how to get all starters in pokemon sword

2 min read 05-02-2025

how to get all starters in pokemon sword

Catching all three starter Pokémon in Pokémon Sword isn't as straightforward as a simple trade. This guide will walk you through the methods needed to complete your Pokédex. Remember, only one starter Pokémon is available per playthrough; you'll need multiple save files or trades to get them all.

Choosing Your Starter: The First Step

Your journey to catching all three begins at the very start of the game. You'll be presented with three choices:

Grookey (Grass): A mischievous and energetic Grass-type.
Scorbunny (Fire): A speedy and competitive Fire-type.
Sobble (Water): A shy but powerful Water-type.

Select your favorite starter. This choice determines your primary partner for a significant portion of the game.

Obtaining the Other Starters: Trading and Save Files

This is where the difficulty (and fun!) comes in. There are two main methods to obtain the other two starters:

Method 1: Trading with Friends or Online

The most common method is trading. This requires finding other players who have chosen the starters you haven't. You can trade either online through the game's Wonder Trade or via local trades with friends.

Online Trading: Use the Pokémon Sword online features to connect with other players and make trades. Be prepared to offer some of your Pokémon in return.
Local Trading: This allows for direct trades with friends using a single Nintendo Switch console. This method is useful for quick and reliable trading.

What to Trade? Offer Pokémon you've caught during your playthrough. Consider including Pokémon that are valuable or rare to increase your chances of a successful trade.

Method 2: Multiple Save Files

A less convenient, but entirely independent method, involves creating multiple save files on your Nintendo Switch. This requires starting a new game each time you want a different starter. This method ensures you have a complete set without relying on others.

Remember to back up your save data before making multiple save files. This ensures that you can always restore your progress if needed.

Where to Trade (Online and In-Game)

While the game doesn't offer a specific location for trading starters, the following locations are commonly used:

The Pokémon Center: This is the typical place to engage with other players. Use the online features there to find trading partners.
Online Forums and Communities: Utilize online communities such as Reddit's Pokémon subreddit (r/pokemonswordandshield) to find trading partners. These communities offer opportunities to coordinate trades efficiently.

Tips for Successful Trading

Be Patient: Finding the exact Pokémon you need may take some time.
Offer Fair Trades: Don't expect to get a starter for a common Pokémon. Offering something of value increases your chances of success.
Be Polite: Maintain respectful interactions when trading with other players. This ensures a positive experience.

Conclusion: Completing Your Starter Trio

Gathering all three starter Pokémon in Pokémon Sword is a fun challenge. Whether you choose trading or multiple save files, remember patience and good communication are key. Once you’ve collected Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble, your Pokédex will be closer to completion! Now go out there and become a Pokémon Master!