Generation 8 (Sword, Shield) + DLC (Isle of Armor, Crown Tundra)
| Galar Region | |
|---|---|
| Generation | Gen 8 |
| Games | Sword/Shield, Isle of Armor, Crown Tundra |
| Total Pokemon | Varies |
| Key Mechanic | Dynamax/Gigantamax, Wild Area, Champion Cup |
Last updated: 2026-06-03
Galar is a region based on the United Kingdom, introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield in 2019 on the Nintendo Switch. Galar's culture revolves around Pokemon battles as spectator sports, with gym challenges held in massive stadiums with cheering crowds and professional trainers. The region introduced 96 new Pokemon and the Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics. The Wild Area serves as an open-world hub connecting towns with dynamically changing weather conditions determining which Pokemon appear.
Every Pokemon journey in Galar begins with choosing one of three starter Pokemon from the region's Pokemon Professor. Each starter has distinct type advantages and evolves twice into a powerful final form.
A Grass-type Chimp Pokemon. Grookey plays rhythmic beats on its stick. Evolves into Thwackey at level 16 and Rillaboom at level 35.
A Fire-type Rabbit Pokemon. Scorbunny kicks flaming balls at high speeds. Evolves into Raboot at level 16 and Cinderace at level 35.
A Water-type Water Lizard Pokemon. Sobble camouflages when crying. Evolves into Drizzile at level 16 and Inteleon at level 35.
Galar is home to several legendary and Mythical Pokemon, each with unique lore and significance to the region's history and mythology.
| Name | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zacian | Fairy/Steel | The warrior Pokemon that wielded a sword. Version mascot of Pokemon Sword. Has Crowned Sword form. |
| Zamazenta | Fighting/Steel | The warrior Pokemon that wielded a shield. Version mascot of Pokemon Shield. Has Crowned Shield form. |
| Eternatus | Poison/Dragon | The gigantic Pokemon that caused the Darkest Day 3000 years ago. Found in the Hammerlocke energy plant. |
| Calyrex | Psychic/Grass | A kingly Pokemon that once ruled Galar. Found in the Crown Tundra DLC. |
| Urshifu | Fighting/Dark | A Wushu Pokemon from the Isle of Armor. Has Single Strike and Rapid Strike forms. |
| Regieleki / Regidrago | Electric/Dragon | New legendary golems added in the Crown Tundra, found in Split Decision Ruins. |
| Galarian Birds | Various | Galarian forms of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, roaming the Crown Tundra as legendaries. |
The Galar region features eight gym leaders, each specializing in a different Pokemon type. Trainers must defeat them in order to earn badges and qualify for the Pokemon League.
| # | Gym Leader | Type | Signature Pokemon |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Milo | Grass | Eldegoss / Applin |
| #2 | Nessa | Water | Drednaw / Golisopod |
| #3 | Kabu | Fire | Centiskorch / Ninetales |
| #4 | Bea / Allister | Fighting/Ghost | Machamp / Gengar |
| #5 | Opal | Fairy | Alcremie / Togekiss |
| #6 | Gordie / Melony | Rock/Ice | Coalossal / Lapras |
| #7 | Piers | Dark | Obstagoon / Scrafty |
| #8 | Raihan | Dragon | Duraludon / Flygon |
After collecting all eight badges, trainers face the Elite Four and the regional Champion to complete the Pokemon League challenge.
Galar features diverse and memorable locations that shape the trainer's journey across the region.
Galar introduced Dynamax and Gigantamax, transforming Pokemon into giant forms with boosted stats for three turns. Gigantamax forms change the Pokemon's appearance. The Wild Area pioneered open-zone Pokemon exploration with weather-based encounter tables. The Rotom Bike allows both land and water travel. Curry cooking provides a cooking mini-game with ingredients found across Galar. The DLC expansions added significant post-game content: the Isle of Armor with restricted sparring, and the Crown Tundra with legendary Pokemon hunts and the Galarian Star Tournament. The Battle Tower provides competitive battling against past champions.