View source for Pokémon Sword and Shield

:''Sword and Shield redirects here. For the TCG expansion, see [[Sword & Shield (TCG)]]. For the Pokémon Adventures story arc, see [[Sword & Shield arc (Adventures)]].''
{{Infobox game|colorscheme=Sword|bordercolorscheme=Shield
|name=<span style="color:#FFF">Pokémon Sword</span>
|name2=<span style="color:#FFF">Pokémon Shield</span>
|jname=<span style="color:#FFF">ポケットモンスター ソード</span>
|jname2=<span style="color:#FFF">ポケットモンスター シールド</span>
|boxart=Sword EN boxart.png
|boxart2=Shield EN boxart.png
|caption=Pokémon Sword's boxart, [[Game mascot|featuring]] {{form|Zacian and Zamazenta|Crowned Sword}} {{p|Zacian}}
|caption2=Pokémon Shield's boxart, [[Game mascot|featuring]] {{form|Zacian and Zamazenta|Crowned Shield}} {{p|Zamazenta}}
|jbox=Sword JP boxart.png
|jbox2=Shield JP boxart.png
|jcaption=Pokémon Sword Japanese boxart
|jcaption2=Pokémon Shield Japanese boxart
|category=RPG
|gen_series=[[Generation VIII]] [[core series]]
|players=1-2, 4 players simultaneous
|platform=[[Nintendo Switch]]
|link_method=Wireless, [[Nintendo Switch Online]]
|release_date_ja=November 15, 2019
|release_date_au=November 15, 2019
|release_date_eu=November 15, 2019
|release_date_na=November 15, 2019
|release_date_kr=November 15, 2019
|release_date_hk=November 15, 2019
|release_date_tw=November 15, 2019
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]/[[The Pokémon Company]]
|developer=[[Game Freak]]
|cero=A
|esrb=E
|pegi=7
|acb=PG
|oflc=PG
|grb=ALL
|gsrr=6+
|staff=no
|stafflink=Staff of Pokémon Sword and Shield
|website_ja=[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/sword_shield/ Pokémon.co.jp]
|website_en=[https://swordshield.pokemon.com Official site]<br>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-sword-and-pokemon-shield/ Pokémon.com]<br>[https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/pokemon-sword-switch Nintendo.com (Sword)]<br>[https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/pokemon-shield-switch Nintendo.com (Shield)]
}}

'''Pokémon Sword''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター ソード''' ''Pocket Monsters Sword'') and '''Pokémon Shield''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター シールド''' ''Pocket Monsters Shield'') are the primary [[Core series|paired versions]] of [[Generation VIII]]. The games were released on the [[Nintendo Switch]] worldwide on November 15, 2019 for both retail sale and download. All copies of the game are playable in nine languages: Japanese, English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Korean, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese.

During E3 2017, [[Tsunekazu Ishihara]] announced that the next core series titles would be available on the [[Nintendo Switch]], but they were not prepared to release any more information at the time. On May 30, 2018, The Pokémon Company gave a [[Pokémon Press Conference|press conference]] and announced that the new core games would have more traditional gameplay, as opposed to that found in [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]].

The games were formally announced on [[Pokémon Day]], February 27, 2019 at 11 pm JST during a worldwide announcement through [[Nintendo Direct]] hosted by Tsunekazu Ishihara, [[Junichi Masuda]], and [[Shigeru Ohmori]]. An official trailer was shown, giving information on the region and the [[first partner Pokémon]] players can choose from.

The [[Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass]] was revealed during a [[Pokémon Direct]] on January 9, 2020; it adds two new areas to the game, [[The Isle of Armor]] and [[The Crown Tundra]].

==Plot==
{{spoilers}}
The {{player}} is a young child who lives with {{gal|Mum|their mother}} in the town of [[Postwick]] in the [[Galar]] [[region]]. One day, the player's friend [[Hop]] invites them to meet his big brother [[Leon]], the {{pkmn|Champion}} of the [[Galar League]], so that they both can receive a [[first partner Pokémon]] from him. After receiving their first partner Pokémon, the player and Hop follow a runaway {{p|Wooloo}} into the [[Slumbering Weald]]. Inside the foggy forest, they encounter a mysterious Pokémon that is completely unaffected by [[move]]s. After being rescued by Leon, they set out to receive an [[endorsement]] from him so that they can participate in Galar's [[Galar League|Gym Challenge]]. After some convincing by [[Professor Magnolia]], Leon agrees to give both the player and Hop an endorsement. Just then, two [[Wishing Star]]s fall out of the sky, and Professor Magnolia converts them into [[Dynamax Band]]s for the player and Hop, allowing them to [[Dynamax]] their Pokémon. The player and Hop then travel together to [[Motostoke]] to attend the Gym Challenge's opening ceremony, where they meet [[Rose]], the president of [[Macro Cosmos]] and the chairman of the Galar Pokémon League, as well as a band of hooligans known as [[Team Yell]].

After the opening ceremony, the player sets out to collect the eight [[Badge]]s required to compete in the Champion Cup tournament from [[Gym Leader]]s across the region. Along the way, Professor Magnolia's granddaughter and [[Professor's assistant|assistant]] [[Sonia]] tells them about Galar's history and a mysterious event known as the [[Darkest Day]]. The player ends up uncovering pieces of the Darkest Day's history during their {{pkmn|journey}}, much to Sonia's pleasure. Eventually, the player manages to successfully collect the eight Badges and travels to [[Wyndon]], where the Champion Cup is held. They win their way through the Champion Cup semifinals, where they defeat Hop and end his dream of surpassing his brother. After confronting Macro Cosmos's vice-president [[Oleana]] at [[Rose Tower]], the player participates in the Champion Cup finals and wins their way through it, earning themselves the right to challenge Leon.

However, just before the player and Leon's {{pkmn|battle}} can begin, Rose makes a public announcement, revealing that he's going to bring about the second Darkest Day to save Galar from an energy crisis a thousand years in the future. To stop Rose's plans, the player and Hop travel to the Slumbering Weald again to seek help from the [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Zacian}} and {{p|Zamazenta}}, one of whom had been the mysterious Pokémon they saw at the start of their journey. They find and take along a [[Rusted Sword]] and a [[Rusted Shield]] from the heart of the forest and go to confront Rose in [[Hammerlocke]], where it is revealed that the Darkest Day is the result of Rose awakening a Legendary Pokémon known as {{p|Eternatus}}. After defeating Rose, the player and Hop go to face Eternatus at the top of the [[Hammerlocke Stadium]], where Leon unsuccessfully tries to {{pkmn2|caught|catch}} it, forcing the player to battle it. Once Eternatus seems to have been defeated, however, it suddenly transforms into its even more powerful {{form|Eternatus|Eternamax}} form. Thanks to the sword and the shield they found, the player and Hop are able to summon Zacian and Zamazenta to their aid, and together, they defeat Eternatus in a [[Max Raid Battle]], allowing the player to catch it and thus end the crisis. Three days later, the player finally takes on Leon in a battle at [[Wyndon Stadium]] and defeats him, ending his career as the undefeated Champion and making the player the new Champion of Galar.

