As we draw closer to the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield in November, more gets revealed about the game along the way. Just last night (July 9), in a sudden announcement, more details on the highly-anticipated Pokémon titles have been released!
New Gym Leaders
While version-exclusive Pokémon will return once again in Pokémon Sword and Shield (Jangmo-o being exclusive to Sword, and Larvitar to Shield, for example), along with it comes a brand new dynamic. For the first time, we’ll be getting version-exclusive gym leaders! Certain towns will have different Gyms that players can challenge, depending on the version that is being played.
In Pokémon Sword, players will face Bea – a stoic Fighting-type Gym Leader, who’s also a karate prodigy.
In Pokémon Shield, players will face Allister – a shy, young Ghost-type Gym Leader, who would much rather spend his time near ruins and cemeteries.
While these two are the only version-exclusive Gym Leaders revealed so far, there might just be more in-game! After all, there are eight gym leaders in total.
New Pokémon
Of course, it’s not a new game without new Pokémon. This latest announcement introduces us to three new Pokémon, unique to the region of Galar:
Alcremie, an adorable Fairy-type Cream Pokémon;
Yamper, an Electric-type Corgi Pokémon (that was already leaked previously, during E3), and;
Rolycoly, a turtle-like, Rock-type Coal Pokémon.
While three Pokémon isn’t much of a big reveal (especially since the evolutions of the starter trio still unknown), it’s appreciated anyway! All of them are adorable, and seem to have new abilities that will surely make gameplay more interesting.
New Battle Mechanics
With the introduction of new Pokémon comes the talk of Dynamaxing – a new battle mechanic that will be introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield, where Pokemon will be able to grow bigger and gain extra powers.
Now, we’re learning that there’s a special type of Dynamaxing – Gigantamaxing. Only certain Pokémon will be able to undergo Gigantamaxing, which will allow them to change their appearance and unleash a unique, deadly G-Max move!
Alcremie, one of the new Pokémon introduced as part of this new announcement, is a Pokemon that trainers will be able to Gigantamax.
While it’s a unique battle mechanic, it’s a shame that Mega Evolutions (previously introduced in Pokémon X and Y) have been scrapped in favour of Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing. Nevertheless, we’re looking forward to seeing how battles will turn out in this game!
Pokémon Sword and Shield is available for pre-orders now, and will be released worldwide on November 12.
Sheryl Lim, Writer (Lifestyle)
A sleepless cryptid with a sweet tooth, who spends most of her free time on the internet. Sheryl loves binge-watching shows on Netflix, Persona 5's Joker, arcades, and all her emotional support K-Pop boys.
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