Pokemon Sword & Shield: The Ultimate Cheats And Secrets

Hey guys! Ready to become the ultimate Pokemon trainer in Pokemon Sword & Shield? Of course, you are! Everyone wants that edge, that secret sauce, that unfair advantage (well, maybe not unfair, but definitely advantageous!). This guide is packed with tips, tricks, exploits, and let's just say clever strategies to help you dominate the Galar region. Whether you're looking to max out your Pokemon stats, find rare items, or simply breeze through the game, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into the world of Pokemon Sword & Shield and unlock its hidden potential!

Mastering the Max Raid Battles

Max Raid Battles are a cornerstone of Pokemon Sword & Shield, offering the chance to catch powerful Pokemon, including Gigantamax forms, and earn valuable rewards. But let's be real, sometimes those battles can be tough. Here's how to tip the odds in your favor:

First off, team composition is key. Don't just jump in with any old Pokemon. Think about type matchups. Ground moves against Electric types, Water against Fire, you know the drill. Bringing Pokemon with super-effective moves will significantly increase your chances of success. Communication is also crucial if you're playing with friends. Coordinate your attacks and support each other. If you're going solo, choose your support Pokemon wisely. Pokemon like Grimmsnarl, with access to moves like Reflect and Light Screen, can provide valuable defensive support.

Next up is exploiting the game's clock. Okay, this might be considered a cheat by some, but hey, we're all about maximizing our potential here, right? If you're not happy with the Pokemon appearing in a Max Raid Den, you can manipulate the game's clock to refresh the spawns. Simply close the game, go to your Nintendo Switch's system settings, and change the date. Then, reopen the game, and the Raid Den Pokemon will have changed. This is super useful for finding specific Gigantamax Pokemon or rare spawns. Remember, changing the date can also affect other time-based events in the game, so use this trick responsibly!

Another sneaky tactic is using Wishing Pieces wisely. Wishing Pieces are used to activate Max Raid Dens. But did you know that certain dens are more likely to spawn rare Pokemon? Research which dens have the highest chance of spawning the Pokemon you're looking for before using your Wishing Pieces. This will save you time and Watts in the long run. And speaking of Watts, make sure you're collecting them regularly. Watts are essential for buying Wishing Pieces and other useful items from the Wild Area.

Finally, don't forget about Dynamaxing your own Pokemon. Dynamaxing boosts your Pokemon's stats and allows them to use powerful Max Moves. Time your Dynamax wisely. Usually, it's best to save it for when you're facing a tough opponent or when you need to unleash a devastating attack. Remember that Max Moves can also have secondary effects, such as setting up weather conditions or terrain, which can further benefit your team.

Cloning Items: The Duplication Glitch

Alright, this one is a bit controversial, but if you're looking to amass a fortune or duplicate rare items, the cloning glitch is your best friend. Fair warning: performing glitches can sometimes have unintended consequences, so save your game before attempting this. With that said, here's the lowdown:

The most common method involves trading Pokemon online. The steps are a bit intricate, so pay close attention. First, you'll need two Nintendo Switch consoles and two copies of Pokemon Sword & Shield. Alternatively, you can coordinate with a friend who is willing to help. The basic idea is to initiate a trade, and then, at a specific point during the trade sequence, disconnect one of the consoles. This causes a duplication glitch, resulting in one console having the original item and the other console having a clone.

Specifically, here’s how you do it. First, give the Pokemon you are going to trade the item you want to clone. Initiate a trade with the other player. As the trade animation is playing (the bit where the Poke Balls are flying between the consoles), one of the players needs to disconnect their internet connection. The timing is crucial. Disconnecting too early or too late will result in the trade failing and no items being cloned. Experiment to find the sweet spot, disconnect around 2-3 seconds after the animation starts.

When done correctly, one of the consoles will have the original Pokemon and item, while the other console will have a copy of the Pokemon and item. Boom! You've successfully cloned an item. This is incredibly useful for duplicating rare items like Master Balls, Ability Capsules, or valuable items that can be sold for a high price. Keep in mind that this glitch may be patched in future updates, so take advantage of it while you can. Remember to use this glitch responsibly and avoid exploiting it to the point where it ruins your enjoyment of the game.

Easy Money Making Methods

Let's face it, money makes the world go round, even in the Pokemon world. Having a healthy supply of Poke Dollars allows you to buy essential items like Poke Balls, Potions, and TMs. Here are a few easy money-making methods in Pokemon Sword & Shield:

Max Raid Battles are not just great for catching Pokemon; they're also a fantastic source of valuable items that can be sold for a high price. Participating in Max Raid Battles regularly will net you a steady stream of Nuggets, Big Nuggets, and other valuable treasures. Sell these items at any Poke Mart to quickly boost your Poke Dollar balance. The higher the star rating of the Max Raid Battle, the better the rewards will be.

