For each new mainline entry in the Pokemon series, there are always version exclusive features that make it difficult for some to choose which version they should buy. Pokemon Sword and Shield are no different as not only are there a bunch of differences in Pokemon that you can catch, but there are also different gym leaders to battle as well. Here’s every difference between Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield so you can decide which one to buy.
Different Pokemon
Pokemon Sword and Shield will have a variety of unique Pokemon that can only be obtained by either playing a specific version or by trading with your friends who owns the other version.
Or, if you’re really desperate to catch ’em all and don’t really have friends, you can always buy both versions for two different Switch’s and then just trade with yourself but we recommend trying out the former first.
If you’re wondering what all of the version-exclusive Pokemon even are, here are the ones we know about so far. We’ll be sure to update the list once we get more information on the other Pokemon:
| Exclusive to Sword | Exclusive to Shield |
| Farfetch’d | Ponyta |
| Sirfetch’d | Rapidash |
| Gothita | Larvitar |
| Gothorita | Pupitar |
| Deino | Tyranitar |
| Zweilous | Solosis |
| Hydreigon | Duosion |
| Turtonator | Reuniclus |
| Jangmo-o | Vullaby |
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| Hakomo-o | Mandibuzz |
| Kommo-o | Goomy |
| Zacian | Goodra |
| Machamp – Raid Battle | Drampa |
| Seedot, Nuzleaf, Shiftry | Zamazenta |
| Mawile | Gengar – Raid Battle |
| Solrock | Lapras – Raid Battle |
| Basculin – Red-Striped Form | Corsola |
| Darumaka, Darmanitan | Lotad, Lombre, Ludicolo |
| Scraggy, Scrafty | Sableye |
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| Rufflet, Braviary | Lunatone |
| Swirlix, Slurpuff | Croagunk, Toxicroak |
| Passimian | Basculin – Blue-Striped Form |
| Coalossal – Raid Battle | Spritzee, Aromatisse |
| Flapple – Item to Evolve is Only in Sword | Oranguru |
| Stonjourner | Appletun – Item to evolve in Sword only, Raid Battle |
| Indeedee – Male | Cursola |
| Eiscue | |
| Indeedee – Female | |
