Read this article to know what's the difference between Pokemon Sword and Shield (SWSH). This includes version exclusive Pokemon, Gym Leaders, and other changes, and more!!!
Table of Contents
Version Differences In Crown Tundra
Crown Tundra Version Exclusive Pokemon
The following is a list of version exclusive Pokemon which appear in the Crown Tundra Expansion Pass. To complete the Crown Tundra Pokedex, you need to trade with other trainer with different version.
| Sword Exclusive Pokemon | ||
|---|---|---|
 Omanyte | Omastar | Bagon |
| Shelgon | Salamence | - |
| Shield Exclusive Pokemon | ||
| Kabuto | Kabutops | Gible |
| Gabite | Garchomp | - |
| Sword Exclusive Legendary Pokemon | ||
| Latios | Groudon | Dialga |
| Tornadus (Incarnate Form) | Tornadus (Therian Form) | Reshiram |
| Xerneas | Solgaleo | Ho-oh |
| Shield Exclusive Legendary Pokemon | ||
| Latias | Kyogre | Palkia |
| Thundurus | Thundurus (Therian Form) | Zekrom |
| Yveltal | Lunala | Lugia |
Version Differences In Isle of Armor
Isle of Armor Version Exclusive Pokemon
The above Pokemon are the only know version exclusives added in the Isle of Armor expansion!
Version Exclusive Pokemon
There are Pokemon that will only appear in a specific version of the game. This requires players to trade Pokemon to be able to get them in their version of the game. Both Sword and Shield have version exclusive Pokemon.
Pokemon That Only Appear In Sword Version
| Zacian | Jangmo-o | Deino |
| Sirfetch'd | Seedot | Nuzleaf |
| Mawile | Rufflet | Swirlix |
| Scraggy | Gurdurr | Ribombee |
| Cottonee | Boldore | Togetic |
| Farfetch'd | Sawk | Gothita |
Pokemon That Only Appear In Shield Version
| Zamazenta | Larvitar | Goomy |
| Galarian Ponyta | Lotad | Lombre |
| Spritzee | Croagunk | Toxicroak |
| Corsola | Throh | Meowth |
| Solosis | Vullaby | Lunatone |
| Unfezant | - | - |
Legendary Pokemon Are Version Exclusive
Zacian & Zamazenta can only be caught in their respective versions of the game, similar to how the previous Pokemon games are with their box Legendaries. You will be able to see them both in both versions.
Zacian Is More Preferred On Social Media
Zacian's ability increases its attack. People in social media are saying Zacian is more useful over Zamazenta because Zacian can buff its G-Move with its ability.
Different Gym Trainers In Each Version
Sword Only Gym Leaders
Fighting Type Gym Leader Bea
Bea is the Fighting Type Gym Leader that can only be fought in Pokemon Sword. With her tough Fighting Pokemon, she strikes down challengers with precision!
Check Out How to Beat Bea!Rocky Type Gym Leader Gordie
Head strong just like the Pokemon he commands, Gordie is the Rocky Type Gym Leader of the Galar Region! Beware of his Coalossal, hsi Dynamax Pokemon.
Check Out How To Beat Gordie!Shield Only Gym Leaders
Ghost Type Gym Leader Allister
Allister is the Ghost Type Gym Leader you'll need to face by playing Pokemon Shield. He's gloomy but his bond with his Pokemon are strong!
Check Out How To Beat Allister!Ice Type Gym Leader Melony
Melony is as beautiful and strong as a blizzard. Her array of Ice Type Pokemon leaves behind her opponents in the cold.
Check Out How To Beat Melony!More New Features In Sword & Shield
Battle Stadium, Poke Jobs, And More!
There are many more new features being introduced in Sword & Shield such as Poke Jobs, Battle Stadium, Surprise Trade. Learn more from the button below!
Check Out All New Features In Sword & ShieldPokemon Sword and Shield - Related Articles
Go Back To The Top PageMust Reads For Beginners
| Popular Beginner Tips | |
|---|---|
| Recommended Starters | Story Walkthrough List | Best Team For Story |
Breeding
| Popular Breeding Articles | |
|---|---|
| Step By Step Guide On How To Breed | |
| All Egg Group List | Useful Items For Breeding |
Post Game Content
| Must Read | |
|---|---|
| What To Do After Beating The Game | |
| Ranked Battle Tier List | Ranked Battle Builds List |
| Battle Tower Guide | Ranked Battle Guide |
Database
| Popular Databases | |
|---|---|
| Galar Pokedex | Base Stats Ranking | Clothes & Hairstyles List |
