Pokemon Sword And Shield Will Still Feature Overworld Encounters

During today’s Pokemon Sword and Shield Direct, Nintendo revealed that trainers will be able to spot Pokemon moving freely around – similar to Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee!

In particular, the Direct revealed that Pokemon trainers will get to run around in ‘Wild Areas‘ – which appear to replace the series’ regular Routes. It is in these free-roaming wild areas that Pokemon will be running around in the overworld, outside of battle!

Here are some screenshots of the Pokemon running around in the field, along with official details from The Pokemon Company! Check them out below:

“The Wild Area is a vast expanse of land in the Galar region with untamed wilderness. It is full of nature and connects several different towns and cities. Trainers will find a greater variety of Pokémon living in the Wild Area than anywhere else in the Galar region. The Pokémon encountered in the Wild Area will change depending on factors like weather or location, so Trainers might see something new each time they visit. While in the Wild Area, players can control the camera to explore the vast areas around them and search for Pokémon and items.”

We’ll report back when we hear more!