Pokemon Sword and Shield Version Differences and Exclusives - Pokemon Sword and Shield Guide - IGN (2024)

This page on the Pokemon Sword and Shield Wiki Guide lists every known difference between Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, from exclusive Pokemon, to Gym Leaders, and more.

• Jump to the Exclusive Legendary Pokemon
• Jump to the Exclusive Gym Leaders
• Jump to view other exclusives between the versions
• Jump to see the expansion exclusive differences

If you're looking for version differences and exclusives in the DLC, check out our Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra Version Exclusives and Differences page.

As it is with all other Pokemon titles, both Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield will yield exclusive Pokemon that are only catchable in one version of the game. It is likely that these Pokemon can only be gained in the other version of the game, through trading. See all version-exclusive Pokemon on the chart below.

Along with regular exclusive Pokemon, Legendary Pokemon are catchable in Pokemon Sword and Shield.

Pokemon Sword Legendary Exclusives

Zacian is the Legendary Pokemon on Pokemon Sword's box art, and is the Legendary Pokemon you will attain in Sword. There may be an event later allowing Pokemon Shield players to attain Zacian at a later date.

Zacian attacks so gracefully that its movements can even captivate its opponents. It holds what appears to be a sword in its mouth.Its shining blade can cut through anything.

Pokemon Shield Legendary Exclusives

Zamazenta is the Legendary Pokemon on Pokemon Shield's box art, and is the Legendary Pokemon you will attain in Pokemon Shield.There may be an event later allowing Pokemon Sword players to attain Zamazenta at a later date.

Zamazenta’s regal and majestic movements overwhelm any opponents that dare face it. Its body is covered in what seems to be a shield.Its gleaming shield can turn back any attack.

Certain towns will have different Gyms with different Gym Leaders and type specialties depending on the version of the game you play.

Pokemon Sword Gym Leaders

Fighting-type Gym Leader: Bea

In Pokemon Sword, Bea is the Fighting-type Gym Leader for the Stow-on-Side Gym. This is the fourth Gym in the game.

Bea is a prodigy in Galar karate, carrying on its century-old traditions and techniques. She’s also an expert on Fighting-type Pokémon! She’s known for her stoicism and very rarely shows her emotions. It seems her battle style remains very precise, even when she’s backed into a corner!

Rock-type Gym Leader: Gordie

In Pokemon Sword, Gordie is the Rock-type Gym Leader for the Circhester Gym. This is the sixth Gym in the game.

Pokemon Shield Gym Leaders

Ghost-type Gym Leader: Allister

In Pokemon Shield, Allister is the Ghost-type Gym Leader for the Stow-on-Side Gym. This is the fourth Gym in the game.

Allister is a talented Trainer of Ghost-type Pokémon who has taken on the mantle of the Ghost-type Gym Leader at a young age. He’s extremely shy and fearful, and he always hides his face with a mask when around other people. He rarely makes public appearances and apparently spends most of his time around ruins or in cemeteries.

Ice-type Gym Leader: Melony

In Pokemon Shield, Melony is the Ice-type Gym Leader for the Circhester Gym. This is the sixth Gym in the game.

Other Exclusives in Sword and Shield

There are also exclusive Ingredients in Pokemon Sword and Shield, which can be used for cooking Curry. In order to get these exclusive you will need to trade someone for a Pokemon holding those ingredients or you can cook with NPCs on routes or other players (online) in the Wild Area. Any recipes you "discover" when cooking with others will be added to your CurryDex.

You can buy both of these ingredients, in your version of the game, from the Ingredients Seller in the Rolling Fields or outside in the Wild Area entrance to Hammerlocke.

Pokemon Sword and Shields expansions, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, each come withe some exclusives for each version. Not all exclusives are known at this time, but they will be added as they're announced or discovered.

First up are new rivals. Their ultimate goals are to train hard so that they can eventually set up their own Gyms.

Pokemon Sword Exclusive Rival - Klara

Klara is a rival that appears with The Isle of Armor expansion. She specializes in Poison-type Pokemon and is training with other new character, Mustard, at his dojo.

"She’ll do just about anything to appear adorable and cute, as popularity is what she admires most of all. She goes about her days with a smile on her face, but hiding behind it is a calculating nature that she puts to very good use."

Pokemon Shield Exclusive Rival - Avery

Avery is a rival that appears with The Isle of Armor expansion. He specializes in Psychic-type Pokemon, as indicated by the Poke Balls that float around his top hat (and his uniform).

"He is gentlemanly and well-mannered but also very proud. And it seems that he’ll see you as a particularly formidable rival!"

Also see: Pokemon Type Chart