This is a main entry in the role-playing adventure series, originally released in 2019 for the Nintendo Switch. It blends traditional turn-based strategy combat with exploration across a brand-new region. Players embark on a journey to challenge Gym Leaders and aim to become the champion of the region, all while uncovering the mysteries surrounding the legendary creatures of this land. The atmosphere centers around a vibrant, industrial setting inspired by the United Kingdom, featuring sprawling cities and expansive natural areas.

The Galar Region Adventure

The core experience involves traversing the Galar region, a place deeply rooted in the tradition of the Champion Cup tournament. As a new trainer, you set out to catch, train, and battle with various creatures you encounter. The narrative follows your path through the competitive circuit, set against a backdrop of industrial progress and the unique cultural significance of the region's powerful legendary creatures.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay loop is built around exploration, collection, and strategic battling. Battles utilize a turn-based system where understanding type matchups and move effectiveness is crucial. A significant addition to the combat system involves Dynamaxing, a temporary transformation that boosts the power and changes the effects of certain moves during specific battles, adding a layer of tactical depth to confrontations.

Exploration is enhanced by the introduction of the Wild Area, a large, open zone where the environment changes dynamically, affecting which creatures appear. This area allows for free camera control, offering a different perspective on the world compared to previous installments.

What makes the Galar region distinct?

The Galar region introduces several distinct features that set this installment apart. Beyond the Dynamax mechanic, the game heavily emphasizes the spectacle of stadium battles, mirroring large-scale sporting events. Furthermore, the game features unique regional forms of familiar creatures, adapted to thrive in the Galar environment.

Available Additional Content

While the base game provides a complete experience, it has received two major expansions post-launch. These expansions introduce new areas to explore, additional story elements, and new legendary creatures to encounter, significantly extending the overall playtime and content available to players.

Platform and Genre Overview

This title is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch and was launched in November 2019. It falls under the genres of Role-playing (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS), and Adventure.