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(1 of 2) Zacian in Pokémon Sword.

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Zacian in Pokémon Sword. (left), Zamazenta in Pokémon Shield. (right)

In typical Pokémon tradition, Sword and Shield are released as two separate versions, but they’re essentially the same game, with some minor differences. Most notably the selection of Pokémon, to encourage trading between players. As such, unless you’re a huge fan (or absolutely loaded), there’s no reason to own both versions.

Here’s a look at the key differences between the two…

The Pokémon¶

This is the most important aspect–the Pokémon exclusive to so and so version. Of course, you can obtain exclusive Pokémon by trading, but it’s always going to be easier for you to catch them in your own game. Especially the Legendary Pokémon, which few people will want to part with. If you’re unsure of which version to buy, base your decision off the Legendary Pokémon.

Exclusive to Sword	Exclusive to Shield
Seedot, Nuzleaf and Shiftry	Lotad, Lombre and Ludicolo
Flapple	Appletun
Swirlix and Slurpuff	Spritzee and Aromatisse
Galarian Farfetch’d and Sirfetch’d	Galarian Corsola and Cursola
Scraggy and Scrafty	Croagunk and Toxicroak
Gothita, Gothorita and Gothitelle	Solosis, Duosion and Reuiniclus
Rufflet and Braviary	Vullaby and Mandibuzz
Mawile	Sableye
Galarian Darumaka and Darmanitan	Galarian Ponyta and Rapidash
Passimian	Oranguru
Turtonator	Drampa
Solrock	Lunatone
Stonjourner	Eiscue
Deino, Zweilous and Hydreigon	Larvitar, Pupitar and Tyranitar
Jangmo-o, Hakomo-o and Kommo-o	Goomy, Sliggoo and Goodra
Zacian	Zamazenta

Gigantamax Forms¶

Similar to exclusive Pokémon, there are exclusive Gigantamax Pokémon (these are Pokémon that change their appearance when they Dynamax), which can only be found in Max Raid Battles in one of the two versions. However, like all Max Raid Battles, players of both versions can join in for these.

Exclusive to Sword	Exclusive to Shield
Machamp	Gengar
Coalossal	Lapras
Flapple	Appletun

Gyms and Gym Leaders¶

Now for something very different! Two of the Gyms in the game–the 4th and the 6th Gym–are different depending on which version you’re playing. That also means the Gym Leaders that you’ll face won’t be the same. In fact, you won’t even see the other Gym Leaders that aren’t in your version.