Your First Partner Pokemon
Pokemon Sword and Shield are now available on Nintendo Switch, and one of the first decisions you make is picking which starter Pokemon you'd like to accompany you on your journey. All three options in Sword and Shield are adorable, at least at first. But they will eventually evolve and change, and that might impact your decision from the outset. Here's each of the starters and their second- and third-stage evolutions so you aren't too surprised later in the game. Regardless of who you pick, though, you can always swap them out for another Pokemon if you aren't a fan, or trade with friends to complete your collection--so don't be too worried about it! In our Pokemon Sword and Shield review, we praised many aspects of the games, but acknowledged that the starters' evolutions are universally not that great. There are plenty of other great Pokemon, though, so be sure to check out our guide to finding some of the coolest Pokemon in the game if you're on the hunt for a different one. We also have plenty of other guides, including how to evolve a few different Pokemon with unconventional evolution methods: Milcery to Alcremie, Galarian Linoone to Obstagoon, Sinistea to Polteageist, and Applin into a different Pokemon based on your version.
Grookey
Thwackey
Rillaboom
Rillaboom's signature move is Drum Beating, a physical grass-type move. It has 80 base damage and also lowers the target's speed.
Scorbunny
Raboot
Cinderace
Cinderace's signature move is called Pyro Ball, a physical fire-type move. It has 120 base damage and may also leave the target with a burn. It has a cool soccer-inspired animation, too.
Sobble
Drizzile
Inteleon
Inteleon's signature move is called Snipe Shot, a special water-type move. It has base 80 damage and ignores the effects of moves and abilities that draw in moves, like Follow Me, so it always hits the chosen target. This move is designed for double battles specifically.
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