During the post-game, the player and Hop travel to the heart of Slumbering Weald to return the Rusted Sword and the Rusted Shield, only to be confronted by the rich brothers [[Sordward]] and [[Shielbert]], who try to steal the artifacts. Although the player manages to defeat one of the brothers and recover one of the stolen items, the two still manage to get away with the other one. The player and Hop are then forced to travel around Galar to stop the Dynamax Pokémon the brothers have let loose at the [[Gym|Gym Stadiums]]. They eventually confront them again at Hammerlocke Stadium, where they reveal their plan being to reinstate the Galarian monarchy and denigrate Zacian and Zamazenta. Using the artifact they stole, the brothers lure in one of the Legendary Pokémon and drive it berserk, forcing the player to battle it. After it has been defeated, the other Legendary Pokémon appears as well, which the player battles and catches. During the battle, Hop follows the first Legendary to the heart of Slumbering Weald, where he successfully calms it down. Deeming Hop worthy of its trust, the Legendary Pokémon then willingly joins his [[party]]. The player and Hop then battle for one last time, after which Hop declares that his new dream is to become a [[Pokémon Professor]], and Sordward and Shielbert briefly reappear to apologise for their actions.

===The Isle of Armor===
{{main|The Isle of Armor}}
The player travels to the [[Isle of Armor]] off the coast of Galar and becomes an apprentice in the local [[Master Dojo]], a [[battle facility]] run by former Champion [[Mustard]]. They also develop a new [[rival]]ry with a Gym Leader-in-training and fellow apprentice named [[Klara]]{{sup/8|Sw}}/[[Avery]]{{sup/8|Sh}}.

===The Crown Tundra===
{{main|The Crown Tundra}}
The player travels to the [[Crown Tundra]] in southern Galar, where they meet [[Peony]], an enthusiastic former {{type|Steel}} Gym Leader, and take his daughter [[Peonia]]'s place in his explorations of solving the legends lurking around the Tundra.

==Blurb==
A wild new adventure with Pokémon!

You can battle to be the best!

Carve a path to the future!{{sup/8|Sw}} / Protect the world from disaster!{{sup/8|Sh}}

Band together in new co-op battles!

==Features==
The games mix some of the changes introduced in [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]] with the more traditional gameplay last seen in {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}. [[Wild Pokémon]] now appear on the overworld, known as "symbol encounters", similar to the Let's Go games, as well as random encounters shaking in [[tall grass]].

Known as the Gym Challenge, [[Gym]]s that the player must battle with the goal of becoming the {{pkmn|Champion}} return to the games, after being replaced by [[island challenge|trials]] in {{pkmn|Sun and Moon|Pokémon Sun, Moon}}, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon. The challenge culminates in the annual Champion Cup tournament where the player may challenge the Champion.

===Wild Area===
{{main|Wild Area}}
The Wild Area is a vast, open area that connects several towns in the [[Galar]] region. It is home to a wide variety of {{pkmn2|wild}} {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}.

===Dynamax and Gigantamax===
{{main|Dynamax}} ''and [[Gigantamax]]''
Dynamax is a new type of transformation that allows any Pokémon from the Galar region to power up and become larger using the [[Dynamax Band]]. After Dynamaxing, a Pokémon can use [[Max Move]]s.

Gigantamax is a special phenomenon that also changes the appearance of a few individuals of certain species of Pokémon. Like Dynamaxing, the Pokémon is increased in power and becomes bigger. A Gigantamax Pokémon can use a [[G-Max Move]].

===Max Raid Battles===
{{main|Max Raid Battle}}
Max Raid Battles are a new cooperative feature that allows up to four players to challenge a Dynamax Pokémon together over local wireless or [[Nintendo Switch Online]].

===Rotom Phone===
{{main|Rotom Phone}}
Replacing the [[Rotom Pokédex]] of the [[Generation VII]] games, the Rotom Phone acts not only as a [[Pokédex]] but also has additional features, such as the [[Town Map]]. It also acts as the main interface for the game's [[menu]].

===Y-Comm===
{{main|Y-Comm}}
The Y-Comm serves as an interface to connect with other players over local wireless or on the internet through [[Nintendo Switch Online]]. Players can [[trade]] (either a Link Trade or [[Surprise Trade]]), {{pkmn|battle}}, swap [[League Card]]s, and join [[Max Raid Battle]]s.

===Battle Stadium===
{{main|Battle Stadium}}
Replacing the [[Battle Spot]] from the [[Generation VI]] and {{gen|VII}} games, the Battle Stadium allows players to participate in battles over the internet through [[Nintendo Switch Online]]. Players can participate in Ranked Battles, Casual Battles, and Official Competitions as well as host or join [[Friendly Competition]]s.

===Rotomi===
{{main|Rotomi}}
Rotomi replaces the [[PC]]s in previous games and has several features including allowing players to send their Pokémon on [[Poké Job]]s, design their [[League Card]], and draw for the [[Loto-ID]].

===Pokémon Camp===
{{main|Pokémon Camp}}
Pokémon Camp allows players can go camping and interact with their Pokémon, cook [[curry]], and visit other player's camps.

===Gym Challenge===
Trainers must receive an [[endorsement]] in order to participate in the Gym Challenge. Those who defeat the eight [[Gym Leader]]s and collect the eight [[Badge]]s can participate in the annual Champion Cup for a chance to challenge the current Champion of Galar. The Gym Leaders are [[Milo]] ({{t|Grass}}), [[Nessa]] ({{t|Water}}), [[Kabu]] ({{t|Fire}}), [[Bea]] ({{t|Fighting}}){{sup/8|Sw}}/[[Allister]] ({{t|Ghost}}){{sup/8|Sh}}, [[Opal]] ({{t|Fairy}}), [[Gordie]] ({{t|Rock}}){{sup/8|Sw}}/[[Melony]] ({{t|Ice}}){{sup/8|Sh}}, [[Piers]] ({{t|Dark}}), and [[Raihan]] ({{t|Dragon}}).

