Updated Title Publisher
Updated Title Publisher
Updated Title
Published Title Score Editor's Choice Publisher
Published Title Publisher

Pokémon: Sword & Shield

Big Trouble in Little Galar (Part 2)

By
Ben Chard
&
Vincent Lau

When we last left off, Sordward and Shielbert had escaped; now, they’re continuing to cause chaos in the stadiums of Galar. Currently these four stadiums are in danger: Stow-on-Side, Ballonlea, Circhester and Hammerlocke. You’re welcome to tackle these stadiums in any order, but we’ll do them in the order we just listed. In any case, we’ll see you at the end!

At the first stadium you visit, you’ll discover that things have gotten more serious. Instead of one Dynamaxed Pokémon attacking the stadium, there are multiple. As such, your group of friends will split up to take on each Dynamaxed Pokémon individually. Other than that, it’s business as usual.

If you’re at Stow-on-Side Stadium, Bea (Sword) or Allister (Shield) will need your help dealing with the Dynamax threat.

Max Raid Battle

(1 of 2) Pokémon Sword.

Pokémon Sword. (left), Pokémon Shield. (right)

Pokémon Level Type
"Conkeldurr" IconConkeldurr (Sword) ??? Fighting
"Dusknoir" IconDusknoir (Shield) ??? Ghost

You might be on your own here, but don’t fret because you do have up to 6 Pokémon to use. Obviously, you’ll probably want to lead with a Dynamaxed Pokémon that’s super-effective. For reference, "Conkeldurr" IconConkeldurr can also use Ice and Electric moves, so Flying-types should be mindful. Meanwhile, "Dusknoir" IconDusknoir can also use Ground, Ice and Electric moves.

After saving their skin, you’ll receive Bea’s Rare League Card (Sword) or Allister’s Rare League Card. Quickly, to the next destination!

Over at Ballonlea Stadium, Bede–who recently became the new Gym Leader–is in a bit of pickle. Never Dynamxed Pokémon, he’s bored and wants a battle. But you can easily fix that problem, right?

Gym Leader Bede

Pokémon Level Type
"Mawile" IconMawile 61 Steel/Fairy
"Gardevoir" IconGardevoir 61 Psychic/Fairy
"Rapidash" IconRapidash (Galarian) 62 Psychic/Fairy
"Hatterene" IconHatterene 63 Psychic/Fairy

This is Bede’s team from when he interrupted the Champion Cup finals.

"Mawile" IconMawile is the same as before, so expect Intimidate right off the bat. Additionally, it can use Fake Tears to greatly lower your Special Defence. None of Mawile’s attacks target Special Defence, but Bede’s other Pokémon do. Ideally, you want to squash Mawile with Fire or Ground-types.

Next, "Gardevoir" IconGardevoir has dropped its non-attacking moves (Calm Mind and Wish) in favour of Future Sight, which causes Psychic damage after a few turns have passed. Ghost or Steel-types are recommended here; Poison-types also work, but most are weak to Psychic.

As for Galarian "Rapidash" IconRapidash, it can now use Smart Strike, which is a Steel-type move that never misses. Although there aren’t many situations where it’s useful. Because it shares the same weaknesses as Gardevoir, whatever you used to beat Gardevoir should work, but keep in mind Rapidash is pretty fast.

Finally, "Hatterene" IconHatterene is exactly the same as last time, but because you’re fighting indoors, there will be no Dynamax or Gigantamaxing. It’s another Psychic and Fairy-type, so the same weaknesses apply. Still, Poison-types need to be cautious of STAB Psychic and Steel-types may get burned by Mystical Fire.

Cure Bede’s boredom and you’ll receive Bede’s Rare League Card. Now you can invite him to Wyndon Stadium if you ever want to wipe the smug look off his face again. You’ll also get Opal’s Rare League Card, but she’s retired from battling. Anyway, shall we keep going?

Inside Circhester Stadium, Gordie (Sword) or Melony (Shield) require urgent assistance.

Max Raid Battle

(1 of 2) Pokémon Sword.

Pokémon Sword. (left), Pokémon Shield. (right)

Pokémon Level Type
"Gigalith" IconGigalith (Sword) ??? Rock
"Froslass" IconFroslass (Shield) ??? Ice/Ghost

Against "Gigalith" IconGigalith, special attackers are advised, to bypass its bulky Defence. But so long as your Pokémon are super-effective, it won’t take long to topple. By the way, Gigalith can also use Ground moves. As for "Froslass" IconFroslass, go for Fire, Rock, Steel or Dark-types. In addition to STAB moves, it can use Electric and Psychic moves.

Once you’ve defused the emergency, you’ll receive Gordie’s Rare League Card (Sword) or Melony’s Rare League Card (Shield). How are things looking now?

Back at Hammerlocke Stadium, you’ll find Sonia fiddling with the elevator to the Energy Plant. It seems the sword and shield duo went that way, but the elevator is currently inaccessible. Continue past her towards Raihan, who’s waiting for some heroes to save the day.

Max Raid Battle

Pokémon Level Type
"Haxorus" IconHaxorus ??? Dragon

"Haxorus" IconHaxorus’s Mold Break ability will let its moves work regardless of its foe’s abilities. On top of Dragon-type moves, it can also use Normal, Ground and Steel moves. Because of Mold Breaker, Levitate users can get hit by its Ground moves, while Fairy-types may take major damage from its Steel moves.

As thanks for your heroic deeds, you’ll receive a selfie… just kidding, it’ll be a copy of Raihan’s Rare League Card.

When you’ve finally helped all four stadiums, you’ll get a call from Sonia again. She’s at Hammerlocke Stadium right now and needs you there pronto. As soon as you’re ready, depart for Hammerlocke Stadium. Or if you’re already there, just walk down to meet Sonia. Speak to Sonia and she’ll get the elevator working for you again.

No Comments
No Upvotes
User profile pic

Comment submission error:

The comment must be at least 1 character in length.

Guide Information
  • Publisher
    Pokemon Company International
  • Platforms,
    Switch
  • Genre
    RPG
  • Guide Release
    15 November 2019
  • Last Updated
    21 March 2024
    Version History
  • Guide Author

Share this free guide:

Welcome to our comprehensive strategy guide for Pokémon: Sword and Shield, the latest entries in the Pokémon video game franchise. Our guide also incorporates all the DLC, including the Isle of Armor and brand new Crown Tundra DLC.

In Sword and Shield, you explore the Galar region, based on the United Kingdom, alongside rivals Hop, Bede and Marnie, with the aim to dethrone the Pokémon League Champion.

The games introduce several new features such as Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing, functions that increase size and change forms of certain Pokémon; the Wild Area, a large open world with free camera movement; and raids with co-op battling. They also reintroduce features previously seen in Sun and Moon and Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, such as regional variants and roaming Pokémon depicted in the overworld.

Brand New October 2020:

Version 1.2

  • A Complete Walkthrough of the Isle of Armor.
  • Details of all 16 new Wild Areas, including Pokémon encounter rates.
  • All the new Max Raid Dens: Locations and Featured Pokémon.
  • Images and Locations of All 150 of the Missing Diglett.
  • The Isle of Armor Pokédex (featuring 100 Returning Pokémon).
  • Recipes for the Cram-o-matic.
  • A Full Walkthrough featuring Pokémon encounter rates.
  • All Gym Encounters and Strategies.
  • New Items: Mints & Natures Explained.
  • Post Game content including Champion Cup.
  • Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing.
  • The Galar Region Pokédex (featuring 400 Pokemon).

Get a Gamer Guides Premium account:

Quick sign up

Already have an account?

Quick log in

Forgot?

Don’t have an account?