Adventure Basics: Traveling In Galar

Learn how to travel and explore the Galar region in pokemon sword and shield. Understand catching, battling, and managing your Pokémon's health.

You are an average young teenager leaving home on a journey to become the region’s number one Pokémon trainer in pokemon sword and shield. You can move around with the left analogue stick; the further you move the stick, the faster you’ll travel. You can interact with people or objects by pressing the A button (or alternatively, the ZL or ZR shoulder buttons).

Pokémon are mysterious creatures that you can befriend. With Pokémon by your side, you can defend yourself against the hostile wild Pokémon found all across Galar, and battle other Pokémon trainers. You’ll receive your first Pokémon near the beginning of the game; from there, you’ll be responsible for catching new Pokémon to fill up your team.

Galar is a vast region inspired by Great Britain. It features many diverse locations, including tranquil countrysides, verdant forests, dusty caverns, vibrant cities, and even snowy mountains. These locations generally fall into two categories:

• Town or City: Primarily inhabited by people and generally very safe. You’ll usually find a Pokémon Center, where you can restore your Pokémon and stock up on supplies. Most towns and cities also have a Gym Stadium.
• Route or Dungeon: Places where wild Pokémon roam free, and you’ll often find other Pokémon trainers looking for a battle. Routes are paths that connect multiple locations, while dungeons are more maze-like.

Unique to Galar is the Wild Area, situated in the center of the region. It’s much larger and open-ended than other locations, home to a massive variety of wild Pokémon and divided into multiple zones with varying weather conditions. The Wild Area connects to two cities, as well as a train station.

Catching and Battling Pokémon

Pokémon battling is considered a serious sport in Galar. Anyone who possesses a Pokémon is called a “Pokémon trainer” and can fight with their Pokémon partners. There are two methods of battling:

1. Wild Pokémon: Trigger a battle by bumping into them on the overworld or by running into a shaking bush among the tall grass. During battle, you can attempt to catch the wild Pokémon with your Poké Balls.
2. Other Pokémon Trainers: These trainers are usually obvious, often standing off to the side or looking around. When they see you or you speak to them, a battle will commence. You cannot catch other trainer’s Pokémon.

Regardless of the method, battle mechanics are the same. Battles are turn-based; each turn, you and your opponent choose a move. You win if you defeat all opposing Pokémon or catch a wild Pokémon. Winning nets you experience points, making your Pokémon stronger. If you defeat a trainer, you’ll also earn some cash.

Your Pokémon’s Health

When you battle with your Pokémon, their HP and PP may go down, and they may also be inflicted with status conditions. As their owner, it’s up to you to keep your Pokémon healthy.

• HP (Hit Points): Represents your Pokémon’s health. Once a Pokémon’s HP falls to 0, it will faint and become unable to battle. If all your Pokémon faint, you’ll lose the battle and return to the last Pokémon Center, with some money missing. HP can be restored by using Potions or visiting a Pokémon Center.
• PP (Power Points): Dictates the number of times your Pokémon can use a particular move. Each move has its own PP value. Once a move reaches 0 PP, you cannot use it anymore. PP can be restored with items like Ether (which are rare) or by visiting a Pokémon Center.
• Status Conditions: Negative effects your Pokémon may receive from an opponent’s moves. Most persist after a battle, although some like confusion disappear automatically. You can cure status conditions by using items like Antidotes or by visiting a Pokémon Center.

Main Menu

Outside of battle, access the Main Menu by tapping the X button. From here, you can view your Pokédex, manage your Pokémon, and check items in your Bag. Some menu items may be locked until you’ve progressed through the game. You can re-order the icons on the Main Menu by pressing the Y Button.