Check out even more new Sword and Shield news!

Following the beginning of the World Championships today, a new demo for Sword and Shield was playable for attendees, with all new mechanics on display. For those unable to attend Worlds though, don’t worry, a new trailer was also released revealing all the juicy information from this new demo. So let’s check it out!
New Abilities


In the demo and trailer released today, two new abilities were revealed. The first is Neutralizing Gas, the mysterious ability of Galarian Weezing. However, this new ability takes it a step further, neutralizing the abilities of both opponents and allies. In the trailer, Galarian Weezing is shown to negate both Storm Drain from an East Sea Gastrodon and Levitate from a Wash Rotom.

The second new ability is Corviknight’s hidden ability. While it normally has Pressure, Corviknight obtained from Max Raids have a chance of having the ability Mirror Armor. This new ability reflects status effecting attacks such as Tail Whip or Growl back at the opponent.
New Items


Two new items have also been introduced that no doubt will shake up the competitive field as we know it. The first item displayed in the trailer is Room Service. If a Trick Room is set up, Room Service will lower the holder’s speed.

The second item is the Eject Pack. It switches out the holder if they are impacted by a stat reduction. This includes not only moves like Growl, but also self inflicted stat reductions like from Draco Meteor or Overheat.
New Attacks


A new attack was also revealed called Breaking Swipe. Not much is known about the move other than it lowers the attack stat of all those it hits.

In addition to Dynamax Power shown to shrug off flinching, the side effects to many Max Moves have been revealed as well. Max Airstream increases the user’s speed. Max Darkness lowers the target’s special defense. Max Flare activates harsh sunlight and Max Geyser activates rain. Max Guard enables the user to protect itself from all attacks. Its chance of failing rises if it is used in succession. Max Ice sets up Aurora Veil. Max Knuckles increases attack. Max Lightning, Max Starfall, and Max Overgrowth activate Electric, Misty, and Grassy Terrain respectively. Max Rockfall activates Sandstorm. Max Steelspike raises the user’s defense stat. Finally, Max Strike lowers the opponent’s speed stat.
Battle Stadium


Finally, the replacement for the Battle Spot has been revealed, dubbed the Battle Stadium. Online battle modes contain Casual Battles, Ranked Battles, Rental Teams and Online Competitions.

Ranked Battle is similar to the Rating Battles of previous games but with a twist. As you battle, rather than having a numerical rating, you will be able to increase in tier. This is done through points earned in battle. You will only rank with trainers in the same tier as you and you can check rankings in the Pokémon HOME app.

Casual battles are unranked battles which runs on Single and Double Battles formats. It also allows Legendary and Mythical Pokémon that Ranked Battle would not allow.

The online competition option will be available whenever there is a specially held online competition. Each competition has got its own ruleset and specifications for you to battle in.

There are two options: Official Competitions and you can create your own friendly competitions.

Finally, Rental Teams make a return and allow for you to share your own team or to battle using other people’s teams. You can use Rental Teams during Ranked Battle modes as well.

The post New Mechanics Revealed at Worlds! appeared first on Pokémon Crossroads.


Read more or post a comment.