When it was revealed that Pokemon Sword and Shield would have raids, the reaction was a tad mixed. Many felt as if it were a ripoff of Pokemon GO and the Gigantamax feature didn't sit right with them. After all, the Gigantamax gimmick doesn't really play a big role in battles, just the story, and it pales in comparison to Mega Evolution and the like. However, many were willing to give it a shot and discovered that the raid mechanic feels natural in the new world of Pokemon.

That doesn't mean it's perfect though, and it's clear now that Pokemon Sword and Shield have a raid problem. While the very concept of a raid seemingly fits, the mechanics thereof do not really sit well. For the most part, a few tweaks and updates would likely go far, but the biggest possible fix is far off.

RELATED: Pokemon Sword and Shield Giving Away Zarude and Shiny Celebi, but There's a Catch

Pokemon Sword and Shield's Raid Problem

pokemon sword shield mewtwo raid battle pokemon day 2020

As with a majority of Pokemon games, the online connectivity with Pokemon Sword and Shield still leaves a lot to be desired, which means for those who want to do a massive raid battle, matchmaking can be a problem. This was highlighted in the Mewtwo raid battles, as those who couldn't get in a match would have to do so with AI. These AI trainers are surprisingly bad, and even a regular raid, it is often up to the player to carry these AIs. Having a partner using a Magikarp in a raid example is basically just one less participant in the overall Pokemon Sword and Shield raid.

The above is likely exacerbated by those who jump the date and time in Pokemon Sword and Shield to pursue specific weather, Pokemon, or raids; this practice, while beneficially for the one doing it, could be a huge detriment. Having to change the date and time to find a raid a player wants is just a symptom, though, not the root of the problem. This is due to the fact that incentive for the raids come and go.

In most games, raids serve as pinnacle, endgame content designed to push players—that's what it should do in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Yet, aside from new limited-time things such as new Gigantamax Pokemon, the content isn't really worth in participating in raids, especially those that are just 1 star. Mewtwo was a step in the right direction when it comes to raid content, yet the fact that he couldn't be captured soured the experience just a bit. As aforementioned, a few tweaks could address most of these concerns, yet the biggest fix comes in the form of the Crown Tundra DLC.

Pokemon Sword and Shield's Crown Tundra DLC

pokemon sword shield calyrex

It has been confirmed that the Crown Tundra will feature a co-op mode that allows players to explore an underground den. This is where Raid Pokemon emerge from, so in essence, it sounds like a new Wild Area but exclusively for legendary Pokemon. As of now, here are the confirmed catchable and "allies" that can be found there:

  • Mewtwo (Ally - Catchable)
  • Ho-Oh (Ally - Catchable)
  • Lugia (Ally - Cathcable)
  • Raikou (Ally)
  • Entei (Ally)
  • Suicune (Ally)
  • Latios (Catchable)
  • Latias (Catchable)
  • Groudon (Ally - Catchable)
  • Kyogre (Ally - Catchable)
  • Rayquaza (Ally - Catchable)
  • Mesprit (Ally)
  • Uxie (Ally)
  • Azelf (Ally)
  • Dialga (Ally - Catchable)
  • Palkia (Ally - Catchable)
  • Giratina (Catchable)
  • Cresselia (Catchable)
  • Tornadus (Ally)
  • Landorus (Ally)
  • Thundurus (Ally)
  • Zekrom (Ally - Catchable)
  • Reshiram (Ally - Catchable)
  • Kyurem (Catchable)
  • Xernas (Ally - Catchable)
  • Yveltal (Ally - Catchable)
  • Zygarde (Ally - Catchable)
  • Tapu Koko (Ally)
  • Tapu Lele (Ally)
  • Tapu Bulu (Ally)
  • Tapu Fini (Ally)
  • Solgaleo (Ally - Catchable)
  • Lunala (Ally - Catchable)
  • Necrozma (Catchable)

This is notable for so many reasons. First, if these Pokemon are as challenging as the initial release of Mewtwo, that means that Pokemon Sword and Shield players will get that pinnacle endgame content that raids should be. Secondly, with a plethora of catchable legendaries (presumably at all times), there's little reason to mess with time and date settings, so matchmaking could be improved. It's also possible that this new mode has a way to circumvent the terrible AI, since this will be a little different from standard raids, and so fans should be excited for this DLC, even if they do transfer legendaries from Pokemon Home.

That said, it is going to be a wait. Isle of Armor is set to drop this summer, with Crown Tundra not releasing until this fall. There's a good chance some fixes will go live that will address some raid issues prior to then, but for now, fans have a wait for the biggest possible fix for Pokemon Sword and Shield's raid problem.

Pokemon Sword and Shield are out now for Nintendo Switch.

MORE: Pokemon Sword and Shield Theory Points to Galarian Dragonite