For Pokémon trainers, having all three starters in their collection is a badge of honor, showcasing their dedication and versatility. Traditionally, acquiring all three starters required trading with other players who have the counterpart version of the game, in this case, Pokémon Sword for those playing Pokémon Shield. However, what if you’re looking to complete your starter collection without needing a copy of Pokémon Sword? This guide is designed to walk you through the various methods and strategies you can employ to get all three starters without the need for Pokémon Sword.
Understanding the Basics of Pokémon Starters
Before diving into the methods of acquiring all three starters, it’s essential to understand the basics. In each generation of Pokémon games, there are three starter Pokémon, each belonging to a different type: Grass, Fire, and Water. These Pokémon are chosen at the beginning of your adventure and serve as the foundation of your team. In the context of Pokémon Shield, the game provides you with a choice between Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble, which are the Grass, Fire, and Water-type starters, respectively.
The Challenge of Acquiring All Starters Without Trading
The main challenge in getting all three starters without Pokémon Sword lies in the limitation of not being able to choose the starters available in Sword. Normally, trading with someone who has the other version of the game (Sword, in this case) would provide a straightforward solution. However, without access to Sword or a willingness to trade, the task becomes significantly more complex. It requires creativity, patience, and sometimes, a bit of luck.
Utilizing Online Communities and Forums
One of the most effective ways to acquire all three starters without needing Pokémon Sword is by leveraging online Pokémon communities and forums. Websites, social media groups, andspecific Pokémon trading platforms are filled with trainers looking to trade Pokémon. You can offer a Pokémon from your collection in exchange for the starter you’re missing. Ensure that any trades are done safely and fairly, using reputable platforms and following community guidelines to avoid scams. Building a reputation within these communities as a reliable and fair trader can also increase your chances of finding a willing trade partner.
Breeding and Hatching
Another strategy involves breeding. If you have a starter from Pokémon Sword through a previous trade, you can breed it with a compatible Pokémon to produce an egg containing the starter’s offspring. This method requires specific Pokémon with the correct typing and gender, but it allows you to potentially produce all three starters, provided you have the right parent Pokémon. The process can be lengthy, as it involves hatching eggs and possibly repeating the breeding process to get the desired outcome.
Distant Trades and Surprise Trades
The Pokémon games, including Pokémon Shield, offer a feature known as Surprise Trades, where you can trade a Pokémon without knowing what you’ll receive in return. While this method is largely based on luck, activating the Surprise Trade feature regularly increases your chances of receiving a starter from Pokémon Sword. This could potentially happen if the other player is also looking to trade and happens to have one of the starters you’re missing.
Participating in Pokémon Events
Official Pokémon events, whether online or offline, often provide unique opportunities to acquire Pokémon that are not easily obtainable through regular gameplay. These events might include distributions where specific Pokémon are given away, possibly including starters from other versions of the game. Participating in these events and following Pokémon news closely can give you a chance to get all three starters without relying on Pokémon Sword.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Acquiring all three starters in Pokémon without needing Pokémon Sword requires a combination of strategy, patience, and sometimes a bit of luck. Whether through trading with the online community, breeding, surprise trades, or participating in Pokémon events, there are several paths you can take. Remember, the key to success often lies in persistence and building a strong, reputable presence within Pokémon trading communities. With dedication and the right approach, you can achieve your goal of having all three starters in your Pokémon Shield game, enhancing your Pokémon journey and broadening your team’s capabilities.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Online Communities | Trade with other players through online forums and platforms. |
| Breeding and Hatching | Breed a starter with a compatible Pokémon to produce an egg containing the starter’s offspring. |
| Distant Trades and Surprise Trades | Use the game’s Surprise Trade feature to potentially receive a starter from Pokémon Sword. |
| Pokémon Events | Participate in official events for unique Pokémon distributions, possibly including starters from other versions of the game. |
What are the three starters in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
The three starters in Pokémon Sword and Shield are Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble. Each of these starters belongs to a different type: Grass, Fire, and Water, respectively. Grookey is a Grass-type starter, Scorbunny is a Fire-type starter, and Sobble is a Water-type starter. These types are the traditional types for starters in the Pokémon series and offer a good balance for players to choose from.
