Choose Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble according to the type and final evolution you like most. The official information identifies their types and evolution lines, but does not name one as objectively best.
Your three Gen 8 starter choices
In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, you begin by choosing one of three first partners: Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble. Each has a different type and evolution line.
| Starter | Type | Evolution line | A good fit if you prefer… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grookey | Grass | Grookey → Thwackey → Rillaboom | Grass types or Rillaboom’s design |
| Scorbunny | Fire | Scorbunny → Raboot → Cinderace | Fire types or Cinderace’s design |
| Sobble | Water | Sobble → Drizzile → Inteleon | Water types or Inteleon’s design |
The Pokémon Company describes Grookey as a curious, mischievous chimp, Scorbunny as an energetic rabbit, and Sobble as a timid Water Lizard that attacks while hiding in water. Those character descriptions may help if you are choosing based on personality as well as type. The official first-partner page lists the three Pokémon and their types; the evolution page gives their evolution lines.
How to decide
- Pick by type if you already know you enjoy Grass, Fire, or Water Pokémon.
- Pick by final evolution if you expect to keep your starter for the long run and have a favorite among Rillaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon.
- Pick by first impression if a starter’s look or personality appeals to you more than the later forms.
There is no official evidence here establishing a universally strongest choice or proving that one makes the game easier. Treat type as a preference, not a guarantee of a better playthrough.
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- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on an all-new adventure in the Galar region
- Choose from three new partner Pokémon and encounter never-before-seen Pokémon
- Unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
- Team up with other Trainers to participate in Max Raid Battles***!
- Battle wild Dynamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles and try catching them***
Can you get all three starters?
The starter choice at the beginning of Sword or Shield is one partner, but Pokémon HOME has described a separate route to receive all three with Hidden Abilities. Its instructions specify transferring Pokémon between either game and Pokémon HOME; it names Grookey’s ability as Grassy Surge, Scorbunny’s as Libero, and Sobble’s as Sniper. The distribution start date on that page is June 2, 2020. Because HOME features and instructions can change, check the current Pokémon HOME instructions before relying on this route. It is separate from selecting a starter in a new game.
Nintendo’s Pokémon Sword game page confirms the setting: the adventure begins with a choice of one of three partners.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Pokémon Sword - Nintendo Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Hn46gyJvL._SL160_.jpg)
- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on an all-new adventure in the Galar region
- Choose from three new partner Pokémon and encounter never-before-seen Pokémon
- Unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
- Team up with other Trainers to participate in Max Raid Battles
- Battle wild Dynamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles and try catching them
Rank #4
![Pokémon Sword + Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51L+MTaoMmL._SL160_.jpg)
- Part 1 - The Isle of Armor releases June 17, 2020; Part 2 - The Crown Tundra is scheduled for release during the fall of 2020
- New Areas Discovered in the Galar Region and expand Your Pokémon Adventure
- This bundle includes both the Pokémon Sword game and the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass
- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on a new adventure in the Galar region
- If you purchase the Pokémon Sword + Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass, you'll get some in-game apparel as a bonus.
Rank #3
- A new generation of Pokemon is coming to the Nintendo Switch system.
- Become a Pokemon Trainer and embark on a new journey in the new Galar region!
- Choose from one of three new partner Pokemon: Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble.
- In this all new adventure, you'll encounter new and familiar Pokemon as you catch, battle, and trade Pokemon while exploring new areas and uncovering an all-new story.
- Get ready for the next Pokemon adventure in the Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield games.
Rank #2
- New entries in the main series of Pokémon RPGs arrive on Nintendo Switch simultaneously in late 2019
- The Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games take place in the newly discovered Galar Region
- Galar is an expansive region with diverse environments - an idyllic countryside, contemporary cities, thick forest and craggy, snow-covered mountains
- Fans will have the opportunity to visit Gyms in the Galar region in their quest to become Champion
- Newly discovered partner Pokémon join in this new iteration of the games - Grookey, Scorbunny and Sobble
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