Pokémon Sword and Shield: Wild Area update features version exclusives

A new update to the Wild Area in Pokémon Sword and Shield is bringing different Pokémon to Max Raid Battles. The update also brings version exclusive Pokémon from Sword to Shield and vice versa.

The Pokémon appearing more frequently in Max Raid Battles

There are plenty of new Pokémon that will be appearing in raids in each game. They will also come with a variety of different rewards, such as fossils and Tart and Sweet Apples for evolving Applin. Here are the Pokémon that will be appearing more frequently in each game.

Pokémon Sword

• Karrablast
• Shelmet
• Galarian Corsola
• Gastly
• Haunter
• Gigantamax Gengar
• Pinchurchin
• Machop
• Machoke
• Gigantamax Machamp
• Galarian Ponyta
• Galarian Rapidash
• Snorlax
• Gigantamax Snorlax
• Oranguru
• Indeedee-F
• Mandibuzz
• Accelgor
• Escavalier

Pokémon Shield

• Karrablast
• Shelmet
• Darumaka
• Gastly
• Haunter
• Gigantamax Gengar
• Pinchurchin
• Machop
• Machoke
• Gigantamax Machamp
• Galarian Farfetch’d
• Sirfetch’d
• Snorlax
• Gigantamax Snorlax
• Passimian
• Indeedee-M
• Braviary
• Accelgor
• Escavalier

During this event, players can get version exclusive Pokémon that they might not have yet. This is also a great opportunity for those players to complete the Pokédex and get the Shiny Charm.

Serebii Update: An unannounced new Wild Area event has begun. Offers a variety of Version exclusive/rare Pokémon including Fossil rewards. We're currently collating details https://t.co/gDbXkHSvkT pic.twitter.com/YvN3dS0yCT

— Serebii.net (@SerebiiNet) March 19, 2020

How to update the Wild Area

In order to get the new Pokémon in Max Raid Battles, players must update the Wild Area by getting the Wild Area news. Firstly, open the menu by hitting X. Once open, choose the “Mystery Gift” option and then select “Get the Wild Area News”. This will subsequently update the Wild Area Max Raid Battles.

This Wild Area update is slightly different than previous ones. In addition to just helping players complete their Pokédex, it will give players an opportunity to catch these version exclusives without relying on trading them from other people or finding them randomly in raids using the Y-COMM. As a result, this will help players catch them in their desired Poké Balls.

Remember to get the update and get out there before the event ends. Happy hunting!