Many gameplay details revealed in Nintendo E3 Direct

Pokémon Sword & Shield — 11 June, 2019

A new Nintendo Direct has aired at E3 and revealed some information about Pokémon Sword and Shield.

It was stated that the Poké Ball Plus accessory (that was released with Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee) will work with Sword/Shield and Pokémon can be taken for a stroll. It cannot be used as a controller in Sword/Shield however. A new Water type gym leader was also revealed, named Nessa.

Pokemon Water gym leader Nessa

Following the Direct there was a Nintendo Treehouse Live segment which showed plenty of gameplay - details below.


  • In the Wild Area, different Pokémon may appear depending on the weather and time of day.
  • Some Pokémon appear in the overworld, but random encounters also exist when an exclamation mark pops up.
  • The Wild Area is split up into multiple named areas such as South Lake Miloch.
  • Some areas have very high level Pokémon so should be avoided until you are a high enough level. Some Pokémon may be on guard and not let the player pass.
  • The player can crouch and sneak up on Pokémon, similar to Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire.
  • Wild Diggersby, Haunter and Galvantula were also seen wandering around outside the grassy area.
  • As in recent games, all Pokémon in your party gain Exp. in battle, and Exp. is gained when catching a Pokémon.
  • The player can whistle to attract the attention of nearby Pokémon.
  • Grookey has a new move, Branch Poke.
  • The Bike returns, and can ride on water as was briefly shown in the previous Direct.
  • New items Pungent Root and Pack of Potatoes. There is also an Ingredients pocket in the bag.
  • A new communication feature called Y-Comm which displays icons on the left of the screen showing what friends/local players are doing and if they want to trade or battle.
  • New Max moves, Max Rockfall and Max Flare. They both deal damage and trigger an additional effect - Max Rockfall creates a sandstorm, while Max Flare creates harsh sunlight.
  • Max Raid Battles take place at Pokémon Dens which are signified by a red light projecting into the sky.
  • During Max Raid Battles, the opponent Dynamax Pokémon may put up a barrier when its health is reduced. The barrier needs to be attacked several times before the Pokémon can be attacked again. Dynamax moves drop the barrier two stages.
  • The foe may attack multiple times in one turn, and can use its regular moves and Dynamax moves.
  • Everyone participating in the Max Raid Battle has the chance to catch the Pokémon when it is defeated. Various item rewards are also given.
  • Pokémon stored in the new Pokémon Home service can only be transferred to Sword/Shield if they feature in the Galar Pokédex.

Moves the starters know at level 12:

  • Scorbunny - Growl, Ember, Quick Attack, Double Kick
  • Sobble - Growl, Water Gun, Bind, Water Pulse
  • Grookey - Growl, Branch Poke, Taunt, Razor Leaf

Full video of the Nintendo Treehouse Live:

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