To start a new game in Pokémon Sword, you must first close the software completely and then restart it, selecting ‘New Game’ from the main menu.
Ready for a fresh adventure in the Galar region? Maybe you want to play through the story again, or try a new team? It’s simple enough. We will show you how to start a new game in pokemon sword.
This process involves just a couple of steps from the game’s main menu. So grab your Nintendo Switch and get ready to begin a new journey. We will guide you quickly to start the game again.
How to Start a New Game in Pokemon Sword
Ready for a fresh adventure in the Galar region? Starting a new game in Pokémon Sword is like opening a brand new book, full of exciting possibilities! Whether you want to play through the story again, try a different starter Pokémon, or just experience the game with a different approach, beginning a new journey is simple. Let’s dive into how you can wipe your old save and begin your Pokémon Sword quest anew.
Erasing Your Old Save Data
Before you can start a brand-new game, you’ll need to clear out your current save file. This might sound a little scary, but don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward process. You will be saying goodbye to your previous progress, though, so make sure you are absolutely ready to start over. Make sure you have either finished your old game or don’t mind losing your current progress, since this action cannot be undone without making another account on your switch device or using a second device.
Understanding the Impact of Deleting Data
Deleting your save data means you will lose everything from your previous playthrough. This includes:
- Your progress in the main story
- Your Pokémon team and inventory
- All the gym badges you’ve collected
- Any achieved special items or rewards
- Your trainer customization
It’s like pressing the reset button, giving you a clean slate to start fresh. If you have some important pokemon, then transfer them to pokemon home using your account, because once you delete your save file then it will be impossible to get it back.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Delete Your Save Data
Here’s a simple guide that walks you through the process:
- Turn off your Nintendo Switch: Make sure your Switch is completely powered off. This isn’t sleep mode; you’ll want it to be off entirely.
- Power on the Switch and go to the main menu: Turn on your Nintendo Switch and make sure you are in the main menu where you see all your game icons.
- Highlight the Pokémon Sword game icon: Use the joystick to select the Pokémon Sword game icon. Do not start the game. Instead highlight the icon only.
- Press the + Button: On your right Joy-Con controller, find and press the “+” button. This opens a menu with options for your game.
- Select ‘Manage Software’: In the menu, scroll down to find and select ‘Manage Software’.
- Select ‘Delete Save Data’: In the software management menu, scroll to ‘Delete Save Data’ and select it. You will need to select the user account in which the game is.
- Confirm Your Action: A warning message will appear. Read it carefully! If you are absolutely sure you want to delete your save data, choose ‘Delete’ or ‘OK’ to confirm your decision.
- Wait for the Process to Finish: Your Switch will take a moment to wipe the save data. Once it’s done, you will be able to start the game with fresh data.
Now your old save data is gone! You are ready for a brand-new game.
Starting Your New Adventure
With your save data cleared, you’re now set to begin your fresh journey in Pokémon Sword. Here’s what happens next when you start the game for the first time after deleting the save data.
Choosing Your Game Settings
When you start the game, you’ll have a few options to decide on to personalize your experience. These include:
- Language Selection: Choose the language you want to play the game in. This will affect all the text and audio in the game.
- Game Version (if Applicable): If you’re using a different account or system, ensure you’ve selected the correct version of the game.
- Sound Settings: You can select your preferred sound settings like music, sound effects, etc.
Creating Your Trainer
The next step involves creating your trainer. This is how other characters in the game will identify you. You get to decide how you look in the Galar region.
Customizing Your Character
Here are some customization options you’ll be presented with:
- Name: Choose the name of your trainer. It can be your real name or a completely new name that you want.
- Appearance: Select your trainer’s skin tone, hair style, eye color, and outfit. You have many options, including the style of your clothes. Feel free to experiment to make your trainer unique.
- Gender: You will choose your preferred gender of your player.
You can change some of these options later in the game, like your clothes and hairstyle, but your name and selected gender will usually remain permanent.
Choosing Your Starter Pokémon
The most exciting part of starting a new game is choosing your starter Pokémon! You will meet Professor Magnolia. She is the Pokémon professor for this region. She will give you the option to choose one of three starter Pokémon.
