Pokemon Sword & Shield marked a monumental moment for Game Freak's series. With this release, a mainline entry arrived on a home console for the first time. As with any new entry in the Pokemon franchise, Sword & Shield contain a wide array of interesting creatures who deserve a spot on a team on the road to becoming the very best.
While every Pokemon is someone's favorite, some are more popular than others. Whether they live in the Slumbering Weald, Circhester, or even the Wild Area, a handful of these fresh faces stand above the rest. Be it because of their looks, abilities, or all-around originality, these are the best new Pokemon introduced in Generation VIII. Galarian variants of pre-existing Pokemon will also be considered.
10 Duraludon
Here’s a Pokemon with looks that can be deceiving. This Steel/Dragon-type is almost six feet tall but only weighs 90 pounds. Despite his lightweight metal frame, Duraludon is an absolute tank that emphasizes special attacks.
Duraludon is also capable of Gigantamaxing! When Gigantamaxed, the Pokemon is able to use its own unique G-Max move, G-Max Depletion, that lowers the PP by two of the last move used by the opponent. In battles of attrition, Duraludon is an asset.
9 Galarian Ponyta
The Unique Horn Pokemon, Galarian Ponyta, won over the hearts of Pokemon fans when it was originally revealed in a live-stream last year. The Galar regional variant of Ponyta also switches its typing from Fire to Psychic. It even has a mane that glows when it cries or attacks.
While this Pokemon has only one typing, it evolves into Galarian Rapidash. This Rapidash sports the double typing of Psychic/Fairy with an emphasis on physical attacks, like Psycho Cut, that pack quite a punch.
8 Centiskorch
One of the rarest type combinations in Pokemon, Bug/Fire, saw a new addition this generation in Centiskorch. This centipede is a physical attacker with the capacity to learn fire, dark, bug, and even poison moves. Capable of having the ability Flash Fire, Centiskorch negates all fire damage, and in doing so boosts the power of its fire moves.
With the ability to Gigantamax, Centiskorch also has access to its own unique G-Max move, G-Max Centiferno, that binds and burns targets for 4-5 turns after the initial damage phase.
7 Sirfetch’d
Pokemon Sword & Shield introduced an all-new evolution for Generation I's Farfetch'd. The Wild Duck Pokemon, Sirfetch'd, evolves from a Galarian Farfetch’d after landing three critical hits in a single battle. While the prerequisites for its evolution may be steep, the reward is worth it.
This sturdy physical attacker specializes in critical hits and has a killer design to boot. Once at level 70, Sirfetch'd gains access to a signature move called Meteor Assault that is devastating. Boasting 150 power and 100% accuracy, this faux-knight will devastate the health of any opponent, at the cost of a move during the next turn.
6 Morpeko
Morpeko takes heavy inspiration from Pikachu's adorable design, adding a few tweaks that make it unique. Two of these interesting twists are an Electric/Dark dual-typing and a unique ability, Hunger Switch. This move allows Morpeko to rotate between Full Belly Mode, an Electric-oriented form, and Hangry Mode, a Dark-oriented one.
Morpeko even has a signature move, Aura Wheel, which changes depending on the Hunger Switch rotation. This is a move that raises a Pokemon's speed stats. Morpeko is great for getting the first hit in a fight.
5 Dreadnaw
This is an early game Pokemon worth investing in. The Bite Pokemon, Dreadnaw is known for its strong and prominent jaws. Players will depend on Dreadnaw for survivability and powerful bite-centric moves for the duration of their playthrough. Often equipped with Strong Jaw ability, its biting moves are 50% more powerful than usual.
Dreadnaw also has one of the best Gigantamax forms in Sword & Shield. With the capability to Gigantamax, it’ll gain access to an all-new form and yet another move, G-Max Stonesurge. This move damages opposing Pokemon while placing Stealth Rocks on the competition’s side of the field.
4 Corviknight
One of many intimidating Wild Area Pokemon, Corviknight is known as the Raven Pokemon. Drawing its roots from the bird of the same name as its epithet, this massive bird measures in at over 7 feet tall. A Flying/Steel dual-type, Corviknight is listed as the strongest bird-type in the Galar region, even capable of using a Gigantamax form.
With its signature move, G-Max Wind Rage, Corviknight can remove screen-creating moves and hazards on the field while landing significant damage. This tank is one that focuses on protecting the other members of the trainer team.
3 Cinderace
The star starter this generation, Cinderace is a Fire-type heavily geared towards a speedy playstyle. The final form of Scorbunny displays a fierce design to complement its aggressive playstyle. Capable of learning the signature move Pyro Ball, Cinderace transforms a pebble into a burning soccer ball that is spiked at opponents.
Picking the best starter moveset is key with this Pokemon. For players who are interested in a Pokemon who can tackle the competition head-on, there is no better way to start this generation off than with Cinderace.
2 Urshifu
One of the few new Pokemon added mid-generation, Urshifu is a Fighting-type Legendary Pokemon. Several new Pokemon were introduced in Sword & Shield's Isle of Armor DLC, including Urshifu. Known as the Wushu Pokemon, Urshifu has the ability to take on two separate forms with contrasting typings.
Single-Strike Style makes Urshifu a Fighting/Dark-type that focuses on strong and solitary attacks. Rapid-Strike Style is a Fighting/Water evolution, designed to deal out quick successive blows. Each comes with their own signature move and G-Max form to complement their individual typings. This leaves room for players to choose which incredible evolution suits them best.
1 Dragapult
The most viable Pokemon in Pokemon Sword & Shield is the pseudo-legendary, Dragapult. Known as the Stealth Pokemon, Dragapult boasts the highest base speed stat in the game. This is paired with devastating attack values as well. It hits hard and hits first, often leading to a one-hit KO in battle. Leveling progress is slow, so players will need to be patient.
Eventually, players are rewarded with a Pokemon that has two of the best abilities in the game. The first ability, Clear Body, prevents other Pokemon from lowering any of Dragapult's stats. Its second ability, Infiltrator, allows it to ignore Reflect, Light Screen, and Safeguard to directly attack opposing Pokemon through defenses. Dragapult is a must-have on any great Pokemon team.