Choosing your first Pokémon partner is an important decision for any new trainer starting their journey in the Galar region. In the games Pokémon Sword and Shield, players are introduced to three unique Pokémon Sword and Shield starters at the beginning of their adventures including:
- Grookey the grass monkey
- Scorbunny the fire rabbit
- Sobble the water lizard.
Each Pokémon has its own strengths, weaknesses, and role to play on a trainer’s team. In this blog post, we will cover Pokémon Sword and Shield starters, including Grookey, scorbunny, and Sobble.
Also, read our latest blog post on How You Can Save Progress in Pokemon Colosseum
Pokémon Sword and Shield Starters
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, players are introduced to three new Pokémon at the start of their journey through the Galar region: Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble. These starter Pokémon play an important role for any trainer setting off on their first Pokémon adventure.
With their help, you’ll explore new places, battle other trainers, and gradually build your skills. By learning about each starter’s strengths and weaknesses, you can choose the best first partner for your team. Are you more of a grass monkey, fire rabbit, or water lizard trainer? Read on to uncover the secrets of these three Pokémon!
1. Grookey – The Grass Monkey Pokémon
As the grass starter, Grookey has an energetic personality and likes to stay active by climbing trees.
Evolution to Rillaboom
When Grookey evolves into Rillaboom, it undergoes some dramatic physical changes. The tiny grass monkey grows much taller and gains muscular arms and legs. Its body becomes covered in thick bark-like skin for protection.
Most notably, a large drum forms on its belly, which it uses to create powerful sound-based attacks by pounding rhythmic beats. This evolution makes Rillaboom a formidable opponent in battle with its combination of physical strength and sonic moves.
Type Advantages and Disadvantages
As a grass-type Pokémon, Grookey and its evolutions have some notable type advantages. They are especially strong against water and rock opponents, allowing them to easily defeat Pokémon of those types. However, grass types are at a disadvantage against fire, flying, poison, and bug attacks.
Rillaboom will need to watch out for these types of moves and try to counter them with effective water or electric attacks whenever possible. Proper type coverage is important for Grookey’s long-term success in battles.
Battling Strengths
When it comes to battling, Rillaboom possesses some powerful physical skills. With its muscular body and strong arms, it can deliver crushing blows in combat. Rillaboom also utilizes its drumming abilities to launch sound-based attacks that damage opponents and even boost the strength of allies.
Its drumming prowess and physical power make Rillaboom a formidable fighter that trainers can rely on both offensively and supportively in gym challenges and league competitions.
2. Scorbunny – The Fire Rabbit Pokémon
As the fiery rabbit, Scorbunny zips around with intense speed and energy.
Evolution to Cinderace
When Scorbunny evolves into Cinderace, it undergoes an athletic transformation. Its legs become incredibly muscular, and it gains dexterous hands. Cinderace is covered head to toe in fine orange fur with a tuft of blue fur on its head.
It becomes a highly skilled striker, able to kick balls of fire with pinpoint accuracy. Cinderace’s combination of blazing speed and precise ball skills make him a formidable striker on the battlefield.
Recommended Role in Battles
As Cinderace, Scorbunny’s evolved form, it truly shines as a swift striker in battle. Its tremendous pace allows it to move quickly around the field, evading attacks and getting into prime positions. Cinderace also has the ability to launch fiery projectiles with pinpoint accuracy thanks to its dexterous feet.
These skills make it extremely effective in an offensive role where it can bombard opponents from a distance or rush in with blazing-fast physical attacks. Cinderace’s speed and ball skills allow it to control the flow of battles.
Type Effectiveness
As a fire-type Pokémon, Cinderace has advantages and disadvantages against certain types. It is strong against bug, grass, ice, and steel opponents, easily overpowering them with its fiery attacks. However, it is vulnerable to water, ground, and rock-type moves, which can weaken or even extinguish its flames.
Trainers using Cinderace will need to be strategic about switching it out or pairing it with Pokémon that can cover its weaknesses, like electric or grass partners. With the right team balance, Cinderace’s offensive prowess can still shine through despite its fire-type disadvantages.
Sobble – The Water Lizard Pokémon
Sobble is the water-type starter Pokémon of the Galar region. As a water type, Sobble has the natural ability to swim and thrive in aquatic environments. It is a shy little Pokémon that lacks confidence at first but grows braver over time.
When other Pokémon or trainers approach, Sobble will hide behind its large tears, which it can manipulate at will. Despite its timid demeanor, Sobble has a strong inner strength and spirit. With patience and encouragement from its trainer, Sobble will evolve into a more elegant Pokémon called Drizzile that gains better control over water.
Eventually, Sobble can reach its final evolved form of Inteleon – a nimble sniper Pokémon with extraordinary aim and special attack abilities. Under the right guidance, Sobble blossoms into a powerful companion on any Pokémon journey.