Pokémon Sword Early Game Guide: Motostoke to Turffield Walkthrough
First Steps in Motostoke
After crossing the Wild Area, you'll arrive in Motostoke City. Your first stop should be the Pokémon Center. An NPC will gift you a Trainer Card—customize it with your preferred profile picture.
Next, visit the salon to change your hairstyle for 3,000 Pokédollars. Pro tip: Tucking your hat away unlocks new styles, but the game won't warn you until after payment.
Battle Café Encounter
Head to the Battle Café for a warm-up fight. Defeating the barista rewards you with Strawberries. This optional battle offers valuable EXP before Gym registration.
Registering for the Gym Challenge
Leon appears near the Pokémon Center to gift you a Miracle Seed (boosts Grass moves). Then, proceed to the stadium:
- Speak to the staff inside to register.
- Choose your uniform number (e.g., #8 for birthday significance).
- Receive your Gym Challenger outfit.
Key insight: The stadium statue depicts Galar’s ancient hero—a subtle hint at the legendary Zacian/Zamazenta lore.
Team Yell Encounter
Outside the hotel, you’ll face Team Yell—Marnie’s fan group. Their Pokémon (Zigzagoon, Nickit) are low-level but introduce Galar’s "dark" aesthetic. Battle tip: Use Grookey’s Razor Leaf for quick wins.
Post-Battle Discoveries
Marnie clarifies Team Yell isn’t evil—just overzealous fans. This marks the end of preview content; new players explore fresh territory from here.
Galar Mine Exploration
Chairman Rose gifts Flying Taxi access after the opening ceremony. Use it to reach Route 3, then enter Galar Mine:
- New Pokémon alert: Catch Rolycoly (Rock-type) and Galarian Meowth (Steel-type).
- Minecarts transport Pokémon—a visual nod to industrial themes.
- Hidden items include Star Pieces and TMs like Rock Blast.
Trainer Battle Strategy
Beware of Bede (your rival) near mine exits. His team (Solosis, Hatenna) foreshadows Psychic/Fairy specializations. Counter with Corvisquire’s Flying moves.
Route 3 and Turffield Approach
Shake berry trees for items (risk Pokémon encounters), and heal at Pokémon Camps. Critical discoveries:
- Corvisquire: Evolves from Rookidee, excels against Grass-types.
- Milcery: Hold Strawberry Sweet to evolve—later becomes Alcremie.
Team Building Tips
| Pokémon | Type | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Corvisquire | Flying | Grass counter |
| Galarian Meowth | Steel | Defense |
| Dottler | Bug/Psychic | Utility |
Replace early-game Pokémon like Meowth for type diversity before the Grass Gym.
Preparing for Turffield Gym
Upon reaching Turffield:
- Heal at Pokémon Center.
- Investigate Stonehenge-like stones for lore hints.
- Grass Gym Tip: Train Fire or Flying-types. Corvisquire’s Pluck move is ideal.
Exclusive Insights
The "Strawberry Sweet" item evolves Milcery—a mechanic not explained in-game. Hold it until Level 20 for Alcremie’s powerful Fairy-type moves.
Early-Game Checklist
- Customize Trainer Card for profile identity.
- Battle Café: Earn Strawberries for Milcery.
- Register at Stadium: Unlock Gym progression.
- Galar Mine: Catch Rolycoly for Rock coverage.
- Route 3: Evolve Rookidee → Corvisquire.
Advanced Resource Recommendations
- Serebii.net: Database for evolution methods (e.g., Milcery items).
- Pokémon Camp: Cook Curries to boost friendship—critical for some evolutions.
Final Thoughts
Mastering Pokémon Sword’s early game hinges on strategic team-building and exploiting new mechanics like Dynamax-ready "Wishing Stars." Which Gym are you most excited to challenge? Share your starter choice below!
