Pokemon SunandMoonditched the gym system that has showcased boss battles since the days ofPokemon RedandBlue, but gyms and gym leaders are coming back inPokemon SwordandShield. However, there will be some unique twists when it comes toPokemon SwordandShieldgym leaders so that they will stand apart from their counterparts in past games.
One major change withPokemon SwordandShieldgym leaders is the fact that some will be exclusive to one game or the other. Similarly to how some Pokemon can only be found in one of the two games, there will be gym leaders that players can only fight inPokemon Swordand others that can only be fought inPokemon Shield. For example,fighting-type gym leader Bea will only be found inPokemon Sword, whereas ghost-type gym leader Allister will only fight players inPokemon Shield. Whether or not this influences purchasing decisions remains to be seen, but there has been some fanfare for certainPokemon SwordandShieldgym leaders already, and perhaps their popularity could convince someone to pick up one version over the other.
Another big change when it comes toPokemon SwordandShieldgym leaders isDynamaxing and Gigantamaxing. It appears from the trailers that most of the gym battles take place in large, open-roof arenas, and that Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing will play a key role in battles with them.
With those changes in mind, here all thePokemon SwordandShieldgym leaders revealed so far, along with their typing and confirmed Pokemon. We will update this list as more information becomes available in the run up toPokemon SwordandShield’s release date.
Pokemon: Mimikyu
Exclusive: Yes,Pokemon Shield
Pokemon SwordandShieldwill launch on November 15, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
