Pokémon Sword and Shield might have just released, but players can already sign up for the game’s first online competition, Galar Beginnings. To highlight the new region, only Pokémon from the Galar Pokédex will be allowed compete.
In Galar Beginnings players will participate in single battles with a team of at least three Pokémon. All Pokémon in the tournament will have their levels capped at 50 during the match. According to The Pokémon Company, “certain special Pokémon will not be allowed,” which likely means that the two new legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta will not be usable.
The tournament will also allow players to use the powerful new Dynamax abilities introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield in battle. Dynamaxing a Pokémon increases their size and power, while also giving them new attacks. From The Pokémon Company, “In the Galar Beginnings competition, you’ll be able to make your Pokémon huge by Dynamaxing them—or even have their form change by Gigantamaxing them! These effects will last for only three turns per battle, so be sure to use them wisely!”
The Galar Beginnings tournament has other special rules players will want to be aware of. Players can only participate in 15 battles a day, meaning they only have a total of 45 battles to reach the top. Along with not including the two legendary Pokémon, players can not use multiples of the same Pokémon. Players also will not be able to use the same item more than once. So you won’t be able to stack a team of three Snorlax all holding Leftovers.
I want to be the very best in Pokémon Sword and Shield
Players will have until Dec. 5 to register for the competition. The tournament begins on Dec. 6 00:00 UTC and will last until Dec. 8 23:59 UTC. Those looking to participate will need Nintendo Switch Online, Nintendo Switch’s paid service.
Pokémon Sword and Shield also have online ranked battles that players can participate in. In ranked battles, players earn points through battles, climbing in tiers until they reach the top. Once in the top tier, players can battle with one another to rank higher in that tier. Once a season ends, players will be dropped down a tier and must work their way back to the top. Players can choose to participate in either single or double battles for ranked matches.
With almost three weeks to build your perfect team, make sure to follow Daily Esports for all the new Pokémon Sword and Shield.
