The new Pokemon Sword and Shield games have introduced whistling to the franchise for the very first time. Here’s a guide on how to whistle effectively. The Pokemon series has always had new and interesting ways to interact with the Pokemon in the world. Ever since Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee, Pokemon have begun to spawn in the overworld in real-time. Running into these Pokemon would then trigger a battle. In previous titles, the Pokemon would just appear when the trainer would walk into the tall grass. This feature makes the world of Pokemon feel much more alive and lived in. Another feature that accomplishes that is whistling. Here’s how to effectively whistle in Pokemon Sword and Shield.

In order to whistle in the game, the player needs to push down the analog stick on the left Joycon. The animation will play and the sound will trigger. This is best used when in Routes and in the Wild Area. This feature works primarily on Pokemon. There are several different Pokemon that react differently when being whistled at. Some of these have positive benefits, others can be problematic. Here’s how Pokemon react to whistling in Pokemon Sword and Shield

How To Whistle Effectively in Pokemon Sword and Shield

There are three different types of reactions that come from Pokemon when players whistle at them. The first is to run. Smaller, baby Pokemon will have fear installed inside their hearts and flee from the trainer. The second is for Pokemon to attack. This usually happens with Pokemon with higher levels. They will charge at the trainer at full speed as if the trainer was taunting them. This is an effective method for catching Pokemon that are flying in the air like Corviknight and Noctowl. Typically these Pokemon can fly too high for the player to reach. This is a great way to get them closer to battle. Lastly is for Pokemon to start following the player. This isn’t really effective for anything mechanically, but its a nice little treat and makes the Pokemon feel like living creatures. Pokemon like Yamper will follow the trainer around until they go too far off. If the trainer spins in place, the Pokemon will most likely try and emulate it. It’s a cute little feature.

The Pokemon animations in Pokemon Sword and Shield were up to debate up until the release of the game. Seeing how Pokemon move and interact with each other in the overworld and in Pokemon camp shows that plenty of effort was put into making these Pokemon stand out. Even special Pokemon teleport around the Wild Area instead of walking. Whistling is a great way to interact with these Pokemon, even if they aren’t in the party. Try experimenting with whistling with different Pokemon and see what happens. Players’ might be surprised, or terrified to see a Machoke running at them at full speed.

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Pokemon Sword and Shield are available now on the Nintendo Switch.