How to Set Up a Local or Online Multiplayer Game [Pokémon Sword / Pokémon Shield]
Applies to: Nintendo Switch Family, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model
In this article, you'll learn how to trade or battle with another player in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.
- 2-4 players with a copy of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield can battle or trade with each other online or via local wireless connection.
- A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to use the online multiplayer features.
- The option to battle or trade Pokémon becomes available after you have received the Dynamax Band [after about one hour of gameplay].
- You will not be able to connect with players you have added to your Block List. From the Y-Comm Menu, select Profile, then press the + Button to view and manage your list of blocked players.
Complete these steps
- Launch Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield from the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu.
- What do you want to do?Trade Pokémon Battle Another Player Online Ranked Battles [Battle Stadium]
- Press the Y Button at any point during gameplay to access the Y-Comm Menu.
- This menu becomes available after you receive the Dynamax Band in the game.
- Press the + Button to toggle between Local or Internet communication.
- The current communication mode appears in the upper-right corner of the screen [Local Communication or Internet].
- Select Link Trade.
- Press the Y Button at any point during gameplay to access the Y-Comm Menu.
- This menu becomes available after you receive the Dynamax Band in the game.
- Press the + Button to toggle between Local or Internet communication.
- The current communication mode appears in the upper-right corner of the screen [Local Communication or Internet].
- Press the Y Button at any point during gameplay to access the Y-Comm Menu.
- Select Link Battle.
- Press the X Button during gameplay to access the in-game menu, then select VS.
- This option becomes available after you receive the Dynamax Band in the game.
- Select Battle Stadium.
- A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to use this mode.
- Choose the type of battle you want to play:
- Casual Battle other trainers around the world for fun
- Ranked Battle Compete in serious battles to for a high ranking
- Online Competitions Participate in ongoing competitions
- Read through the information about the type of battle youve chosen, then follow the onscreen directions to begin.
- Have both players select Set Link Code and enter the same 8-digit code, then OK.
- Have both players select Yes to trade using the Link Code.
- Check the upper-right corner to make sure that youre each set to the same communication type Local Communication or Internet.
- The system will search for another local player that has entered the same code while you continue with your adventure. When another player is found, the trade menu will open.
- Choose the Pokemon you want to trade, then select Trade it.
- The other players Pokemon will appear on the screen. Each player must select Trade it for the trade to complete.
- Select Start trading.
- The system will search for another player to trade with as you continue your adventure. When another player is found, the trade menu will open.
- Choose the Pokemon you want to trade, then select Trade it.
- The other players Pokemon will appear on the screen. Each player must select Trade it for the trade to complete.
- Have all players press the + Button to select Set Link Code.
- Have each player enter the same 8-digit code, then OK.
- Check the upper-right corner to make sure that youre each set to the same communication type Local Communication or Internet.
- Single Battle and Double Battle are 2-player battles; Multi Battle is a 4-player battle.