BALL MASTERY

There’s only one Master Ball in Pokémon Sword and Shield. And you nab it after you beat the game! After the credits, leave your room and chat with the lady. She comes bearing gifts: a Master Ball. Use it wisely. We recommend saving it on an elusive legendary Pokémon.

CATCHING CHARMANDER

You also can’t snag fan-fave Pokémon Charmander until after the credits roll. Head outside, then follow the road to the right. Now go into Hop’s home. Head upstairs and into the room on the right. Nab the Pokéball on the floor to score Charmander!

LUCKY CHARMS

For all three Charms, first nab all 400 Pokémon in the Galar Pokédex. Then become the Champion of the Pokémon League. Head right from the Pokémon Centre in Circhester to the hotel. On the second floor, enter the second room on the left. Speak with the doctor for the Catching Charm and Shiny Charm. Back in the first door on the left, battle the cop for the Oval Charm!

NABBING PIKACHU

Sneaky Pikachu is hiding in the grass just above the Galar Mine on Route 4. Look out for the kid dressed as Pikachu. Then keep an eye out for actual Pikachu’s bright yellow ears. No luck? Head back to town, then revisit the same spot. Pikachu is best battled with a Ground Pokémon.

EIGHT EEVEES

Nab Eevee in the field near the Eevee Pokékid on Route 4. Then hit Happiness 160, and either level up during the day for Espeon. Or at night for Umbreon. Or with a Fairy Type move for Sylveon. Alternatively, use the corresponding evolution item. Fire Stone for Flareon. Ice Stone for Glaceon. Thunder Stone for Jolteon. Leaf Stone for Leafeon. Water Stone for Vaporeon.

STACKS O’ STORAGE

There are only eight boxes to stack Pokémon in at first. Put at least one Pokémon in each of the eight boxes. Leave the storage system. Then come back to it. More boxes will be unlocked. Repeat this until you’ve unlocked all 31 boxes. These boxes can hold 30 Pokémon each, which means an epic total of 930 Pokémon!