All Pokémon Sword Version Exclusive Pokémon

There are 46 Pokémon exclusive to the Sword version of the game, including powerful Dragon-type, pseudo Legendaries, and Legendary Pokémon.

Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, Pokémon Sword and Shield feature various Pokémon exclusive to each version of the game. These exclusive Pokémon range from Legendary Pokémon, through powerful Dragon-types, to Galarian forms of familiar Pokémon. Some powerful Pokémon, of course, remain available across each version of the game, such as the Legendary Eternatus, whose capture is necessary to the progression of the narrative.

As seen in previous Pokémon games, version exclusive Pokémon range from simple Bug-types to Legendary trios, so version exclusive Pokémon can play a big part in players selecting their game versions. Taking Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl as an example, simple version exclusives include Brilliant Diamond's Caterpie and Shining Pearl's Weedle, and their respective evolutions. Yet, the game versions differ spectacularly in terms of Legendary Pokémon, as the Legendary Dog trio of the Johto region, Entei, Raikou, and Suicune, are only available in Brilliant Diamond, while Shining Pearl receives Kanto's Legendary Bird trio, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres.

Of course, the Sword and Shield Legendary Pokémon are exclusive to their titular versions. Yet, there are further unique Pokémon, including impressive Dragon-types, that are only available through rare spawn events in each version of Sword and Shield. While these spawns are exclusive, these Pokémon can be accessed in their counterpart game version through trading or playing Gigantamax Raid Battles with others. Here, the Pokémon Sword version exclusives are listed in their entirety in order of their National Pokédex number and evolution.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Farfetch'd & Sirfetch'd

The Galarian form of the Wild Duck Pokémon, Farfetch'd, is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, boasting a darker coloration than its Kantonian counterpart. Excitingly, this first generation Pokémon finally receives an evolution in Pokémon Sword, as Sirfetch'd is introduced. The Pokémon evolves into the Fighting-type Sirfetch'd after landing three critical hits in a single battle.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Pinsir

This intimidating Bug-type Pokémon is only available in Pokémon Sword through the Isle of Armor DLC. Pinsir is found in the Training Lowlands of the new area, while Heracross is available in Pokémon Shield. Pinsir is the Stag Beetle Pokémon from Generation 1 and does not evolve.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Omanyte & Omastar

Omanyte and its evolution, Omastar, are Rock/Water Fossil Pokémon introduced in Generation 1. Both evolutions can be found in the Crown Tundra DLC area of Pokémon Sword with relative ease. These Spiral Pokémon are based upon real-world ammonite fossils.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Ho-Oh

The awesome Rainbow Pokémon, Ho-Oh, can be caught in the Crown Tundra of Pokémon Sword through Dynamax Adventures. Being the mascot of Generation 2's Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Goldheart, this Legendary Pokémon is closely linked to Lugia (available only in Pokémon Shield). The dual-type Fire/Flying Ho-Oh represents the golden skies while Lugia embodies the silver seas.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Seedot, Nuzleaf, & Shiftry

The sweet-looking Acorn Pokémon, Seedot, can be found in the Wild Area and Route 2 of Pokémon Sword. This Generation 3 Grass-type Pokémon evolves into the dual-type Grass/Dark Wily Nuzleaf, which can also be found in the Wild Area. The Wicked final evolution, Shiftry, can be found wandering around the Dappled Grove section of the Wild Area or can be evolved from Nuzleaf with a Leaf Stone.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Mawile

This Generation 3 Pokémon was adapted into a dual-type Steel/Fairy Pokémon, adding the potentially overpowered Fairy-type to the Pokémon in Generation 6. Mawile, the Deceiver Pokémon, can be found in Pokémon Sword from fairly common overworld spawns in the base game's Wild Area. Pokémon Shield has received the Generation 3 Dark/Ghost Sableye as a counterpart to Mawile.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Solrock

The Meteorite Pokémon, Solrock, is a new species of Pokémon introduced in Generation 3, thought to have come from space, specifically the sun. This dual-type Rock/Psychic Pokémon does not evolve and is thought to be the counterpart to Lunatone, which is available in Pokémon Shield. Solrock can be found in the Pokémon Sword base game Wild Area and Route 2.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Bagon, Shelgon, & Salamence

Players can catch Salamence in the Crown Tundra DLC region of Pokémon Sword. This Generation 3 Dragon-type can also be caught in its first evolution form, Bagon, which vaguely resembles the real-world Pachycephalosaurus. This Rock Head Pokémon can be evolved into the Endurance Pokémon, Shelgon, at level 30 before evolving to Salamence at level 50.

