Unlocking Legendary Secrets: What Legendaries Can You Snag in Pokémon Sword Without the DLC?

So, you’ve jumped into the Galar region with Pokémon Sword, ready to become a champion. You’re dreaming of catching powerful Legendary Pokémon, but you haven’t sprung for the Expansion Pass (DLC). Fear not, trainer! You can still capture a few iconic Legendaries, including Zacian, the flagship Pokémon of Sword, and Eternatus.

The Core Legendaries: Your Sword Exclusive Catches

Without the DLC, your Legendary hunting grounds are primarily limited to the main storyline. This means you’ll have access to:

• Zacian: This Legendary Warrior Pokémon, wielding a sword in its mouth, is exclusive to Pokémon Sword. You’ll encounter it during the climax of the game’s main story and have the chance to add it to your team.

• Eternatus: This Gigantic Pokémon plays a crucial role in the story’s central conflict. Unlike Zacian and Zamazenta, Eternatus is available in both Pokémon Sword and Shield. You’ll battle and catch it before facing the champion.

That’s the core list. While it might seem limited compared to the wealth of Legendaries available through the Crown Tundra and Isle of Armor DLC, these two are powerhouses that will greatly enhance your team.

Obtaining the Non-DLC Legendaries

The process for catching these Legendary creatures is fairly straightforward, tied directly to the progression of Pokémon Sword’s narrative.

• Eternatus: You will encounter Eternatus during the climax of the main storyline, specifically during the events at the Energy Plant. It is not missable and is a required encounter to progress the story. Be prepared for a tough battle, and make sure you have plenty of Poké Balls!

• Zacian: After defeating Eternatus, you will participate in the post-game storyline, involving Sordward and Shielbert. By following this storyline, you will eventually find Zacian and have the option to battle it. The difficulty level of the battle is high and will require some planning.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Sword Legendaries Without the DLC

To further clarify the world of Legendary Pokémon in Sword without the DLC, here’s a list of Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I get Zamazenta in Pokémon Sword without the DLC?

No. Zamazenta is the box art Legendary for Pokémon Shield, meaning it can only be caught in the wild in the Shield version. The only way to obtain Zamazenta in Pokémon Sword without the DLC is through trading with another player who owns Pokémon Shield.

2. Is it possible to get other Legendaries through trading if I don’t have the DLC?

Yes, absolutely! Trading is a key element of the Pokémon experience. You can trade with friends or use online trading features to acquire other Legendary Pokémon, even those that are exclusive to the DLC areas (Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra). Remember that trading relies on other players being willing to trade with you.

3. Are there any Mythical Pokémon available in Sword without the DLC?

Mythical Pokémon are often distributed through special events. While Mew, for example, is technically obtainable, it usually requires transferring it from other Pokémon games, like Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Eevee!. Without these other games and the Pokémon Home service, it is not possible to obtain Mew or other Mythical Pokémon.

4. If I buy the DLC later, will I be able to catch the DLC-exclusive Legendaries?

Yes! Purchasing the Expansion Pass grants access to both the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra, unlocking all the Legendary Pokémon contained within those areas. Your existing save file will be compatible, so you can continue your adventure seamlessly.

5. Are there any version-exclusive Pokémon in the base game of Sword, besides the Legendaries?

Yes! Pokémon Sword has several Pokémon exclusive to its version. These include Pokémon such as Omanyte, Omastar, Bagon, Shelgon, and Salamence. This means you won’t be able to catch these Pokémon in Pokémon Shield without trading.

6. Is there a way to influence the nature of Eternatus or Zacian when catching them?

Yes, there are strategies to influence the nature of Legendary Pokémon. The most common method is to use a Pokémon with the ability Synchronize at the front of your party. If the Synchronize Pokémon is conscious when you encounter the Legendary, there is a 50% chance the Legendary will have the same nature.

7. Can Eternatus breed in Pokémon Sword?

No. Eternatus, being a Legendary Pokémon, cannot breed. This is a standard rule for nearly all Legendary and Mythical Pokémon (with Manaphy being a notable exception in other games).

8. What’s the best strategy for catching Zacian?

Zacian can be a difficult catch. Bring a team of Pokémon that are strong against Fairy- and Steel-type Pokémon. Stock up on Ultra Balls and consider bringing status-inducing moves like Sleep or Paralysis to increase your catch rate. Be patient and persistent!

9. Can I get shiny versions of Zacian or Eternatus?

Both Zacian and Eternatus are shiny-locked in Pokémon Sword. This means they are programmed to never appear as shiny, so you cannot obtain a shiny version through normal gameplay.

10. Does the Isle of Armor DLC have any free content?

While the bulk of the content in the Isle of Armor requires the Expansion Pass, there are often limited-time events or promotions that coincide with the DLC’s release. These may include special Max Raid Battles or the availability of certain items.

11. What is Pokémon Home, and how does it relate to getting Legendaries in Sword?

Pokémon Home is a cloud-based storage service that allows you to store and trade Pokémon across different Pokémon games. If you have Legendary Pokémon in other games compatible with Pokémon Home, you can transfer them to Pokémon Sword, even without the DLC. Pokémon Bank is a similar service for older generation games on the 3DS.

12. Can I participate in online battles with Legendaries if I don’t have the DLC?

Yes, you can! You can use Zacian and Eternatus in online battles, even without the DLC. However, you will be limited to the Legendary Pokémon you have access to (primarily Zacian and Eternatus) while others with the DLC will have a wider variety of options available to them.

13. Is it worth getting the DLC just for the Legendaries?

Whether or not the DLC is “worth it” is subjective and depends on your priorities. If you’re a collector who wants to catch all the Legendaries, or if you enjoy the new areas and stories offered by the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra, then the DLC is a great investment.

14. How do Dynamax Adventures work in the Crown Tundra DLC?

Dynamax Adventures are a key feature of the Crown Tundra DLC. They involve teaming up with other players (or using AI partners) to explore a Dynamax cave, battling Dynamax Pokémon along the way. At the end of the adventure, you’ll have a chance to catch a Legendary Pokémon!

15. What makes the Legendaries obtained in the DLC so powerful?

The Legendaries in the DLC aren’t necessarily inherently “more” powerful than Zacian or Eternatus. However, having access to a wider variety of Legendaries allows for more strategic team building and opens up new possibilities for competitive battles.

Embracing the Adventure, DLC or Not

While the Expansion Pass undeniably expands your Legendary hunting horizons in Pokémon Sword, don’t underestimate the power of the core game! Zacian and Eternatus are formidable additions to any team. Trade with friends, explore the Galar region, and continue to hone your skills!

Learning about the nuances of gaming and how it influences learning and education, can provide a better understanding of the world of gaming. For more information, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Happy hunting, trainers!