Pokémon GO Legendary Heroes: Which Path Should You Choose—Sword or Shield?

The Pokémon GO Legendary Heroes event has arrived, presenting players with a crucial decision: will you take the Sword path or the Shield path? This choice significantly impacts your Incense encounters and determines the rewards from research tasks, especially if your goal is to build a competitive PvP team.

Regardless of your reasons for pursuing specific Pokémon during this Max Out season event, this guide provides all the essential details to help you make an informed decision on whether to follow the Sword or Shield path in Pokémon GO. Here, you’ll find information on rare shiny Pokémon available during the event, along with insights into the best creatures for each of the three main PvP leagues.

Choosing Between the Sword or Shield Path in Pokémon GO

Similar to the allure of 5-star raids, which offer the chance to catch a shiny Zacian, your choice between the Sword and Shield paths may hinge on the shiny Pokémon you desire. For instance, if you’ve already collected all the shiny Pokémon from the Shield path but still lack a shiny Swirlix from the Sword path, your decision becomes clear. Remember, you have until October 1 at 8 PM local time to finish the timed research and catch these Pokémon.

On the Sword path, rarer shiny Pokémon include Scraggy, Gothita, and Passimian. Meanwhile, the Shield path offers rare shinies such as Solosis, Croagunk, and Oranguru. Additionally, Larvitar and Deino, both featured in previous Community Days, are now less common due to the time that has passed since their initial releases.

If collecting shiny versions of the Pokémon in the timed research is a priority for you, all six exclusive Pokémon from the research tasks can appear as shinies. However, Galarian Darumaka stands out as the rarest among them, given that its debut event was the furthest back. Each of these Pokémon has previously been featured as rare spawns or egg hatches with enhanced odds.

Legendary Pokémon Incense Spawns

If your focus isn't on shinies and you’re looking to enhance your PvP team, consider which Pokémon would be most beneficial. If you want to add a strong Dark-type to your Great League team, the Shield path is the way to go. Mandibuzz currently ranks 3 in the Great League, boasting an effective move set that includes Snarl, Dark Pulse, and Aerial Ace.

Following this path will lead to an encounter with a 3-star Vullaby, which could have perfect PvP stats, and it is also ranked 40 in the Ultra League. Additionally, the Shield path's Incense spawn, Oranguru, is viable in the Ultra League, ranking 86 overall with the moves Confusion, Brutal Swing, and Trailblaze.

However, when it comes to the Master League, the standout Pokémon from the Shield path is not as competitive as its Sword path counterpart. Larvitar, which evolves into Tyranitar, ranks 82 in the Master League when equipped with Smack Down, Brutal Swing, and Stone Edge. Plus, you can Mega Evolve Tyranitar, boosting its effectiveness beyond that of its regular form.

On the other hand, the Sword path features Deino, which evolves into Hydreigon. In the Master League, Hydreigon is ranked 34, utilizing the moves Dragon Breath, Brutal Swing, and Flash Cannon.

Legendary Heroes Research Tasks & Rewards

Step 1  

Catch 8 Pokémon - Encounter with Skwovet  

Total Reward: 8 Poké Balls, 800 XP, and 800 Stardust  

Sword Path

Step 2  

- Use 8 Berries to assist in catching Pokémon - Incense  

- Power up Pokémon 8 times - Encounter with Koffing  

- Catch 8 Pokémon - 8 Great Balls  

Total Rewards: Encounter with Galarian Darumaka, 800 XP, and 800 Stardust  

Step 3  

- Explore 3 km - 8 Razz Berries  

- Use an Incense - Encounter with Deino  

- Catch 8 Pokémon - 8 Ultra Balls  

Total Rewards: Encounter with Rufflet, 800 XP, and 800 Stardust  

Shield Path

Step 2 

- Use 8 Berries to assist in catching Pokémon - Incense  

- Power up Pokémon 8 times - Encounter with Koffing  

- Catch 8 Pokémon - 8 Great Balls  

Total Rewards: Encounter with Galarian Ponyta, 800 XP, and 800 Stardust  

Step 3  

- Explore 3 km - 8 Razz Berries  

- Use an Incense - Encounter with Larvitar  

- Catch 8 Pokémon - 8 Ultra Balls  

Total Rewards: Encounter with Vullaby, 800 XP, and 800 Stardust

Pokémon GO Legendary Heroes Catch Challenges

Make sure to weigh your options carefully and choose the path that aligns best with your Pokémon GO goals! Happy hunting!