Salamence is a pseudo-legendary Pokémon from the Hoenn region and is an incredibly strong Dragon/Flying dual-type. It has a relatively odd evolution from the bipedal Bagon, through the quadruped encased Shelgon, to the final huge dragon form. As a counterpart, Pokémon Shield received the pseudo-legendary Metagross and its two pre-evolutions.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Latios

Also hailing from the Hoenn region, players can catch Latios in the Crown Tundra DLC of Pokémon Sword. This dual-type Dragon/Psychic is known as the Eon Pokémon of Generation 3. Latios is only obtainable through Dynamax Adventures in the DLC and it may take some grinding to encounter this evasive Pokémon.

Latios is part of Hoenn's loveable Eon Duo of Legendary Pokémon, alongside Latias which is available to catch in Pokémon Shield. These Pokémon have plane-like designs in blue and red colorations, respectively. Back in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, players could fly on Latios and Latias (depending on their version of the game) by calling them with an Eon Flute.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Groudon

The massive dinosaur-like Groudon can be captured in Pokémon Sword's Crown Tundra DLC through Dynamax Adventures. Another Generation 3 Legendary, Groudon is a dual-type Dragon/Psychic with red armored skin. Groudon is the Continent Pokémon and has the ability to expand continents and create new land.

While Groudon is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, all three Super Ancient Pokémon can be caught in BDSP, specifically Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza. Kyogre is available for capture in Pokémon Shield and Rayquaza can be found in both game versions. In ancient times, Groudon had a conflict with Kyogre, the Sea Basin Pokemon. Groudon is the mascot of Pokémon Ruby and Omega Ruby as Team Magma sought the Pokémon's powerful terraforming abilities.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Dialga

Generation 4's Legendary Pokémon and mascot of the Pokémon Diamond and Brilliant Diamond games is attainable as a Pokémon Sword exclusive. Dialga, the dual-type Steel/Dragon Temporal Pokémon is part of the creation trio of the Sinnoh region, alongside Palkia (available in Pokémon Shield) and Giratina (available in both versions). In the past, Dialga was worshipped by the Diamond clan under the epithet "almighty Sinnoh". Being a mascot of the BDSP remakes, players can catch Dialga in Brilliant Diamond, but can also find the Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon Sword through Dynamax Adventures.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Darumaka & Darmanitan

These Generation 5 Pokémon, usually Fire-type, are found in Galar with a regional Ice-type form. Unusually, the Galarian Darumaka evolves into the Galarian Darmanitan when exposed to an Ice Stone, rather than simply through leveling. Known as the Zen Charm Pokémon, Darmanitan changes form in battle depending on its Ability and current HP; the Galarian form changes to dual-type Ice/Fire. This Pokémon can only be found in Pokémon Sword through a 5 Star Max Raid battle, located in the center den of Giant's Cap.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Scraggy & Scrafty

This bipedal, reptilian-looking Pokémon was first introduced back in Generation 5. Players can find and catch Scraggy with relative ease in Pokémon Sword's Wild Area. Scraggy is a dual-type Dark/Fighting Pokémon and will evolve at level 39, at which point the Shedding Pokémon transforms into the Hoodlum Pokémon, gaining bigger pants and a cool mohawk.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Gothita, Gothorita, & Gothitelle

This powerful Psychic-type Pokémon can be found in all three of its evolutions Pokémon Sword's Wild Area during Heavy Fog weather. Gothita, the Fixation Pokémon, will evolve into the Manipulate Pokémon Gothorita at level 32, with no special conditions necessary to evolve. The final evolution, Astral Body Pokémon, Gothitelle, is a superior Psychic-type; the bow-shaped feelers across the Pokémon's body that increase in number across its evolutions are said to amplify the Pokémon's psychic power.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Rufflet & Braviary

