This morning we got a look at Pokémon Sword & Shield’s first Galarian form Pokémon, form-changing Pokémon Morpeko, new rivals, Team Yell, and Poké Jobs. Here’s a big recap with everything from The Pokémon Company.
New Galarian Form Pokémon
Galarian Weezing
- CATEGORY: Poison Gas Pokémon
- TYPE: Poison/Fairy
- HEIGHT: 9’10”
- WEIGHT: 35.3 lbs.
- ABILITY: Levitate/???
It emits purified air from the tops of its heads
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!
Poison gas gathers around its mouths
The toxins accumulated within Weezing’s body form into concentrated poison gas clouds that leak out and drift around it. This gas is so potent that even a whiff is enough to stun and immobilize an opponent. It is Weezing’s best weapon during battles.
Galarian Zigzagoon
- CATEGORY: Tiny Raccoon Pokémon
- TYPE: Dark/Normal
- HEIGHT: 1’4″
- WEIGHT: 38.6 lbs.
- ABILITY: Pickup/Gluttony
The freewheeling original species of Zigzagoon
The Zigzagoon of the Galar region move about however they like and never settle down. They’re known to inhabit all areas of the region, including fields, forests, and even towns! There is some speculation that the zigzag movements of the Zigzagoon in other regions stem from the restless nature of Galarian Zigzagoon, which is considered to be the oldest branch of the species.
It has a provocative attitude and enjoys battle
Galarian Zigzagoon enjoy battles and will charge at people and other Pokémon in an attempt to provoke a fight. This behavior usually succeeds in starting a battle with other Pokémon, but humans tend to think Galarian Zigzagoon is just playing or showing affection. It seems to cause Galarian Zigzagoon some frustration when people don’t get angry even though it’s trying to provoke them.
Galarian Linoone
- CATEGORY: Rushing Pokémon
- TYPE: Dark/Normal
- HEIGHT: 1’8″
- WEIGHT: 71.7 lbs.
- ABILITY: Pickup/Gluttony
Super destructive charges
Galarian Linoone can reach speeds of over 60 miles per hour and can deliver devastating Tackles and Headbutts. These attacks have enough destructive force to even knock a car away, but they can also throw Linoone off balance if they miss.
It’s popular among unhappy and angry youths
Galarian Linoone are rash and fearless, and they will recklessly pick fights even with opponents stronger than themselves. Their fearlessness, as well as their tendency to attack opponents head on, make Galarian Linoone very popular among the disaffected youths of the Galar region, who have nowhere to direct their frustration and anger.
Obstagoon
- CATEGORY: Blocking Pokémon
- TYPE: Dark/Normal
- HEIGHT: 5’3″
- WEIGHT: 101.4 lbs.
- ABILITY: Reckless/Guts
Living in the unique environment of the Galar region, some regional forms have developed unique Evolutions unseen in any other region. Obstagoon, which evolves from Galarian Linoone, is one example.
Evolution spurred on by a harsh environment
The Linoone of the Galar region live in harsh conditions compared to those found in other regions, with fierce competition against others of their species. Their survival instincts have been honed as a result, leading to their Evolution into Obstagoon.
It uses Obstruct before counterattacking
Though Obstagoon is extremely combative, it seems that it doesn’t often launch the first attack. It will taunt an opponent, goading it into attacking. When it does, Obstagoon will cross its arms and meet the oncoming attack with its Obstruct move.
Obstagoon is especially skilled at throwing its opponents off guard and counterattacking with its sharp claws.
New Form-Changing Pokémon
Morpeko
- CATEGORY: Two-Sided Pokémon
- TYPE: Electric/Dark
- HEIGHT: 1′
- WEIGHT: 6.6 lbs.
- ABILITY: Hunger Switch
It’s always hungry, no matter how much it eats
Morpeko constantly generates electricity with the sacs in its cheeks. This consumes energy, causing Morpeko to be constantly hungry. This is why Morpeko is always carrying around Berry seeds, protecting them with care. They serve as a snack!
Its appearance changes when it gets hungry
When experiencing prolonged hunger, the balance of hormones within Morpeko’s body changes. This causes its fur color to change and triggers more aggressive and volatile behavior. The energy stored in its cheek sacs also changes from Electric type to Dark type.
Its Ability, Hunger Switch, allows it to change forms
Morpeko’s Ability, Hunger Switch, is a new Ability introduced in these titles. This Ability causes Morpeko to change its appearance each turn. Morpeko’s signature move, Aura Wheel, changes type depending on Morpeko’s form. In Full Belly Mode, the move is Electric type, while in Hangry Mode, the move becomes Dark type!
Its Ability causes it to change form!
Aura Wheel changes type depending on Morpeko’s form!
A New Team and New Rivals
Bede
Bede is one of your rivals who is skilled at Pokémon battles and has the pride to match! He has joined the Gym Challenge, having received his endorsement from Rose, the chairman of the Galar Pokémon League. While he clearly is aiming to become Champion, he seems to have other objectives as well…
Marnie
Marnie is one of your rivals who has a competitive side. Together with her partner Morpeko, she aims to become the Champion of the Galar region in order to accomplish a certain goal. She has many passionate fans, thanks to her sense of style and calm, calculated battle strategies.
Meet Team Yell
Team Yell is a group of troublemakers who seem to appear wherever the Gym Challenge takes you and who attempt to get in your way at every opportunity.
They want nothing more than for Marnie to become Champion, and they all try to obstruct other challengers in all sorts of ways. 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.
You’ll have to face them many times during your travels.
They’ll try to get in the way of Gym Challengers!
Marnie seems to be able to get them to stop, though.
They’ll show up out of nowhere to cheer Marnie on.
Poké Jobs
In the Galar region, it is very common for people and Pokémon to work together. Many corporations and universities request the help of Pokémon through what are known as Poké Jobs.
You can check available Poké Jobs at the Rotomi in Pokémon Centers, and you’ll also be able to send Pokémon from your Boxes directly to any job you accept!
The Pokémon you send will help out with the job, and the experience will even help them grow. There are many different Poké Jobs available. You’ll find that certain Pokémon types are suited for specific jobs, too. Helping out for a long time or sending as many Pokémon as you can on a job can also net some good results. You might even receive some rare items!
There are many places requesting the help of Pokémon, including corporations and universities.
You’ll choose the Pokémon you want to send to the Poké Job from your Boxes.
Each Pokémon sent to a Poké Job will come back having grown from the experience!
They’ll receive rewards like Exp. Points or base points, and how much they get will depend on factors like how long they work and their types!
This is Rotomi—Your new helper in Pokémon Centers with a Ton of Features
You can accept jobs from the Rotomi you can find in every Pokémon Center around the Galar region. Rotomi have many different features aside from Poké Jobs, too—you can access your Boxes or even have a go at the Loto-ID!
You can find Rotomi in any Pokémon Center in the Galar region.
It has many features, such as the Loto-ID.
Pokémon Sword and Shield releases for the Nintendo Switch on November 15, 2019.