The Three Options
Here are the three Pokémon you’ll get to select from:
- Grookey: A Grass-type Pokémon. Grookey is a playful monkey Pokémon with a stick that can evolve into Thwackey and Rillaboom.
- Scorbunny: A Fire-type Pokémon. Scorbunny is an energetic rabbit that is full of fire. It evolves into Raboot and Cinderace.
- Sobble: A Water-type Pokémon. Sobble is a shy and timid water lizard. It will evolve into Drizzile and Inteleon.
Your choice of starter Pokémon is very important because it will shape your early game strategy. There are no bad choices, though. Pick the Pokémon that you like the best and looks the most appealing to you. Each one can become very strong throughout the game.
A Few Starter Selection Tips
Here are a few things to consider when making your choice:
- Type Advantage: Each type of Pokémon has advantages and disadvantages against other types. If you have any preference then you can see what are the advantages. For example, Fire beats grass but is weak to water. Grass is strong against water but weak to fire. Water is strong against fire, but weak to grass.
- Personal Preference: Choose the Pokémon you like the most! You will spend a lot of time with them and will grow to love them.
- Team Variety: In Pokémon sword, you will find many different types of Pokémon. You may choose your starter based on what other pokemon you want in your team.
Once you’ve selected your starter Pokémon, it becomes your first companion in the Galar region. You will be going on an amazing adventure with your choice.
Embarking on Your New Journey
After selecting your starter, the game begins! You’ll be thrown into the start of the main story. You’ll learn how to move around, interact with people and objects, and start your path to becoming a Pokémon champion.
Meeting Your Rival
Early in the game, you’ll meet your rival. He’s also starting their own journey to become the strongest trainer in Galar. Your rival will challenge you to many pokemon battles throughout the game. You will have to defeat him and become the very best in the region.
Exploring Your First Areas
You’ll begin in a small town and soon venture out into the tall grass. This is where you will be able to catch your first wild Pokémon. There will be many types of wild Pokémon waiting for you in the tall grass. You will see the symbol of a pokemon if it is in the grass. This is your chance to build your team and prepare for your coming challenges.
Catching Your First Wild Pokémon
Catching wild Pokémon is very important in the game. To start, you will need to battle wild pokemon. When a pokemon is low on health, you will be able to throw a pokeball at it to try and capture it. Once the ball has captured the wild pokemon, it becomes a part of your team. There are different types of pokeballs. Some pokeballs are better at catching pokemons, but your default pokeball is good for the start.
Progressing Through the Story
As you progress, you’ll explore new areas, meet new characters, and face many exciting challenges. This includes gym battles, where you will compete against a gym leader and earn gym badges. Earning 8 gym badges will enable you to compete in the championship. Your ultimate goal is to become the Pokémon champion of the Galar region.
Key Aspects of a New Playthrough
When you start a new game, here are some things you can do differently.
- Try a New Team: Try to catch new pokemon. If you always use the same pokemon types, then try out different pokemon types. You can learn a lot by playing with different pokemon, and have more fun.
- Experiment with Strategies: If you have played the game before then try a different strategy. You might find some new exciting ways to play the game.
- Explore Thoroughly: Try to explore each area more carefully. The game is full of secrets. Maybe you missed some items before. Now is the perfect time to collect every item and see the full world of Galar.
Starting a new game in Pokémon Sword provides you with a wonderful opportunity to relive the magic of the Galar region. You can try new strategies, a different starter, or just start from the very beginning. Take this chance to explore everything the game has to offer. You’re now equipped with all the information to erase your save data and start a fresh adventure. Get ready for an amazing journey and become the very best, like no one ever was.
How to DELETE SAVE FILE to start a new game in Pokemon Sword and Shield Scarlet & Violet
Final Thoughts
To begin anew, you must power off your Nintendo Switch. Then, hold down A, B, X, and Y while launching the game. The game will then ask if you want to delete save data.
Confirm this selection to erase any previous play through. You will now be able to begin a fresh adventure. Following these steps lets you start a new game in Pokemon Sword.



