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Dynamax Pokemon
Dynamax Band
One of the new mechanics revealed during today’s direct was Dynamax Pokemon. These Pokemon are significantly larger than their normal appearance and gain the ability to use much more powerful moves. It appears as if every Pokemon can be Dynamaxed, however a special item is required, the Dynamax Band.
While Dynamaxed, Pokemon’s moves become powerful Max Moves, and their stats are boosted. This ability must be used wisely as only one Pokemon can be Dynamaxed per battle, and the effects only last for three turns.
Max Raid Battles
These types of battles allow up to four trainers to work together to take down a powerful Dynamaxed Pokemon. Unlike a normal trainer, these Pokemon stay in their Dynamaxed form for the entire battle, making them very difficult to defeat. While exploring the Wild Areas (see below), a small structure may be found that will lead to these battles. If defeated, all the trainers will have the chance to try and catch the boss Pokemon, and some may even grant the trainer the ability to catch regular versions of them in the wild. Finally, only one trainer out of the potential four can Dynamax their Pokemon, making coordination key.
Gym Battles
Within each gym, the leader will have the ability to Dynamax one of their Pokemon. The first gym leader is Milo, and he specializes in grass-type Pokemon, and has a Dynamaxed Eldegoss (see below). During the trailer, it mentioned that when Pokemon are Dynamaxed, the crowd gets extremely hyped. It is not confirmed if this will play a role in the gym battle or not.
People in the Galar Region

Leon is the Champion of the Galar Region, and has never been defeated in an official Pokemon battle. He is extremely popular and somewhat of an icon throughout the Galar Region.

Hop is your rival through the game, and he is the younger brother to Leon.

The professor in this game is Professor Magnolia. She is mainly focused on researching the Dynamax phenomenon and helps you on your adventure.

Sonia is the professor’s assistant, and also her granddaughter. She is also Leon’s childhood friend, and will aid you on your adventure.
New Pokemon
Now we get to the exciting stuff. There were seven new Pokemon revealed during the direct, and many more are to come.
Wooloo
- Category – Sheep Pokemon
- Type – Normal
- Height – 2’0″
- Weight – 13.2 lbs.
- Ability – Fluffy/Run Away
The first new Pokemon we will look at is Wooloo. This Pokemon is a normal type and is based on a sheep.
Drednaw
- Category – Bite Pokemon
- Type – Water/Rock
- Height – 3’3″
- Weight – 254.6 lbs.
- Ability – Strong Jaw/Shell Armor
Even though Drednaw has heavy, bulky armor, it is surprisingly agile. It’s main form of attacking is it’s mouth.
Gossifleur
- Category – Flowering Pokemon
- Type – Grass
- Height – 1’4″
- Weight – 4.9 lbs.
- Ability – Cotton Down/Regenerator
Gossifleur is a very light and airy Pokemon that is often carried along by the wind. It posesses a new ability, Cotton Down, that will lower the speed stat of the attacking Pokemon when they land a physical attack.
Eldegoss
- Category – Cotton Bloom Pokemon
- Type – Grass
- Height – 1’8″
- Weight – 5.5 lbs.
- Ability – Cotton Down/Regenerator
Eldegoss is the evolved form of Gossifleur. It is unconfirmed at what level it evolves, but it is probably around 15 – 20.
Corviknight
- Category – Raven Pokemon
- Type – Flying/Steel
- Height – 7’3″
- Weight – 165.3 lbs.
- Ability – Pressure/Unnerve
Corviknight is clearly based on a raven and appears to be replacing the fly ability in the game. In each town that you have visited, a Corviknight will appear on a perch and allow you to travel to previous towns.
New Squirrel Pokemon
Unknown Pokemon
In the Direct, a scene was shown from inside the gym of the spectators. Within the crowd, a brand-new Pokemon can be spotted. It has a similar appearance to a squirrel or chipmunk. Give some of your thoughts in the comments below.
Legendary Pokemon
Zacian
This is the Legendary Pokemon featured on the Pokemon Sword box art. Not much is known about this Pokemon, but it is to be assumed that it has a high attack stat.
Zamazenta
Like Zacian, Zamazenta is the box art legendary for Pokemon Shield. It also more than likely possesses a high defense stat.
Exploring the Region
In Pokemon Sword/Shield, the world is laid out slightly different from past games, going for a slightly more open-world approach.
Wild Areas
These areas are very open and are located between towns. When exploring these regions, free camera control is obtained and Pokemon can spawn in the overworld, much like in Pokemon Let’s GO Pikachu/Eevee. Weather is also a contributing factor to this area and it can determine the type of Pokemon that spawns.
Multiplayer
It is unconfirmed exactly how much of this experience will be able to be played together, but local and online multiplayer are possible within this area. Max battles are able to be done by up to four players at a time, and they collaborate before the battle begins.
Transportation
In the trailer and on the website, two main forms of transportation are show. Bike and Water Bike, allowing the player to traverse the water without the need for a Pokemon.
Misc. Features
Trees that grow berries are able to be shook for a chance to have some berries drop. Fishing is making a return.
Videos
Thanks to the Official Pokemon website and Youtube channel for information, images, and video.
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