Pokemon Sword and Shield details Pokemon in the Wild Area, Max Raid Battles, Gym Leader Nessa, and Poke Ball Plus compatibility

The Pokemon Company shared more information on Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield during the E3 2019 Nintendo Direct.

Get the details below.

Pokemon in the Wild Area

The Wild Area, a vast expanse of land in the Galar region, is home to a wide variety of Pokemon. When exploring the Wild Area, Trainers will encounter powerful wild Pokemon that are constantly on guard. The types of Pokemon that appear, as well as battlefield conditions, can be affected by the weather in the Wild Area. For example, a Trainer who enters a battle during a thunderstorm will find the power of their Water- and Electric-type moves increased.

Max Raid Battles

Max Raid Battles occur in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield when four players join forces to take on a wild Dynamax Pokemon in the Wild Area. Trainers can find other players who want to participate in a Max Raid Battle through a notification on their Y-Comm, a new feature in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield. On the Y-Comm screen, players can also trade Pokemon and have Link Battles via the internet or local communication.

When Pokemon Dynamax—a phenomenon unique to the Galar region—they grow to gigantic proportions and gain tremendous power. Trainers can encounter different species of Dynamax Pokemon with varying strengths when they investigate Pokemon Dens located throughout the Wild Area. In battle, these powerful wild Dynamax Pokemon might use multiple moves in one turn, neutralize the challenging Pokemon’s Abilities, or even remove all stat changes that have been put in place. Wild Dynamax Pokemon can also create mysterious barriers that prevent almost all damage. To properly damage a Pokemon behind one of these barriers, Trainers will need to break it down by repeatedly attacking it. When a player’s Pokemon is knocked out in a Max Raid Battle, they can still assist other Trainers by cheering them on. If a Trainer emerges victorious from a Max Raid Battle, not only will all participating Trainers have an opportunity to catch the defeated Dynamax Pokemon, they can also be rewarded with many useful items.

Nessa, a Water-type Gym Leader

Pokemon Gyms are found in stadiums throughout the Galar region and attract Trainers that are experts in specific types of Pokemon. To become Champion, players will need to defeat the top Trainers in Pokemon Gyms, also known as Gym Leaders. In Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, Trainers will encounter Nessa, a Gym Leader who is an expert on Water-type Pokemon. Her calm and collected attitude hides a competitive spirit and indomitable will that become apparent when she overwhelms opponents with powerful Water-type moves.

Poke Ball Plus Compatibility

When a Trainer syncs their Poke Ball Plus with Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield, they will be able to transfer their favorite Pokemon to the Poke Ball Plus and take them for a stroll in the real world. The Poke Ball Plus will light up and vibrate, and the Pokemon’s cry can even be heard occasionally. A newly purchased Poke Ball Plus will contain the Mythical Pokemon Mew. If players link a new Poke Ball Plus to Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield, they will be able to receive this Mew in their linked game. Unlike in Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, the Poke Ball Plus cannot be used as a controller in Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield.

Pokemon Sword or Pokemon Shield are due out for Switch on November 15.

Watch some new footage below. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.

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