The Valiant Pokémon, Braviary, is only available in Pokémon Sword, though Legends: Arceus players can fly using Hisuian Braviary. In Pokémon Sword, this Battle Cry Pokémon is a dual Normal/Flying type, while in Legends: Arceus, it has a Hisuian regional Psychic/Flying type. This Pokémon evolves from Rufflet, the Eaglet Pokémon, at level 54. Braviary will not spawn in the wild in Pokémon Sword, so Rufflet must be caught and evolved; popular spawns include Route 8 and the Wild Area.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Deino, Zweilous, & Hydreigon

This extremely rare fan-favorite dual-type Dark/Dragon Pokémon is only available for capture in Pokémon Sword. Its first evolution, Deino, the Irate Pokémon, will evolve into the Hostile Pokémon, Zweilous, at level 50. Although Pokémon Sword's Hydreigon cannot be caught as it will not spawn in the wild, Deino and Zweilous can be found in the Wild Area under rare spawn conditions of a 2% chance in specific weather conditions.

Deino's short tail appears to be bitten off, which may explain its Irate nature. This Pokémon is also blind and will snap and ram at anything that moves, leaving the little Pokémon constantly covered in bruises. Its second evolution, Zweilous, has two hostile heads that are always in competition with one another. The final evolution, the Brutal Pokémon Hydreigon, has three heads but, unlike Zweilous, its secondary heads lack brains and so cannot think or move of their own accord. Regardless, this Pokémon is said to be capable of destroying entire villages.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Tornadus

While only two of the Kami trio are available for capture in Pokémon Sword, Landorus, Tornadus, and Thundurus can be caught in Legends: Arceus, as well as the fourth, Enamorus. The Legendary Flying-type Pokémon, Tornadus, is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, only available through Dynamax Adventures within the Crown Tundra DLC; Landorus can be caught in both versions, while Thundurus is a Pokémon Shield exclusive. All of the Legendary genies have two forms, with their Incarnate Forme transitioning to Therian Forme after using a Reveal Glass.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Reshiram

The mascot of Pokémon Black, Reshiram is available for capture through Dynamax Adventures in Pokémon Sword. The Vast White Pokémon is a dual-type Dragon/Fire Legendary, with a jet engine-like tail and a propensity for the truth. Reshiram makes up the legendary Tao trio of the Unova region, alongside Kyurem and Zekrom, and can be fused with Kyurem using DNA Splicers to create White Kyurem.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Swirlix & Slurpuff

The Meringue Pokémon, Slurpuff, is exclusive to Pokémon Sword and can be caught in the Wild Area, Route 5, and Glimwood Tangle. Slurpuff is a Fairy-type Pokémon, a potentially overpowered type originally added to introduce balance to the game that may be far too strong. Slurpuff's pre-evolution, the Cotton Candy Pokémon Swirlix, can be evolved when traded while holding Whipped Cream, though Slurpuff is relatively easy to find in the wild.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Clauncher & Clawitzer

Clawitzer, the Howitzer Pokémon, and its pre-evolution Clauncher, the Water Gun Pokémon, can be caught in the various seas of the Isle of Armor DLC in Pokémon Sword. This Water-type Pokémon has one massively oversized claw that is capable of launching extremely powerful cannonballs in its second evolution. Its massive claw is packed with delicious meat, making it a popular delicacy in Galar.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Xerneas

The mascot of Pokémon X, Xerneas, can be caught in Pokémon Sword via the Crown Tundra DLC. Xerneas, the Life Pokémon, is part of the Aura trio, alongside Yveltal (Pokémon Shield exclusive) and Zygarde. Xerneas has two modes, Active and Neutral, and within the former, the Pokémon's horns shine in multiple colors. This Pokémon has the power to share eternal life and is the only Pokémon capable of learning the move Geomancy.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Passimian

