Battle Basics: Pokemon Battles

Learn the basics of Pokemon battles in Sword and Shield! Understand turn-based combat, battle options like Fight, Pokémon, Bag, and Run, and how outcomes like fainting and leveling up work.

Alright, let's dive into how Pokémon battles actually work in Sword and Shield! Don't worry, it's pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it, and the core mechanics are the same whether you're facing off against another trainer or a wild Pokémon. When a battle kicks off, your first Pokémon in the party (the one at the very top) will automatically jump into the fray. If it's already fainted, the next one in line will take its place.

Battles are turn-based, meaning you and your opponent take turns making moves. You've got plenty of time to think things through, so really consider your options. Just a heads-up, though: online multiplayer battles will have a timer, but by then, you'll probably be a seasoned pro!

Battle Options

Before you pick an action, you can hit the Y Button to check the status of your Pokémon or your opponent's. It's a good way to get a quick overview of how everyone's doing.

Here are the main options you'll see during a battle:

1. Fight: This is where you'll find your Pokémon's moves. Each Pokémon can know up to four moves, and the number next to each move is its PP (Power Points) – basically, how many times you can use it. If you're not sure what a move does, pressing Y will show you its description.
2. Pokémon: This lets you check out your whole party. You can see your Pokémon's stats and even switch out your current fighter for another one. If your Pokémon is in bad shape or at a type disadvantage, switching can be a smart move. Just remember, your opponent gets a free turn while you're swapping!
3. Bag: Need to use an item? This is your go-to. You can grab healing items if your Pokémon took a beating or is suffering from a status condition, or use battle items to give yourself an advantage. Just make sure you're not about to get hit when you open it!
4. Run: Sometimes, the best option is to live to fight another day! You can try to escape from wild Pokémon battles and multiplayer matches. However, you can't run from battles against NPC trainers or in Max Raid Battles. Also, if your Pokémon's Speed stat is too low, your escape attempt might not work.

Battle Outcomes

Once both you and your opponent have chosen your actions, the Pokémon with the higher Speed stat usually goes first. Some moves, like Quick Attack, have priority and go even faster, so be careful when your Pokémon's HP is low. Actions like switching Pokémon or using an item always take priority over a move.

When a Pokémon gets hit, its HP goes down. If its HP reaches 0, it faints and is out of the battle. In trainer battles, the owner of a fainted Pokémon has to send out another one. If they've got no Pokémon left, they lose the battle. For wild Pokémon, once they're defeated or captured, the battle ends right away.

After you knock out or catch a Pokémon, all your Pokémon get experience points (EXP). Pokémon that didn't fight get a bit less, but it all adds up! Enough EXP, and your Pokémon will Level Up, boosting their stats. They might even learn new moves or evolve into something even stronger! Plus, beating a trainer usually nets you some cash.

Double Battles

Occasionally, you'll run into Double Battles. As the name suggests, there are two Pokémon on each side. You'll choose an action for each of your Pokémon, and your opponent does the same. The core mechanics are the same as a single battle, but with twice the action!

Keep an eye out for moves that can hit multiple targets in Double Battles (and Max Raid Battles). Moves that say they hit