Online and Local Multiplayer Guide | Pokemon Sword Shield

Last Updated: August 21, 2022 10:59 PM

Read this Pokemon Sword and Shield (SWSH) guide to learn more about the online and local multiplayer and co op features! Find out requirements for gameplay, and what you can do!!!

Table of Contents

What is Online & Local Multiplayer?
How to Play Multiplayer

Multiplayer Features

Max Raid Battles
Battle Stadiums
Link Battles
Link Trade Pokemon
Visit Pokemon Camps
Swap League Cards

Check Out The Beginner's Tips & Guides Here!

What is Online & Local Multiplayer?

Experience the Galar Region with Friends

Online & local multiplayer allow you to experience the world of Pokemon with friends! Whether it be battling against their team or working with them in Max Raid Battles, there are tons of multiplayer features to enjoy!

Check Out The Galar Region Here!

Online Requires NSO Subscription

Online features will require you to have an active subscription to Nintendo Switch Online. If you do not have an active subscription, click the link below to find more information on how to subscribe!

Check Out How to Sign Up For Nintendo Switch Online!

Local Multiplayer Does Not Require NSO

On the other hand, local multiplayer features do not require you to have a Nintendo Switch Online Account. However, local multiplayer will restrict you to searching for other players in your vicinity.

How To Play Multiplayer

Select VS From the Menu

In order for you access the online functions of the game, press X to bring up the menu. Select VS from there to join in a Battle Stadium or Live Competition!

Press Y While Exploring

You can also press Y while exploring the world. Here, you will be able to access the Y-Comm menu & other multiplayer features of the game!

Set Link Codes With Friends

Make sure to set a Link Code with your friends! These are four digit pin numbers that allow players with the same Link Code to instantly connect when doing the same activity! Link Codes can be set in the Y-Comm menu.

Online & Local Multiplayer Features

Participate in Max Raid Battles

Players will be able to link up with other Trainers and take on Max Raid Battles! Here, you will be able to fight against Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon, and gain the chance of catching them!

Check Out Max Raid Battles Here!

Be Sure To Check Out Events

There are times when a certain Pokemon is more likely to appear when searching Dens. Keep your eyes peeled as these Max Raid Battle Events feature strong and rare Pokemon!

Check Out Max Raid Battle Events Here!

Fight Trainers In Battle Stadiums

You will also be able to participate in Pokemon Battles using the Battle Stadium. Here, you will be able to play Ranked, Casual and Online Competitions!

Check Out the Battle Stadium Here!

Fight Locally In Link Battles

If you do not have an active NSO subscription, you can opt to use the game's Y-Comm feature to battle with trainers locally!

Link Trade Pokemon

You can Link Trade Pokemon with other players! Just select "Link Trade" from your Y-Comm menu, and the game will start searching for a partner you can trade with!

Notifies You When Partner Is Found

Once the game finds another player willing to trade, it will automatically notify you! Just select the Pokemon you want to trade, then wait for the trade to complete!

Opt to Use the Surprise Trade Feature

Alternatively, if you just want to trade your Pokemon, you can opt to use the Surprise Trade feature! You never know which Pokemon you will get during a Surprise Trade!

Check Out the Surprise Trade Feature Here!

Visit Pokemon Camps

You can visit another player's Pokemon Camp! Here, you can send out one Pokemon to play with other Pokemon in the Camp, interact with the other player's Pokemon, and more!

Check Out Pokemon Camps Here!

Swap League Cards

The local Y-Comm feature will also allow you to swap League Cards with other Trainers! These League Cards display different information of the Trainer and will be filed into your album.

Check Out League Cards Here!