Pokémon Sword and Shield, the Nintendo Switch games released in 2019, offered players a variety of free in-game items and Pokémon through a promotional system known as Mystery Gifts. These gifts could be redeemed using specific codes distributed by the game developers, The Pokémon Company. The system provided players with valuable resources such as rare Pokémon, experience-boosting items, and special Poké Balls, which could aid in progressing through the game's story and competitive battles. The availability of these codes was often tied to real-world events, such as game anniversaries or the release of new anime episodes. However, as the games have aged and newer titles in the franchise have been released, the frequency of new code releases has diminished significantly.
The Mystery Gift feature is a standard component in many Pokémon games, allowing players to receive distributed items or Pokémon without needing to trade or battle with others. For Pokémon Sword and Shield, these gifts were primarily distributed via alphanumeric codes that players could enter within the game's menu. The items and Pokémon obtained through these codes were often exclusive and could not be obtained through normal gameplay, making them desirable for collectors and players looking to strengthen their teams. The process to redeem a code is straightforward, but it is important for players to ensure they are using valid, unexpired codes, as each code can typically only be used once per game save.
Understanding Mystery Gift Codes and Their Value
Mystery Gift codes in Pokémon Sword and Shield were created by the game's developers as a method to reward player loyalty and support. These codes unlocked a range of free items that could provide a tangible advantage within the game. The rewards often included powerful Pokémon like Charizard and Dracovish, which are competitive favourites, and experience-enhancing items like Exp. Candy, which allow Pokémon to level up quickly. Other valuable items distributed included Cap Pikachu (a Pikachu wearing a special hat), Premier Balls (a decorative Poké Ball type), and Battle Points (BP), which are a currency used to purchase special items and moves in the game's Battle Tower.
For new players, redeeming these codes as soon as possible was recommended, as the free items could provide a significant boost in the early stages of the game. For example, receiving a high-level Pokémon or ample experience candy can help players overcome difficult battles more easily. For seasoned players, exclusive items and Pokémon were a way to expand their collections and enhance their competitive teams. The codes were time-limited, meaning they would expire after a certain period, after which they could no longer be used. This created a sense of urgency for players to find and redeem codes promptly.
How to Redeem Mystery Gift Codes in Pokémon Sword and Shield
The process for using a Mystery Gift code in Pokémon Sword and Shield is standard across the Pokémon series and is designed to be user-friendly. The steps are as follows:
- Launch the Pokémon Sword or Shield game on your Nintendo Switch.
- From the main menu or while playing, press the X button to open the in-game menu.
- Navigate to the "Mystery Gift" option, which is usually located in the lower section of the menu.
- Within the Mystery Gift menu, select the "Get a Mystery Gift" or "Get With Code/Password" option.
- Choose to input a code. This will bring up an on-screen keyboard where you can type the alphanumeric code exactly as provided.
- After entering the code, select the confirmation button. The game will then connect to the internet to verify the code.
- If the code is valid and not expired, the reward will be downloaded. The game will notify you of the successful redemption.
Once redeemed, the rewards are delivered to the player. Pokémon obtained will be sent to the player's Party if there is space, or otherwise to the PC Box. Items and fashion items (like clothing) will be placed in the player's Bag or can be collected from the fitting room in any in-game boutique. It is important to check the in-game mail system, as some rewards may be sent there. Each code can only be redeemed once per game save, so it cannot be shared between multiple players on the same account.
Sources of Valid Codes and Current Availability
Finding trustworthy sources for valid Mystery Gift codes is essential, as not all websites or social media accounts sharing codes are reliable. The most authoritative sources are the official social media accounts of The Pokémon Company and the official Pokémon website. In the past, codes were also distributed through partnerships with retailers or as part of special events like the "Ball Guy" promotion, where the in-game character appeared on social media to give out codes for rare Poké Balls.
However, the landscape for new codes has changed. As of recent information, the chances of new Mystery Gift codes being released for Pokémon Sword and Shield are close to none. The Pokémon Company's focus has shifted to newer generations of games, such as Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (released in 2022) and the upcoming Pokémon Legends Z-A. Previously, codes were released regularly to coincide with events like game anniversaries or anime episode releases, but this programme for Sword and Shield has largely concluded.
While the active distribution of new codes has ceased, a historical list of past codes can still be found. These codes, while likely expired for current use, demonstrate the types of rewards that were available. It is crucial to understand that these are old codes, and their functionality for new redemption is not guaranteed. Players attempting to use them should expect that they may no longer work.
List of Historical Pokémon Sword and Shield Mystery Gift Codes
The following is a list of alphanumeric codes that were historically distributed for Pokémon Sword and Shield. This list is compiled from community and reporting sources and represents a sample of the codes that were available during the games' active promotional period. Their current validity is not confirmed.
- 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
In addition to standard item codes, there were also codes for specific, rare Pokémon. For instance, a code for a Shiny Keldeo (a Water/Fighting-type Mythical Pokémon from Generation 5) and Meltan (a Steel-type Mythical Pokémon from Generation 7 that can evolve into Melmetal) was reported as available for a limited time. Another notable distribution was for a World Cap Pikachu, a special variant of the series mascot, which was available through a code that has since expired (K1NP1KA1855, expired November 2020).
Special Event Distributions and Battle Rewards
Beyond standard item codes, Mystery Gifts were also used to distribute rewards for participating in official online competitions. For example, players who took part in the "Test Your Luck! Online Competition" could claim a special reward of 50 Battle Points (BP) via a Mystery Gift. The process for redeeming competition rewards is slightly different: after navigating to the Mystery Gift menu and selecting "Get a Mystery Gift," players would choose the "Get Battle Stadium Rewards" option instead of entering a code. This would automatically download the competition-specific reward if the player's game save was registered for the event.
These competition rewards are a key part of the Pokémon competitive scene, providing players with the currency needed to purchase powerful items like Choice Specs, Assault Vests, and rare moves from the Battle Tower shop. While the specific competition for the 50 BP reward mentioned has ended, it illustrates how The Pokémon Company uses the Mystery Gift system to engage the player community and reward participation in structured events.
Important Considerations for UK Players
For players in the United Kingdom, the process for accessing and using these codes is identical to that in other regions. The codes are typically not region-locked, meaning a code distributed in North America or Japan should work on a UK-purchased copy of Pokémon Sword or Shield. However, the distribution of codes themselves can sometimes be region-specific, with some codes only being released for certain territories. Players should therefore rely on sources that specify UK availability when seeking active codes.
It is also important to note that while the games are old, they remain playable and the Mystery Gift function remains operational. This means that if a new code were to be released (however unlikely), the system would still work. For now, the primary method for obtaining free items in Pokémon Sword and Shield has shifted to other means, such as connecting to the internet during special in-game events, which automatically distribute gifts without the need for a code.
Conclusion
The Mystery Gift code system in Pokémon Sword and Shield was a valuable promotional tool that provided players with free, exclusive items and Pokémon. The process to redeem these codes is simple and integrated directly into the game's menu. However, as the games have been superseded by newer titles, the active release of new codes has effectively stopped. UK players interested in these freebies should primarily consult official Pokémon channels for any potential future distributions, but should not expect new codes for Sword and Shield. The historical list of codes serves as a record of past promotions rather than a source for current free items. For the most up-to-date free content, players are encouraged to look to the latest Pokémon titles, such as Scarlet and Violet, which have their own Mystery Gift systems.