Pokémon Sword similar games & best alternatives

Pokémon Sword

Nintendo Switch • 2019

Should you play it?

A turn-based role-playing game set in the Galar region, a fictional land inspired by the United Kingdom. Players catch, train, and battle creatures called Pokémon while traveling across the region to collect eight Gym badges and ultimately challenge the reigning Champion. The game introduces the Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics, which temporarily transform Pokémon into giant forms with enhanced attacks. A fully explorable open-world Wild Area connects major locations, with weather-dependent Pokémon encounters and cooperative raid battles for up to four players. The first mainline Pokémon entry on the Nintendo Switch, it notably adopted DLC expansions instead of the series' traditional enhanced re-releases.

What works

  • Engaging and accessible turn-based combat
  • Large open wild area with dynamic exploration
  • Cooperative max raid battles
  • Strong pokémon designs and world-building
  • Quality-of-life improvements and customization

Things to keep in mind

  • Low difficulty and challenge
  • Limited story depth and character development
  • Reduced pokédex and missing legacy pokémon
  • Online features can be inconsistent
  • Some areas feel linear and underdeveloped

What to play next

Top picks

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Less competitive

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Others

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Choose your own criteria ->

Last update: 13/09/2026