
Pokemon Sword is a video game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch console. It is part of the eighth generation of the Pokemon video game series and was released worldwide on November 15, 2019. The game takes place in the Galar region, which is inspired by the United Kingdom, and features new Pokemon to catch and battle, as well as new gameplay mechanics and features such as Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing. In the game, the player takes on the role of a young trainer who sets out on a journey to become the Pokemon Champion of the Galar region, while also uncovering a conspiracy involving a mysterious organization known as the “Team Yell”.
Pokemon Sword Starters

In Pokemon Sword, players can choose from one of three starter Pokemon at the beginning of their adventure. The starter Pokemon available in the game are:
- Grookey: A Grass-type Pokemon resembling a small monkey with a green and brown color scheme. It has a curious and energetic personality and is known for banging on objects with the stick it carries.
- Scorbunny: A Fire-type Pokemon resembling a rabbit with a white and orange color scheme. It has a hyperactive and determined personality and is known for its powerful legs, which allow it to run and jump with incredible speed and agility.
- Sobble: A Water-type Pokemon resembling a chameleon with a blue color scheme. It has a timid and nervous personality and is known for its ability to blend in with its surroundings by changing the color of its body.
Pokemon Sword Starters Pokedex
Pokemon | Type(s) | Pokedex Description |
---|---|---|
Grookey | Grass | “This mischievous Pokémon is full of boundless curiosity.” |
Scorbunny | Fire | “It’s bursting with energy, and it’s always running about.” |
Sobble | Water | “It’s a bit timid, and so it rarely shows itself to others.” |
Pokemon Sword Starters Stats
Pokemon | Type(s) | HP | Attack | Defense | Sp. Atk | Sp. Def | Speed |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grookey | Grass | 50 | 65 | 50 | 40 | 40 | 65 |
Scorbunny | Fire | 50 | 71 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 69 |
Sobble | Water | 50 | 40 | 40 | 70 | 40 | 70 |
Pokemon Sword Starters Evolution
Pokemon | Type(s) | Evolution(s) |
---|---|---|
Grookey | Grass | Evolves into Thwackey at level 16, then Rillaboom at level 35 |
Scorbunny | Fire | Evolves into Raboot at level 16, then Cinderace at level 35 |
Sobble | Water | Evolves into Drizzile at level 16, then Inteleon at level 35 |
Pokemon Sword Starters Comparison
Pokemon | Ability | Signature Move | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|---|
Grookey | Overgrow | Branch Poke | Effective against Water, Ground, and Rock | Weak against Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug |
Scorbunny | Blaze | Ember | Effective against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel | Weak against Water, Ground, and Rock |
Sobble | Torrent | Water Gun | Effective against Fire, Ground, and Rock | Weak against Grass, Electric |
Best Pokemon Sword Starter
The best starter in Pokemon Sword ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playstyle. Each of the starters has its own strengths and weaknesses, and all of them can be viable options for a successful playthrough.
That being said, some players may prefer certain starters based on their typing or moveset. For example, Grookey’s Grass typing gives it an advantage against Water, Ground, and Rock types, while Scorbunny’s Fire typing is strong against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel types. Sobble’s Water typing gives it an advantage against Fire, Ground, and Rock types.
Additionally, each starter has its own unique signature move and ability that can make it stand out in battle. Grookey’s Overgrow ability can boost the power of its Grass-type moves when its HP is low, while Scorbunny’s Blaze ability increases the power of its Fire-type moves when it’s in a pinch. Sobble’s Torrent ability increases the power of its Water-type moves when its HP is low.
Ultimately, the “best” starter is the one that you enjoy using the most and that fits well with your team composition and playstyle.
Also see Pokemon Let’s Go Eevee Starters