The most frequently asked questions about Pokémon Sword and Shield and their expansions, with short answers and links to our guides.
The game
What is the difference between Sword and Shield?
The cover legendary (Zacian or Zamazenta), two Gyms (Stow-on-Side and Circhester) and 35 exclusive Pokémon. See Getting Started.
How many Pokémon are in the Pokédex?
The Galar Pokédex has 400 Pokémon. The two expansions add the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra Pokédexes, and the game accepts a total of 664 compatible Pokémon.
Do I need to buy the Expansion Pass?
It isn’t necessary to finish the story, but it adds two regions, many Pokémon and nearly all the legendaries from previous generations. It’s the best part of the game. See the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra.
Gyms and the League
Who are the Gym Leaders of Galar?
| No. | Town | Gym Leader | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turffield | Milo | Grass |
| 2 | Hulbury | Nessa | Water |
| 3 | Motostoke | Kabu | Fire |
| 4 | Stow-on-Side | Bea (Sword) / Allister (Shield) | Fighting / Ghost |
| 5 | Ballonlea | Opal | Fairy |
| 6 | Circhester | Gordie (Sword) / Melony (Shield) | Rock / Ice |
| 7 | Spikemuth | Piers | Dark |
| 8 | Hammerlocke | Raihan | Dragon |
Their teams are detailed in our walkthrough and in the article The Gym Leaders.
Is there an Elite Four?
No. Galar replaces it with the Pokémon League tournaments: a tournament among challengers, then the Champion Cup, before the Ultimate Match against the Champion.
What is Leon’s team?
Aegislash Lv. 62, Dragapult Lv. 62, Haxorus Lv. 63, two Pokémon that depend on your starter (Lv. 64) and Charizard Lv. 65, which Gigantamaxes. See chapter 10 of the walkthrough and Leon the Champion.
Who are Rose and Oleana?
Rose is the Chairman of the Galar Pokémon League and of the Macro Cosmos company; Oleana is his secretary and vice-president. Rose awakens Eternatus at the end of the story. See Chairman Rose and Oleana.
The legendaries
How do I catch Zacian or Zamazenta?
After the League, finish the Sordward and Shielbert episode. At the top of the Hammerlocke Stadium tower, you battle the legendary of the other version, then you can catch the one from yours, at level 70. See After the League.
How do I catch Eternatus?
At the end of the story, at the top of the Hammerlocke Stadium tower, after the raid against its Eternamax form. The capture is guaranteed, whatever the Ball.
Who are Sordward and Shielbert?
Two brothers who claim to be descendants of the kings of Galar. They are the antagonists of the post-game. See Sordward and Shielbert.
Where can I find legendaries from earlier generations?
In the Dynamax Adventures of the Crown Tundra. See Legendary and Mythical Pokémon.
Pokémon and evolutions
How do I get Persian in Sword and Shield?
There is no Galarian Persian: Galarian Meowth evolves into Perrserker. To get Persian, trade a Galarian Meowth for the Kantonian Meowth owned by the schoolboy at Turffield Stadium, then level it up to level 28. The Gigantamax Meowth, however, cannot evolve. The same principle applies to Cofagrigus: trade a Galarian Yamask in Ballonlea and level up the Yamask you receive to level 34. See Getting Persian and Cofagrigus.
How do I evolve Galarian Slowpoke?
With a Galarica Cuff, crafted in the Isle of Armor expansion, it becomes Galarian Slowbro. See Getting Galarian Slowbro.
How do I get Shiny Pokémon?
The Shiny Charm, given once the Galar Pokédex is complete, improves your odds. Dynamax Adventures also offer Shiny Pokémon. See How to catch Shiny Pokémon.
Connectivity
Is the game compatible with Pokémon HOME?
Yes, for Pokémon that are compatible with Sword and Shield.
How can I earn money easily?
Deliver food to the restaurant in Hulbury, resell the rare items found in the Wild Area and replay the daily post-game battles. See How to earn money easily.