During the game, Opal and [[Piers]] retire from their positions as Gym Leaders and are succeeded by [[Bede]] and [[Marnie]], respectively. During [[The Crown Tundra]], [[Klara]] ({{t|Poison}}){{sup/8|Sw}}/[[Avery]] ({{t|Psychic}}){{sup/8|Sh}} is revealed to have become minor division Gym Leader.

===Champion Cup===
Unlike previous games, there is no [[Elite Four]] in the Galar region. Their place is instead taken by the Champion Cup, a tournament where Trainers compete for the right to challenge the current Champion. In the semifinals, {{tc|Gym Challenger}}s compete against each other, and the winner proceeds to the finals, where they join a tournament otherwise completely occupied by the Gym Leaders. The winner of the finals is granted the right to challenge [[Leon]] the Champion who uses multiple types along with a {{p|Charizard}} which can [[Gigantamax]].

===Pokémon===
:''See [[:Category:Generation VIII Pokémon]]''

===[[Version-exclusive Pokémon]]===
====Main Game====
{| style="margin:auto"
|
{| class="roundy" style="background:#{{Sword color}}; border:5px solid #{{Sword color light}}"
! style="color: #fff" | Sword
|-
|
{| border="1" style="border:1px solid #{{Sword color}}; border-collapse:collapse" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
{{Moveentrytm|083|form=G|Farfetch'd|1|Fighting|formlink=[[Galarian form|Galarian Form]]|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|273|Seedot|1|Grass|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|274|Nuzleaf|2|Grass|Dark|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|275|Shiftry|2|Grass|Dark|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|303|Mawile|2|Steel|Fairy|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|338|Solrock|2|Rock|Psychic|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|550|Basculin|1|Water|formlink={{form|Basculin|Red-Striped}}|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|554|form=G|Darumaka|1|Ice|formlink=[[Galarian form|Galarian Form]]|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|555|form=G|Darmanitan|1|Ice|formlink=[[Galarian form|Galarian Form]]|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|559|Scraggy|2|Dark|Fighting|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|560|Scrafty|2|Dark|Fighting|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|574|Gothita|1|Psychic|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|575|Gothorita|1|Psychic|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|576|Gothitelle|1|Psychic|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|627|Rufflet|2|Normal|Flying|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|628|Braviary|2|Normal|Flying|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|633|Deino|2|Dark|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|634|Zweilous|2|Dark|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|635|Hydreigon|2|Dark|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|684|Swirlix|1|Fairy|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|685|Slurpuff|1|Fairy|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|766|Passimian|1|Fighting|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|776|Turtonator|2|Fire|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|782|Jangmo-o|1|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|783|Hakamo-o|2|Dragon|Fighting|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|784|Kommo-o|2|Dragon|Fighting|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|841|Flapple|2|Grass|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|865|Sirfetch'd|1|Fighting|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|874|Stonjourner|1|Rock|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|888|Zacian|1|Fairy|gen=8}}
|}
|}
| 
{| class="roundy" style="background:#{{Shield color}}; border:5px solid #{{Shield color light}}"
! style="color: #fff" | Shield
|-
|
{| border="1" style="border:1px solid #{{Shield color}}; border-collapse:collapse" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
{{Moveentrytm|077|form=G|Ponyta|1|Psychic|formlink=[[Galarian form|Galarian Form]]|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|078|form=G|Rapidash|2|Psychic|Fairy|formlink=[[Galarian form|Galarian Form]]|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|222|form=G|Corsola|1|Ghost|formlink=[[Galarian form|Galarian Form]]|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|246|Larvitar|2|Rock|Ground|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|247|Pupitar|2|Rock|Ground|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|248|Tyranitar|2|Rock|Dark|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|270|Lotad|2|Water|Grass|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|271|Lombre|2|Water|Grass|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|272|Ludicolo|2|Water|Grass|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|302|Sableye|2|Dark|Ghost|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|337|Lunatone|2|Rock|Psychic|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|453|Croagunk|2|Poison|Fighting|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|454|Toxicroak|2|Poison|Fighting|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|550|form=B|Basculin|1|Water|formlink={{form|Basculin|Blue-Striped}}|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|577|Solosis|1|Psychic|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|578|Duosion|1|Psychic|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|579|Reuniclus|1|Psychic|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|629|Vullaby|2|Dark|Flying|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|630|Mandibuzz|2|Dark|Flying|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|682|Spritzee|1|Fairy|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|683|Aromatisse|1|Fairy|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|704|Goomy|1|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|705|Sliggoo|1|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|706|Goodra|1|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|765|Oranguru|2|Normal|Psychic|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|780|Drampa|2|Normal|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|842|Appletun|2|Grass|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|864|Cursola|1|Ghost|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|875|Eiscue|1|Ice|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|889|Zamazenta|1|Fighting|gen=8}}
|}
|}
|}

====[[The Isle of Armor]]====
{| style="margin:auto"
|
{| class="roundy" style="background:#{{Sword color}}; border:5px solid #{{Sword color light}}"
! style="color: #fff" | Sword
|-
|
{| border="1" style="border:1px solid #{{Sword color}}; border-collapse:collapse" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
{{Moveentrytm|127|Pinsir|1|Bug|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|692|Clauncher|1|Water|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|693|Clawitzer|1|Water|gen=8}}
|}
|}
| 
{| class="roundy" style="background:#{{Shield color}}; border:5px solid #{{Shield color light}}"
! style="color: #fff" | Shield
|-
|
{| border="1" style="border:1px solid #{{Shield color}}; border-collapse:collapse" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
{{Moveentrytm|214|Heracross|2|Bug|Fighting|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|690|Skrelp|2|Poison|Water|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|691|Dragalge|2|Poison|Dragon|gen=8}}
|}
|}
|}

