémon that can’t be found in the other, and the gym leaders are also different.

2. Which is better, Zacian or Zamazenta? Zacian, with its Fairy/Steel type, has an advantage over Zamazenta’s Fighting/Steel type, as it has fewer weaknesses, being vulnerable only to Fire and Ground-type moves.

3. Can you capture Eternatus? Yes, Eternatus can be captured after defeating it, and it comes with a 100% catch rate, making it easy to add to your team.

4. What Pokémon are only in Shield? Pokémon Shield exclusives include Galarian Ponyta and Rapidash, Galarian Corsola and Cursola, Larvitar, Pupitar, and Tyranitar, among others.

5. Is Rayquaza in Pokémon Shield? Rayquaza can be found in Pokémon Sword & Shield through the Crown Tundra DLC, by progressing through the Dynamax Adventures story missions.

6. Where is Lugia in Shield? Lugia can be encountered by participating in Dynamax Adventures until it appears, though the encounter is random.

7. Is there a Mew or Mewtwo in Pokémon Sword? Mewtwo was introduced in a limited-time event after the game’s release and can be found in Dynamax Adventures. Mew is not directly available in the game.

8. Who is Pokémon 999? Gimmighoul is #999 in the Serebii.net Pokédex.

9. Can you poison Zacian? Yes, as a Fairy-type Pokémon, Zacian is vulnerable to Poison- and Steel-type attacks.

10. Is Zacian Zamazenta’s sister? According to the English Pokédex, Zacian is the elder sister of Zamazenta, and they have a protective relationship.

11. How do I get Eternatus to Eternamax? Eternatus does not have evolutions but has two forms: its regular form and the Eternamax form, which is encountered in the battle at the Energy Plant and cannot be achieved through Dynamaxing.

12. What does Zacian resist? As a Fairy-type Pokémon, Zacian is resistant to Fighting-, Bug-, Dragon-, and Dark-type attacks.

13. Is Eternatus a legendary or mythical Pokémon? Eternatus is a Legendary Poison/Dragon-type Pokémon and serves as the overarching antagonist of Pokémon Sword and Shield.

14. What Pokémon can’t be caught on Switch? There are 21 Pokémon that cannot be caught on the Nintendo Switch, including Snivy, Tepig, Furfrou, and Minior, among others.

15. What Pokémon aren’t in Gen 8? Several Pokémon are not included in Generation 8, such as Crabrawler, Crabominable, Alomomola, and the Pansage, Simisage, Pansear, Simisear, Panpour, and Simipour lines.