Pokemon Sword and Shield Version Differences

If you’re looking for the differences between Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield for Nintendo Switch, then you’re in the right place. As veteran Pokemon fans know, each new generation brings a pair of Pokemon games that follow the same story but have several key differences, including exclusive Pokemon, Legendary Pokemon, and in the case of Pokemon Gen 8, different Gym Leaders.There are even differences in the upcoming expansions, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra.

Here’s everything we’ll be covering:

Sword and Shield Exclusive Pokemon

As it is with all other Pokemon titles, both Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield will yield exclusive Pokemon that are only catchable in one version of the game. Usually, these Pokemon can only be gained in the other version of the game, through trading. See all version-exclusive Pokemon below.

Sword Exclusive Pokemon

These are all of the Pokemon that are exclusive to Pokemon Sword. Between returning Pokemon, Galarian forms, and brand new Pokemon, Pokemon Sword has 31 exclusive Pokemon and 32 with its Legendary.

You can view all the Pokemon Sword exclusive Pokemon in the slideshow below, or click on the Pokemon’s name in the list for even more information about them.

Pokemon Sword Exclusive Pokemon

Returning Pokemon

Galarian Form Exclusives to Pokemon Sword

New Gen 8 Pokemon

Flapple

Indeedee (Male)

Stonjourner

Shield Exclusive Pokemon

These are all of the Pokemon that are exclusive to Pokemon Shield. Between returning Pokemon, Galarian forms, and brand new Pokemon, Pokemon Shield also has 31 exclusive Pokemon and 32 with its Legendary.

You can view all the Pokemon Shield exclusive Pokemon in the slideshow below, or click on the Pokemon’s name in the list for even more information about them.

Pokemon Shield Exclusive Pokemon

Returning Pokemon

Galarian Form Exclusives to Pokemon Shield

New Gen 8 Pokemon

Appletun

Indeedee (Female)

Eiscue

Sword and Shield Exclusive Legendary Pokemon

Along with regular exclusive Pokemon, Legendary Pokemon are catchable in Pokemon Sword and Shield.

Zacian is the Legendary Pokemon on Pokemon Sword’s box art, and is the Legendary Pokemon you will attain in Sword. There may be an event later allowing Pokemon Shield players to attain Zacian at a later date.

Zacian Pokedex Entry: Zacian attacks so gracefully that its movements can even captivate its opponents. It holds what appears to be a sword in its mouth. Its shining blade can cut through anything.

Zamazenta is the Legendary Pokemon on Pokemon Shield’s box art, and is the Legendary Pokemon you will attain in Pokemon Shield.There may be an event later allowing Pokemon Sword players to attain Zamazenta at a later date.

Zamazenta Pokedex Entry: Zamazenta’s regal and majestic movements overwhelm any opponents that dare face it. Its body is covered in what seems to be a shield. Its gleaming shield can turn back any attack.

Sword and Shield Exclusive Gym Leaders

Certain towns will have different Gyms with different Gym Leaders and type specialties depending on the version of the game you play.

Pokemon Sword Gym Leaders

These are the Pokemon Gym leaders exclusive to Pokemon Sword:

1. Fighting-type Gym Leader: Bea

In Pokemon Sword, Bea is the Fighting-type Gym Leader for the Stow-on-Side Gym. This is the fourth Gym in the game.

She operates out of the Fighting-type Gym known as the Stow-on-Side Stadium.

2. Rock-type Gym Leader: Gordie

In Pokemon Sword, Gordie is the Rock-type Gym Leader for the Circhester Gym. This is the sixth Gym in the game.

He operates out of the Rock-type Gym known as Circhester Stadium.

Pokemon Shield Gym Leaders

These are the Pokemon Gym Leaders exclusive to Pokemon Shield:

1. Ghost-type Gym Leader: Allister

In Pokemon Shield, Allister is the Ghost-type Gym Leader for the Stow-on-Side Gym. This is the fourth Gym in the game.

He operates out of the Ghost-type Gym known as the Stow-on-Side Stadium.

2. Ice-type Gym Leader: Melony

In Pokemon Shield, Melony is the Ice-type Gym Leader for the Circhester Gym. This is the sixth Gym in the game.

She operates out of the Ice-type Gym known as Circhester Stadium.

Sword and Shield Exclusive Cooking Ingredients

There are also exclusive Ingredients in Pokemon Sword and Shield, which can be used for cooking Curry. In order to get these exclusive cooking ingredients, you will need to trade someone for a Pokemon holding those ingredients or you can cook with NPCs on routes or other players (online) in the Wild Area. Any recipes you “discover” when cooking with others will be added to your CurryDex.

You can buy both of these ingredients, in your version of the game, from the Ingredients Seller in the Rolling Fields or outside in the Wild Area entrance to Hammerlocke.

Sword’s exclusive ingredient is Bob’s Food Tin.

Shield’s exclusive ingredient is Bach’s Food Tin.

Sword and Shield Expansion Exclusives

Pokemon Sword and Shields expansions, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, each come with some exclusives for each version. Not all exclusives are known at this time, but they will be added as they’re announced or discovered.

First up are new rivals. Their ultimate goals are to train hard so that they can eventually set up their own Gyms.

1. Pokemon Sword Exclusive Rival – Klara

Klara is a rival that appears with The Isle of Armor expansion. She specializes in Poison-type Pokemon and is training with other new character, Mustard, at his dojo.

“She’ll do just about anything to appear adorable and cute, as popularity is what she admires most of all. She goes about her days with a smile on her face, but hiding behind it is a calculating nature that she puts to very good use.”

2. Pokemon Shield Exclusive Rival – Avery

Avery is a rival that appears with The Isle of Armor expansion. He specializes in Psychic-type Pokemon, as indicated by the Poke Balls that float around his top hat (and his uniform).

“He is gentlemanly and well-mannered but also very proud. And it seems that he’ll see you as a particularly formidable rival!”

Joshua is Senior Features Editor at IGN. If Pokemon, Green Lantern, or Game of Thrones are frequently used words in your vocabulary, you’ll want to follow him on Twitter @JoshuaYehl and IGN.