In Pokemon Sword and Shield, trainers encounter many wild Pokemon, other trainers, and new places to see while journeying across the Galar region. However, as per tradition, there are many sections in even the early areas that trainers can't access until returning later on with the right requirements or story completed. Starting on Route 2, there will be areas with Pokemon and rare items hidden or in plain sight, but cut off by water that trainers cannot cross yet. But compared to earlier generations where trainers had to carry around a Pokemon with moves solely devoted to accessing these areas, Pokemon Sword and Shield continue to bring quality of life changes.

Starting in the previous generation's Alola region, HMs such as Surf and Fly, which were formerly used to navigate through obstacles and terrain in the Overworld, were phased out and replaced by ride Pokemon. Generation 8 continues that trend - former HM moves have been converted into TMs or learned through other methods. Furthermore - by making it so moving through the Galar Region only requires specific gear and upgrades to a trainer's equipment. For example, instead of riding a Pokemon across water, trainers now only need to move towards water on their bike, which will immediately transform into water mode. However, the upgrade to cross water is locked behind over half of the story in Pokemon Sword and Shield.

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Where to Get the Bike Upgrade

pokemon sword and shield route 9 team yell and scientist

In-game, trainers will need to have completed the sixth gym in Circhester and spent time at the Bob's Your Uncle Steakhouse before they can obtain the water upgrade for their Rotom Bike. After getting the sixth gym badge and progressing the story, head to nearby Route 9. Once there, go south where the same scientist that gave trainers their bike on Route 5 is again being harassed by some Team Yell grunts. After beating the grunts, the scientist will be overjoyed and upgrade the trainer's bike to be able to cross water as thanks.

With the Rotom Bike upgrade, trainers open up much more of the Galar region for exploration such as multiple sections of the Wild Area. In the end, this keeps a core element of Game Freak's Pokemon franchise while allowing trainers the opportunity to let their Pokemon learn or retain powerful moves instead.

Pokemon Sword and Shield are out now exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

MORE: How to Get Hidden Abilities in Pokemon Sword and Shield