Pokémon Sword and Shield: Galarian Pokémon and New Threats

By: Noah Friscopp

Nintendo and Game Freak have revealed more details about the upcoming Pokémon adventure have been revealed in a new trailer showcasing some new Pokémon and rival trainers.

A New Team and New Rivals in Pokémon Sword & Shield!

Galarian Weezing

In Sword and Shield, some existing Pokémon will get new forms that give them both a new look and new abilities. First up is Galarian Weezing, a rather dapper version of the Generation I Poison Pokémon. This version appears to be wearing a gas-spewing top hat, and his trademark poison gas forms bushy eyebrows and moustache. Along with Weezing’s usual Levitate ability, there is another that is hidden. It is unclear whether or not Weezing’s first form Koffing will also get a Galarian Form complete with hat and moustache. According to the official Pokémon website:

“Galarian Weezing consumes polluted air and poisonous gases for sustenance. The air and gases absorbed will have toxins removed before being spewed out again from the tops of Weezing’s heads. Apparently the air produced through this purification process is very clean!”

Galarian Weezing’s most standout ability is based around the “mustache gas” that when smelled, can stun other Pokémon in battle. Weezing’s gas abilities are usually dangerous for trainers looking to catch it, but the Galar Region’s native Weezings look to be even tougher to catch and more ferocious to train.

Galarian Zigzagoon, Linoone, and Obstagoon

This version of the Generation III Pokémon is said to be the original species of Zigzagoon, and that it originally came from the Galar Region. Like many Pokémon trainers see early on in their journey, Zigzagoon can be found in nearly every part of the Galar Region. With this game carrying on the feature of Pokémon being seen in the environment, they are even seen in some towns roaming about. This breed is unusually hostile for a normal type, and often tries to pick fights with other Pokémon and Trainers. Galarian Zigzagoon is a Dark/Normal type mix, and has a unique evolution that it’s Gen III counterpart does not. The first evolution, Galarian Linoone is extremely fast, and can reach speeds of over 60 miles per hour to pack a huge punch that can even send a car flying. The disadvantage is however, if the Linoone misses, they can easily thrown off balance because of how fast they are going. Like Zigzagoon, Linoone is fast to enter battles even if they are outmatched. Obstagoon, the final evolution isn’t seen in any region except for Galar, and as such is strengthened by the difficult conditions of living there. Obstagoon is a Blocking Pokémon, and doesn’t like to be the first one usually to attack. Instead, it taunts it’s opponent into attacking, and then follows up with it’s devastating “Obstruct” attack that uses it’s powerful sharp claws.

Morpeko

This Pikachu-like Monster uses it’s unending hunger as a source of it’s power. This one is labeled as a “Two-Sided Pokémon” and when it gets too hungry, transforms from an Electric type to a unhinged Dark type with the help of the Hunger Switch ability. His two modes are called “Full Belly Mode” and “Hangry Mode” which I feel we all can relate to sometimes. This is one of the only Pokémon who doesn’t just change forms during evolution, but even during the length of battle. Morpeko’s signature move is called Aura Wheel, and the properties of that move depend on which form, Dark or Electric, that Morpeko’s hunger induced rage puts him in.

New Rivals in Galar

We have seen your main rival and friend, Hop already but the Galar Region is full of other trainers looking to prove their mastery. One of them is Bede, a mischievous trainer also looking to take the title of Champion of the region.

Marnie and Team Yell

Marnie is another rival looking to nab the title of Champion, and also has her own goals in mind. Her favored Pokémon is Morpeko. She is more calm and calculated than Bede and has her own rabid fans that have taken to calling themselves Team Yell. Team Yell’s whole purpose is to stop you, and anyone that isn’t Marnie from becoming Champion.

“They will take over hotel lobbies, prevent other challengers from accessing transportation, and even shout and distract opponents during battle. Whenever Marnie battles, it seems these Team Yell Grunts are quick to appear, showing their support with Marnie-print towels and also horns.”

It doesn’t look like Marnie supports them though, and often has to tell them to stop their cheering and other manners of trouble-making. Either way, expect to contend with these super fans many times throughout Sword and Shield. Pokémon Sword and Shield are releasing November 15^th, 2019 on Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite.

Share Your Thoughts

What do you think of the new Pokémon? Do you have what it takes to become Champion? Let us know below!