The biggest draw for each new mainline Pokémon game is no doubt the Pokémon themselves. Changes come and go from each generation, but nothing gets Pokémon trainers more excited than a new batch of monsters. Pokémon Sword and Shield were not exceptions. Trainers have had a blast getting to know all the new “mons” since the games launched in November 2019. And now, until June 5, the Pokémon Shield exclusive Galarian Ponyta will be available via both games’ Mystery Gift feature.
Former Pokémon fans may remember Ponyta from the earliest days of the franchise. Way back in the 1990s, Ponyta debuted in Pokémon Red and Blue on the Game Boy. The flaming horse has been a staple of the Pokémon franchise ever since. And in Sword and Shield, the long-time staple received the upgrade fans have been clamoring for.
The New Ponyta and Rapidash
Ponyta and its evolution, Rapidash, are now unicorns. Ponyta itself became a Psychic-type. Rapidash maintains the Psychic-type while also adding the Fairy-type. This change was revealed before the games’ launch and fans lost their minds (in a good way)!
Unfortunately, the Galarian version of Ponyta is only able to be captured in Pokémon Shield. But now, Pokémon Sword players will be able to utilize the nimble unicorn in their games. Courtesy of Pokémon’s Mystery Gift mechanic, players can obtain a unique Galarian Ponyta right now.
Specifics about the Mystery Gift Galarian Ponyta
This rare event provides a level 15 version of the colorful horse. It will have four moves in its moveset, including Growl, Confusion, Tackle, and Fairy Wind. Not bad. But more importantly, this Ponyta will have the monster’s hidden ability, Anticipation.
Receiving this special Ponyta is incredibly easy. The only thing you need is a copy of either Pokémon Sword or Shield and an internet connection. Simply press X and select the Mystery Gift option. Then select “Get via the internet”. That’s it, voilà!
Again, this event runs until June 5. After that, you won’t be able to obtain this specific Ponyta ever again (unless someone trades it to you).