Pokemon Sword and Shield: Conquer the Dynamax Battle Trial

AntMag.NET

Alright, trainers! We're diving into the Third Trial, which is all about the Dynamax Battle. Depending on your version of the game, you'll be facing either Pokémon Trainer Klara or Pokémon Trainer Avery. Both have their own unique teams and strategies, but the core challenge is the same: take down their powerful Pokémon, including a Dynamaxed one!

Let's break down who you'll face and how to come out on top.

Facing Pokémon Trainer Klara

If you're playing Pokémon Shield, you'll be up against Klara. She's a bit tricky and starts the battle by tossing Toxic Spikes onto the field. These are nasty because they'll poison any grounded Pokémon that switches in. Your best bet here is to try and avoid switching Pokémon if you can. If you absolutely have to switch, make sure the Pokémon you bring out can resist poison or can fly/levitate so they don't get poisoned by the spikes.

Klara's Pokémon Team:

Skorupi (Level 23-65, Poison/Bug): This one's pretty straightforward. Hit it hard with Fire, Flying, Rock, or Psychic-type moves.
Weezing (Galarian) (Level 24-66, Poison/Fairy): For Galarian Weezing, Steel-types are your best friends. Their resistances will really help here.
Whirlipede (Level 24-66, Bug/Poison): Similar to Skorupi, Whirlipede is weak against Fire, Flying, Rock, and Psychic attacks.
Slowbro (Galarian) (Level 25-67, Poison/Psychic): This is Klara's final Pokémon, and she'll Dynamax it! Galarian Slowbro is weak to Ground, Ghost, and Dark-type moves. Keep an eye on its Quick Draw ability, as it can sometimes let it attack first.

Facing Pokémon Trainer Avery

If you're playing Pokémon Sword, you'll face Avery. He's going to make things a bit more challenging by triggering Psychic Terrain as soon as the battle starts. This terrain is a double-whammy: it powers up Psychic-type moves and also protects grounded Pokémon from priority moves like Quick Attack. So, be prepared for stronger Psychic attacks!

Avery's Pokémon Team:

Ponyta (Galarian) (Level 23-65, Psychic): Galarian Ponyta is a pure Psychic-type, but it does have a Fairy-type move. Dark-types should be cautious, though it's unlikely to survive a strong hit.
Swoobat (Level 24-66, Psychic/Flying): Swoobat shares the same weaknesses as its pre-evolution: Electric, Ice, Rock, Ghost, and Dark-type moves are super effective.
Kadabra (Level 24-66, Psychic): Another pure Psychic-type. Dark-types can relax here, as they'll do great damage.
Slowbro (Galarian) (Level 25-67, Poison/Psychic): Just like Klara's, Avery's final Pokémon is a Galarian Slowbro, and he'll Dynamax it! It's weak to Ground, Ghost, and Dark-type attacks. Watch out for its Quick Draw ability, which can let it strike first, and be ready for its Dynamax form.

General Tips for the Trial

Type Matchups are Key: Pay close attention to the types of your opponent's Pokémon and use moves that they are weak against. This is especially crucial for the Dynamaxed Pokémon.
Watch Out for Abilities: Abilities like Quick Draw can surprise you, so don't get complacent.
Psychic Terrain (Avery): If you're fighting Avery, be mindful of the Psychic Terrain. It boosts Psychic moves and blocks priority moves. Consider using non-priority moves or Pokémon that aren't grounded if possible.
Toxic Spikes (Klara): If you're fighting Klara, try to minimize switching to avoid poison damage.
Don't Be Afraid to Train: If you find yourself struggling, it might be a sign that your Pokémon are a bit underleveled. The Isle of Armor is accessible early, so it's possible to arrive before you're fully ready. Take some time to train your party in the Wild Area or other spots if needed.

You should pass this trial with flying colors if you've prepared well. Once you win, you'll get congratulated and head back to the dojo for your next steps with Mustard!