In Pokémon Sword and Shield, pitching camp brings trainers up close and personal with their Pokémon team. Camping not only provides health benefits but also introduces more intimate ways to engage with Pokémon.
Selecting a Tent Color
Before setting up camp trainers have the ability to change the color of their tent. The tent color reflects the type of the first Pokémon in a trainers party; red for fire-types, green for grass-types, and so on. To change the tent color, slot a Pokémon of the type you wish to represent into the first position on your team. Then find the Camping King outside the Motostoke entrance in the Wild Area and opt to change the tent color. If the first position party Pokémon is a dual-type, the Camping King will offer both corresponding colors to choose from.
Setting up Camp
To set up camp, press “X” to access the main menu, then select “Pokémon Camp”. This will set up the campsite where trainers can enjoy watching the team stretch their legs. Party Pokémon wander the campsite, happy to be out of their pokéballs. When they’re feeling extra frisky, trainers can rejoice in watching the Pokémon race and play with each other. If a Pokémon’s friendship level is high enough, it may want to play with you instead. Pokémon feeling weary from battle may not feel up to play and will rather take the opportunity to sleep off their injuries. Fainted Pokémon won’t appear out and about in the campsite, which makes sense - they’re unconscious. Trainers will need to cook up some scrumptious curry to revitalize them.
To engage, focus on the Pokémon you want to interact with (the targeted Pokémon will be in clear view while the others blur slightly). Then call them over by pressing the A button. Interactions with Pokémon consist of chatting or playing. Conversing with Pokémon reveals their general feelings towards you, other Pokémon on the team, and their surroundings, as well as hinting at the Pokémon’s comfort and needs.
Playing with Pokémon
Cooking Over the Campfire
Camping is wildly helpful at raising new teams, but also a fun way to rest up and bond with Pokémon in general. Equipped with the know-how to camp in even the most strenuous conditions, pitch camp and gather around the campfire to stay warm throughout your adventures this winter!