====[[The Crown Tundra]]====
{| style="margin:auto"
|
{| class="roundy" style="background:#{{Sword color}}; border:5px solid #{{Sword color light}}"
! style="color: #fff" | Sword
|-
|
{| border="1" style="border:1px solid #{{Sword color}}; border-collapse:collapse" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
{{Moveentrytm|138|Omanyte|2|Rock|Water|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|139|Omastar|2|Rock|Water|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|250|Ho-Oh|2|Fire|Flying|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|371|Bagon|1|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|372|Shelgon|1|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|373|Salamence|2|Dragon|Flying|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|381|Latios|2|Dragon|Psychic|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|383|Groudon|1|Ground|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|483|Dialga|2|Steel|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|641|Tornadus|1|Flying|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|643|Reshiram|2|Dragon|Fire|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|646|form=W|Kyurem|2|Dragon|Ice|formlink={{form|Kyurem|White Kyurem}}|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|716|Xerneas|1|Fairy|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|791|Solgaleo|2|Psychic|Steel|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|800|form=DM|Necrozma|2|Psychic|Steel|formlink={{form|Necrozma|Dusk Mane Necrozma}}|gen=8}}
|}
|}
| 
{| class="roundy" style="background:#{{Shield color}}; border:5px solid #{{Shield color light}}"
! style="color: #fff" | Shield
|-
|
{| border="1" style="border:1px solid #{{Shield color}}; border-collapse:collapse" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
{{Moveentrytm|140|Kabuto|2|Rock|Water|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|141|Kabutops|2|Rock|Water|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|249|Lugia|2|Psychic|Flying|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|380|Latias|2|Dragon|Psychic|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|382|Kyogre|1|Water|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|443|Gible|2|Dragon|Ground|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|444|Gabite|2|Dragon|Ground|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|445|Garchomp|2|Dragon|Ground|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|484|Palkia|2|Water|Dragon|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|642|Thundurus|2|Electric|Flying|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|644|Zekrom|2|Dragon|Electric|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|646|form=B|Kyurem|2|Dragon|Ice|formlink={{form|Kyurem|Black Kyurem}}|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|717|Yveltal|2|Dark|Flying|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|792|Lunala|2|Psychic|Ghost|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|800|form=DW|Necrozma|2|Psychic|Ghost|formlink={{form|Necrozma|Dawn Wings Necrozma}}|gen=8}}
|}
|}
|}



* Wild male {{p|Indeedee}} is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, while wild female Indeedee is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, both genders can be obtained in either game through {{pkmn|breeding}}.
* Wild male {{p|Meowstic}} is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, while wild female Meowstic is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, both genders can be obtained by evolving {{p|Espurr}} of the appropriate gender.
* Wild {{p|Sawk}} is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, while wild {{p|Throh}} is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, there is an [[in-game trade]] in [[Circhester]] where the player can trade a {{p|Vanillish}} to obtain Throh{{sup/8|Sw}} or Sawk{{sup/8|Sh}}.
* Wild {{p|Escavalier}} is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, while wild {{p|Accelgor}} is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, {{p|Karrablast}} and {{p|Shelmet}} can be evolved in both games. Additionally, both evolved forms can be caught on the [[Isle of Armor]] in both games.
* {{p|Cosmoem}} evolves into {{p|Solgaleo}} in Pokémon Sword, and {{p|Lunala}} in Pokémon Shield.
* While Red-Striped {{p|Basculin}} and {{p|Passimian}} are exclusive to Sword and Blue-Striped {{p|Basculin}} and {{p|Oranguru}} are exclusive to Shield without the Expansion Pass, all of these Pokémon can be found in the [[Max Lair]] in both versions.
* With the exception of {{P|Zacian}} and {{P|Zamazenta}}, all of these Pokémon can be obtained in either version by joining other players' [[Max Raid Battle]]s via the [[Y-Comm]] or [[Max Lair]].

====Version-exclusive Gigantamax Pokémon====
{| style="margin:auto"
|
{| class="roundy" style="background:#{{Sword color}}; border:5px solid #{{Sword color light}}"
! style="color: #fff" | Sword
|-
|
{| border="1" style="border:1px solid #{{Sword color}}; border-collapse:collapse" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
{{Moveentrytm|068|form=Gi|Machamp|1|Fighting|formlink=[[Gigantamax]]|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|839|form=Gi|Coalossal|2|Rock|Fire|formlink=[[Gigantamax]]|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|841|form=Gi|Flapple|2|Grass|Dragon|formlink=[[Gigantamax]]|gen=8}}
|}
|}
| 
{| class="roundy" style="background:#{{Shield color}}; border:5px solid #{{Shield color light}}"
! style="color: #fff" | Shield
|-
|
{| border="1" style="border:1px solid #{{Shield color}}; border-collapse:collapse" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
{{Moveentrytm|094|form=Gi|Gengar|2|Ghost|Poison|formlink=[[Gigantamax]]|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|131|form=Gi|Lapras|2|Water|Ice|formlink=[[Gigantamax]]|gen=8}}
{{Moveentrytm|842|form=Gi|Appletun|2|Grass|Dragon|formlink=[[Gigantamax]]|gen=8}}
|}
|}
|}
* During normal gameplay, [[Gigantamax]] {{p|Machamp}} are exclusive to Sword, and Gigantamax {{p|Gengar}} to Shield. However, they have been made available by [[Wild Area News#March 9 to March 25, 2020|Wild Area News]]. Additionally, if the player has purchased the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, they can obtain any Gigantamax Pokémon by feeding their Pokémon {{DL|Master Dojo|Max Soup}}, regardless of which version they are playing.

==Compatibility==
:''See also: [[List of Pokémon by Galar Pokédex number#Compatible Pokémon not in any Sword and Shield Pokédex|List of Pokémon by Galar Pokédex number → Compatible Pokémon not in any Sword and Shield Pokédex]]''
As with other games on Nintendo Switch, the game is not compatible with other games in the same generation, outside of its pairing. Pokémon Sword and Shield can connect with [[Pokémon HOME]]. This allows it to store and receive Pokémon from Pokémon HOME, including Pokémon from previous [[generation]]s that were [[transfer]]red into Pokémon HOME.
Users of HOME can transfer Pokémon freely between other Sword and Shield save files on the console, even if the files belong to different profiles.

Only Pokémon in the [[List of Pokémon by Galar Pokédex number|Galar Pokédex]], [[List of Pokémon by Isle of Armor Pokédex number|Isle of Armor Pokédex]], and [[List of Pokémon by Crown Tundra Pokédex number|Crown Tundra Pokédex]], and a [[List of Pokémon by Galar Pokédex number#Compatible Pokémon not in any Galar Pokédex|select few]] "foreign" Pokémon can be transferred to Pokémon Sword and Shield. The Isle of Armor Pokédex and Crown Tundra Pokédex were released with the two iterations of the [[Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass]], but the Pokémon in those Pokédexes became compatible with the base game upon release even if the player has not purchased the Expansion Pass. All [[regional form]]s of compatible Pokémon that existed at the time of release are also compatible.

When a compatible Pokémon from another game first enters these sets of games (except for Pokémon that were transferred from {{g|Bank}}, {{LGPE}}, and {{g|GO}}), its moveset is changed to its four most recent level-up moves by default (though the player can make alterations as of HOME's version 3.0.0 (Released on May 30, 2023)). In addition, since the game does not recognize future [[origin mark]]s, the Pokémon will have the Galar region symbol displayed instead. Any compatible Pokémon from [[Legends: Arceus]] will also have their Poké Ball displayed as a standard one.

