Pokemon Sword Vs. Pokemon Shield: Every Version Difference, Exclusive Pokemon, Legendaries, And Raids

Pokemon Sword and Shield have finally launched on Nintendo Switch, marking the start of the series' eighth generation. Regardless of which version you pick up, the core adventure will be the same across both titles, so you can generally expect to encounter similar characters, Gen 8 Pokemon, and story beats whether you're playing Sword or Shield. However, as has been the case since the series first debuted, each version will also feature some distinct elements, so the experience will differ somewhat depending upon which game you play.

Traditionally, the biggest difference between Pokemon games is which monsters you can capture in the wild, but some installments have shaken things up in more dramatic ways with version-exclusive locations and characters. Below, we've rounded up all of the differences between Pokemon Sword and Shield to help you decide which version is right for you. For our full thoughts on the games, be sure to also check out our Pokemon Sword and Shield review.

Version-Exclusive Gyms

In a first for the series, Pokemon Sword and Shield will feature some version-exclusive Gym Leaders. As we learned from the games' July trailer, some cities in the Galar region will be home to different Gyms depending on which version you're playing. In Pokemon Sword, players will challenge Bea, a Fighting-type expert. However, the same Gym in Shield will be led by Allister, a Ghost-type trainer. There's a second exclusive Gym in each version as well. The sixth Gym in Sword will be led by the Rock-type trainer Gordie, while those playing Shield will instead do battle with the Ice-type Gym Leader Melony.

Version-Exclusive Pokemon

Just as in the past, Sword and Shield will each be home to a handful of Pokemon that can't be captured in the other version. We don't yet know the full list of version-exclusive Pokemon in each game, but The Pokemon Company has confirmed a handful of older monsters that can only be found in Sword or Shield.

Sword-exclusive Pokemon

Seedot

Nuzleaf

Shiftry

Mawile

Solrock

Scraggy

Scrafty

Sawk

Gothita

Gothorita

Gothitelle

Rufflet

Braviary

Deino

Zweilous

Hydreigon

Swirlix

Slurpuff

Passimian

Turtonator

Jangmo-o

Hakamo-o

Kommo-o

Galarian Farfetch'd

Sirfetch'd

Galarian Darumaka

Galarian Darmanitan

Shield-exclusive Pokemon

Larvitar

Pupitar

Tyranitar

Lotad

Lombre

Ludicolo

Sableye

Lunatone

Croagunk

Toxicroak

Throh

Vullaby

Mandibuzz

Solosis

Duosion

Reuniclus

Spritzee

Aromatisse

Goomy

Sliggoo

Goodra

Oranguru

Drampa

Galarian Ponyta

Galarian Rapidash

Galarian Corsola

Cursola

Different Legendaries

Like previous Pokemon games, Sword and Shield are each represented by a different Legendary Pokemon. The cover of Sword is adorned by Zacian, which wields a sword in its maw and moves about gracefully, while Shield's cover is graced by Zamazenta, which boasts an armor-like mane. You'll encounter both Legendaries in each version, but you'll only be able to catch the one that grace's your game's cover.

Gigantamax Raids

While you'll normally face off against standard Dynamax Pokemon in Max Raid Battles, during specific windows of time, you'll have a greater chance of encountering certain Gigantamax Pokemon instead, and it seems these monsters may vary depending on which version you're playing. During the first announced window, which runs from November 15 to early January 2020, Pokemon Sword players will be more likely to encounter Gigantamax Drednaw in Max Raids, while those playing Pokemon Shield will have a greater chance of finding Gigantamax Corviknight.

Version-Exclusive Items

One Pokemon, the Dragon-type apple Applin, evolves differently depending on what item it is holding, and the items in question differs based on which version you're playing. In Sword, you'll receive the Tart Apple, which will cause Applin to evolve into Flapple; in Shield, however, you'll receive the Sweet Apple, which will cause the Pokemon to evolve into Appletun.