Version Exclusive Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Shield

If you’ve been watching your mates enjoy Pokemon Sword and Shield, and you’re wanting to get your hands on one but you’re not quite sure which one would be best? Aside from the version exclusive Gym leaders, there are, obviously, version exclusive Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Here’s the list, organized per version.

Version Exclusive Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Shield

Pokemon Sword and Shield have version exclusive Gym leaders, as we mentioned, and also specific Pokemon that only show up in one of the two available titles. To fully complete your Galarian Pokedex, you’re going to have to do some trading with mates who have whichever title you’re not picking up. 

Here’s the list of version exclusive Pokemon for Pokemon Sword:

• Braviary
• Darmanitan
• Darumaka
• Deino
• Farfetch’d
• Gothita
• Gothitelle
• Gothorita
• Hakamo-o
• Hydreigon
• Jangmo-o
• Kommo-o
• Mawile
• Nuzleaf
• Passimian
• Rufflet
• Scrafty
• Scraggy
• Seedot
• Shiftry
• Sirfetch’d
• Slurpuff
• Solrock
• Stonjourner
• Swirlix
• Turtonator
• Zacian
• Zweilous

Here’s the list of version exclusive Pokemon for Pokemon Shield:

• Aromatisse
• Corsola
• Croagunk
• Cursola
• Drampa
• Duosion
• Eiscue
• Goodra
• Goomy
• Larvitar
• Lombre
• Lotad
• Ludicolo
• Lunatone
• Mandibuzz
• Oranguru
• Ponyta
• Pupitar
• Rapidash
• Reuniclus
• Sableye
• Sliggoo
• Solosis
• Spritzee
• Toxicroak
• Tyranitar
• Vullaby
• Zamazenta

You’ll note that there’s no insubstantial amount of version exclusive Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Shield for true connoisseurs and collectors. We’re personally fans of the entire Larvitar evolution line, and if you’re wanting a bit of a throwback to classic ‘mons like that and the Lotad line along with Ponyta then you might find that Pokemon Shield is really the no-brainer when it comes to choice. However, the likes of Solrock are incredibly strong right now, and if we’re talking iconic Pokemon of this generation then it’s going to be very hard to go past Sword’s Sirfetch’d. Regardless of your preference, there’s definitely something for everyone, so give it a good think if you reckon your trading options are going to be sparse. 

Need a hand with anything else in Pokemon Sword and Shield? Check out our tips and tricks when it comes to everything from evolving Pokemon to finding rare items like the Choice Band: 

• How to Get Hidden Ability in Pokemon Sword and Shield 
• Flame Orb Pokemon Sword and Shield Location 
• Beast Ball Pokemon Sword and Shield – How to Get This