===Unusable moves===
{{main|List of moves by availability in Generation VIII}}
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, many moves are no longer usable. Pokémon do not normally learn these moves in the game, and if a Pokémon does know one of these moves (e.g. due to being transferred from [[Pokémon HOME]]), it will not be able to use it. If the move is forgotten, {{gal|Jack}} will not be able to teach it again, even if it is a special move that the Pokémon normally would be able to relearn.

In lieu of their usual descriptions, most of these moves instead have the following generic description: "''This move can't be used. It's recommended that this move is forgotten. Once forgotten, this move can't be remembered.''" The unusable moves that do not have this description are usually moves that cannot be legitimately known by any Pokémon that exists in Pokémon Sword and Shield, typically being [[signature move]]s or moves that only a small group of Pokémon can know. The only move without this generic description that can be transferred into Sword and Shield is {{m|Powder}}.

The situation where Pokémon can have unusable moves is exclusive to Pokémon Sword and Shield, as subsequent games reset the move list of Pokémon transferred from {{g|HOME}}, and the preceding {{LGPE}} removed moves but does not allow transfer from other core series games.

{| class="roundtable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed sortable" style="margin:auto; background:#{{sword color}}; border:3px solid #{{shield color}}; min-width: 200px"
|+ style="display: table-caption; text-align: center" | '''Unusable moves'''
! {{color2|000|Move}}
! {{color2|000|Type}}
! Generic<br>description
|-
|{{m|Assist}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Baddy Bad}}
{{typetable|Dark}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Barrage}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Barrier}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Beak Blast}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Bestow}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Bide}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Bone Club}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Bouncy Bubble}}
{{typetable|Water}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Bubble}}
{{typetable|Water}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Buzzy Buzz}}
{{typetable|Electric}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Camouflage}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Captivate}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Chatter}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Chip Away}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Clamp}}
{{typetable|Water}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Comet Punch}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Constrict}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Dark Void}}
{{typetable|Dark}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Dizzy Punch}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Double Slap}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Dragon Rage}}
{{typetable|Dragon}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Egg Bomb}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Embargo}}
{{typetable|Dark}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Feint Attack}}
{{typetable|Dark}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Flame Burst}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Flash}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Floaty Fall}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Foresight}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Freezy Frost}}
{{typetable|Ice}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Frustration}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Glitzy Glow}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Grass Whistle}}
{{typetable|Grass}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Heal Block}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Heal Order}}
{{typetable|Bug}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Heart Stamp}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Heart Swap}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}{{tt|*|Version 1.3.0 onward}}
|-
|{{m|Hidden Power}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Hyper Fang}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Hyperspace Fury}}
{{typetable|Dark}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Hyperspace Hole}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Ice Ball}}
{{typetable|Ice}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Ice Hammer}}
{{typetable|Ice}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Ion Deluge}}
{{typetable|Electric}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Judgment}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Jump Kick}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Karate Chop}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Light of Ruin}}
{{typetable|Fairy}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Lucky Chant}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Magnet Bomb}}
{{typetable|Steel}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Magnitude}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Me First}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Meditate}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Miracle Eye}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Mirror Move}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Mirror Shot}}
{{typetable|Steel}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Mud Bomb}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Mud Sport}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Natural Gift}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Needle Arm}}
{{typetable|Grass}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Nightmare}}
{{typetable|Ghost}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Odor Sleuth}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Ominous Wind}}
{{typetable|Ghost}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Pika Papow}}
{{typetable|Electric}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Powder}}
{{typetable|Bug}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Psycho Boost}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}{{tt|*|Version 1.3.0 onward}}
|-
|{{m|Psywave}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Punishment}}
{{typetable|Dark}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Pursuit}}
{{typetable|Dark}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Rage}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Razor Wind}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Refresh}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Relic Song}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Return}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Revelation Dance}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Rock Climb}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Rolling Kick}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Rototiller}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Sappy Seed}}
{{typetable|Grass}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Secret Power}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Seed Flare}}
{{typetable|Grass}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Sharpen}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Signal Beam}}
{{typetable|Bug}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Silver Wind}}
{{typetable|Bug}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Sizzly Slide}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Sketch}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Sky Drop}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Sky Uppercut}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Smelling Salts}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Snatch}}
{{typetable|Dark}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Sonic Boom}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Sparkly Swirl}}
{{typetable|Fairy}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Spider Web}}
{{typetable|Bug}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Spike Cannon}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Splishy Splash}}
{{typetable|Water}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Spotlight}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Steamroller}}
{{typetable|Bug}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Synchronoise}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Tail Glow}}
{{typetable|Bug}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}{{tt|*|Version 1.3.0 onward}}
|-
|{{m|Telekinesis}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Toxic Thread}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
| class="c" {{No}}
|-
|{{m|Trump Card}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Twineedle}}
{{typetable|Bug}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Veevee Volley}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Wake-Up Slap}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Water Sport}}
{{typetable|Water}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Wring Out}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|-
|{{m|Zippy Zap}}
{{typetable|Electric}}
| class="c" {{Yes}}
|}

* In addition, all [[Z-Moves]] are also unusable in these games.

In version 1.2.0, which was released alongside [[The Isle of Armor]], several previously unusable moves were made usable again. These were mostly [[signature move]]s of Pokémon that were added in that update. Further moves were made usable in version 1.3.0, coinciding with [[The Crown Tundra]].

{| class="roundtable sortable" style="margin:auto; background:#{{sword color}}; border:3px solid #{{shield color}}; min-width: 200px"
|+ style="display: table-caption; text-align: center" | '''Formerly unusable moves'''
! {{color2|000|Move}}
! {{color2|000|Type}}
! {{color|000|Enabled in}}
|-
|{{m|Aeroblast}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Bonemerang}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
|1.2.0
|-
|{{m|Conversion}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
|1.2.0
|-
|{{m|Conversion 2}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
|1.2.0
|-
|{{m|Core Enforcer}}
{{typetable|Dragon}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Crush Grip}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Diamond Storm}}
{{typetable|Rock}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Dragon Ascent}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Dragon Hammer}}
{{typetable|Dragon}}
|1.2.0
|-
|{{m|Fiery Dance}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
|1.2.0
|-
|{{m|Fleur Cannon}}
{{typetable|Fairy}}
|1.2.0
|-
|{{m|Floral Healing}}
{{typetable|Fairy}}
|1.2.0
|-
|{{m|Geomancy}}
{{typetable|Fairy}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Head Charge}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
|1.2.0
|-
|{{m|Kinesis}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
|1.2.0
|-
|{{m|Land's Wrath}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Lovely Kiss}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Lunar Dance}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Luster Purge}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Magma Storm}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Milk Drink}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
|1.2.0
|-
|{{m|Mind Blown}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Mist Ball}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Nature's Madness}}
{{typetable|Fairy}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Oblivion Wing}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Origin Pulse}}
{{typetable|Water}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Precipice Blades}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Roar of Time}}
{{typetable|Dragon}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Sacred Fire}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Searing Shot}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Shadow Bone}}
{{typetable|Ghost}}
|1.2.0
|-
|{{m|Shadow Force}}
{{typetable|Ghost}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Shore Up}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
|1.2.0
|-
|{{m|Spacial Rend}}
{{typetable|Dragon}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Steam Eruption}}
{{typetable|Water}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Techno Blast}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Thousand Arrows}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|Thousand Waves}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
|1.3.0
|-
|{{m|V-create}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
|1.3.0
|}

