Whether you are a returning veteran or a newcomer to the longrunning series, jumping into Pokemon Sword & Shield can be initially overwhelming.
There is so much to do, so much to see, and of course hundreds of Pokemon to catch. Well, hold on to your Ponyta’s for a second there, because there are a few things you should do before dive headlong into your quest to become the Galar region’s next Pokemon Master.
Catch and Battle a Variety of Pokemon
This one should be obvious, and it is why we play Pokemon after all. Catching a wide assortment of Pokemon will give you a lot of options, something that can be very useful if you find your starter is at a type disadvantage.
Pokemon Sword & Shield features a large variety of Pokemon in the early hours, with almost every type being present in some form or another. This is a welcome change from the older generations, where some types were gated by story progress.
And while capturing Pokemon is important, defeating a certain number must be prioritized. The experience you gain will be invaluable, and as it is shared in Sword & Shield, it will bring up the strength of every member of your party.
Explore the Wild Zone Thoroughly
The Wild Zone is a feature new to Pokemon Sword & Shield, a wide open area filled with teeming hordes of Pokemon, just waiting to be captured. It’s something fans have been imagining since it was announced the series was coming to console.
You should become familiar with it as soon as possible, as there is a lot here to reward an inquisitive trainer. For one thing, there is plenty of new Pokemon here, and you should spend some time catching as many as you can.
There are Pokemon Dens to contend with, in which you must defeat Gigantamaxed Pokemon, alongside either NPC trainers or real-life players. Defeating them will award you with useful items, the option to capture the Pokemon, and the unique currency known as Watts.
Watts can be used to purchase a variety of helpful things in the Wild Zone, from TM’s to gear upgrades to special kinds of Pokeballs, and are worth seeking out.
Talk to Everyone
The residents of the Galar region are a colorful and friendly bunch, always ready with advice, directions, and sometimes even very useful items. Returning players will do this instinctively, but it’s worth mentioning for newcomers.
This is true of every region in the game, but in particular, there are two NPC’s you should be sure to speak to in Motostoke City, the game’s first major settlement.
One man by the platform leading up to the Gym will give you the Hi-tech Earbuds, an interesting item that will allow you to customize the game’s audio settings.
The other is a mysterious man known only as the Ball Guy. He can first be encountered in Motostoke’s Gym, and you will know him when you see him, as he is wearing a giant Pokeball on his head. You will encounter him in each Gym thereafter, and he will gift you with a variety of balls for your troubles.
Prepare for the First Gym
The first Gym Leader, Milo, uses Grass-type Pokemon, and defeating him is the first step along the path to becoming Pokemon Master.
To prepare for him, make sure you have at least one good Pokemon of the following type: Bug, Fire, Flying, Ice, Poison. These types will have an advantage against Milo’s Pokemon and will serve you well.
His two Pokemon are at levels 19 and 20 respectively, so ensure you have brought the level of your own up to a similar level.
Still on the fence? Here are 5 Reasons to Play Pokemon Sword & Shield. Planning on jumping into the action? Here are 4 Things You Should Know Before Starting Pokemon Sword & Shield. For everything else, be sure to check out our expansive guide wiki.
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