Some of the best Pokémon to catch early in Pokémon Sword and Shield include Rookidee, Yamper, Chewtle, Nickit, and Wooloo. These Pokémon are available near the starting areas and provide strong type coverage, useful abilities, and reliable evolutions to carry you through the first few Gyms.
Best Early Pokémon to Catch
- Rookidee: Found on Route 1, this Flying-type evolves into Corviknight, one of the strongest regional birds. Its Steel/Flying typing later gives excellent resistances and utility.
- Yamper: An Electric-type found on Route 2. Its ability Ball Fetch is handy for recovering failed Poké Balls, and it evolves into Boltund, a fast attacker useful against Water-types.
- Chewtle: A Water-type turtle found on Route 2. It evolves into Drednaw, a Water/Rock powerhouse with high Attack and access to strong moves like Liquidation.
- Nickit: A Dark-type fox found early on. While not the strongest, it evolves into Thievul, which can be useful against Psychic-type opponents.
- Wooloo: The iconic sheep Pokémon from Route 1. It evolves into Dubwool, a bulky Normal-type that can soak up hits and provide stability in your team.
- Skwovet: A Normal-type squirrel that evolves into Greedent. It's tanky and can be surprisingly useful with moves like Body Slam.
- Blipbug: Found on Route 2, it evolves into Orbeetle, a Bug/Psychic-type with strong utility and decent special stats.
Why They're Great Early Choices
- Type Coverage: Electric (Yamper), Flying/Steel (Rookidee), Water/Rock (Chewtle), and Psychic (Blipbug/Orbeetle) give you answers to many Gym Leaders.
- Accessibility: All are found within the first few routes, meaning you don't need to grind in the Wild Area to build a balanced team.
- Evolution Payoff: These Pokémon evolve into strong mid-game and late-game options, ensuring your early catches remain relevant.
Strategy Tip
Pair your starter (Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble) with these early Pokémon to balance weaknesses. For example:
- Sobble (Water) + Yamper (Electric) covers Grass and Water weaknesses.
- Scorbunny (Fire) + Chewtle (Water) balances Fire's weakness to Rock.
- Grookey (Grass) + Rookidee (Flying) helps against Bug-types.