Not everyone with a Switch has Nintendo Online, but Pokémon Sword and Shield has plenty of fun ways to play local multiplayer with the friends around you.
Local Y-Comm play can be performed no matter where you are in the Galar region, while the rest takes place specifically in the wilderness.
Link Trade (Y-Comm)
Link swapping is when you and a friend each choose a Pokemon to trade with the other. This is especially useful if a person is playing Sword and the other Shield pieces as you can trade Pokémon that are exclusive versions and complete your Pokédex. Some major exclusives are Corayome and Galarian Ponyta (Shield) and Sirfetch'd and Dolman (Sword).
Link Battle (Y-Comm)
Link Battling is when you and a friend each get a team of Pokémon together and fight against each other. You can choose between single, double, and multi style battles, and choose to play with your Pokémon at the levels they are at, or flatten everyone at level 50 if you and your friend's Pokémon aren't enough. close in level.
Explore (wild area)
If you and some friends are all playing Pokemon Sword and Shield at the same time, and you all go to the same part of the wild area, you will find that you can see each other. There is usually a bit of a lag, and unfortunately it won't appear on any of your friends' screens if you lay Charizard down, but other than that you can freely explore the wild area together, looking for berries and Pokemon. .
Camping (wild area)
If you place your Pokémon camp in the wild area, your friends can see it. If they stand on it and press A, they visit your camp. You can talk / play with your own Pokémon and those of your friends and you can curry together. While only one player can choose the basic curry ingredient, anyone can add berries, making cooking less taxing on your food.
