Unveiling the Legendary Pantheon of Pokémon Sword (Without DLC)
Alright, Pokémon Trainers, let’s cut to the chase. You want to know which Legendary Pokémon you can snag in Pokémon Sword without shelling out for the DLC. The answer is:
- Zacian: The Hero Pokémon of the Sword version. You can’t miss her during the main storyline.
- Eternatus: The mysterious and powerful Pokémon you encounter during the climax of the main story.
These are the only Legendary Pokémon obtainable in Pokémon Sword without purchasing the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra DLC expansions. Don’t worry if that sounds meager; they are fantastic additions to any team!
Delving Deeper: FAQs on Legendaries in Sword
Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions that’ll equip you with all the knowledge you need to become a true Legendary Pokémon master in Pokémon Sword.
What are Mythical Pokemon?
Mythical Pokemon are special, rare Pokemon that are typically distributed through events rather than found in the wild during normal gameplay. They are often tied to specific promotions and can add a unique flair to your collection.
Can you get Rayquaza in Pokémon Sword without DLC?
Sadly, no. Rayquaza is not available in the base version of Pokémon Sword. To encounter and catch this iconic Dragon/Flying-type Legendary, you’ll need to access the Dynamax Adventures in the Crown Tundra DLC. These adventures are where Rayquaza, and many other Legendaries, reside.
What Legendaries are Sword exclusive with the DLC?
With the Crown Tundra DLC, Pokémon Sword gains access to a host of version-exclusive Legendaries through the Dynamax Adventures. These include:
- Ho-Oh
- Latios
- Groudon
- Solgaleo
- Xerneas
- Reshiram
- Tornadus
- Dialga
What Legendaries are in Pokémon Sword with the DLC?
The Crown Tundra DLC significantly expands the roster of Legendary Pokémon available in Pokémon Sword. Besides the version exclusives mentioned above, you can also find:
- Calyrex, Glastrier, and Spectrier (exclusive to the Crown Tundra storyline)
- Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Regieleki, and Regidrago (the Regi family, requiring puzzle-solving skills)
- Galarian Articuno, Galarian Zapdos, and Galarian Moltres (regional variants with unique typing and moves)
- Cobalion, Virizion, and Terrakion (the Swords of Justice)
- A vast assortment of other Legendary Pokémon through the Dynamax Adventures, accessible within the Crown Tundra.
What Legendaries aren’t in Sword at all?
Certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon remain absent from Pokémon Sword and Shield, even with the DLC. Some notable exclusions include:
- Arceus
- Darkrai
- Manaphy
- Mew
- Zekrom
- Kyurem
These Pokémon cannot be transferred into the game, even through Pokémon HOME, until (and if) they are officially added in a future update or game.
Is Lugia in Sword DLC?
Yes, Lugia makes a triumphant return in the Crown Tundra DLC through the Dynamax Adventures. Prepare for an epic battle against this majestic Psychic/Flying-type Legendary!
Is Zacian Shiny locked?
Yes, Zacian, along with Zamazenta and a few other Legendary/Mythical Pokémon, is Shiny locked in Pokémon Sword and Shield. This means that you cannot obtain a Shiny version of Zacian through normal gameplay. Any Shiny Zacian you encounter is likely hacked or obtained through illegitimate means.
Can you get Mew in Pokémon Sword?
Officially, Mew cannot be directly caught in Pokémon Sword or Shield. There are limited options: Transferring from a PokeBall plus or from Pokemon Home.
What is the strongest Legendary in Sword?
Defining the “strongest” is subjective and depends on the context (e.g., competitive battling, in-game playthrough). However, some of the top contenders for powerful Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Sword include:
- Landorus-Therian: A dominant force in competitive battling.
- Heatran: A versatile Fire/Steel-type with excellent defensive capabilities.
- Tapu Koko: A fast and powerful Electric/Fairy-type.
- Rapid-Strike Style Urshifu: A formidable Fighting/Water-type with a unique move set.
- Zacian: The star of Sword and an all-around powerhouse.
What Pokémon are only in Sword (without DLC)?
Without the DLC, the only Pokemon truly exclusive to Sword is Zacian.
Is Darkrai in Pokémon Sword?
No, Darkrai is not available in Pokémon Sword or Shield, even with the DLC. This elusive Mythical Pokémon remains absent from the Galar region.
Is the Isle of Armor DLC free?
No, neither the Isle of Armor nor the Crown Tundra DLC is free. They are part of the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass, which must be purchased separately.
Can you get Zekrom in Pokémon Sword DLC?
Unfortunately, you cannot directly catch Zekrom in Pokémon Sword or Shield. The only way to obtain it in the game is to transfer it from older Pokémon games (like Pokémon Black or White) through the Pokémon HOME service.
What is the hardest Pokémon to catch in Sword?
With the addition of the Crown Tundra DLC, catching the Galarian Birds (Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres) can be quite challenging due to their roaming patterns and tricky encounter mechanics. Additionally, some of the Legendary Pokémon found in the Dynamax Adventures, particularly those with high catch rates, can prove to be difficult to acquire.
Can Kubfu be shiny?
The Kubfu you receive in the Isle of Armor is shiny locked. It can’t be obtained as a Shiny Pokémon through normal gameplay.
Final Thoughts
While the base version of Pokémon Sword only offers Zacian and Eternatus as Legendary catches, the DLC significantly expands your options. The decision to purchase the Expansion Pass ultimately depends on your desire to explore new areas, encounter a wider variety of Legendary Pokémon, and further enrich your Pokémon Sword experience.
Want to learn more about the educational aspects of gaming? Be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to discover the intersection of games and education. Happy catching, Trainers!