Post-Game Story & Legendary Pokémon

Congratulations, Champion! Your journey through the Galar region doesn't end with your victory over Leon. A new, thrilling chapter awaits, filled with legendary encounters, challenging battles, and the true resolution of the Dynamax phenomenon. This detailed guide will walk you through every step of the post-game story and how to capture the legendary Pokémon Zacian (Sword) or Zamazenta (Shield).

The Hero's Quest: Stopping the Wishing Stars

After becoming Champion, return to your house in Postwick. You'll soon be interrupted by a frantic Sonia, who needs your help investigating a series of strange incidents involving Dynamax Pokémon appearing outside of Power Spots. This kicks off the post-game narrative.

Meet Sonia at the Slumbering Weald: Head back to the very first area of your adventure. Sonia will be waiting near the entrance. She'll explain that Wishing Stars are causing Pokémon to Dynamax uncontrollably.
Investigate the Power Plants: Sonia will task you with visiting the various Power Plants across Galar, as they seem to be at the center of the disturbances.
- Turffield Stadium: Battle a Dynamax Pokémon.
- Hulbury Stadium: Battle a Dynamax Pokémon.
- Motostoke Stadium: Battle a Dynamax Pokémon.
- Hammerlocke Stadium: Battle a Dynamax Pokémon.
After each battle, you'll gain more insight into the unfolding mystery. Be prepared for tough fights; these Dynamax Pokémon are stronger than those you faced in the Gym Challenge.
Confront Sordward and Shielbert: As you progress, you'll encounter two eccentric characters, Sordward and Shielbert, who claim to be descendants of Galar's ancient kings. They believe the legendary heroes are a myth and are intentionally causing the Dynamax incidents to prove their point and discredit the legends.
The Energy Plant Incident: The climax of the post-game story takes place at the Energy Plant in Hammerlocke. You'll need to team up with Hop to confront Sordward and Shielbert, who are attempting to force Zacian/Zamazenta into a Dynamax state.
Legendary Battle: This is it! You'll finally face the legendary Pokémon of your game version.
- Pokémon Sword: You will battle and attempt to catch Zacian.
- Pokémon Shield: You will battle and attempt to catch Zamazenta.
Strategy for Capture:
- Bring a team of high-level Pokémon (Level 65+ is recommended).
- Stock up on Ultra Balls, Quick Balls, and Timer Balls.
- Consider using a Pokémon with a status-inducing move like Thunder Wave (Paralysis) or Hypnosis (Sleep) to make capture easier. False Swipe is also invaluable for safely lowering HP to 1.
- The legendary will be Level 70. Its ability, Intrepid Sword (Zacian) or Dauntless Shield (Zamazenta), will boost its Attack/Defense upon entering battle.
- Lower its HP into the red zone, then apply a status condition. Begin throwing your best Poké Balls.
The True Champion: After capturing the legendary, the crisis will be averted, and you'll solidify your status as the true hero of Galar. Sonia will complete her research, and you'll receive a special reward.

Post-Capture Rewards & Further Adventures

Once the main post-game story is complete, several new opportunities open up:

Receive the Rusted Sword/Shield: Depending on your game version, you will receive the corresponding held item for your legendary Pokémon (Rusted Sword for Zacian, Rusted Shield for Zamazenta). These items allow them to transform into their Crowned Sword/Shield forms, significantly boosting their stats and changing their typing.
Battle the Other Legendary: After capturing your game's legendary, you'll have the opportunity to battle the other legendary (Zamazenta in Sword, Zacian in Shield) alongside Hop. You won't be able to catch this one, but it's a memorable battle!
Rematch the Gym Leaders: You can now challenge all the Gym Leaders to rematches. They will have stronger teams, offering a new challenge. Speak to the attendant at each Gym to initiate the battle.
Battle Leon at the Battle Tower: The Battle Tower, located in Wyndon, becomes accessible. Here, you can challenge various trainers, including a super-powered Leon, in a series of challenging battles to earn Battle Points (BP) and rare items.
Complete the Pokédex: With the main story and post-game narrative concluded, focus on catching all 400 Pokémon in the Galar Pokédex to receive the Shiny Charm from Professor Magnolia, which significantly increases your chances of finding Shiny Pokémon.
Max Raid Battles: Continue to explore the Wild Area and participate in Max Raid Battles for a chance to catch rare and powerful Dynamax Pokémon, including Gigantamax forms.