Pokémon Sword & Shield: Your Ultimate Cheat Sheet
Hey there, Pokémon Trainers! Ready to become the very best, like no one ever was? Pokémon Sword and Shield are amazing games, but sometimes you need a little extra help to catch 'em all, beat the toughest trainers, and explore every nook and cranny of the Galar region. So, let's dive into the ultimate cheat sheet for Pokémon Sword and Shield, packed with tips, tricks, and secrets to elevate your gameplay.
1. Mastering Gameplay Mechanics
Understanding the core mechanics of Pokémon Sword and Shield is essential before you start thinking about cheats. First off, let’s talk about catching Pokémon. Wild Pokémon appear in the overworld, making encounters easier to initiate. You can weaken them with strategic moves to increase your chances of a successful catch. Keep a variety of Poké Balls handy, such as Great Balls, Ultra Balls, and Timer Balls, for different situations. Type matchups are also crucial; knowing which types are effective against others can turn the tide of battle. For example, Fire-type moves are super effective against Grass-type Pokémon, while Water-type moves douse Fire-types effectively. Weather conditions play a significant role in battles. Rain boosts Water-type moves and weakens Fire-type moves, while harsh sunlight strengthens Fire-type moves and weakens Water-type moves. Sandstorms damage all Pokémon except Ground, Rock, and Steel types, while hail damages all Pokémon except Ice types. Consider these factors when building your team and choosing your moves.
Effective team building involves selecting Pokémon with diverse type coverage to handle various threats. A balanced team should include Pokémon that can deal with common types like Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, and Ground. Pay attention to your Pokémon's abilities, as they can provide additional advantages in battle. For instance, an ability like Intimidate can lower the Attack stat of opposing Pokémon, while abilities like Levitate can make a Pokémon immune to Ground-type moves. Don't forget about held items! Items like Leftovers can gradually restore HP, while items like Choice Scarf can boost Speed. Experiment with different item combinations to optimize your team's performance. To become a true Pokémon master, you need to grasp these mechanics and apply them strategically.
2. Cloning Pokémon and Items
Alright, let's get into some cool tricks. While there aren't traditional cheat codes in the style of classic games, there are some methods that players sometimes refer to as cheats due to the advantages they provide. One popular technique involves cloning Pokémon and items. Keep in mind that this method relies on exploiting certain game mechanics and may be patched in future updates. To perform the cloning trick, you'll need access to the Battle Box in the Pokémon PC and a friend to trade with. First, place the Pokémon you want to clone into your Battle Box. Then, initiate a trade with your friend and select the Pokémon you wish to trade. As the trade is processing, if you interrupt the game at a precise moment (usually by disconnecting your internet connection), the game can sometimes glitch, resulting in both you and your friend receiving a copy of the Pokémon.
The same method can be used for cloning items. Equip the item you want to duplicate to the Pokémon you're trading. If the glitch is successful, you'll retain the original item while your friend receives a copy. Be aware that performing this glitch can potentially corrupt your save data, so it's essential to back up your game before attempting it. Additionally, Nintendo may release updates to address this exploit, so it might not work indefinitely. Many players consider this an ethical gray area, as it circumvents the intended gameplay mechanics. However, if you're looking to quickly build a competitive team or obtain rare items, it can be a tempting option. Just proceed with caution and understand the risks involved.
3. Easy Watts Farming
Watts are a valuable currency in Pokémon Sword and Shield, used to purchase items from Wild Area vendors, upgrade your Rotom Bike, and activate Wishing Pieces for Max Raid Battles. If you need a quick way to accumulate Watts, there are several easy farming methods you can use. One of the most efficient techniques involves participating in Max Raid Battles. Each time you defeat a Dynamax Pokémon in a Max Raid Battle, you'll receive a substantial amount of Watts as a reward. The higher the star rating of the raid, the more Watts you'll earn. To maximize your Watts gains, focus on completing as many Max Raid Battles as possible.
Another easy method is to interact with Pokémon Dens in the Wild Area. Even if a Den is inactive (not currently hosting a Max Raid Battle), you can still interact with it to receive a small amount of Watts. Simply approach the Den and press the A button to collect your Watts. While the amount you receive from each Den is relatively small, the cumulative effect of checking multiple Dens can add up quickly. Consider flying around the Wild Area on your Rotom Bike and systematically checking each Den for Watts. Additionally, keep an eye out for glowing Pokémon Dens, as these Dens offer larger Watts payouts. By combining Max Raid Battles with regular Den checks, you can amass a considerable amount of Watts in a short period, allowing you to purchase valuable items and enhance your gameplay experience. Remember to upgrade your Rotom Bike to travel faster and more efficiently through the Wild Area.