Acquiring all three starters can be a challenge, especially without using Pokémon Sword. However, it is possible to obtain them through trade with other players who have Pokémon Sword or by using other games in the series that allow trading with Pokémon Sword and Shield. This can be achieved by using the Nintendo Switch’s local wireless communication feature or by linking the games through the internet. By trading with other players or using other games, players can complete their collection of starters without needing to use Pokémon Sword.
How can I get the starters without using Pokémon Sword?
There are a few ways to get the starters without using Pokémon Sword. One way is to trade with other players who have Pokémon Sword. This can be done through local wireless communication or online trades. Another way is to use other Pokémon games that allow trading with Pokémon Sword and Shield, such as Pokémon Home or Pokémon Bank. These services enable players to transfer Pokémon between games, allowing them to acquire the starters without needing Pokémon Sword.
To use these methods, players will need to have a Nintendo Switch and a copy of Pokémon Shield or another compatible game. They will also need to have a way to connect with other players, either locally or online. Once connected, players can initiate trades and exchange Pokémon, including the starters. It’s essential to ensure that the other player is trustworthy and that the trade is fair, as some players may try to scam or dishonestly trade Pokémon.
What is Pokémon Home, and how does it help in acquiring starters?
Pokémon Home is a cloud-based service that allows players to store and manage their Pokémon collections across different games. It supports Pokémon Sword and Shield, as well as other games in the series, making it an ideal tool for acquiring starters without using Pokémon Sword. With Pokémon Home, players can transfer Pokémon from one game to another, including the starters. This service provides a convenient way to complete a player’s collection of starters without needing to use Pokémon Sword.
To use Pokémon Home to acquire starters, players will need to have a Nintendo Switch and a copy of Pokémon Shield or another compatible game. They will also need to download the Pokémon Home app and set up an account. Once set up, players can use the service to transfer Pokémon between games, including the starters. Pokémon Home also offers other features, such as the ability to trade Pokémon with other players and to view detailed information about each Pokémon in a player’s collection.
Can I trade starters with other players online?
Yes, it is possible to trade starters with other players online. The Nintendo Switch has a built-in feature that allows players to trade Pokémon with others over the internet. This feature is available in Pokémon Sword and Shield, as well as other games in the series. To trade starters online, players will need to have a Nintendo Switch and a copy of Pokémon Shield or another compatible game. They will also need to have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, which provides access to online features, including trading.
To initiate an online trade, players will need to go to the game’s menu and select the trade option. They will then be able to search for other players to trade with, either by using a code or by searching for players in their area. Once a trade is initiated, players can exchange Pokémon, including the starters. It’s essential to ensure that the other player is trustworthy and that the trade is fair, as some players may try to scam or dishonestly trade Pokémon. Players should also be cautious when trading online and only trade with players they trust.
How do I know if a trade is fair?
To ensure that a trade is fair, players should carefully evaluate the Pokémon being traded. They should consider the Pokémon’s level, its moves, and its overall condition. Players should also research the Pokémon’s value and compare it to the Pokémon being offered in return. If the trade seems uneven or if the other player is asking for too much, it may not be a fair trade. Additionally, players should be cautious of scams, such as players offering fake or hacked Pokémon.
To avoid scams, players should only trade with other players they trust. They should also use the game’s built-in trade features, which provide a safe and secure way to exchange Pokémon. Players should never give away their Pokémon or send money to another player in exchange for a Pokémon. If a trade seems too good to be true, it probably is. By being cautious and carefully evaluating each trade, players can ensure that they are getting a fair deal and avoid being scammed.
Can I get all three starters in one game without trading?
No, it is not possible to get all three starters in one game without trading. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, players can choose one starter at the beginning of the game, but they will not be able to obtain the other two starters without trading with other players. This is a deliberate design choice made by the game’s developers to encourage players to interact with each other and trade Pokémon. By trading with other players, players can complete their collection of starters and enjoy the game with a more diverse range of Pokémon.
However, players can use other games in the series, such as Pokémon Home, to transfer Pokémon between games and acquire the starters. This method allows players to obtain all three starters without needing to trade with other players. Additionally, some events and distributions may offer the starters as rewards, providing another way for players to acquire them without trading. By using these methods, players can complete their collection of starters and enjoy the game with a more diverse range of Pokémon.