Pokémon Sword and Shield–New Pokémon revealed, Surprise Trades detailed and a Curry Dex added to the Galar adventure

With a mere two months until it officially launches, Nintendo has been surprisingly mum on what exactly it is that Pokémon Sword and Shield will have to offer. Unlike the Sun and Moon games which revealed new Pokémon every single week, the reveal of very new and very British critters has been kept to a tepid drip so far, and that’s just the way I like it.

During last night’s Nintendo Direct, two more of the Galar region’s Pokémon were revealed. I never thought I’d say this before, but never in my life have I ever wanted to drink a Pokémon so bad:

Polteageist

• Category: Black Tea Pokémon
• Type: Ghost
• Height: 8”
• Weight: .9 lbs.
• Ability: Weak Armor

Polteageist’s body is made from black tea, and it’s said to have a very distinct aroma and flavour. It will only allow a Trainer it trusts to sample its tea, although drinking too much can lead to indigestion. Many Polteageist make their homes inside hotels and restaurants where they disguise themselves and hide among the tableware. Because they can pour their power into leftover tea and create even more of their kind, they’re often treated as pests.

Cramorant

• Category: Gulp Pokémon
• Type: Flying/Water
• Height: 2’7”
• Weight: 39.7 lbs.
• Ability: Gulp Missile

When it comes to food, Cramorant will try to swallow anything it can fit in its mouth. Sometimes it will swallow things that aren’t its intended prey, spitting them out once it realizes its mistake. A Cramorant can be forgetful, but it will never forget a Trainer it grows to trust. However, even Trainers will face fierce attacks from their Cramorant if they try to steal its food. Cramorant’s Ability, Gulp Missile, is a new Ability that can be triggered during battles.

After Cramorant uses Surf or Dive, it will return with a catch in its mouth. If it takes damage while in this state, Cramorant will retaliate by spitting out its catch at that opponent.

In addition to that, Nintendo also detailed how Pokémon Camp will allow trainers to get to know their pocket monsters better. Here’s the pitch from the press release:

Trainers can enjoy a moment of relaxation and fun with the Pokémon in their party through Pokémon Camp. When Trainers watch their Pokémon as they have fun camping and playing together, they might discover a new side to them that they don’t normally get to see. Trainers can get to know their Pokémon better by playing with them using a Poké Toy or a variety of bouncing balls.

What makes this different to other features such as Sun and Moon’s Festival Plaza? One word pal: Curry. “In Pokémon Camp, Trainers will be able to cook curry, a popular dish in the Galar region,” Nintendo explained.

Trainers can create a variety of curries, depending on what Berries and other ingredients they choose to use. Players will need to fan the flames until they’re strong enough to cook the curry and then stir the pot just right to make the best batch.  Once the curry is done cooking, both Trainer and Pokémon can enjoy it together. There are many types of curries, so Trainers can try to cook them all and complete their Curry Dex.

The big takeaway here is that players will be able to meet up in the Galar region wild areas, pitch a tent and join someone from who knows where to make some curry and marvel at collected Pokémon. It’s a cute feature, designed to encourage social interaction and a first for Pokémon on the Switch. Beyond that, Nintendo also detailed how players can customise their trainer as they travel, create their own League Card and prepare for some massive disappointment.

An evolution of the Wonder Trade feature that dates back to Pokémon X and Y, Surprise Trades will allow you to send any Pokémon you have over to another trainer, who’ll send you a pocket monster in return. Neither of you know what you’ll be receiving, although chances are relatively high that you’ll probably get some scrub cannon fodder Pokémon sent to you. At this point, anyone who played the X and Y games is already getting the shivers after remembering how many Rattatas, Bidoofs and f***ing Zigzagoons they got.

Last Updated: September 5, 2019