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Pokémon Sword and Shield to feature gigantic monsters and raid battles

Charles Singletary Jr.
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Pokemon Sword Shield Nintendo Direct dynamax multiplayer gym leader stadium gameplay
Image used with permission by copyright holder

More information about Pokémon Sword and Shield was revealed on Wednesday, June 5, during a Nintendo Direct, and it appears that the next-gen game is bringing much more than some new pocket monsters to the series. The livestream started out with a new gameplay trailer that introduced new and classic Pokémon, while also teasing some Sword and Shield gameplay, including a multiplayer battle that featured a gigantic Gyarados and Raichu. The team also broke down new gameplay mechanics and story elements players can expect when the games launch later this year.

The current Pokémon champion in the Galar region is Leon. His younger brother Hop is your rival in Pokémon Sword and Shield and he starts his journey to become champion on the same day as you.  As is typical with the main Pokémon games, players will journey throughout the region to face off against gym leaders. The gyms in Galar are massive stadiums that can accommodate one of the game’s new features: Dynamax.

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Galar region Pokémon can use Dynamax to become gigantic versions of themselves, which increases their power and the impact of their abilities. Dynamx lasts for three turns and players can trigger it strategically. The first major multiplayer feature in Pokémon Sword and Shield also involves Dynamax Pokémon. At specific areas, players can team up with three others to take on Max Raid Battles. Conquering these tougher battles against Dynamax enemies allows your team an opportunity to capture the Pokémon and some Pokémon are only available via Max Raid Battles. There will also be additional multiplayer interactions over Nintendo Switch Online.

Pokemon Sword Shield Nintendo Direct dynamax multiplayer gym leader stadium gameplay
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Milo is one of the gym leaders introduced in the Nintendo Direct and he’s a grass-type user. That means all of the people that have jumped on the Scorbunny starter hype train will have a leg up on Milo once they encounter him. When you encounter Milo and other gym leaders, you’ll have to contend with the various Dynamax threats they can employ in addition to fighting through their roster of Pokémon.

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The full rosters of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield will be revealed closer to the release date, but we did get a peek at three standard Pokémon, one evolution, one that can be used for travel and two legendary Pokémon. Wooloo, Drednaw, and Gossifleur are the basic Pokémon that were introduced and the flying Corviknight was introduced. Corviknight, once obtained, can transport players all over the Galar region. Gossifleur’s evolution into Eldegoss was shown, and we got a look at two legendary Pokemon: Zacian and Zamazenta. Zacian has a sword in its mouth, and Zamazenta’s mane was shaped like a shield, so the two will likely be split off into their two respective counterparts.

Pokémon Sword and Shield will launch on Nintendo Switch on November 15, and a double pack pre-order for those that want to own both titles is available now.

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Charles Singletary Jr.
Charles Singletary Jr.
I'm a Birmingham, AL raised author, journalist, and gaming enthusiast currently residing in San Antonio, TX. My work has…
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