Pokémon Sword and Shield is out next Friday, November 15, and Nintendo has already announced a limited time event for certain Gigantamax Pokémon, as well as the first online competition.
Beginning November 15 through early January 2020, trainers will more likely encounter Gigantamax Butterfree in Max Raid Battles. Max Raid Battles are found via glowing Pokémon Dens in the Galar Region. They’re large-scale boss battles for four players online, each with a single Pokémon trying to take down a powerful Dynamax, or Gigantamax Pokémon.
Dynamax Pokémon have increased size and stats, while Gigantamax go a step further, changing their appearance and adding a powerful new G-Max move. Only select Pokémon have Gigantamax forms.
In addition to Gigantamax Butterfree, Pokémon Sword owners will see an increase in Gigantamx Drednaw Raids, while Pokémon Shield has Gigantamx Corviknight. Both are brand new Pokémon coming in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
The first online competition for Pokémon Sword and Shield is called Galar Beginnings. The competition can be accessed directly from the X menu. It’s a single battle, one-on-one format with teams of three Pokémon each. All Pokémon will be balanced to level 50, and certain Pokémon (most likely Legendaries) won’t be allowed. The Galar Beginnings competition will be available from November 15 to December 5.
Note that online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have also confirmed and announced many features coming in Pokémon Sword and Shield, including several welcoming features from last year’s Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu and Let’s Go, Eevee. Pokémon Sword and Shield will finally have an autosave function, allow you to give nicknames to traded Pokémon (provided they don’t already have one), and swap out Pokémon without having to go to a Pokémon Center.
Pokémon Sword and Shield will arrive on November 15 on Nintendo Switch. It’s rated E for Everyone.