===[[Save data bonus]]es===
If the player has save data for [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]], a Pikachu and/or Eevee with the Gigantamax Factor is received at the [[Meetup Spot]]. The Pikachu specifically requires Let's Go, Pikachu!, while the Eevee requires Let's Go, Eevee!. Gigantamax Pikachu and Eevee are no longer exclusive to this method, as [[The Isle of Armor]] expansion provides [[Max Soup]] as a means to give the Gigantamax Factor to other Pikachu and Eevee.

Pokémon Sword and Shield save data unlocks bonus content in the following [[Nintendo Switch]] games:

* {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}: The [[Mythical Pokémon]] {{p|Jirachi}} is available as a [[gift Pokémon]] in [[Floaroma Town]]. This is currently the most reliable way to obtain Jirachi.
* {{g|Legends: Arceus}}: The player receives exclusive clothing: Shaymin Fancy Kimono and Shaymin Fancy Bottoms. After the [[credits]], it also unlocks [[Task#Requests|Request]] 92: A Token of Gratitude, in which the player obtains the [[Gracidea]] and catches {{p|Shaymin}}. This is currently the most reliable way to obtain the Mythical Pokémon.
* {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}: The Ball Guy Case for the player's [[Rotom Phone]] is obtained through Rotometry in [[Mesagoza]].

==Reception==
<!--Please do not mention anything about the cut Pokémon in this section. The Dexit argument should only be mentioned on the Pokémon controversy page.-->
The games received positive reviews among critics, but lower than most other core series releases. Both Pokémon Sword and Shield hold a rating of 80% on {{wp|Metacritic}}.<ref>[https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/pokemon-sword Pokémon Sword for Switch Reviews - Metacritic]</ref><ref>[https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/pokemon-shield Pokémon Shield for Switch Reviews - Metacritic]</ref> {{wp|IGN}} rated the games an "Amazing" 9.3/10,<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/13/pokemon-sword-and-shield-review Pokémon Sword and Shield Review - IGN]</ref> praising the simple battling system and Dynamaxing, but criticizing the basic graphics and lack of a full Pokédex. {{wp|Eurogamer}} criticized the games, saying that they lacked substance and did not live up to previous titles in the series.<ref>[https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-sword-and-shield-review-a-shadow-of-a-former-great Pokémon Sword and Shield Review - Eurogamer]</ref> Gaming magazine {{wp|Famitsu}} gave them a score of 38 out of 40.<ref>[https://nintendoeverything.com/famitsu-review-scores-12-4-19/ Famitsu review scores - 12/4/19 - Nintendo Everything]</ref> {{wp|Nintendo Life}} gave them a score of 8/10, commenting how the games succeed in bringing some new ideas to the table, but they are also somewhat guilty of not pushing things far enough.<ref>[https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/pokemon_sword_and_shield Pokémon Sword and Shield Review - Nintendo Life]</ref>

===Sales===
The games sold over 6 million units in their launch weekend.<ref>[https://www.cnet.com/news/pokemon-sword-and-shield-sell-6-million-copies-during-launch-weekend-nintendo-switch/ Pokémon Sword and Shield sell 6 million copies in launch weekend - CNET]</ref> In the fiscal year of their release, they sold 17.37 million units.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200507_3e.pdf#page=19 Fiscal Year Ended March 2020 - Financial Results Explanatory Material - Nintendo Co., Ltd.]</ref> As of September 30, 2024, Pokémon Sword and Shield have sold 26.44 million copies worldwide, making them the second best selling Pokémon games of all time, behind only the original games.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html Top Selling Title Sales Units - Nintendo Switch Software]</ref>

====Japanese sales====
Pokémon Sword and Shield sold 894,123 individual units on their first week on the Japanese market, being 534,306 from Pokémon Sword and 359,817 from Pokémon Shield, with a {{wp|sell-through}} of 84.96% and 90.26% respectively.<ref name="CY 2019">[https://www.resetera.com/threads/media-create-sales-cy-2019-2018-dec-31-2019-dec-29-new-used.284501/ Media Create Sales: CY 2019 (2018 Dec 31 - 2019 Dec 29) Sales | ResetEra]</ref> By January 3, 2021, the end of their 60th week, they had sold 3,094,075 copies, being 1,851,319 from Pokémon Sword and 1,242,756 from Pokémon Shield.<ref name="CY 2020">[https://www.resetera.com/threads/media-create-sales-cy-2020-2019-dec-30-2021-jan-03-new-used.436718/ Media Create Sales: CY 2020 (2019 Dec 30 - 2021 Jan 03) Sales | ResetEra]</ref>

Pokémon Sword and Shield Dual Pack sold 329,525 units on its first week, with a {{wp|sell-through}} of 73.46%.<ref name="CY 2019"/> By January 3, 2021, the end of its 60th week, it had sold 545,200 copies.<ref name="CY 2020"/> Combining all releases, the games sold 4,184,475 units, being 2,396,519 from Pokémon Sword and 1,787,956 from Pokémon Shield.

