Here’s what we know about Pokemon Sword and Shield so far

(CNN)-Nintendo Switch users looking for a Pokémon fix will soon be able to explore a new world of creatures and adventure.

The latest Pokémon Direct on Wednesday offered new insight into the upcoming Pokémon Sword and Shield, the first mainline Pokémon games for the Switch.
Here’s what we know so far about the games, which come out November 15.

Other new Pokémon

Sword and Shield will debut new creatures to capture, including sheep Pokémon Wooloo, whose fluffy fur which is treasured by weavers who use it to craft specialty goods.

There’s also flowering Pokémon Gossifleur, which will be found in places with clean air and water. Its pollen reportedly has healing properties, and it evolves into Eldegoss.

And bite Pokémon Drednaw looks like a dinosaur whose sharp and jagged jaw allow it to bite off chunks of rock and iron. The game creators warned that its “vicious nature” makes it a difficult one to tame.

The last Pokémon previewed is Corviknight, which is a flying taxi that can conveniently take players back to any town they previously visited.

Dynamax

Is bigger better? Pokémon creators seem to think so. They’ve incorporated a new phenomenon known as Dynamax, which makes a Pokémon giant and incredibly strong.

“Dynamaxing opens up new possibilities in the heated battles,” planning director Kazumasa Iwao said in the Pokémon Direct.

When Dynamaxing, a Pokémon’s move turns into powerful maximums. It can only be used once per battle. After three turns, a Pokémon will revert to its normal size, so players will need to carefully decide when to trigger the phenomenon.

A wild area to explore

There will be a wild area that stretches between cities for players to explore. Different Pokémon will appear depending on location and weather. Because of this, there will be new discoveries daily.

In this vast expanse, players will be able to join forces with three other trainers for max raid battles to battle wild Pokémon who are in Dynamax mode the entire battle.

This strategic, cooperative four-player game play is a first for the main series of Pokémon games.

Players can participate through local wireless play or connect over the internet.

The game mascots

The legendary Pokémon for Sword and Shield are the wolf-like Zacian and Zamazenta.

Zacian carries a sword in its mouth, while Zamazenta has — you guessed it — a shield.

The people

The Nintendo Direct introduced the champion trainer in the Galar region named Leon. His Pokémon pal is a familiar face, Charizard.

Leon’s younger brother, Hop, is your rival.

In addition, Professor Magnolia supports you on your journey. She researches Dynamax with the help of her granddaughter.

More control

Sword and Shield allow players more control over the camera so they can see more of their surroundings to better search the area for Pokémon and items.