This morning, the latest Pokémon Direct gave fans a closer look at Pokémon Sword and Shield. Naturally, the upcoming titles will have a whole lot of new things for fans to see, including including new Pokémon and new features!
Dynamaxing is, quite literally, the biggest new addition to the series. When a Pokémon Dynamaxes, the Pokémon grows to a massive size, and their moves become Max Moves, as a result. A trainer can only initiate a Dynamax once per battle and the effect lasts for three turns. Professor Magnolia and her assistant (and granddaughter) Sonia are in charge of researching the new Dynamax phenomena.
The influence of Pokémon Go continues in the form of Max Raid Battles. Max Raid Battles work similarly to Raid Battles in Niantic’s app, in that multiple players will have to work together to take down very powerful Dynamax Pokémon. Up to four players can join together both online and locally. The Pokémon that appear in each Max Raid battle will vary based on the weather and location in which they appear in the Galar region. Those who can’t find three other trainers will have those roles filled by Support Trainers.
A small handful of new Pokémon were also revealed: Wooloo (Normal-type), Gossifleur and its evolved form Eldegoss (Grass-type), Drednaw (Water/Rock) and Corviknight (Flying/Steel) are the latest new additions to the game. These five are joined by Zacian and Zamazenta, the legendary Pokémon representing Sword and Shield. Once again, players will be tasked with completing the Pokédex, which will appear on the player’s in-game Rotom phone. In what appears to be a bit of a compromise between the traditional method and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pokémon appear both in tall grass and traveling around on the map.
It wouldn’t be a new Pokémon game without some new opponents, and three have been revealed thus far by The Pokémon Company. Your new rival is Hop, and he’s the younger brother of Leon, Galar’s beloved Champion. After a brief break in Pokémon Sun and Moon, Gym battles once again return, in all-new, giant size stadiums meant to account for Dynamax Pokémon. Milo is a new Grass-type Gym Leader players will encounter.
Finally, we have a release date for the games! Pokémon Sword and Shield will release globally November 15. The titles can be purchased separately, or in a dual pack.
We’ll have much more information as that release date approaches. What do you think of today’s new details? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: Pokémon Direct