While the latest Pokemon game follows a similar formula of previous generations, the Sword and Shield differences are much more nuanced. Although each game still has exclusive Pokemon, the addition of raids and unique evolutions make it difficult to know which game to purchase. Listed below are all the known differences between the two versions:
Raids
GameFreak’s approach to Max Raid Battles is one of the most creative additions to Sword and Shield. Instead of installing a set number of raids in the games, GameFreak is changing raids after a set amount of time. For example, the first raid window runs from launch through January 2020. Within that window of time, players who purchased Sword have a higher chance of fighting Drednaw, and players who purchased Shield have a higher chance of fighting Corviknight.
Fossils
The original Blue and Red games had fossils that players could revive to obtain a rare Pokemon. In the newest installment, trainers must combine two fossils to obtain theses rare breeds. Our friends at GameSpot discovered that certain fossils are more common in certain games. While the drake and fish fossils are more common in the Shield version, the Sword version has more bird and dino fossils. This results in Arctozolt being more common in Sword and Dractovish being more common in Shield. Finally, trainers will need to trade in order to get Dracozolt and Arctovish.
Applin Evolution
Pokemon are not meant for eating, but you would not know this based on the design of Applin. To evolve Applin, trainers must feed it a certain item. In the Sword version, trainers will feed Applin a tart apple to evolve it into Flapple, and in the Shield version, trainers will feed Applin a sweet apple to evolve it into Appletun. Regardless, both species look delicious.
Version Exclusive List
This would not be a Pokemon game if there were not version exclusive breeds. Below is a list of the version exclusive Pokemon along with the legendary breeds.
| Shield | Sword |
| Aromatisse | Braviary |
| Corsola | Darmanitan |
| Croagunk | Darumaka |
| Cursola | Deino |
| Drampa | Farfetch’d |
| Duosion | Gothita |
| Eiscue | Gothitelle |
| Goodra | Gothorita |
| Goomy | Hakamo-o |
| Larvitar | Hydreigon |
| Lombre | Jangmo-o |
| Lotad | Kommo-o |
| Ludicolo | Mawile |
| Lunatone | Nuzleaf |
| Mandibuzz | Passimian |
| Oranguru | Rufflet |
| Ponyta | Scrafty |
| Pupitar | Scraggy |
| Rapidash | Seedot |
| Reuniclus | Shiftry |
| Sableye | Sirfetch’d |
| Sliggoo | Slurpuff |
| Solosis | Solrock |
| Spritzee | Stonjourner |
| Toxicroak | Swirlix |
| Tyranitar | Turtonator |
| Vullaby | Zacian* |
| Zamazenta* | Zweilous |
*Legendary Pokemon
Conclusion
Let us face it: fans cannot go wrong with either version of the game. While the Legendary Pokemon are likely the most important deciding factor, trainers should be aware of the small differences between the two games.
But we want to know what you think. Are you excited about the Pokemon release? Will you purchase the game during the holiday season? Are the Sword and Shield differences a big deal to you? Let us know in the comments below or the social media links on the right. Be sure to check out our other news items on Modern Warfare, Capcom, Blizzard and more. Until next time, enjoy!