The item EXP. Share, which levels up Pokémon equally, has always been a nice option for players in the Pokémon series, but Sword & Shield have opted to remove player choice by keeping it on, reasoning that "players have always" used it.
For anyone who really wants to level up only one Pokémon, there is one option. This includes chucking the rest of your Pokémon in a PC and keeping only one Pokémon in your team party.
This may come as a bit of a surprise for long-time fans who have loved obtaining the EXP. Share item through the storyline and enjoy using it as needed. After all, those who want a challenge can decide not to use it until the end game, where competitive play comes into practice.
After all, Pokémon is a very easy series. It's always been possible to beat the entire game with just one Pokémon, and allowing your team of six to gain experience as you train one removes many challenges.
Lead director of Pokémon Sword & Shield Junichi Masuda revealed these details in a interview with Inside Gamer, which was translated by Spiel Times. Masuda argued that almost nothing will change since most players opt to use the EXP. Share. However, fans who want a challenge may find themselves frustrated when their recently caught Pokémon level up quickly and there's nothing they can do to stop it.
Though the base Pokémon games aren't known for their difficulty, competitive play against other players can become extremely challenging. Everything from nature to individual values to skills to level plays a role and even a powerful Pokémon could fall in one hit as soon as they come up against a perfect IV, perfect EV, or perfect nature human-controlled opponent.
While keeping EXP. Share on in Pokémon Sword & Shield might not both most players, it's clear that older fans who are seeking a challenge won't be satisfied. Only time will tell if this trend will continue in future Pokémon games and what players will think of the decision.
Source: Inside Gamer, Spiel Times