<div style="display:inline-block">
''Pokémon Sword and Shield''
{| class="roundtable" style="text-align:center; border:3px solid #{{Shield color}}; background:#{{Sword color}}"
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Week
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Week ending
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Ranking
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Units sold
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Total units sold
|-
| 1
| November 17, 2019
| 1st
| 894,123
| {{tt|894,123|534,306 from Pokémon Sword; 359,817 from Pokémon Shield}}<!--
|-
| 2
| November 24, 2019
| 1st
| -
| -
|-
| 3
| December 1, 2019
| 1st
| -
| -
|-
| 4
| December 8, 2019
| 1st
| -
| -
|-
| 5
| December 15, 2019
| 1st
| -
| -
|-
| 6
| December 22, 2019
| 1st
| -
| --->
|-
| 7
| December 29, 2019
| 1st
| -
| {{tt|2,170,364|1,306,211 from Pokémon Sword; 864,153 from Pokémon Shield}}<!--
|-
| 8
| January 5, 2020
| 1st
| -
| -
|-
| 9
| January 12, 2020
| 1st
| -
| -
|-
| 10
| January 19, 2020
| 4th
| -
| -
|-
| 11
| January 26, 2020
| 3rd
| -
| -
|-
| 12
| February 2, 2020
| 2nd
| -
| -
|-
| 13
| February 9, 2020
| 3rd
| -
| -
|-
| 14
| February 16, 2020
| 2nd
| -
| -
|-
| 15
| February 23, 2020
| 3rd
| -
| -
|-
| 16
| March 1, 2020
| 2nd
| -
| -
|-
| 17
| March 8, 2020
| 2nd
| -
| -
|-
| 18
| March 15, 2020
| 5th
| -
| -
|-
| 19
| March 22, 2020
| 5th
| -
| -
|-
| 20
| March 29, 2020
| 7th
| -
| -
|-
| 21
| April 5, 2020
| 8th
| -
| -
|-
| 22
| April 12, 2020
| 10th
| -
| -
|-
| 50
| October 25, 2020
| 5th
| -
| -
|-
| 52
| November 8, 2020
| 4th
| -
| --->
|-
| 60
| January 3, 2021
| -
| -
| {{tt|3,094,075|1,851,319 from Pokémon Sword; 1,242,756 from Pokémon Shield}}
|}</div>
<div style="display:inline-block">
''Pokémon Sword and Shield Dual Pack''
{| class="roundtable" style="text-align:center; border:3px solid #{{Shield color}}; background:#{{Sword color}}"
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Week
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Week ending
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Ranking
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Units sold
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Total units sold
|-
| 1
| November 17, 2019
| 2nd
| 329,525
| 329,525<!--
|-
| 2
| November 24, 2019
| 2nd
| -
| -
|-
| 3
| December 1, 2019
| 6th
| -
| -
|-
| 4
| December 8, 2019
| 5th
| -
| -
|-
| 5
| December 15, 2019
| 9th
| -
| --->
|-
| 7
| December 29, 2019
| -
| -
| 492,789
|-
| 60
| January 3, 2021
| -
| -
| 545,200
|}</div>

==Staff==
{{main|Staff of Pokémon Sword and Shield}}

==Music==
{{main|Pokémon Sword - Shield + Expansion Pass Super Music Collection}}
The game's music was primarily composed by [[Gō Ichinose]] and [[Minako Adachi]].<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/we-interview-junichi-masuda-and-shigeru-ohmori-about-pokemon-sword-and-pokemon-shield/ We Interview Junichi Masuda and Shigeru Ohmori about ''Pokémon Sword'' and ''Pokémon Shield'' | Pokemon.com]</ref> Additional music was composed by [[Keita Okamoto]] and [[Toby Fox]], the latter only composing one track.<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/a-special-letter-and-song-from-undertale-game-creator-toby-fox/ A Special Letter and Song from Undertale Game Creator Toby Fox | Pokemon.com]</ref>

==Version history==
{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{Sword color}}; border:3px solid #{{Shield color}}"
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Version<ref>[https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/48550 Nintendo Support: How to Update Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield]</ref><ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Nintendo-Switch/Game-Updates/How-to-Update-Pokemon-Sword-and-Pokemon-Shield-1705790.html How to Update Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Nintendo Switch | Support | Nintendo]</ref>
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Release date
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Game file size
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | Official note
! style="background:#{{Shield color light}}" | More information
|-
| 1.0.0
| November 15, 2019
| 9.5 GB
| N/A
| Initial release. This version is officially playable using a physical Game Card in a Switch whose internet connection remains off.
|-
| 1.1.0<ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2020/01/200109_at01.html 『ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド』更新データ（Ver.1.1.0）配信のお知らせ｜ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト]</ref>
| January 9, 2020
| 10.3 GB
| 
* Added a feature to jump to the eShop
* Added a bonus for [[Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass|Expansion Pass]] purchasers
* Additional Pokémon will be added
* Fixed various issues to improve gameplay
|
* Galarian {{p|Slowpoke}} is added to the game, and can be obtained through a new event added to {{DL|Wedgehurst|Wedgehurst Station}}. Its [[Kanto]]nian counterpart is also added into the game's code.
* Expansion passes for [[The Isle of Armor]] and [[The Crown Tundra]] are now available for purchase, and show in the X menu. Two outfits have also been added to the game as a pre-order bonus, and can be redeemed via Mystery Gift code.
* [[List of glitches in Generation VIII#Sucker Punch/Quash glitch|Sucker Punch and Quash]] glitch is fixed.
|-
| 1.1.1<ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2020/03/200318_at01.html 『ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド』更新データ（Ver.1.1.1）配信のお知らせ｜ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト]</ref>
| March 17, 2020
| 10.3 GB
| 
* Fixed several issues to improve gameplay experience.
| 
* Patched an exploit that allowed players to send maliciously altered Pokémon via Surprise Trade, causing the game to crash whenever victims tried to access online services via Y-Comm.
* [[List of glitches in Generation VIII#Fairy Lock crash|Fairy Lock crash]] glitch is fixed.
|-
| 1.2.0<ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2020/06/200617_at01.html 『ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド』更新データ（Ver.1.2.0）配信のお知らせ｜ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト]</ref>
| June 16, 2020
| 11.3 GB
|
* Part 1, [[The Isle of Armor]], has been released as downloadable content
** Customers who have purchased an Expansion Pass can now enjoy adventures on the [[Isle of Armor]].
** You can learn more about the Isle of Armor here: https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-us/expansionpass/the-isle-of-armor/
* Additional Pokémon now appear
** Even without purchasing an Expansion Pass, customers can use network connections to play and have additional Pokémon appear.
* Link Codes are now 8-digits long
** Link Codes used in the [[Y-Comm]] or set for [[Max Raid Battle]]s are now 8 digits instead of 4.
* Battle regulation marks
** Pokémon carried over from other regions via [[Pokémon HOME]] can now participate in online competitions and ranked battles. A battle regulation mark can be replaced on the Pokémon at the {{gal|Battle Tower}} in order to participate in online competitions and ranked battles.
** Please check game news for more information.
* Addressed issue with online battles
** We've fixed an issue with online battles where the battle results could be arbitrarily invalidated.
* Additional updated content
** In addition, various issues were addressed to create a more enjoyable gaming experience.
| 
|-
| 1.2.1<ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2020/07/200708_at01.html 『ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド』更新データ（Ver.1.2.1）配信のお知らせ｜ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト]</ref>
| July 7, 2020
| 11.3 GB
| 
* A bug in regards to the number of digits for password settings has been fixed.
** In regards to the passwords that can be set for Y-Comm and Max Raid Battles, we fixed the bug where players could be matched with others whose passwords were not coinciding.
* Other updated content
** We fixed several other issues to improve game play experience.
|
* [[List of glitches in Generation VIII#Hacked Max Raids|Hacked Max Raids loophole]] is fixed. 
|-
| 1.3.0<ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2020/10/201023_at01.html 『ポケモン ソード・シールド』更新データ（Ver.1.3.0）配信のお知らせ｜ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト]</ref>
| October 22, 2020
| 12.4 GB
| 
* Expansion Pass Part 2, [[The Crown Tundra]], has been released as downloadable content
** Customers who have purchased the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass can now explore The [[Crown Tundra]]
* Additional Pokémon now appear
** Even if you have not purchased the expansion pass, you can find additional Pokémon through online gameplay.
* Other updates
** Fixed a number of issues so that gameplay is more enjoyable.
| 
|-
| 1.3.1<ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2020/12/201222_at01.html 『ポケモン ソード・シールド』更新データ（Ver.1.3.1）配信のお知らせ｜ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト]</ref>
| December 21, 2020
| 12.4 GB
| 
* Fixed some issues for a better gameplay experience.
| 
* [[Toxic sure-hit glitch]] and [[Rollout storage glitch]] are fixed, preventing those effects from being able to spread to other moves.
|-
| 1.3.2<ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2021/05/210512_at01.html 『ポケモン ソード・シールド』更新データ（Ver.1.3.2）配信のお知らせ｜ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト]</ref>
| May 11, 2021
| 12.4 GB
| 
* Fixed the issue where some Pokémon icons were not properly displaying during online or local wireless battles.
* Several issues have been fixed to improve gameplay experience.
| 
* [[List of glitches in Generation VIII#Groudon.2FKyogre Trick glitch|Groudon/Kyogre Trick glitch]] is fixed.
|}

