Pokémon Sword and Shield, released for the Nintendo Switch, include a feature called Mystery Gift, which allows players to receive free digital items, Pokémon, and other rewards. These gifts are often distributed through promotional codes or direct internet connections, typically tied to specific events, anniversaries, or collaborations. The availability of these codes is time-sensitive, and many have expired as the games have aged. This article details the methods for obtaining and redeeming these freebies, based on information from provided sources.
Understanding Mystery Gift Codes
Mystery Gift is an in-game menu option that enables players to claim free content. Gifts can be obtained via two primary methods: using a code or connecting to the internet for a distribution. Codes are typically alphanumeric strings shared through official Pokémon channels, social media, or at retail events. Internet distributions do not require a code and are automatically available to all players with the game during the promotional period.
The sources indicate that codes are often released to celebrate specific occasions, such as the anniversary of the Pokémon anime or the release of new expansions like The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. However, the frequency of new code releases has diminished significantly. With the release of newer generations like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the focus of The Pokémon Company has shifted away from Sword and Shield, making the likelihood of new codes for these older titles very low.
How to Redeem Mystery Gifts
The process for claiming a Mystery Gift is straightforward within the game. Players must first access the main menu, which can be done by pressing the X button. From there, they navigate to the "Mystery Gift" option. Once selected, they are presented with two main choices:
- Get With Code/Password: This option is used when you have a specific alphanumeric code to enter. You will be prompted to type the code exactly as provided. Codes are case-sensitive.
- Get via Internet: This option connects to Nintendo's servers to check for any active, non-code-based distributions. These are often tied to special events or collaborations.
After selecting the appropriate method and following the on-screen prompts, the gift will be downloaded. If the gift is a Pokémon, it will be added to the player's party or, if the party is full, to the Pokémon Boxes. Special items, like Poké Balls or vitamins, will appear in the player's Bag. Exclusive clothing items can be found by visiting the fitting room in any in-game boutique.
Players can view a history of previously claimed gifts by selecting "Check Mystery Gifts" from the Mystery Gift menu.
Types of Free Rewards Available
The freebies distributed through Mystery Gift codes and events for Pokémon Sword and Shield have been diverse, including valuable items, rare Pokémon, and cosmetic items.
Rare and Special Pokémon
Several promotional events offered unique Pokémon, often with special attributes not found in regular gameplay.
- Gigantamax Pokémon: Certain Pokémon have the ability to Gigantamax, a powerful battle form. Specific distributions included:
- Gigantamax Meowth: A Kanto-region Meowth with Gigantamax capability was available as a free internet distribution. This offer was valid until January 15, 2020.
- Gigantamax Pikachu and Eevee: Players with save data from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! on their Nintendo Switch could receive a Gigantamax Pikachu or Gigantamax Eevee, respectively. This offer did not have a stated end date.
- Ash's Pikachu: To celebrate the anime, eight variants of Pikachu wearing different hats from the anime series were distributed via codes. These included the Original Cap, Partner Cap, Hoenn Cap, and Sinnoh Cap, among others. These codes were released over time, with an initial code shared during a video about The Crown Tundra.
- Hidden Ability Pokémon: In May 2020, a four-week event distributed Galarian variant Pokémon with their Hidden Abilities. These were released weekly and did not require a code or a Nintendo Switch Online membership. The distribution included:
- Galarian Mr. Mime with the Hidden Ability Ice Body (Week 1).
- Galarian Ponyta with the Hidden Ability Anticipation (Week 2).
- (The sources also mention subsequent weeks for Galarian Corsola and Galarian Zigzagoon, though details are not fully provided in the text.)
Rare Items and Currency
Many codes provided valuable in-game items that are otherwise difficult to obtain.
- Rare Poké Balls: Codes have been released for special Poké Balls, which have unique capture properties. Examples from expired codes include Fast Balls, Moon Balls, Level Balls, Heavy Balls, Lure Balls, Beast Balls, Love Balls, Dream Balls, Friend Balls, Luxury Balls, Dive Balls, and Premier Balls. The Ball Guy, a character in the game, has also been known to share codes on social media for these items.
- Battle Points (BP): BP is a currency earned in the Battle Tower after completing the main story. It is used to purchase powerful items. Some codes provided BP directly, such as 20 BP from codes like G1GANTAMAX and KAMPFTEAM.
- Bottle Caps: These are rare items used for Hyper Training, which maximizes a Pokémon's Individual Values (IVs). Codes for Bottle Caps, including Silver Bottle Caps, have been distributed. For example, the code GALAR offered one Bottle Cap, and C0MPET1T10N provided a Silver Bottle Cap.
- Technical Records (TRs): TRs are single-use items that teach a Pokémon a specific move. The source indicates that TRs are abundant, and codes for them have been released. One example is TR94 (High Horsepower) from the code PUNKR0CK.
Expired and Historical Codes
A significant portion of the provided data consists of expired codes, which illustrate the types of promotions that were once active. It is important to note that these codes are no longer valid. The table below lists several expired codes and their rewards, as documented in the sources.
| Code | Freebie | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|
| G1GANTAMAX | 20 Battle Points | January 30 |
| K0UN1NMASC0T | 1 Fast Ball, 1 Moon Ball, 1 Level Ball | January 15 |
| 1YAHAYA | 1 Heavy Ball, 1 Lure Ball, 1 Beast Ball | January 15 |
| 0KUGAFUKA1B0RU | 1 Love Ball, 1 Dream Ball, 1 Friend Ball | January 15 |
| PRESENT | 10 Luxury Balls | January 30 |
| 0T0SH1DAMA | 10 Dive Balls | January 30 |
| PUNKR0CK | 3 TR94 (High Horsepower) | March 8 |
| GALAR | 1 Bottle Cap | February 28 |
| C0MPET1T10N | 1 Silver Bottle Cap | March 8 |
| KAMPFTEAM | 20 Battle Points | February 28 |
| SUPEREFF1CACE | 20 Battle Points | March 8 |
| AREAS1LVESTRE | 10 Premier Balls | February 27 |
| G1GAGRANF1NALE | 10 Heal Balls | March 8 |
| K2020CHAMP10NS | King’s Rock | September 2020 |
| K2020CHAMP10NS | World Cap Pikachu | November 2020 |
Other historical free items that are no longer available include a free tracksuit trainer outfit (expired) and certain Battle Stadium Rewards for online competition participants, such as 50 BP.
Current Availability and Future Prospects
Based on the source data, the window for obtaining free content for Pokémon Sword and Shield is largely closed. The sources state that with newer titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (released in 2022) and upcoming games, the chances of new Mystery Gift codes for Sword and Shield are "close to none." The Pokémon Company's promotional efforts are now directed toward current and upcoming releases.
Players who still actively engage with Sword and Shield should not expect significant new free distributions. The primary method for obtaining freebies now would be through any remaining, unexpired codes that may still be circulating, though the provided data does not list any currently active codes. Players are advised to check official Pokémon social media channels and community forums for any last-minute opportunities, though this is considered unlikely.
Conclusion
The Mystery Gift system in Pokémon Sword and Shield provided a valuable stream of free content for players, ranging from rare Pokémon with unique abilities to powerful items and currency. These distributions were typically tied to specific promotional events and were available for limited times. A large number of these codes have now expired, reflecting the games' age and the shift in focus to newer generations. While the era of regular freebies for Sword and Shield has ended, the historical examples demonstrate the types of rewards that were available to players who participated in these time-sensitive events.