Claiming Free In-Game Rewards in Pokémon Sword and Shield Through Mystery Gift

The Nintendo Switch titles Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield have featured a continuous series of limited-time promotional distributions, allowing players to obtain free in-game items and Pokémon. These freebies are distributed primarily through the "Mystery Gift" feature within the game. The available rewards have included a variety of rare items, such as Poké Balls and Battle Points, as well as specific Pokémon characters, often tied to real-world events or marketing campaigns. Players are generally required to act within specific timeframes to claim these rewards, as the codes or internet distributions usually have expiration dates.

Available Freebies and Distribution Methods

The Mystery Gift function serves as the central hub for receiving all promotional content. To access these rewards, players must navigate to the Mystery Gift menu screen within the game and select the option to receive a gift via the internet or by entering a password/code. Once claimed, the items or Pokémon are sent to the player's game storage or party.

Item Distributions

Various consumable items have been distributed to assist players in their gameplay. These items are often rare or expensive to obtain through standard gameplay, making the free distributions valuable for both casual and competitive players.

Battle Points (BP): A recurring reward has been the distribution of Battle Points, the currency used in-game to purchase competitive items and services. In one instance, players could claim 20 Battle Points using the code "G1GANTAMAX". A separate distribution offered 40 free Battle Points via Mystery Gift. Another promotion offered 20 free Battle Points through the code "0T0SH1DAMA".
Rare Poké Balls: Several distributions have focused on providing rare Poké Balls, which are used to catch Pokémon. One promotion offered 10 Luxury Balls via the code "PRESENT" and 10 Dive Balls via the code "0T0SH1DAMA". Another significant distribution provided a single Dream Ball, obtainable by entering the code "DREAMB1GPC3" at the gift section of the menu. This ball increases the chance of capturing sleeping Pokémon.
Evolution and Leveling Items: Other helpful items have also been made available. A distribution offered 50 Big Nuggets and 100 EXP Candy L, items useful for earning money and leveling up Pokémon, respectively.

Pokémon Distributions

Specific Pokémon have been distributed as part of limited-time events. These Pokémon often come with unique characteristics, such as high levels, specific moves, or Hidden Abilities.

Ash’s Team Series: A promotion allowed players to obtain a team of Pokémon belonging to the protagonist of the Pokémon anime. This series included five specific Pokémon distributed over several weeks:
- Lucario: The final Pokémon in the series, a level 80 Lucario, was available using the code "HAD0UW0CATCH" until September 29th.
- Sirfetch’d: Available using the code "H1SSATSUNEG1" until September 22nd.
- Dracovish, Dragonite, and Gengar: These were also part of the series, though the specific codes for them are not detailed in the provided documentation.
Galarian Meowth with Hidden Ability: A specific Galarian Meowth with the Hidden Ability "Unnerve" was distributed. This gift also included the previously mentioned Big Nuggets and EXP Candy L. This distribution replaced a previous Galarian Corsola gift.
Gigantamax Meowth: A Gigantamax Meowth was offered as a freebie alongside other rewards like rare Poké Balls and Battle Points.

Claiming Procedures and Limitations

The process for claiming these freebies is straightforward but must be followed precisely. Players must have access to the internet and the Mystery Gift feature.

Access the Menu: Press the 'X' button to open the in-game menu.
Select Mystery Gift: Choose the "Mystery Gift" option.
Choose Receiving Method:
- For internet-based distributions, select "Receive via Internet."
- For code-based distributions, select "Get with Password/Code" and enter the alphanumeric code provided in the promotion.

There are specific limitations to these promotions. The documentation indicates that codes are generally for one-time use per save file. Furthermore, these distributions are strictly time-sensitive. For example, the codes "PRESENT", "0T0SH1DAMA", and "G1GANTAMAX" were set to expire on January 30. The Lucario and Sirfetch’d distributions had expiration dates in September. Players are advised to redeem codes as soon as they become available to avoid missing out. The availability of these freebies is dynamic; for instance, the Galarian Meowth distribution replaced the Galarian Corsola distribution from the previous week, indicating that the offerings rotate.

Conclusion

Pokémon Sword and Shield players have had access to a rotating selection of free in-game content through the Mystery Gift system. These promotions have provided valuable items, such as Battle Points and rare Poké Balls, as well as high-level Pokémon, including characters from the anime series. To receive these freebies, players must use specific codes or access the internet distribution feature within the game's menu before the listed expiration dates. The availability of these rewards is limited and changes over time, requiring players to monitor official announcements for new opportunities.