TL;DR
- Pokemon HOME mobile app provides free mystery gift starters with account creation
- Complete cross-platform setup requires same Nintendo account on mobile and Switch
- Surprise Trading offers reliable alternative for Grookey and Scorbunny acquisition
- Online communities like Reddit provide dedicated trading partners for all starters
- Max Raid events occasionally feature starters but require monitoring announcements

Building a complete starter Pokemon collection in Sword and Shield presents unique challenges that many trainers overlook until it’s too late. While the initial selection seems straightforward, securing all three requires strategic planning.
Starter Pokemon traditionally hold sentimental value, but Generation 8 breaks the mold with exceptional battle performance. Rillaboom’s Grassy Surge ability transforms terrain control, while Cinderace’s Libero provides unmatched type flexibility. Inteleon’s Sniper ability delivers critical hit dominance that shines in both story progression and competitive formats.
The core limitation stems from the series’ traditional approach: you typically receive only one starter during your adventure. This design encourages trading and community interaction, but modern solutions have streamlined the collection process significantly.
The most efficient approach for obtaining all three Galar starters involves leveraging Pokemon HOME’s automatic gift system. This method eliminates reliance on other players and provides guaranteed results.
Creating a Pokemon HOME account on iOS or Android devices triggers an immediate reward: Sobble, Grookey, and Scorbunny become available as mystery gifts. The critical requirement involves maintaining account consistency across platforms using your primary Nintendo account credentials.
Implementation Steps:
- Download Pokemon HOME application on both mobile device and Nintendo Switch
- Authenticate using identical Nintendo account credentials on both platforms
- Access the mobile app’s main interface and navigate to menu options
- Select “Mystery Gift” functionality then choose “Gift Box” section
- Claim your starter Pokemon rewards within the mobile application
- Launch the Nintendo Switch version of Pokemon HOME
- Choose either Pokemon Sword or Shield as your target game
- Transfer the acquired starters via drag-and-drop into your game boxes
While the multi-step process appears complex initially, most trainers complete setup within 15 minutes. Pokemon HOME serves as an essential ecosystem tool beyond starter acquisition, enabling cross-game transfers without premium subscription requirements. The platform supports connectivity with Pokemon GO, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, and Legends: Arceus.

Alternative acquisition strategies focus on player trading ecosystems, offering varying reliability levels. Understanding these networks maximizes your collection efficiency.
Surprise Trading through the Y-Comm system provides consistent access to Grookey and Scorbunny due to their competitive breeding popularity. However, Sobble appears less frequently in random trades, necessitating targeted approaches.
Dedicated trading communities like PokemonTrades on Reddit establish reliable partner networks. These platforms enable specific starter requests and often include community members offering breedject starters with optimal IV spreads.
Pro Trading Tips:
- Offer version-exclusive Pokemon to increase trade desirability
- Participate during peak gaming hours for increased Surprise Trade variety
- Verify trade Pokemon origins to avoid hacked or generated specimens
- Utilize the GTS within Pokemon HOME for specific starter requests
Special event distributions represent the least predictable but potentially rewarding method for starter acquisition. Historical patterns suggest occasional Max Raid events featuring starter Pokemon lines.
While no current starter-focused events are active, the dynamic nature of Pokemon Sword and Shield’s live service model means opportunities may emerge. Monitoring official announcements through the Pokemon HOME news feed or Nintendo Direct presentations ensures you don’t miss limited-time opportunities.
Event Preparation Strategy:
- Maintain active Nintendo Switch Online subscription for event participation
- Prepare competitive raid teams capable of handling 5-star starter encounters
- Stockpile Wishing Pieces to force rare Den spawns during event periods
- Coordinate with local gaming communities for raid coordination
For comprehensive Pokemon collection strategies, consult our Complete Guide covering advanced techniques.
Action Checklist
- Download Pokemon HOME on mobile and Switch devices
- Create account using primary Nintendo credentials on both platforms
- Claim mystery gift starters in mobile app
- Transfer starters to Sword/Shield via Switch app
- Set up Surprise Trade sessions for additional starters
- Join online trading communities for specific starter requests
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » Here’s how to get all 3 starters from Pokemon Sword and Shield Complete guide to obtaining all three starter Pokemon in Sword and Shield through multiple reliable methods