==Beta elements==
{{main|Pokémon Sword and Shield beta}}<!--

==Demo==-->

==Trailers==
===Teaser===
{{youtubevid|BdA22Lh6Rwk|Pokemon|Sword|Shield}}

===First trailer===
{{youtubevid|p_dgvgpC8Nw|Pokemon|Sword|Shield}}

==Gallery==
===Logos===
<gallery>
Pokémon Sword logo.png|English Sword logo
Pokémon Shield logo.png|English Shield logo
Pokémon Sword logo JP.png|Japanese Sword logo
Pokémon Shield logo JP.png|Japanese Shield logo
</gallery>

===Title screens===
<gallery>
File:SwordTitle.png|English Pokémon Sword title screen
File:ShieldTitle.png|English Pokémon Shield title screen
File:Japanese SwordTitle.png|Japanese Pokémon Sword title screen
File:Japanese ShieldTitle.png|Japanese Pokémon Shield title screen
</gallery>

===Icons===
<gallery>
Sword icon EN.png|English Sword Home Menu icon
Shield icon EN.png|English Shield Home Menu icon
Sword icon JP.png|Japanese Sword Home Menu icon
Shield icon JP.png|Japanese Shield Home Menu icon
</gallery>

==Trivia==
* These are the first [[core series]] games to:
** Receive an Expansion Pass.
** Feature version-exclusive Gym [[Badge]]s.
** Feature a {{type|Dark}} Gym.
** Start with an introduction made by a character other than the [[Pokémon Professor]].
*** Start with an introduction made by an antagonist.
** Add completely new Pokémon to the game through updates.
** Not feature:
*** The [[game mascot]] on the title screen by default.
**** If one enters the [[Hall of Fame]] with their version's game mascot, the game mascot will appear on the title screen, just like any other [[Pokémon (species)|Pokémon]] used.
*** A [[Victory Road]].
*** An [[Elite Four]].
**** A similar role is fulfilled by the Champion Cup, although no new characters are introduced during the tournament.
*** {{tc|Ace Trainer}}s.
*** A notable {{type|Electric}} [[Type expert|specialist]].
*** A male [[Pokémon Professor]].
*** A [[Pokémon academy]].
* If one were to use {{wp|Google Lens}} on the box art, it will play a short video.
* Including the {{g|Sword and Shield Expansion Pass}}, these games:
** Are the only core series games where {{p|Zubat}}, {{p|Tentacool}}, and their respective [[evolution]]ary relatives are available without the {{p|Geodude}} evolutionary line.
** Have the most obtainable [[Legendary Pokémon]] of all core series games.
** Are the first core series games to feature version-exclusive [[rival]]s.
* Pokémon Shield is the only [[core series]] game not to feature a notable {{type|Fighting}} specialist.
* This is the second pair of games to have the [[game mascot]] be unable to be obtained without [[trade|trading]] before entering the Hall of Fame, the first being {{B2W2}}.
* {{p|Aegislash}} is the only Pokémon to have its base stat total changed as of these games.
* None of the Pokémon introduced in these games are available in later core series games in [[Generation VIII]], nor are any of the Pokémon introduced in {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}} and {{LGPE}}.
* These are the last core series games to have pixel graphics for Pokémon and item icons.
* These are the only core series games where the player cannot catch wild Pokémon above a certain level without appropriate Badges.

==In other languages==
{{langtable|color={{sword color}}|bordercolor={{shield color light}}|textcolor=fff
|ja={{tt|ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド|Pocket Monsters Sword & Shield}}
|zh_yue={{tt|寶可夢 劍／盾|Pokémon Gim / Téuhn}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|寶可夢 劍／盾<br>宝可梦 剑／盾|Bǎokěmèng Jiàn / Dùn}}
|fr_ca=Pokémon Sword et Shield
|fr_eu=Pokémon Épée et Bouclier
|de=Pokémon Schwert und Schild
|it=Pokémon Spada e Scudo
|ko={{tt|포켓몬스터 소드・실드|Pocket Monsters Sword & Shield}}
|es=Pokémon Espada y Escudo
}}
<!--
==See also==
* {{Appendix|Sword and Shield walkthrough}}
-->

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Core series}}

{{Project Games notice}}

[[Category:Pokémon Sword and Shield|*]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]

[[de:Pokémon Schwert und Schild]]
[[es:Pokémon Espada y Pokémon Escudo]]
[[fr:Pokémon Épée et Bouclier]]
[[it:Pokémon Spada e Scudo]]
[[ja:ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド]]
[[zh:寶可夢 劍／盾]]