The Teamwork Pokémon, Passimian, can be found in the Glimwood Tangle of Pokémon Sword base game, and the Forest of Focus within the DLC. This Fighting-type Pokémon does not evolve but is considered to be a counterpart to Oranguru, the Normal/Psychic Sage Pokémon exclusive to Pokémon Shield. Passimians will create troops with 20-30 others and refuse to obey Trainers that have poor form while throwing Poké Balls.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Turtonator

Turtonator presents a powerful Fire-type and Dragon-type Alolan Pokémon introduced in Gen 7. This Pokémon typically resides on volcanoes and its diet is rich in explosive materials (like sulfur), making its feces a powerful explosive. In Pokémon Sword, Turtonator is a rare spawn in the Lake of Outrage, only appearing in very sunny weather. This is the only known Pokémon able to learn the move Shell Trap.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Jangmo-o, Hakamo-o, & Kommo-o

This pseudo-legendary was first introduced in Generation 7 and is exclusive to Pokémon Sword. Kommo-o, the Scaly Pokémon, evolves from Hakamo-o at level 45 which evolves from Jangmo-o at level 35. This powerful dual-type Dragon/Fighting Pokémon, Kommo-o, can only be caught in Pokémon Sword in its first two evolutions either in Challenge Road or the Lake of Outrage.

This Pokémon's scales make a metallic sound when struck, which is used to express emotion, communicate with other Pokémon, and intimidate opponents. According to legend, Kommo-o's glittering scales are said to drive away "a great darkness"; therefore the Pokémon seeks strong opponents to battle and will strike its scales in order to scare off weak, cowardly opponents. Kommo-o is the only known Pokémon able to learn the moves Clanging Scales and Clangorous Soul, as well as the exclusive Z-Move Clangorous Soul in Pokémon Sun and Moon.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Solgaleo

The mascot of Pokémon Sun, Solgaleo, can be caught or evolved exclusively in Pokémon Sword. Solgaleo can be caught through Dynamax Adventures or evolved from Cosmog, which can be found in Crown Tundra during the story. This dual-type Psychic/Steel Legendary makes up the Light trio with Necrozma and Lunala, the latter is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. Solgaleo can be fused with Necrozma using an N-Solarizer to create Dusk Mane Necrozma.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Stonjourner

The Big Rock Pokémon was introduced with Generation 8 and can only be exclusively found in Pokémon Sword. Stonjourner is a Rock-type Pokémon, which can be found in snowy Route 10 or Lake of Outrage in the base game. Pokémon Sword & Shield's region, Galar, takes influence from the United Kingdom, and the design of Stonjourner is no exception. This Pokémon's design resembles the real-world historical monument of Stonehenge, located in southern England; one of the most notable pieces of UK history.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Indeedee

The male version of the Emotion Pokémon can be exclusively found in the Lake of Outrage and Glimwood Tangle within Pokémon Sword. Indeedee is a dual-type Psychic/Normal Pokémon and has two forms depending on its gender; male Indeedees have upturned horns and a more navy body, while female Indeedees have downturned horns and more white, rounded bodies. These Pokémon willingly serve people and other Pokémon, making good valets and babysitters.

Exclusive to Pokémon Sword: Zacian

Pokémon Sword's very own mascot is obviously exclusive to this version of the game. This Warrior Pokémon, Zacian, also available to catch in Pokémon GO, can only be caught after completing the story surrounding the amusingly designed Shielbert and Sordward. After defeating a series of rampaging Dynamax Pokémon in each stadium, Pokémon Sword players can catch Zacian in the Energy Plant - Tower Summit.

Zacian makes up the Legendary Hero duo with her brother, Zamazenta. Zacian is a Fairy-type and the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Behemoth Blade. Zacian's original form (Hero of Many Battles) can be changed by giving the Pokémon a Rusted Sword, after which it transforms into the Fairy/Steel-type Crowned Sword form.

As well as Pokémon species being exclusive to each version of Pokémon Sword and Shield, there are some Pokémon forms that can only be found in each version. For instance, the Hostile Pokémon Basculin's form changes between versions, having a red stripe in Pokémon Sword and a blue stripe in Pokémon Shield. The Hisuian regional form of Basculin, with a white stripe, is featured in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, alongside Basculegion, its newly introduced evolution.

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