Another reliable method is re-battling the Champion Cup. After you've become the Champion, you can re-challenge the Champion Cup as many times as you like. Each time you complete the Champion Cup, you'll earn a significant amount of prize money. This is a great way to grind for cash while also testing your skills against tough opponents. Make sure to bring a well-rounded team to ensure victory.

Selling ingredients is another sneaky way to make money. Throughout the Galar region, you'll find various ingredients that are used for cooking curry. While curry is essential for restoring your Pokemon's HP and friendship, you can also sell any excess ingredients for a decent profit. Ingredients like Berries, Sausages, and Beans can be sold at Poke Marts for a quick cash boost.

Don't forget about the Amulet Coin. Equipping a Pokemon with the Amulet Coin doubles the amount of prize money you receive from trainer battles. This is especially useful when re-battling trainers or participating in tournaments. The Amulet Coin can be found in the Motostoke Stadium. Make sure to grab it early in the game to maximize your earnings.

Leveling Up Fast: XP Candy and Raids

Gotta catch 'em all, and gotta level them up fast! Leveling up your Pokemon is essential for tackling tough challenges and dominating battles. Here's how to maximize your leveling speed in Pokemon Sword & Shield:

XP Candy is your best friend when it comes to leveling up quickly. XP Candy comes in various sizes, each providing a different amount of experience points. You can obtain XP Candy by participating in Max Raid Battles, completing Poke Jobs, and finding them scattered throughout the Galar region. Stock up on XP Candy and use them to quickly level up your favorite Pokemon.

Poke Jobs are another excellent way to gain experience points passively. Poke Jobs are tasks that you can assign your Pokemon to complete. These tasks range from helping out at construction sites to assisting with research projects. Completing Poke Jobs rewards your Pokemon with experience points and other valuable items. Check the Rotomi in any Pokemon Center to access Poke Jobs.

Raiding is the fastest way to level up. Look out for events that boost the rewards from Max Raid Battles, such as increased XP Candy drops. These events can significantly accelerate your leveling speed. Remember to use Pokemon with super-effective moves to defeat the raid bosses quickly and efficiently. Additionally, consider using Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokemon to deal massive damage and secure victory.

Lucky Eggs are invaluable for speeding up the leveling process. A Lucky Egg increases the amount of experience points your Pokemon earn in battle. You can obtain a Lucky Egg by completing certain tasks in the game or by trading with other players. Equip a Pokemon with a Lucky Egg before participating in battles or completing Poke Jobs to maximize their experience gain.

Finding Rare Pokemon and Items

Alright, trainers, let's talk about finding those super rare Pokemon and items that everyone craves. Pokemon Sword & Shield are packed with secrets, and discovering these hidden treasures is part of the fun. Here's how to increase your chances of finding rare Pokemon and items:

Check every nook and cranny. The Galar region is full of hidden areas and secret spots. Take the time to explore every corner of the map, including the Wild Area and the various towns and cities. You never know what you might find hidden away in a secluded spot. Keep an eye out for sparkling spots on the ground, as these often indicate hidden items.

Shiny Pokemon are some of the most sought-after creatures in the game, because who doesn't want a rare shiny? To increase your chances of finding a Shiny Pokemon, consider using the Masuda method. This involves breeding two Pokemon from different language regions. The Masuda method significantly increases the odds of hatching a Shiny Pokemon. Additionally, you can obtain a Shiny Charm by completing the Pokedex. The Shiny Charm further boosts your chances of encountering Shiny Pokemon in the wild.

The Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra DLCs are goldmines for rare Pokemon and items. These expansions add new areas to explore, new Pokemon to catch, and new items to discover. The Isle of Armor features a vast dojo where you can train your Pokemon and obtain powerful new moves. The Crown Tundra offers challenging Dynamax Adventure raids where you can catch Legendary Pokemon from previous generations.

Keep an eye on Mystery Gifts and events. The Pokemon Company regularly distributes free items and Pokemon through Mystery Gifts and in-game events. These gifts often include rare items like Master Balls, rare candies, and even special Pokemon. Make sure to check the Mystery Gift menu regularly to claim your freebies.

With these strategies and secrets, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Pokemon master in Pokemon Sword & Shield! Happy gaming, trainers! Remember to save often and have fun exploring the wonderful world of Galar! Go get 'em!