Finding TR13: Focus Energy in Pokémon Sword and Shield – A Trainer’s Guide

The direct answer: You can acquire TR13 (Focus Energy) in Motostoke by talking to the man standing just outside the record shop, which is conveniently located before the bridge near the Pokémon Centre. He’ll hand over the TR and give you a brief explanation of how TRs (Technical Records) work. Now, let’s delve deeper into the world of TRs and answer some common questions!

TRs: What Are They and Where Do You Find Them?

Technical Records (TRs) are one-time use items that teach your Pokémon a specific move. Unlike Technical Machines (TMs), which became reusable in later generations, TRs are consumed upon use. This adds a layer of strategy as you carefully consider which Pokémon should learn a particular move. Let’s explore the ins and outs of acquiring these valuable tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About TRs in Pokémon Sword and Shield

1. What exactly does TR stand for in Pokémon?

TR stands for Technical Record. It’s a single-use item introduced in Generation VIII (Pokémon Sword and Shield) that teaches a specific move to a Pokémon. After using it, the TR disappears from your inventory.

2. Where else can I find TRs besides Motostoke?

Aside from the specific instance of obtaining TR13 in Motostoke, you can find TRs through a few key methods:

• Watt Traders: These merchants are scattered throughout the Wild Area and offer a rotating selection of TRs in exchange for Watts. Their inventory changes daily, so it’s worth checking them frequently.

• Max Raid Battles: Successfully completing a Max Raid Battle gives you a chance to earn various rewards, including TRs. The specific TRs that can drop depend on the Pokémon you battled in the raid.

• Hidden Items: Keep an eye out for glowing spots on the ground in the Wild Area. These spots often contain useful items, and sometimes, they’ll yield a TR.

3. How do Watt Traders work?

Watt Traders are NPCs found in the Wild Area who sell various items, including TRs, in exchange for Watts (W). Watts are earned primarily from completing Max Raid Battles or by interacting with glowing Pokémon Dens. The items available at each Watt Trader change daily, so it’s a good idea to visit them regularly to see what they have in stock. Stock rotates daily, and different traders may have TRs of different types.

4. What are Max Raid Battles and how do they give me TRs?

Max Raid Battles are cooperative battles where you team up with other trainers (either online or with NPCs) to defeat a Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon. Winning a Max Raid Battle rewards you with various items, including TRs, candies, and other useful items. The specific TRs you can obtain depend on the Pokémon you defeated in the raid battle. For example, defeating a Steel-type Pokémon might yield a TR for a Steel-type move like Iron Tail.

5. Is there a way to duplicate TRs?

While the original games do not directly offer a way to duplicate TRs, some players have utilized external devices or glitches (which are not condoned or supported by official sources) to bypass this restriction. However, there is in fact an interesting way to copy TRs using Blank Galarian TRs. By adding a blank to a Pokémon as a held item, the first move used (That is a legitimate Gen 8 TR move) will imprint onto the blank. TRs aren’t included in drop pools or craftable, instead players can use ‘Blank Galarian’ TRs to create/duplicate moves.

6. Can you buy TMs in Pokémon Sword and Shield?

Yes, you can purchase TMs in Pokémon Sword and Shield! Although many TMs are found scattered around the world or earned as rewards, certain TMs are available for purchase at specific shops, often in exchange for a significant amount of money.

7. How do I find the TM for Iron Tail in Pokémon Sword and Shield?

The Iron Tail TM can be obtained from Steel-type raids as well as through Watt Traders in the Wild Area. Check the traders’ inventories each day, as their stock rotates, and eventually, you should find it.

8. Where can I find Ditto in Pokémon Sword and Shield?

Finding Ditto can be a bit tricky. One reliable method is to search for Ditto in Max Raid Battles, particularly in the Stony Wilderness area of the Wild Area. Another effective method is to explore the Lake of Outrage in the Wild Area. Look for Brilliant Glowing Aura Pokémon, as these are guaranteed to have at least 3 perfect IVs. While Ditto only has a 3% encounter rate, it can appear in various locations throughout the Wild Area.

9. What are “Brilliant Glowing Aura” Pokémon?

These are Pokémon in the Wild Area that are surrounded by a special, noticeable aura. They are guaranteed to have at least three “Best” IVs, making them valuable for competitive breeding.

10. What are IVs and why are they important?

Individual Values (IVs) are hidden stats that determine a Pokémon’s potential in each of its six stats: HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. Each IV ranges from 0 to 31. Higher IVs lead to better stats, making a Pokémon stronger and more competitive.

11. What is the difference between a TM and a TR?

A TM (Technical Machine) is a reusable item that can teach a move to a Pokémon. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, TMs can be used multiple times. A TR (Technical Record), on the other hand, is a single-use item. Once you teach a Pokémon a move using a TR, the TR is consumed. Also, generally, TMs are used to teach common moves that most Pokémon can learn and TRs are used to teach slightly less common moves.

12. What is a perfect IV Ditto and how can I get one?

A “perfect IV Ditto” is a Ditto with all six IVs at the maximum value of 31. These are highly sought after for breeding purposes. You can rarely obtain a Ditto with 6 perfect IVs by raid battling at the Stony Wilderness in the Wild Area. They can also be found with the help of online tools that reveal raid den seeds and make this process easier.

13. Are all Pokémon moves available as TRs?

No, not all Pokémon moves are available as TRs. The list of moves available as TRs is limited to specific moves. A comprehensive list of TR moves can be found in various online Pokémon databases and guides.

14. Are there any Pokémon I can’t get in Pokémon Sword and Shield?

Yes, some Pokémon are not natively available in Pokémon Sword and Shield. You may need to transfer them from other Pokémon games using Pokémon HOME. Some Pokémon are also exclusive to certain events or promotions and may not be obtainable at all times. For example, Zarude, a mythical Pokémon, was available during a specific event and is not currently obtainable.

15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon game mechanics and strategies?

There are several online resources where you can learn more about Pokémon game mechanics, strategies, and competitive battling. Some helpful websites include Serebii.net, Bulbapedia, and Smogon University. For insights into the educational aspects of gaming and game-based learning, you can also visit the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.