4. Infinite Money Exploit
Need money? Who doesn't? In Pokémon Sword and Shield, having a lot of cash can make your life a whole lot easier, allowing you to buy essential items, TMs, and fashionable clothing. While there isn't a traditional infinite money cheat, there are several exploits that can help you amass a fortune quickly. One popular method involves repeatedly battling the Champion Cup. The Champion Cup is a post-game tournament that you can participate in multiple times. Each time you complete the tournament, you'll receive a significant amount of prize money. To maximize your earnings, focus on building a strong team that can quickly defeat the trainers in the Champion Cup.
Another lucrative method involves selling valuable items to vendors. Items like Nuggets, Big Nuggets, and Star Pieces can be sold for a high price. You can obtain these items by participating in Max Raid Battles, finding them in the overworld, or receiving them as rewards for completing certain tasks. Keep an eye out for sparkling spots on the ground, as these often contain valuable items. Additionally, consider using the Pickup ability. Some Pokémon, like Meowth and Zigzagoon, have the Pickup ability, which allows them to randomly find items after battles. By including a Pokémon with Pickup in your team, you can passively accumulate valuable items as you play through the game. Combine these strategies to rapidly increase your wealth and become a Pokémon millionaire!
5. Finding Rare Pokémon and Items
Looking for those elusive Pokémon or rare items? Pokémon Sword and Shield hide many secrets, but with the right strategies, you can increase your chances of finding what you're looking for. One effective method is to take advantage of the game's weather system. Certain Pokémon are more likely to appear in specific weather conditions. For example, Electric-type Pokémon are more common during thunderstorms, while Ice-type Pokémon are more prevalent in snowy weather. Check the weather forecast in the Wild Area to plan your hunts accordingly.
Another valuable technique is to use fishing. Fishing spots can be found throughout the Galar region, and each spot has a different pool of Pokémon and items that can be caught. Experiment with different fishing locations and techniques to discover rare Pokémon and valuable items. Keep an eye out for ripples in the water, as these indicate a higher chance of encountering a rare Pokémon. Additionally, consider using different types of fishing rods to increase your chances of catching specific Pokémon. The better the rod, the more likely you are to encounter rare and powerful Pokémon. By combining weather manipulation with strategic fishing, you can significantly improve your odds of finding those hard-to-get Pokémon and items.
6. Using Mystery Gifts
Mystery Gifts are special promotional items and Pokémon distributed by The Pokémon Company. These gifts can include rare Pokémon, valuable items, and exclusive clothing. To redeem Mystery Gifts, you'll need an internet connection and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Keep an eye on official Pokémon websites and social media channels for announcements about new Mystery Gift codes. When you receive a code, simply enter it in the Mystery Gift menu to claim your reward. Mystery Gifts are a great way to obtain powerful Pokémon and valuable items that can give you a significant advantage in the game.
Mystery Gifts are often distributed to celebrate special events, such as the release of a new Pokémon game or the anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. Be sure to redeem these gifts as soon as possible, as they often have expiration dates. Additionally, some Mystery Gifts may only be available for a limited time, so it's essential to stay informed about the latest promotions. By regularly checking for new Mystery Gifts and redeeming them promptly, you can acquire a wealth of valuable resources that will enhance your Pokémon Sword and Shield experience. Don't miss out on these freebies!
7. Exploiting Max Raid Battles
Max Raid Battles are a core feature of Pokémon Sword and Shield, offering the chance to battle and catch powerful Dynamax Pokémon. However, they can also be exploited for various benefits. One popular strategy is to use the Wishing Piece trick to manipulate the Pokémon that appear in Max Raid Battles. By inserting a Wishing Piece into a Pokémon Den, you can trigger a Max Raid Battle. The Pokémon that appears in the raid is determined by a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG). However, by manipulating the date and time on your Nintendo Switch, you can influence the PRNG and control the Pokémon that appears.
To perform this trick, insert a Wishing Piece into a Den and initiate the Max Raid Battle. If the Pokémon that appears isn't what you're looking for, exit the game and adjust the date and time on your Nintendo Switch. Then, re-enter the game and check the Den again. The Pokémon that appears should be different. Repeat this process until you find the Pokémon you want to battle. This method can be used to farm specific Pokémon, such as Gigantamax Pokémon or Pokémon with Hidden Abilities. Additionally, Max Raid Battles offer a great opportunity to obtain valuable items, such as TRs, Bottle Caps, and Ability Capsules. By exploiting Max Raid Battles, you can quickly build a powerful team and acquire rare items that will give you a competitive edge.
So there you have it – your ultimate cheat sheet for Pokémon Sword and Shield! Remember, have fun exploring, battling, and catching 'em all. Good luck, trainers!