How to Obtain Free Rewards in Pokémon Sword and Shield: A Guide to Mystery Gift Codes

Pokémon Sword and Shield, the main series games for the Nintendo Switch released in 2019, feature a promotional system called Mystery Gift. This system allows players to receive free in-game items, special Pokémon, and other rewards by redeeming codes distributed by The Pokémon Company during official events, tournaments, and celebrations. The available codes are typically time-limited, and the developers have indicated that the release of new codes for these titles is now unlikely due to the focus on newer Pokémon games. This guide details how to access the Mystery Gift feature, the process for redeeming codes, and provides a list of codes that have been historically available, based on information from various online resources.

Understanding the Mystery Gift System

Mystery Gifts are free downloadable content that can be received in Pokémon Sword and Shield. These gifts can consist of in-game items, such as valuable Poké Balls, experience-boosting candies, or held items, as well as special Pokémon that are often otherwise unavailable. The distribution of these codes is managed by The Pokémon Company, typically linked to real-world events such as video game championships, anime episode releases, or anniversary celebrations.

The availability of active codes is subject to change, and many codes distributed in the past have expired. According to one source, with the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet in 2022 and the upcoming Pokémon Legends Z-A, the chances of new Mystery Gift codes for Sword and Shield being released are considered close to none, as the company’s promotional focus has shifted to newer titles. However, players can still redeem previously distributed codes that have not yet expired, and the system remains a way for the developers to reward player loyalty and support.

Eligibility and Access Requirements

Accessing the Mystery Gift feature in Pokémon Sword and Shield does not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. However, an internet connection via Wi-Fi or LAN is necessary to download the gifts. It is important to note that the Mystery Gift feature is not available immediately at the start of the game. Players must first complete the initial event in the Slumbering Weald, which is the first encounter with the game's legendary Pokémon, before the option becomes accessible in the main menu.

Once unlocked, the feature can be used to redeem serial codes. Each code can typically be used only once per save data. If a player owns both Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, they can redeem the same code on each game, effectively receiving the gift twice. The items and Battle Points (BP) received through Mystery Gifts are exclusive to Pokémon Sword and Shield and cannot be used in previous generations of Pokémon games.

Step-by-Step Guide to Redeeming Codes

The process for redeeming a Mystery Gift code is straightforward. The following steps are standard for both Pokémon Sword and Shield:

Start the Pokémon Sword or Shield game.
Press the X button to open the main menu.
Navigate to and select the "Mystery Gift" option.
Choose the "Get with Code/Password" or "Get a Mystery Gift" option.
Enter the desired serial code using the on-screen keyboard.
Confirm the entry and download the gift.

When typing serial codes, players should be mindful of the input rules. The letters I and O are not included in the code system and have been replaced with the numbers 1 (one) and 0 (zero) respectively. After redemption, the rewards will be sent to the player's in-game mail, which should be checked to ensure the items or Pokémon are received.

List of Historical Mystery Gift Codes

The following is a list of codes that have been distributed for Pokémon Sword and Shield. This list is compiled from various online sources and includes both active and expired codes. The validity of each code is not guaranteed, as expiration dates are not always publicly listed and may have passed. Codes are typically distributed for a limited time.

EU1C2022G1FT
GL0BALCHAMP2021
1STPTCCHAMP
V1CT0RYENG1NE25
PC4F1NALSBEAST
PLAYERSCH01CEPC
SPR1NGPA0R1
WPF1NALSPC3
DREAMB1GPC3
ADVENTUREB9F
P25MUS1CK1NP1KA1855
ULTRAP1KA
KAL0SP1KA
P1KABESTW1SH
V0LTTACKLEP1KA
P1KAADVANCE
1CH00SEY0U
P1KACHUGET
K2020CHAMP10NS
PKMNPLAYERSCUP
PJCS2019CHAMP
TRA1NERSCUP
PUNKR0CK
C0MPET1T10N
SUPEREFF1CACE
G1GAGRANF1NALE
AREAS1LVESTRE
GALAR
KAMPFTEAM
0T0SH1DAMA
G1GANTAMAX
PRESENT
0KUGAFUKA1B0RU
1YAHAYA
K0UN1NMASC0T

Some specific codes have been associated with particular rewards and expiration dates, though this information is not available for all codes in the provided sources. For example, one source lists the following codes with their associated rewards and a "Valid Until" date:

PC4F1NALSBEAST: Reward: 1x Ultra Ball. Valid Until: 2021-08-02.
PJCS2020CHAMP: Reward: 1x Coalossal (Qurtel). Valid Until: 2021-07-19.
PLAYERSCH01CEPC: Reward: 1x Gold Bottle Cap. Valid Until: 2021-07-19.
SPR1NGPA0R1: Reward: 1x Life Orb. Valid Until: 2021-05-16.
WPF1NALSPC3: Reward: 1x Weakness Policy. Valid Until: 2021-04-26.
DREAMB1GPC3: Reward: 1x Dream Ball. Valid Until: 2021-04-12.
ADVENTUREB9F: Reward: 12x Big Nugget & 12x Exp. Candy. Valid Until: 2021-04-03.

It is advised to attempt redemption of any code, but players should not be surprised if a code has expired, as many of these distribution events concluded several years ago.

Sources of Codes

Official channels for code distribution have included social media platforms, particularly those associated with The Pokémon Company and its official accounts for Pokémon Sword and Shield. One source mentions that the Ball Guy character from the game, who appears at every stadium, began giving out codes on social media for Mystery Gifts. The most trustworthy place to find valid codes is through the official social media accounts of the games. However, as the games are now close to five years old, the frequency of new code releases has diminished significantly. Players are advised to be cautious of third-party websites or forums that may list codes, as not all sources are verified. The provided sources indicate that developers create the codes, which makes them safe and free to use when obtained from official channels.

Conclusion

The Mystery Gift system in Pokémon Sword and Shield provides a method for players to obtain free in-game items and special Pokémon through the redemption of serial codes. While the feature is accessible after completing a specific early-game event and does not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, the availability of active codes is limited due to the age of the games and the company's focus on newer titles. The codes listed in this guide are historical and may no longer be valid. Players seeking free rewards are encouraged to monitor official Pokémon social media channels for any potential future distributions, though the likelihood is low. The process of redeeming a code is simple, requiring only an internet connection and entry of the code in the game's Mystery Gift menu.